USDA 1890 National Scholars Program

About this scholarship

The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is a federal undergraduate scholarship for students entering agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and related disciplines at eligible 1890 land-grant universities. USDA's application portal lists the March 8, 2026 submission deadline, while USDA announcements state that the program supports eligible high school seniors entering their freshman year at one of the 1890 land-grant universities and pursuing agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The award is recorded as full funding because USDA describes the national scholars model as covering full tuition, fees, books, room and board, along with workforce exposure through USDA. The annual value is estimated for sorting because actual cost depends on the student's institution. The program is designed to build a pipeline of agriculturists and professionals in disciplines that support USDA mission needs. Applicants should use the official portal, follow current instructions, and choose programs and institutions that meet USDA eligibility rules. Because the current deadline has passed, students should monitor the same official portal for the next cycle.

Eligibility

• Be an eligible high school senior entering freshman year of college
• Plan to attend one of the participating 1890 land-grant universities
• Pursue agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or a related academic discipline
• Submit all materials through the USDA National Scholars portal by the deadline
• Meet USDA program eligibility and nondiscrimination requirements
• Participate in USDA work experience or program requirements if selected