Men's Lacrosse

Lacrosse College Athletic Scholarships for Men

If you play high school lacrosse and want to compete at the college level, you probably already know you’ll face stiff competition for both a spot on the roster and scholarship money. We’re here to help. This webpage is a resource for you to use during your college planning and placement process that will help you get noticed, meet deadlines and achieve your goal.

Never forget, in lacrosse—as in all collegiate sports—you need to take charge of your own recruiting. Narrow down the schools you’d like to attend and compete for. Then, take responsibility for introducing yourself to your sport’s decision-makers at these schools. Keep yourself in front of them in a professional, respectful way with regular emails or phone calls. Work hard to improve your athletic performance while also keeping an eye on your academics.

Earning a spot on any college team—and maybe even being awarded athletic scholarship money—isn’t easy, but don’t despair. While it takes time, discipline and persistence, it is doable.

Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse—Divisions

As in other college sports, men’s lacrosse is organized under two primary governing bodies: the NCAA and NAIA. Here’s an overview of how these divisions work and what they have to offer.

NCAA Division I – Lacrosse Men’s Programs

• There are more than 70 men’s Division I lacrosse programs in the U.S., spanning 10 conferences: the AEC, ACC, Big East, Big 10, CAA, Independents, Ivy League, MAAC, Northeast Conference, Patriots League and Southern Conference.
• If you dream of being recruited for a DI team, you’re competing against the best players in the country for a roster spot and scholarship money. Speaking of which, beginning in 2025 the NCAA will remove DI scholarship restrictions, allowing all sports, including lacrosse, to divide scholarships among athletes.
• This means DI men’s lacrosse programs will be allowed to offer 48 scholarships, up from the current limit of 12.6, with a maximum roster limit of 48. DI lacrosse will stay an equivalency sport and continue to offer both partial and full scholarships to recruits.

Top Division I Lacrosse Programs For Men

Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) offers Power Rankings of the country’s best colleges with men’s lacrosse, and are compiled using a number of data sources that factor in various aspects of the college experience, including cost and graduation rates. Use it as a starting point in your search for a college-level lacrosse program you’d like to be accepted into.

Here are the top ten DI men’s lacrosse programs in the U.S., according to NCSA:

1. Princeton University
2. Harvard University
3. University of Michigan
4. Yale University
5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
6. University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
7. Duke University
8. University of Virginia (UVA)
9. University of Notre Dame
10. Johns Hopkins University

NCAA Division II – Lacrosse Men’s Programs

• There are more than 70 men’s Division II lacrosse programs in the U.S. and Canada, which span eight conferences: the CACC, Conference Carolinas, ECC, GLVC, GMAC, Independents, Northeast-10 Conference, RMAC, SAC and SSC.
• At the heart of DII life lies a balance between academic achievement, athletic participation and campus engagement, something you won’t get at a DI school.
• DII lacrosse is an equivalency sport, with a maximum of 10.8 scholarships per team. Partial scholarships can cover tuition, room and board, books, etc. To cover the rest of the cost of college, athletes can apply for academic and need-based scholarships.

Top Division II Lacrosse Programs For Men

NCSA offers Power Rankings of the country’s best colleges with men’s lacrosse programs, and are compiled using a number of data sources that factor in various aspects of the college experience, including cost and graduation rates. Use it as a starting point in your search for a college-level lacrosse program you’d like to be accepted into.

Here are the top ten DII men’s lacrosse programs in the U.S., according to NCSA:

1. Bentley University
2. Florida Southern College
3. Rollins College
4. Nova Southeastern University
5. University of Tampa
6. Adelphi University
7. Florida Tech
8. University of Indianapolis
9. Maryville University
10. Wingate University

NCAA Division III – Lacrosse Men’s Programs

• There are more than 200 DIII lacrosse colleges, spanning the following conferences: AMCC, CAC, Centennial, CCIW, CSAC, CCC, EAC, GNAC, HCAC, Independents, Landmark, Liberty League, LEC, MAC, MIAA, MLC, NECC, NESCAC, NEWMAC, NAC, NCAC, NEAC, OAC, ODAC, PAC, SC, SAA, SCAA, SUNYAC and SAC.
• Student-athletes who want to push themselves academically as well as athletically may find the best fit at a DIII school—able to develop as athletes while still having time and flexibility in their schedules to pursue passions and interests outside of lacrosse.
• Notably, DIII schools don’t offer athletic scholarships. However, academic-related grants can be used in lieu of athletic scholarships. Many DIII lacrosse players receive financial aid, so seeking a DIII roster spot can be a good way to offset the overall cost of college.

Top Division III Lacrosse Programs For Men

NCSA offers Power Rankings of the country’s best colleges with men’s lacrosse programs, and are compiled using a number of data sources that factor in various aspects of the college experience, including cost and graduation rates. Use it as a starting point in your search for a college-level lacrosse program you’d like to be accepted into.

Here are the top ten DIII men’s lacrosse programs in the U.S., according to NCSA:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
2. Tufts University
3. Amherst College
4. Williams College
5. Bowdoin College
6. Washington & Lee University
7. Swarthmore College
8. Middlebury College
9. Wesleyan University
10. Hamilton College

NAIA – Lacrosse Men’s Programs

• The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) can give student-athletes a more well-rounded college experience than even DIII schools. There are 33 NAIA schools that offer men’s lacrosse, and there are men’s lacrosse scholarships available.
• NAIA lacrosse conferences include: Appalachian Athletic Conference, Independent, Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, and Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.
• NAIA schools have available other financial aid opportunities outside of athletic scholarships. Student-athletes should look into academic, merit and need-based scholarships to bring down the overall cost of attending college.

Top NAIA Lacrosse Programs For Men

NCSA offers Power Rankings of the country’s best colleges with men’s lacrosse programs, and are compiled using a number of data sources that factor in various aspects of the college experience, including cost and graduation rates. Use it as a starting point in your search for a college-level lacrosse program you’d like to be accepted into.

Here are the top ten NAIA men’s lacrosse programs in the U.S., according to NCSA:

1. University of Michigan, Dearborn
2. Madonna University
3. St. Ambrose University
4. Taylor University
5. Tiffin University
6. University of the Cumberlands
7. Lawrence Technological University
8. Benedictine College
9. Webber International University
10. Aquinas College, Michigan

What Does It Take To Play Lacrosse At The College Level?

For starters, it doesn’t hurt if you have fantastic technical ability, but there are other ways to get the attention of a coach. As an example, how do you respond to adversity? How do you manage stress or pressure? Remember, recruiters are looking at the big picture, the total athlete.

Getting recruited also takes name recognition. In almost all instances, you need to let coaches know you’re interested in getting into their lacrosse programs. Here’s how to do that:

• Build A Target List
  Don’t waste time pursuing programs that aren’t a good match. Look at the roster to see how you qualify athletically and learn more about the school’s academic requirements.
• Create An Online Profile
  Think like an influencer, i.e., you need a platform to get noticed. Make it easy for coaches to see your highlight video, key stats, contact information and academic history.
• Make Contact, Follow Up
  You can’t sit around and wait to be discovered. Proactively reach out to college coaches by sending an introductory email that includes your online profile, highlight video, academic information, outstanding athletic achievements and personal interest in the program. Then continue to follow up with noteworthy updates throughout the year.
• Get Visibility
  Tournaments and club play are opportunities to test your skills against top talent and compete in front of college coaches. If you time it right and contact these coaches before you attend an event or match, you’ll improve your odds of being evaluated in-person.
• Be Persistent
  If you’re an upperclassman who isn’t being actively recruited, rework your target list. Consider new opportunities, including lower-division programs where you might be more competitive. Make visits. Tap your high school coach for help in identifying programs.

You may have talent and self-discipline, but unless you get your name out there in a consistent and respectful way, you may also fly under your preferred program’s radar. Show those coaches and scouts how much you want to compete for them in their lacrosse program. That type of drive gets attention and will help you distinguish yourself from those you’re competing with.

When Can Colleges Start Recruiting For Men’s Lacrosse?

• In April 2017, the NCAA adopted a proposal that banned college lacrosse coaches from communicating with recruits until September 1 of their junior year. These are some of the strictest rules in college recruiting and mean that college coaches cannot contact student-athletes, schedule unofficial visits or give verbal offers until that date.
• In creating these rules, the NCAA was trying to make sure elite recruits didn’t get overwhelmed by contact from coaches. However, coaches begin building their target lists even earlier. That’s why the more proactive you are in your recruiting journey—by targeting schools, creating a highlight video, emailing coaches, etc.—the better your chances are of being recruited.

Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Recruiting Standards—Overview

“Am I good enough to play college lacrosse?” If you’ve gotten to this point, this is a question you’ve almost certainly asked yourself. Whether you play defense, attack, midfield or goalie, college coaches are, of course, looking for specific skills and abilities. Understanding exactly what they’re looking for can be of tremendous help as you search for a program that’s a good fit.

Goalie Skills & Recruiting Guidelines

• Tier 1 Goalie Notes
  These athletes are ranked in the top 5% in high school lacrosse. They have the ability to take over the game at any moment with strong communication skills and leadership of the defense. They make all “must” saves, even those that are extremely difficult, and can create a fast-break scoring chance for the offense with their accurate clearing-game.
• Tier 2 Goalie Notes
  Student-athletes whose experience falls under Tier 2 are still DI level athletes with a strong skill set. Goalies at this level are less consistent in the goal with flashes of greatness but remain stubborn in net. They communicate and lead the defense in front of them, but they are not quite as strong when handling the ball in the clearing-game.
• Tier 3 Goalie Notes
  The top DII and DIII schools are led by athletes with the experience and skills at the Tier 3 level. These goalies have a grasp on the fundamentals in the net and handle the ball with confidence. At this level, goalies have the ability to communicate well with the defense but lack the on-field leadership skills that athletes at the DI level demonstrate.
• Tier 4 Goalie Notes
  Tier 4 outlines the experience needed to play at lower-end DII and DIII schools. Tier 4 goalies aren’t making exceptional saves, but rather getting all the steady saves. In the net, they’re still strong communicators but lack command over the defense. They handle the ball often in the clearing-game, but don’t create as many fast-break scoring chances.

Attack Skills & Recruiting Guidelines

• Tier 1 Attack Notes
  DI coaches at top programs look to fill their rosters with Tier I student-athletes each year. Top programs are looking for tough attackers who can perform on the biggest stages. At this tier, athletes have a high lacrosse IQ, great change of direction and vision, can take over a game at any point and handle the ball with confidence in high pressure situations. These athletes are natural captains of the offense and threats to score and distribute.
• Tier 2 Attack Notes
  Tier 2 attackers demonstrate the skills coaches are looking for at lower-end DI schools. Tier 2 attackers are competitive and reliable but less flashy than Tier 1 athletes. Athletes at this level are consistent with their skills, scoring and assisting. While they don’t control the game quite like Tier 1 athletes do, they show flashes of such looked-for behavior.
• Tier 3 Attack Notes
  To compete at a top DII and DIII school, coaches are looking for athletes that are talented with room for improvement. At Tier 3, attackers can create offense and consistently find teammates for scoring chances. These athletes move the ball well but make less of an impact in goals and assists.
• Tier 4 Attack Notes
  Athletes at Tier 4 compete at lower DII and DIII schools. They demonstrate good athleticism and quickness. Not as reliable as athletes in higher tiers, Tier 4 attackers are steady contributors on offense and use their strengths well to remain a scoring threat.

Midfield Skills & Recruiting Guidelines

• Tier 1 Midfield Notes
  Tier 1 midfielders possess the skills and experience needed to play at top DI lacrosse programs. These athletes are dominating on the field with great vision and exceptional defensive skills. They excel at face-offs and transitions and are strong two-way midfielders who demand double teams when on offense and can create offense at will.
• Tier 2 Midfield Notes
  Only slightly less skilled and experienced than Tier 1 midfielders, Tier 2 middies are great athletes who move the ball and consistently contribute on the score sheet. They are less dominating than Tier 1 athletes but still demand extra attention on the offensive end and provide solid defense and face-off performance.
• Tier 3 Midfield Notes
  Athletes at top DII and DIII programs align best with the skills and experience of Tier 3 midfielders. Good athletes with a grasp of their role on the field, Tier 3 middies find ways to be difference makers, dodgers and feeders. Midfielders at this level are not as overall capable as those in higher tiers but show flashes of the ability to be the go-to player.
• Tier 4 Midfield Notes
  Tier 4 athletes generally fit best with lower-end DII and DIII programs that recruit talented athletes with room for improvement. Midfielders at this level are less versatile and tend to find a niche they’re truly good at. They’re strong contributors on offense, and serve as a threat in transition. They are not top scorers but occasionally create scoring chances.

Defense Skills & Recruiting Guidelines

• Tier 1 Defense Notes
  To compete at DI for a top program, defensemen must have more than just great on-ball skills, physical presence and technical skill. To be a Tier 1 defense player, athletes must take control of the game, the competition’s top offensive players and the defenders around them. They handle the ball often and are a threat in the clearing-game.
• Tier 2 Defense Notes
  Tier 2 defensemen are still at the top of the talent pool, but their skills and experience are better suited for a lower-end DI program. Athletes at this level play a steady mix of ground-ball play and one-on-one defense. They’re not always the top defensive player but show flashes of taking on that role and couple that with great athletic ability. They can cover the top-tier offensive threats with a steady influence on the attacking player.
• Tier 3 Defense Notes
  Top ranked DII and DIII programs look for athletes who just missed making a DI team. Tier 3 defensemen are solid contributors who can handle the ball and cover strong offensive threats. They identify a role they can succeed in and perform well in it.
• Tier 4 Defense Notes
  Less skilled than defensemen in the top three tiers, athletes with the skills and experience that match the Tier 4 level can compete at lower end DII and DIII schools. These are good, not great, athletes who steadily contribute in concepts and defense. They’re decent communicators who understand their strengths and use them very well.

The Importance of Club Play In Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse

• Student-athletes who want to play college lacrosse need to play club lacrosse. Club lacrosse provides student-athletes the visibility and access to college coaches that high school lacrosse simply does not. Club lacrosse teams compete in tournaments across the country, which college coaches attend to evaluate talent and recruit.
• This is especially important for student-athletes who live outside of the Northeast, where most DI college lacrosse programs are. Club opportunities allow athletes to showcase their skills while competing against top talent in front of college coaches at their prospective schools. Club coaches can also be a great resource during the recruiting process, especially those with professional connections to college coaches.
• The only exception to this rule applies to student-athletes who play lacrosse for an elite high school program, the kind that routinely attracts college coaches to games.

Final Thoughts on Achieving Your Goal

As mentioned earlier, while earning a spot on any college team isn’t easy, with time, discipline and persistence it is doable. Here are some final words of wisdom and strategy on the matter.

• Find The Right Match
  By researching schools and targeting programs where your particular skills would add to the team’s ability to put up points, you have a better chance of not just landing a spot on a college roster but even getting some scholarship money. So do your homework and find a program that will benefit from your strengths. It’s a good way to make yourself stand out to a recruiter.
• Create A Target List
  After you’ve done your research, create a list of schools you’re competitive for. There might be a range of programs that span several different levels. As an example, your speed on the pitch may put you in the mix for DI recruiting, but if you also consider DII or NAIA programs you might have a better chance of earning a roster spot. Putting it all down on paper will help you order your thoughts and see the situation more clearly.
• Keep Up Your Grades
  Speaking of homework, make sure you keep a focus on your academics as you strive for excellence in your sport. Recruiters will be looking at both. Make sure you’re taking classes as required by the NCAA Eligibility Center, as well as the ACTs and SATs. And if you do land a spot on a college lacrosse team, you’re going to be expected to keep up your academic performance along with your athletic performance, so you might as well get used to doing it now. Good luck!