USDA 1890 National Scholars Program

Name: USDA 1890 National Scholars Program

Award Amount: Varies (full tuition, fees, books, room and board; renewable annually)

Information And Eligibility:
The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is a federally funded scholarship initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in partnership with the 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. Established in 1992, the program aims to increase the number of minority students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and related disciplines while helping build a diverse pipeline of future leaders in these critical fields.

Scholarship recipients receive comprehensive funding that typically covers full tuition, mandatory fees, books, housing and board, and may also include allowances for summer internships with USDA agencies. Selected scholars benefit from mentoring, professional development opportunities, and career support—with some students eligible for noncompetitive conversion to USDA employment upon successful completion of degree and program requirements.

The program is designed to foster student success from early college through degree completion. It encourages academic excellence, community leadership, and engagement in areas aligned with USDA’s mission to support American agriculture, natural resource management, and food systems. Through the partnership with the 19 designated 1890 land-grant universities, scholars gain access to research facilities, extension networks, and strong professional communities that bolster their academic and career trajectories.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be a high school senior entering college or a rising college sophomore or junior.
• Must have been accepted for admission to, or currently attend, one of the 19 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities (e.g., Alabama A&M University, Florida A&M University, Tuskegee University, North Carolina A&T State University).
• Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Must meet minimum standardized test requirements (e.g., ACT of 21 or SAT of 1080, although policies may vary).
• Must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agricultural business/management, agricultural economics, natural resources, food sciences, forestry, or related disciplines.
• Must demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and potential for future contribution to agricultural or natural resource sectors.

Application Requirements:

• Completed USDA 1890 National Scholars Program application.
• Official transcripts from all high school and/or college institutions attended.
• Personal essays (e.g., essays on career aspirations and motivation to study agriculture or related fields).
• Letters of recommendation may be required.
• Proof of acceptance to or current enrollment at an eligible 1890 land-grant university.

Additional Details:

• The scholarship is renewable each year, contingent on satisfactory academic progress and continued enrollment.
• Selected scholars often participate in a structured summer internship with a USDA agency that provides practical work experience.
• Recipients are positioned for potential employment opportunities within USDA after degree completion.

Deadline: March

Apply Now

View Scholarship Data

Scholarship Categorization