It’s that time of year again—NCSA has released its list of the best men’s soccer colleges in the country! These rankings are based on a number of factors, including each school’s average football scores, the number of scholarships awarded, and more. So, without further ado, here are the top 20 schools for men’s soccer in 2022!
20. University of Maryland, Baltimore County
UMBC’s men’s soccer team has been consistently strong over the years, making it to the NCAA tournament 11 times in the last 15 years. The Retrievers have also won three conference championships during that time period. In addition to its on-field success, UMBC is also one of the top schools in the country for academics, with an average SAT score of 1290 and an acceptance rate of just over 50%.
19. University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
The Panthers have been one of the best mid-major teams in the country over the last few years, making it to the NCAA tournament four times in the last seven years. UW-Milwaukee has also won two conference championships during that time period. The Panthers also have a strong academic reputation, with an average SAT score of 1290 and an acceptance rate of just over 50%.
18. University of Denver
The Pioneers have been one of the top teams in the Summit League for several years, winning three conference championships since 2010. Denver has also made three appearances in the NCAA tournament during that time period. In addition to its on-field success, the school also has a strong academic reputation, with an average over acceptance rate of just over 60%.
17. Clemson University
Clemson has been one of the top teams in the ACC for several years, winning four conference championships since 2010. The Tigers have also made five appearances in the NCAA tournament during that time period. In addition to its on-field success, Clemson is also one of the top schools in the country for academics, with an average SAT score of 1340 and an acceptance rate of just over 70%.
16. SMU
The Mustangs have been one of the top teams in Conference USA for several years, winning three conference championships since 2010. SMU has also made four appearances in the NCAA tournament during that time period. In addition to its on-field success, the school also has a strong academic reputation, with an average SAT score of 1290 and an acceptance rate of just over 50%.
SMU has always been a strong soccer program, but with its new funding, they are becoming an even bigger powerhouse. Conference rivals had better watch out because SMU is on the rise! The fans are behind them all the way, and the players are giving it their all. With a little bit of luck, SMU could be headed to its first national championship soon!
15. St. John’s
The St. John’s soccer team is one of the most consistent in the country. They make the NCAA tournament practically every season and have even made it to the College Cup semifinals on multiple occasions. What’s more, they won the entire tournament back in 1986 when they absolutely dominated FIU.
Soccer may not be as popular in NYC as it is in other parts of the country, but that doesn’t stop the Johnnies from recruiting some of the best players from all over. And with their track record, it’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to their program.
14. Creighton
Creighton has become one of the most dominant teams in the middle of the country, with four Final Four appearances in the last 20 years. They have turned soccer into one of the most popular sports on campus, and Morrison Stadium is always packed for a match.
The Blue Jays are still looking for their big break, but joining the Big East Conference has really helped them out. It will be interesting to see how the next decade goes in Omaha.
13. Wake Forest
The Wake Forest soccer team is one of the most successful in the country. They have been to the Final Four four times in a row and won the national championship in 2007. The fans are passionate and create a great atmosphere at the games. The team gets a lot of support from the local community.
Wake Forest is also a great academic school, which helps attract top recruits. The soccer program has really benefited from the university’s reputation.
12. Akron
The Akron men’s soccer team has been one of the most successful programs in the country over the last decade. They have made it to the Final Four in three of the last five years and even won the runner-up trophy in 2018. This is an impressive feat, especially considering they compete in the Mid-American Conference.
However, the program has faced some recent budget issues at the college. It is unclear if this will affect the soccer program, but it is possible. Regardless, Akron has had a lot of success in recent years, and there is no reason to believe that will change anytime soon.
11. Louisville
The Louisville men’s soccer team has been one of the best in the country for several years. They have won two national championships and made it to the Final Four five times since 2010. In addition, they won seven conference championships during that time period.
The Cardinals have a great tradition of success, and they always seem to be in the hunt for a national championship. They are definitely a team to watch out for in the future.
10. Indiana University Bloomington | Bloomington, IN
With an average score of 2.71, Indiana University Bloomington comes in at number 10 on our list. This public university is home to over 40,000 students and offers a wide range of academic programs. On the athletic front, the IU Bloomington Hoosiers compete in NCAA Division I athletics and offer their student-athletes plenty of opportunities to succeed both on and off the field.
9. Brown University | Providence, RI
Next up is Brown University, located in Providence, Rhode Island. Brown checks in at number 9 with an average score of 2.72. This private Ivy League research university is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States, founded all the way back in 1764. Brownfields 32 varsity teams—including a men’s soccer team that competes in the Ivy League—and is committed to providing its student-athletes with a well-rounded collegiate experience.
8. Georgetown University | Washington, D.C.
At number 8 is Georgetown University, located in our nation’s capital. Georgetown has an average score of 2.73 on our list. This private Jesuit research university is one of the world’s leading academic institutions, with a global reputation for excellence in education and research. The Georgetown Hoyas men’s soccer team competes in NCAA Division I athletics and has won multiple conference championships over the years.
7. Columbia University | New York City, NY
Number 7 on our list is Columbia University, located in New York City. Columbia has an average score of 2.74—just edging out Georgetown for the seventh place! This private Ivy League research university is one of the country’s oldest Higher Education institutions, founded in 1754. Columbia fields 34 varsity teams—including a men’s soccer team that competes in NCAA Division I athletics—and offers its student-athletes plenty of opportunities to excel both on and off the field/court/etc…
6. Stanford University | Stanford, CA
Moving out west to Stanford, California, we find Stanford University at number 6 on our list with an average score of 2.77. This private research university is one of the world’s most prestigious Higher Education institutions and boasts numerous Nobel laureates among its faculty and alumni body. Stanford offers 36 varsity sports teams—including a men’s soccer team that competes NCAA Division I athletics—and provides its student-athletes with ample opportunities to succeed both academically and athletically.”
5. University Of California (UCLA) | Los Angeles, CA
The University of California—Los Angeles comes in at number 5 on our list with an average score of 2.78. This public research university is one of the ten campuses that make up the University of California system and is located in the bustling city of Los Angeles. UCLA offers its student-athletes plenty of opportunities to succeed both on and off the field, with over 30 varsity teams competing in NCAA Division I athletics.
4. Duke University | Durham, NC
Number 4 on our list is Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina. Duke has an average score of 2.79 on our list. This private research university is consistently ranked as one of the best Higher Education institutions in the world and offers its students a well-rounded collegiate experience. Duke’s varsity teams—including a men’s soccer team that competes in NCAA Division I athletics— compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference and have won numerous championships over the years.
3. University Of Notre Dame | Notre Dame, IN
The University of Notre Dame rounds out the top three on our list with an average score of 2.80. This private Catholic research university is located in Notre Dame, Indiana, and is home to over 12,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish compete in NCAA Division I athletics and offer their student-athletes plenty of opportunities to succeed both on and off the field.
2. University Of North Carolina (UNC) | Chapel Hill, NC
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill comes in at number 2 on our list with an average score of 2.81. This public research university is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and is one of the country’s oldest Higher Education institutions, founded in 1789. The UNC Tar Heels compete in NCAA Division I athletics—including a men’s soccer team that has won multiple national championships—and are committed to providing their student-athletes with a well-rounded collegiate experience.
1. University Of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI
And the number 1 spot on our list goes to the University of Michigan!
The University of Michigan is the top school on our list for student-athletes! This public research university is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and has an average score of 2.82 on our list. The University of Michigan is one of the largest Higher Education institutions in the country, with over 43,000 students enrolled. The Michigan Wolverines compete in NCAA Division I athletics—including a men’s soccer team that has won multiple national championships—and are committed to providing their student-athletes with a well-rounded collegiate experience. If you’re looking for a school that can provide you with a great education and plenty of opportunities to succeed as a student-athlete, the University of Michigan is a perfect choice!
Conclusion
These are just some brief descriptions of a few schools from our list—to see where your favorite school stacks up or to view the full list of rankings, head over to our website (insert hyperlink). And be sure to check back next year to see which schools have moved up or down in our ranking system! Thanks for reading!
