"How much will it actually cost us?" is the first question most parents ask, and the honest answer is: it depends on the university and the offer. Here's how to work it out.
What US universities charge
Every US university publishes a yearly cost of attendance. It usually includes:
- Tuition and fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Books and course materials
- Health insurance (often compulsory for international students)
The total varies enormously, from roughly $25,000 a year at some smaller or public universities to $80,000 or more at expensive private ones. Always look up each university's current figure; it's normally on their admissions or financial aid pages.
What a scholarship covers
A full scholarship (everything paid) exists, but it's rare in soccer. Most offers are partial: a coach has a limited budget and splits it across the squad, so you might be offered 30%, 50% or 70% of costs.
The good news is that athletic money can often be combined with academic scholarships. International students generally can't get US government financial aid, so athletic and academic awards are where the savings come from, and good grades can make a real difference.
A worked example
These numbers are only an illustration:
- University cost of attendance: $45,000 a year
- Athletic scholarship of 50%: −$22,500
- Academic award for strong grades: −$8,000
- What the family pays: $14,500 a year
That's why we always compare offers by the total cost to you per year after all aid, not the headline percentage. A 50% offer at a cheaper university can cost less than 70% at an expensive one.
Other costs to budget for
- Flights to and from the US, usually a couple of return trips a year
- Student visa costs: the SEVIS fee and the visa application fee
- Health insurance, if it isn't included in your offer
- Day-to-day spending money
Kit, training and travel to away games are normally covered by the team.
How to bring the cost down
- Target the right level. Coaches offer the most money to players they see as key recruits, so a strong D2 or NAIA offer can beat a small D1 one.
- Keep your grades up. Academic awards stack with athletic ones.
- Consider junior college first. Two years at an NJCAA college is often much cheaper, then you transfer to a four-year university.
- Get several offers. Competing offers give you options, and sometimes room to negotiate.
What does The Next Level cost?
Our recruitment packages are a one-off payment, from £450 to £1,350 depending on how much support you want. The full breakdown is on our pricing section. The first step, a free evaluation, costs nothing.