USDA 1890 National Scholars Program

Applications are now being accepted for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 1890 National Scholars Program. This program provides students full tuition, fees, books, room and board, and a summer internship which could lead to full-time employment with the USDA after graduation.

The USDA 1890 scholarship is available to eligible high school seniors entering their first year of college, who want to attend one of the 1890 land-grant universities to pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. College sophomores and juniors are also eligible to apply if they meet the same criteria.

The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program was established in 1992 as part of a partnership between the USDA and 1890 land-grant universities. The 19 land-grant institutions are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) that were established under the Second Morrill Land Grand Act of 1890, which required states to create colleges and universities for Black students.

The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is NOT limited to Black students, however. Even though these universities were originally founded to serve African Americans, the scholarship itself does not restrict eligibility by race. It is open to all U.S. citizens who meet the academic and program requirements and plan to study at one of the 1890 land‑grant universities.

Eligibility Clarity:

Open to all U.S. citizens: The program explicitly states that U.S. citizenship—not race—is required.
Must attend an 1890 land‑grant university: These institutions historically served Black students, which is why people sometimes assume the scholarship is race‑restricted.
Focus on agriculture‑related majors: Applicants must pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resources, or related fields.
Student Status: Available to high school seniors entering their freshman year of college, as well as college sophomores and juniors.
Academic Criteria: Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale) AND have a minimum 21 ACT score or 1080 SAT score.

Application Requirements:

Submit an official transcript from each high school and college attended, with an authorized official’s signature.
Submit a 250-500 word essay for each of the following questions:
- How will the USDA 1890 National Scholarship support your career aspirations? If there is a particular mission area within USDA that also supports your career aspirations, please indicate that mission area.
- What factors have influenced your decision to pursue academic studies in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or a supporting discipline (such as economics, computer science, accounting, etc.)?
Demonstrate leadership and community service.

USDA 1890 National Scholars Program partner universities: