A scholarship offer is exciting, but it's also a four-year decision about where you'll live, study and play. Before you say yes, make sure you know exactly what you're signing up for.
Coaches expect questions. Asking good ones shows you're serious and mature, and the answers tell you a lot about the programme. Here are the ones that matter most, grouped so you can take them into a call.
The money
- How much is the scholarship worth each year, and what does it cover? Tuition, accommodation, meals, books? Many soccer scholarships are partial, so get the exact figure.
- What will I actually have to pay each year? Ask for the full cost of attendance minus your scholarship, so you know the real number.
- Is the scholarship guaranteed for all four years? Or is it renewed each year? What could cause it to be reduced?
- Can it increase if I perform well? Some programmes add more aid in later years.
- Is there academic money on top? Good grades can unlock separate academic scholarships that stack with athletic aid.
- What costs aren't covered? Flights home, health insurance, summer accommodation, kit and fees add up.
For a full breakdown, read how much a US football scholarship really costs.
Your place in the team
- Where do you see me fitting in? In which position, and in what role in my first year?
- How many players are on the roster, and how many play in my position?
- How many players are you recruiting in my position this year? If it's five, your competition is different from if it's one.
- What formation and style do you play? Does it suit how you play?
- How many first-year players got real minutes last season?
Training and development
- What does a typical week look like in season, and out of season? Training, gym, travel, matches and study hall.
- What support is there for strength, conditioning and injuries? Ask about physios, sports science and medical cover.
- Have players gone on to play professionally or in the USL / MLS draft?
Academics
- Can I study the course I want while playing? Some courses, like nursing or engineering, clash with training schedules.
- What academic support is there for athletes? Tutors, study hall, advisors who help you plan around travel.
- What's the team's graduation rate? A good programme gets players to their degree.
Life on campus
- How many international players are on the team, and where are they from? It helps a lot to have other UK or Irish players around.
- Can I speak to a current player? Ideally an international one. They'll tell you what it's really like.
- What's your timeline for a decision? Find out when they need an answer and what the next steps are.
Warning signs
- Pressure to decide on the spot. A good coach will give you reasonable time.
- Vague answers about money. You should get the scholarship amount in writing.
- No chance to speak to current players.
- Promises of guaranteed starts. No honest coach can promise that before you've trained with the team.
Tips for the call
- The player should lead the conversation. Parents can join and ask about money and welfare, but coaches want to hear from the athlete.
- Write the answers down so you can compare offers side by side.
- Get everything important in writing, especially the scholarship amount and what it covers.
- Send a thank-you email afterwards, whatever you decide.
Haven't heard from coaches yet? Start with how to email a US college soccer coach.
Comparing more than one offer is where advice helps most. On our Contender and Elite Pro packages, your advisor helps you weigh up offers and negotiate your scholarship.