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Emil’s College Starter Packet Class of 2028 · Fairfield County / FCIAC · built for Emil
This is just for Emil. It's THE START of a map for finding a school you'll br hapoy at, where maybe you can keep playing lacrosse, on your own best long term path. They're loosely organized around undecide-what-to-do-in-schoole / maybe-architecture-maybe-civil-engineering. Flavored that way, but not that much.
I researched this and made it help give you starting point, and to orient you as you navigate the next 2 years of your life, to help give you a framework how to think about college and lacrosse and how to organize what comes next.
Your junior year will matter the most for everything college related. Academic. Lacrosse. Admissions.
Remember this while you click around: you moved from middie to goalie because your team needed someone with the guts to do it, and you took it seriously. You're not chasing a D1 scholarship, you're planning the next great four years that will start the reta of your life, and hopefully a team to be part of. That's knowing what actually matters.
How to use this
Thumb schools up or down as you go — the whole family sees the votes, and the ranking below sorts itself live. But the votes are just a tool. The real job is finding your fit, and three questions decide that:
Would I want to be here for four years even if I never picked up a stick? If the answer's no, it's off the list — no matter how good the lacrosse is.Can I figure out my major here without locking in right now? You're leaning engineering but undecided, and that's completely fine. Flexibility beats a famous single program.What does it actually cost after aid? Never the sticker price — run the net-price calculator, because the real number is usually a lot lower.
Lacrosse shows up as one of two lanes on each school — never as the thing that ranks it:
Club (MCLA): you get in as a student, then walk on. No recruiting, no gatekeeping. This is your floor — you are going to play somewhere. D-III: a real varsity team where you can just email the coach. No pressure. It gets a small bump because you'd love a real team — but never ahead of the three questions above.
Schools are sorted into Likely (your safe, happy landing spots), Target (where most of your energy goes), and Reach (only if you fall in love).
The lacrosse perspective, read this part
Its very likely is you will play in college Somewhere, if you dont get picky about the division, regardless of what happens in the next 2 years. Every big school on this list has a club team at least. That takes nothing but getting in based on **academic admissions**.
Since you're not chasing D1, your Junior year varsity play will be the thing that can help give you clips and game tape.
You've also got something most goalies don't: you used to be a midfielder, you're fast, you're strong. Coaches love a goalie who kicks off the offense. So when you play this year, show the clears and the run outs too, not just the saves. That will be your advantage.
The Calendar
Path When you can talk to coaches D-III Anytime — including right now. No NCAA contact rules.Club / MCLA No rules at all — you contact the team once you're admitted. D-II June 15 after sophomore year (already open). D-I Sept 1 of junior year — but you're not chasing D-I, so don't sweat it. Navy / academies Their own process, starting junior year (see below).
Bottom line: you can email D-III coaches at schools you like whenever. Pick the schools first.
Family ranking Live tally across everyone signed in. Net score = thumbs up minus thumbs down.
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The board at a glance School names link to detail cards (each card has thumbs + a back link).
School Tier Lane Engineering ~Cost Drive University of Connecticut (UConn) Likely Club (MCLA) Broad ABET eng (civil, mech, etc.) $39K/$66K ~1.5 hr University of New Hampshire Likely Club (MCLA) Civil + broad eng $38K/$58K ~4 hr University of Rhode Island Likely Club (MCLA) Civil, broad $35K/$56K ~2.5 hr University of Vermont (UVM) Likely Club Civil + broad ABET (mech, env) $33K/$65K ~4 hr University of Maine Likely Club (MCLA) Civil $31K/$52K ~6.5-7 hr University of Hartford Likely D-III Civil + Arch design/tech $64-70K ~1.1 hr Wentworth Institute of Technology Likely D-III Civil + Architecture $72-78K ~3 hr Western New England University Likely D-III Civil (dedicated eng college) $62-68K ~2 hr Roger Williams University Likely D-III Civil + Architecture $73-80K ~2.5-3 hr University of New Haven Likely Club (men's) Civil $65-72K ~0.75 hr SUNY Maritime College Likely D-III ABET maritime/eng (mech, marine, EE, naval arch) $30K/$45K ~1-1.25 hr SUNY Polytechnic Institute Likely D-III Eng-tech (verify ABET/PE) $30K/$42K ~4.5 hr Alfred State College Likely D-III Civil eng tech $29K/$42K ~5.5-6 hr Widener University Likely D-III Civil $68-74K ~3 hr Rowan University Likely D-III Civil/Environmental $34K/$48K ~3 hr Pace University Likely D-II Limited eng (verify) $75-82K ~1 hr Merrimack College Likely Not a factor Civil/related $76-82K ~3.5 hr Massachusetts Maritime Academy Likely D-III Maritime/marine (verify civil) $31K/$50K ~3.5 hr University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Likely Club Civil $34K/$51K ~3 hr Quinnipiac University Likely Club Verify (civil/mech/SW) $76-82K ~0.75 hr Hofstra University Likely Not a factor Civil/eng school $75-82K ~1.5 hr UMass Lowell Likely Not a factor Civil, strong co-op $35K/$55K ~3.5 hr University of Dayton Likely Club (MCLA) Civil, co-op $66-72K fly / ~650 mi University of Cincinnati Likely Club Civil + Arch (DAAP) $31K/$52K fly / ~700 mi Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Likely D-III Civil (applied) $68-74K fly / ~900 mi Missouri University of Science & Technology Likely Club Civil $30K/$50K fly / ~1,100 mi Michigan Technological University Likely Club Civil $33K/$59K fly / ~1,200 mi Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Likely Club/D-II Aerospace/mech (not civil) $66-72K fly / ~1,100 mi University of Central Florida (UCF) Likely Club (MCLA) Civil, broad $24K/$43K fly / ~1,100 mi Colorado State University Likely Club (MCLA) Civil $34K/$55K fly / ~1,850 mi UMass Amherst Target Not a factor Broad civil/env (+ design) $38K/$62K ~2.5-3 hr University of Delaware Target Not a factor Civil $36K/$61K ~4 hr Fairfield University Target Not a factor Eng (verify civil) $82-88K Local NJIT Target Not a factor Civil + Architecture $40K/$59K ~1.5-2 hr Clarkson University Target D-III Civil $75-80K ~6.5 hr Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Target D-III Civil eng tech (verify CE) $78-84K ~6 hr Stevens Institute of Technology Target D-III Civil, NYC outcomes $88K ~1.5 hr Virginia Tech Target Club (MCLA) Civil + Architecture $36K/$61K fly / ~530 mi North Carolina State University Target Club (MCLA) Civil + Design $29K/$55K ~9.5 hr / 560 mi University of Colorado Boulder Target Club (MCLA) Civil + Env Design $38K/$68K fly / ~1,850 mi Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Target Club/rec Civil (elite undergrad eng) $76-82K fly / ~830 mi Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Target D-III Civil/Environmental $82K+ ~2.5 hr Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Reach D-III Civil + Architecture $83-88K ~2.5-3 hr Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Reach Club (MCLA) Civil + Architecture (elite) $34K/$57K fly / ~3,000 mi Lehigh University Reach Not a factor Civil ~$90K ~2.5 hr Lafayette College Reach Not a factor Civil ~$92-95K ~2.5 hr Bucknell University Reach Not a factor Civil ~$95-96K ~4.5 hr Union College Reach D-III Engineering in LAC $84-90K ~3 hr Trinity College Reach D-III Engineering science (limited) $86-92K ~1 hr Hobart and William Smith Colleges Reach Not a factor Weak eng (pre-eng style) $82-88K ~5.5 hr United States Naval Academy (USNA) Reach Own track Strong STEM (ocean, naval arch, mech, aero, EE, nuclear) $0/$0 + service obligation ~4.5-5 hr United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point) Reach D-III Maritime eng (#29 non-doctoral, older) $0/$0 + fees/obligation ~1-1.5 hr
Detailed school cards Likely — floor / safeties University of Connecticut (UConn) Likely Club (MCLA) ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Storrs, CT · ~1.5 hr · ~34,400 students
Engineering / major Broad ABET eng (civil, mech, etc.). Flexibility: High - easy to explore/switch. Architecture: No B.Arch.
Academic rep National research flagship; grad eng ~#58 / ~#31 public
Admit (you) Likely-Target
Lacrosse MCLA D-I club (Continental). Walk on after admission; no gatekeeping.
Cost $39K in-state / $66K OOS. In-state value - best net price on the board.
Cool to know Big-school spirit + in-state price
Do first Add to list now; free in-state visit
Note Strongest floor pick
University of New Hampshire Likely Club (MCLA) ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Durham, NH · ~4 hr · ~16,000 students
Engineering / major Civil + broad eng. Flexibility: High. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Public R1; solid flagship profile
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse MCLA D-I club. Walk on after admission.
Cost $38K in-state / $58K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Outdoors + strong club for play-for-love
Do first Add to list; research club
University of Rhode Island Likely Club (MCLA) ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Kingston, RI · ~2.5 hr · ~17,200 students
Engineering / major Civil, broad. Flexibility: Medium-High. Architecture: Limited.
Academic rep Public R2 national university
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse MCLA D-II club. Walk on after admission.
Cost $35K in-state / $56K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Coastal New England, beaches
Do first Add to list
University of Vermont (UVM) Likely Club ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Burlington, VT · ~4 hr · ~13,500 students
Engineering / major Civil + broad ABET (mech, env). Flexibility: High - easy to explore/switch. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Public flagship/R1; outdoorsy New England flagship
Admit (you) Likely-Target (OOS-friendly)
Lacrosse Club team (NCAA D-I varsity exists, not your recruit path). Walk on the club team after admission.
Cost $33K in-state / $65K OOS. Public; CT is OOS - priciest of the UNH/URI/UVM trio OOS.
Cool to know Burlington - Lake Champlain, mountains, ski culture, great college town
Do first Add if outdoors/Burlington vibe pulls you
Note Varsity men's lax is D-I (America East); separate club team for walk-ons
University of Maine Likely Club (MCLA) ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Orono, ME · ~6.5-7 hr · ~12,000 students
Engineering / major Civil. Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Public flagship/R1; eng ~#150
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse MCLA D-II club. Walk on after admission.
Cost $31K in-state / $52K OOS. Cheap; verify common-market merit.
Cool to know Outdoorsy, low pressure, low cost
Do first Keep as value safety
Note Far
University of Hartford Likely D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size West Hartford, CT · ~1.1 hr · ~6,000 students
Engineering / major Civil + Arch design/tech. Flexibility: Medium-High (civil/arch). Architecture: Arch Design+Tech / M.Arch.
Academic rep Regional private practical STEM
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse NCAA D-III (CNE). Email coach anytime; walk-on realistic.
Cost $64-70K (pre-aid). Private; run net-price calc.
Cool to know Civil + architecture overlap, close
Do first Email coach if interested
Note Completed D-III transition
Wentworth Institute of Technology Likely D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Boston, MA · ~3 hr · ~4,000 students
Engineering / major Civil + Architecture. Flexibility: High (civil<->arch). Architecture: Architecture: Yes.
Academic rep US News Regional North ~#28; undergrad eng ~#38 non-doctoral
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse NCAA D-III (CNE). Email coach anytime; prospect day after film.
Cost $72-78K (pre-aid). Private; merit likely.
Cool to know Co-op culture; civil+arch hedge
Do first Email coach (shortlist)
Note Shortlist
Western New England University Likely D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Springfield, MA · ~2 hr · ~3,700 students
Engineering / major Civil (dedicated eng college). Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Regional private w/ engineering college
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse NCAA D-III (CNE). Email coach; goalie need plausible.
Cost $62-68K (pre-aid). Good merit/full-pay target.
Cool to know Small real eng college, approachable
Do first Email coach (shortlist)
Note Shortlist
Roger Williams University Likely D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Bristol, RI · ~2.5-3 hr · ~4,800 students
Engineering / major Civil + Architecture. Flexibility: High (civil<->arch). Architecture: Architecture: Yes.
Academic rep Regional private; architecture differentiator
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse NCAA D-III (CNE). Email coach; summer prospect day exists.
Cost $73-80K (pre-aid). Private; run net-price calc.
Cool to know Waterfront campus; arch + civil
Do first Email coach (shortlist)
Note Shortlist
University of New Haven Likely Club (men's) ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size West Haven, CT · ~0.75 hr · ~9,200 students
Engineering / major Civil. Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Regional private practical eng
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse Club men's (NCAA varsity women's; school moving D-I NEC). Walk on after admission.
Cost $65-72K (pre-aid). Private; merit likely.
Cool to know Career-focused, very close to home
Do first Add to list; visit
Note Men's lax is club
SUNY Maritime College Likely D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Throggs Neck / Bronx, NY · ~1-1.25 hr · ~1,250 students
Engineering / major ABET maritime/eng (mech, marine, EE, naval arch). Flexibility: Medium (maritime-flavored). Architecture: Naval arch only.
Academic rep Specialized public maritime; top-5 ROI
Admit (you) Likely-Target
Lacrosse NCAA D-III varsity. Email coach fall jr; realistic D-III.
Cost $30K in-state / $45K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Navy-adjacent w/o academy gauntlet; ~45 min
Do first Email coach (shortlist)
Note Shortlist; Regiment != obligation
SUNY Polytechnic Institute Likely D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Utica, NY · ~4.5 hr · ~2,900 students
Engineering / major Eng-tech (verify ABET/PE). Flexibility: Low-Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Public polytechnic/regional
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse NCAA D-III. Email staff with film.
Cost $30K in-state / $42K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Small tech campus, low price
Do first Verify degree type then email
Note Verify civil/ABET path
Alfred State College Likely D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Alfred, NY · ~5.5-6 hr · ~3,800 students
Engineering / major Civil eng tech. Flexibility: Low-Medium. Architecture: Arch/design tech: related.
Academic rep Applied SUNY tech college
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse NCAA D-III. Recruit form/email first.
Cost $29K in-state / $42K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Hands-on applied; realistic roster path
Do first Email if NCAA play matters
Note Verify degree vs PE goals
Widener University Likely D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Chester, PA · ~3 hr · ~5,900 students
Engineering / major Civil. Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Regional private engineering
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse NCAA D-III. Ask coach before registering for camps.
Cost $68-74K (pre-aid). Private; merit likely.
Cool to know Philly-area, realistic D-III civil
Do first Email coach
Rowan University Likely D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Glassboro, NJ · ~3 hr · ~22,000 students
Engineering / major Civil/Environmental. Flexibility: Medium-High. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Growing public research/eng
Admit (you) Likely-Target
Lacrosse NCAA D-III. Prospect day after film if high on list.
Cost $34K in-state / $48K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Bigger-campus feel, strong value
Do first Email coach
Note Better eng than many realize
Pace University Likely D-II ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Pleasantville, NY · ~1 hr · ~13,600 students
Engineering / major Limited eng (verify). Flexibility: Low. Architecture: No.
Academic rep NY-area private; not eng-centric
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse NCAA D-II. Ask before paying for camps.
Cost $75-82K (pre-aid). Private.
Cool to know NYC-area access
Do first Include only if major fits
Note Weak eng fit
Merrimack College Likely Not a factor ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size North Andover, MA · ~3.5 hr · ~6,500 students
Engineering / major Civil/related. Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Regional private; college experience
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse NCAA D-I (lax not your path). Skip lax; school fit only.
Cost $76-82K (pre-aid). Private.
Cool to know North-of-Boston, changing D-I profile
Do first School-fit only
Note Lax is D-I
Massachusetts Maritime Academy Likely D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Buzzards Bay, MA · ~3.5 hr · ~1,500 students
Engineering / major Maritime/marine (verify civil). Flexibility: Low (specialized). Architecture: No.
Academic rep Specialized public STEM/maritime
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse NCAA D-III. Email coach if maritime appeals.
Cost $31K in-state / $50K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Waterfront, structured/regimented
Do first Only if maritime appeals
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Likely Club ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Dartmouth, MA · ~3 hr · ~8,000 students
Engineering / major Civil. Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Public regional w/ engineering
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse Club / no NCAA men's varsity. Walk on after admission.
Cost $34K in-state / $51K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know South-coast MA value
Do first Value safety
Quinnipiac University Likely Club ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Hamden, CT · ~0.75 hr · ~9,700 students
Engineering / major Verify (civil/mech/SW). Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Private; good admit odds
Admit (you) Likely
Lacrosse NCLL D-II club. Walk on after admission.
Cost $76-82K (pre-aid). Private; merit likely.
Cool to know Polished campus, close to home
Do first Verify major then add
Note Verify eng path
Hofstra University Likely Not a factor ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Hempstead, NY · ~1.5 hr · ~10,500 students
Engineering / major Civil/eng school. Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Private national; moderate selectivity
Admit (you) Likely-Target
Lacrosse NCAA D-I (lax not your path). Skip lax; school fit only.
Cost $75-82K (pre-aid). Private.
Cool to know LI/NYC access
Do first School-fit only
Note Lax is D-I
UMass Lowell Likely Not a factor ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Lowell, MA · ~3.5 hr · ~16,700 students
Engineering / major Civil, strong co-op. Flexibility: Medium-High. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Public research; strong eng/co-op
Admit (you) Likely-Target
Lacrosse NCAA D-I (lax not your path). Skip lax; school fit only.
Cost $35K in-state / $55K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Practical co-op eng near Boston
Do first School-fit only
Note Lax is D-I
University of Dayton Likely Club (MCLA) ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Dayton, OH · ~fly / ~650 mi · ~9,700 students
Engineering / major Civil, co-op. Flexibility: Medium-High. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Strong private eng/co-op culture
Admit (you) Likely-Target
Lacrosse MCLA club. Walk on after admission.
Cost $66-72K (pre-aid). Private; merit likely.
Cool to know Supportive community + co-op
Do first Add as under-radar pick
University of Cincinnati Likely Club ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Cincinnati, OH · ~fly / ~700 mi · ~53,700 students
Engineering / major Civil + Arch (DAAP). Flexibility: High (civil/arch/design). Architecture: Architecture: Yes (DAAP).
Academic rep Strong co-op engineering
Admit (you) Likely-Target
Lacrosse Club (verify MCLA). Walk on after admission.
Cost $31K in-state / $52K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Co-op powerhouse, urban
Do first Add if open to Midwest
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Likely D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Milwaukee, WI · ~fly / ~900 mi · ~3,100 students
Engineering / major Civil (applied). Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Strong applied eng specialty
Admit (you) Likely-Target
Lacrosse NCAA D-III. Email coach if open to Midwest.
Cost $68-74K (pre-aid). Private; merit likely.
Cool to know Best OOS D-III + engineering combo
Do first Email coach if open to Midwest
Missouri University of Science & Technology Likely Club ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Rolla, MO · ~fly / ~1,100 mi · ~7,200 students
Engineering / major Civil. Flexibility: Medium-High. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Strong eng-value public tech
Admit (you) Likely-Target
Lacrosse Club/rec (verify active). Walk on if club active.
Cost $30K in-state / $50K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Engineering value, STEM culture
Do first Verify club status
Note Verify club
Michigan Technological University Likely Club ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Houghton, MI · ~fly / ~1,200 mi · ~7,400 students
Engineering / major Civil. Flexibility: Medium-High. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Strong public eng-focused
Admit (you) Likely-Target
Lacrosse Men's lacrosse club. Walk on after admission.
Cost $33K in-state / $59K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Remote, outdoorsy, snow + STEM
Do first Add if open to remote
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Likely Club/D-II ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Daytona Beach, FL · ~fly / ~1,100 mi · ~11,400 students
Engineering / major Aerospace/mech (not civil). Flexibility: Low for civil. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Strong aero/aviation niche
Admit (you) Likely-Target
Lacrosse NCAA D-II / club. Walk on / verify.
Cost $66-72K (pre-aid). Private.
Cool to know Aerospace identity
Do first Only if aero interests you
Note Not a civil fit
University of Central Florida (UCF) Likely Club (MCLA) ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Orlando, FL · ~fly / ~1,100 mi · ~70,700 students
Engineering / major Civil, broad. Flexibility: High. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Large public research
Admit (you) Likely-Target
Lacrosse MCLA club. Walk on after admission.
Cost $24K in-state / $43K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Huge, energetic, low cost
Do first Add as big-school value
Colorado State University Likely Club (MCLA) ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Fort Collins, CO · ~fly / ~1,850 mi · ~34,400 students
Engineering / major Civil. Flexibility: Medium-High. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Strong public R1 engineering
Admit (you) Likely-Target
Lacrosse MCLA D-I club (elite). Walk on after admission; strong club.
Cost $34K in-state / $55K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Mountains + serious club lacrosse
Do first Add as Western swing
Target — center of gravity UMass Amherst Target Not a factor ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Amherst, MA · ~2.5-3 hr · ~31,300 students
Engineering / major Broad civil/env (+ design). Flexibility: High. Architecture: Yes/related design.
Academic rep US News Natl ~#64; grad eng ~#55
Admit (you) Target
Lacrosse NCAA D-I (A-10) (lax not your path). Skip lax; go for the school.
Cost $38K in-state / $62K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Best big-school NE experience
Do first School-fit only; visit
Note Lax is D-I
University of Delaware Target Not a factor ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Newark, DE · ~4 hr · ~24,600 students
Engineering / major Civil. Flexibility: Medium-High. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Public flagship, strong eng
Admit (you) Target
Lacrosse NCAA D-I (lax not your path). Skip lax; school fit.
Cost $36K in-state / $61K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Polished flagship + college town
Do first School-fit only
Note Lax is D-I
Fairfield University Target Not a factor ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Fairfield, CT · ~Local · ~6,900 students
Engineering / major Eng (verify civil). Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Strong private, close to home
Admit (you) Target
Lacrosse NCAA D-I (lax not your path). Skip lax; school fit.
Cost $82-88K (pre-aid). Private.
Cool to know Right at home, polished
Do first Verify eng depth
Note Lax is D-I; not civil-deep
NJIT Target Not a factor ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Newark, NJ · ~1.5-2 hr · ~12,000 students
Engineering / major Civil + Architecture. Flexibility: High (civil/arch). Architecture: Architecture: Yes.
Academic rep Public polytechnic/research
Admit (you) Target
Lacrosse NCAA D-I (lax not your path). Skip lax; school fit.
Cost $40K in-state / $59K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Urban tech, NYC access, value
Do first School-fit; strong eng/arch
Note Lax is D-I
Clarkson University Target D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Potsdam, NY · ~6.5 hr · ~4,000 students
Engineering / major Civil. Flexibility: Medium-High. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Engineering-focused private
Admit (you) Target
Lacrosse NCAA D-III. Email coach; realistic D-III.
Cost $75-80K (pre-aid). Private; merit likely.
Cool to know Eng-first, outdoorsy, close-knit
Do first Email coach (shortlist)
Note Shortlist
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Target D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Rochester, NY · ~6 hr · ~17,200 students
Engineering / major Civil eng tech (verify CE). Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Strong national tech/co-op
Admit (you) Target
Lacrosse NCAA D-III (strong). Email only if film strong.
Cost $78-84K (pre-aid). Private; merit/fit-driven.
Cool to know Co-op built into programs
Do first School-fit; D-III is competitive
Note D-III is a high bar
Stevens Institute of Technology Target D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Hoboken, NJ · ~1.5 hr · ~8,400 students
Engineering / major Civil, NYC outcomes. Flexibility: Medium-High. Architecture: No.
Academic rep US News Natl ~#80
Admit (you) Target-Reach
Lacrosse NCAA D-III. Email coach; prospect days exist.
Cost $88K (pre-aid). Private; full-pay ED can help.
Cool to know Hoboken/NYC career network
Do first Email coach if grades strong
Virginia Tech Target Club (MCLA) ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Blacksburg, VA · ~fly / ~530 mi · ~39,000 students
Engineering / major Civil + Architecture. Flexibility: High. Architecture: Architecture: Yes.
Academic rep Top public engineering brand
Admit (you) Target-Reach (OOS)
Lacrosse MCLA D-I club (elite). Walk on after admission; high-level club.
Cost $36K in-state / $61K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Best anywhere club + big-school fit
Do first Apply early; club after admit
Note Shortlist; OOS eng competitive
North Carolina State University Target Club (MCLA) ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Raleigh, NC · ~9.5 hr / 560 mi · ~39,000 students
Engineering / major Civil + Design. Flexibility: High. Architecture: Architecture/Design: Yes.
Academic rep Very strong public engineering
Admit (you) Target-Reach (OOS)
Lacrosse MCLA club. Walk on after admission.
Cost $29K in-state / $55K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Research Triangle job market
Do first Apply early
Note OOS eng tougher than overall admit
University of Colorado Boulder Target Club (MCLA) ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Boulder, CO · ~fly / ~1,850 mi · ~38,800 students
Engineering / major Civil + Env Design. Flexibility: High. Architecture: Env Design: Yes.
Academic rep Strong public R1
Admit (you) Target
Lacrosse MCLA D-I club. Walk on after admission.
Cost $38K in-state / $68K OOS. Public; CT is OOS.
Cool to know Boulder lifestyle + engineering
Do first Club after admission
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Target Club/rec ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Terre Haute, IN · ~fly / ~830 mi · ~2,300 students
Engineering / major Civil (elite undergrad eng). Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Elite undergrad engineering specialty
Admit (you) Target
Lacrosse No active varsity men's lax (club/rec likely). Verify club; not a lax driver.
Cost $76-82K (pre-aid). Private.
Cool to know Tiny, intense, elite teaching
Do first Go for engineering, not lax
Note Confirm playing option
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Target D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Worcester, MA · ~2.5 hr · ~7,600 students
Engineering / major Civil/Environmental. Flexibility: Medium-High. Architecture: No.
Academic rep High-prestige project-based STEM
Admit (you) Target-Reach
Lacrosse NCAA D-III. Email coach; show academic fit.
Cost $82K+ (pre-aid). Private; grades matter more than full-pay.
Cool to know Learn-by-projects curriculum
Do first Email if rigor/scores strong
Note Academic reach depending on rigor
Reach — only if you love it Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Reach D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Troy, NY · ~2.5-3 hr · ~7,000 students
Engineering / major Civil + Architecture. Flexibility: High. Architecture: Architecture: Yes.
Academic rep Undergrad eng ~#33, civil ~#32
Admit (you) Target-Reach
Lacrosse NCAA D-III (strong). Email only if serious academically.
Cost $83-88K (pre-aid). Private.
Cool to know Old-school engineering prestige
Do first School-fit; lax is a reach
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Reach Club (MCLA) ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size San Luis Obispo, CA · ~fly / ~3,000 mi · ~23,200 students
Engineering / major Civil + Architecture (elite). Flexibility: High. Architecture: Architecture: Yes.
Academic rep Elite hands-on public STEM
Admit (you) Reach (OOS)
Lacrosse MCLA club. Walk on after admission.
Cost $34K in-state / $57K OOS. Public; CT is OOS, admit by major.
Cool to know Learn-by-doing brand + CA life
Do first Admissions-first
Note OOS reach by major
Lehigh University Reach Not a factor ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Bethlehem, PA · ~2.5 hr · ~7,900 students
Engineering / major Civil. Flexibility: Medium-High. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Highly regarded private; strong eng
Admit (you) Reach
Lacrosse NCAA D-I (lax not your path). Skip lax; school fit.
Cost ~$90K (pre-aid). Private; aid affects few.
Cool to know Beautiful campus, eng + business
Do first Only if you love it academically
Note Academic reach
Lafayette College Reach Not a factor ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Easton, PA · ~2.5 hr · ~2,700 students
Engineering / major Civil. Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Selective LAC with real engineering
Admit (you) Reach
Lacrosse NCAA D-I (lax not your path). Skip lax; school fit.
Cost ~$92-95K (pre-aid). Private.
Cool to know LAC + engineering, close faculty
Do first Only if you love it
Note Academic reach
Bucknell University Reach Not a factor ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Lewisburg, PA · ~4.5 hr · ~4,000 students
Engineering / major Civil. Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Selective private eng/LAC
Admit (you) Reach
Lacrosse NCAA D-I (lax not your path). Skip lax; school fit.
Cost ~$95-96K (pre-aid). Private.
Cool to know Residential eng, beautiful campus
Do first Only if you love it
Note Academic reach
Union College Reach D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Schenectady, NY · ~3 hr · ~2,200 students
Engineering / major Engineering in LAC. Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Selective national LAC
Admit (you) Moderate-Reach
Lacrosse NCAA D-III (Liberty League). Email coach; more serious after film.
Cost $84-90K (pre-aid). Private; full-pay/ED add.
Cool to know Engineering inside a small LAC
Do first School-fit; email coach
Trinity College Reach D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Hartford, CT · ~1 hr · ~2,200 students
Engineering / major Engineering science (limited). Flexibility: Low-Medium. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Highly regarded NESCAC LAC
Admit (you) Reach (athletic bar high)
Lacrosse NCAA D-III (NESCAC). Only if you love the school; high bar.
Cost $86-92K (pre-aid). Private.
Cool to know NESCAC academics, close community
Do first College-first only
Note Not eng-first
Hobart and William Smith Colleges Reach Not a factor ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Geneva, NY · ~5.5 hr · ~1,800 students
Engineering / major Weak eng (pre-eng style). Flexibility: Low. Architecture: No.
Academic rep Good LAC; coordinate-college system
Admit (you) Moderate-Reach
Lacrosse Hobart NCAA D-I (lax not your path). Skip lax; school fit.
Cost $82-88K (pre-aid). Private.
Cool to know Finger Lakes setting
Do first College-first only; thin eng
Note Weak engineering
Navy / service-academy track Worth it only if you’d want academy life for its own sake — the scholarship, the engineering, becoming an officer — not for the lacrosse. If that pull is real, this is the track; if it isn’t, skip it without a second thought.
United States Naval Academy (USNA) Reach Own track ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Annapolis, MD · ~4.5-5 hr · ~4,400 students
Engineering / major Strong STEM (ocean, naval arch, mech, aero, EE, nuclear). Flexibility: Medium-High. Architecture: Naval Arch only.
Academic rep #4 LAC, #6 undergrad eng (USNA data)
Admit (you) Reach
Lacrosse NCAA D-I varsity (Patriot). Own track; lax is D-I reach.
Cost $0 in-state / $0 + service obligation. Federally funded; not full-pay.
Cool to know Full scholarship + officer path
Do first Read reqs; check DoDMERB early
Note Pursue only if you want service itself
United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point) Reach D-III ▲ 0 ▼
Where / size Kings Point, NY · ~1-1.5 hr · ~1,000 students
Engineering / major Maritime eng (#29 non-doctoral, older). Flexibility: Medium. Architecture: Naval Arch only.
Academic rep #3 Regional North; #2 top public North (USMMA)
Admit (you) Reach
Lacrosse NCAA D-III varsity. Email coach if academy appeals.
Cost $0 in-state / $0 + fees/obligation. Federal academy; not full-pay.
Cool to know Waterfront academy + attainable D-III
Do first Read reqs; check DoDMERB early
Note Most realistic federal-academy lax
What to film and track this season
Junior spring is your evaluation window. Because your team might give up a lot, focus on your play so the film tells the true story:
Save every full game — coaches want to scrub the real thing, not just a highlight reel.Track per game: save %, shots faced, who you played, final score. "65% on 30 shots in a 10–1 loss" is your single strongest sentence — write it down every time.Cut two reels: a saves reel (low, high, point-blank, on the run) and a clears/outlets reel — that second one is your edge as a converted middie. Most goalies can't make it. You can.Keep a one-pager: name, Class of 2028, goalie, school, GPA, the major you're leaning toward, height/weight, your coaches' contact info, and a film link.
We can throw a rough version of all this together right now from JV and backup clips, then upgrade it after the season.
The timeline
Now — this summer (you just finished sophomore year)
Pick 8–12 schools from the list to actually research for academics or whatever you like about them.
Put together a rough profile + film from what you already have.
Pick 3–5 D-III schools you like — and in the fall email coaches at short and no-pressure: who you are, that you'll apply, that you'd love a shot at the roster, a film link.
Read up on Navy / Kings Point once and decide whether it's what you want. If you want it, it will take real comittment from you this year
Fall, junior year
Crush Honors Precalc and AP Physics — that's the rigor that matters most, academy or not, at any school. H Precal and AP Physics are the core I can handle real academics proof for serious college admissions.
Visit a few campuses (the in-state ones are free practice: UConn, New Haven, Quinnipiac, Fairfield).
Keep emailing coaches at any new favorites.
Junior spring — your season
Film and track every game (see above).
Take the SAT/ACT, and lean into the math score.
Send a coach a fresh clip mid-season if it's good.
Summer before senior year, into the fall
Refresh the film and the profile with your varsity season.
Narrow it down: ~2–3 Likely, 3–4 Target, 1–2 Reach.
Visit the finalists; only do a prospect day if it's a school you already love and a coach has written back.
Applications — and decide on any early-decision based on cost and fit.
If the film is great — and if it's not
Here's the part that should take the pressure off: how this season goes doesn't change your floor.
If you get great film: send it to the D-III coaches who wrote back, hit one prospect day at a school you already love, and a roster spot becomes a real conversation. Your ceiling goes up.If the film's just okay: nothing changes. You still get into a school you love and walk onto a strong club team. Your floor is exactly the same.
Only the ceiling moves. The floor — play somewhere you love, for the love of it — is going to happen.
A few rules for when you're not sure
Pick flexibility over a famous program. Undecided major → a broad school beats a one-trick one.Trust your gut: "Would I be happy here if I got hurt and never played again?" If no, cross it off.Visit before you rank. You can't feel a place from a website.Double-check the engineering degree at any school marked "verify" if you land on wanting true civil engineering with a PE license — "engineering technology" is a different path.
Take your time with it. There's no wrong order here, and there's no clock you're behind on. — Dad