Two federal USDA programmes have “1890” and “scholarship” in their names, but students apply directly to one while the other is handled through the university. For 2026, USDA 1890 National Scholars accepted individual applications through March 8. NIFA Scholarships for Students at 1890 Institutions, by contrast, invited universities to compete for funding that is later awarded through campus selection processes.
USDA 1890 National Scholars serves U.S. citizens who are high-school seniors entering college and rising college sophomores or juniors. Applicants must be admitted to or attend one of the 19 1890 land-grant universities and study agriculture, food, natural resources, or a related discipline. Published requirements include a 3.0 cumulative GPA, ACT 21 or SAT 1080, leadership and service, official transcripts, and essays. Listed schools include Florida A&M, Tuskegee, North Carolina A&T, Prairie View A&M, and Alabama A&M.
The USDA page describes coverage for tuition, fees, books, room, and board, plus a summer internship. The award may be renewed if the recipient maintains required progress. The internship may lead to federal employment, but the current public programme page does not explain any post-graduation service terms. Before accepting, request and read the current agreement, including its service, renewal, and withdrawal provisions.
The 2026 application deadline was March 8 and has passed. Do not assume next year’s deadline will also be in March; wait for USDA to announce the 2027 window on its programme page or through 1890init@usda.gov. If your university or major is not on the list, ask the programme before preparing an application. The 2026 announcement said rising sophomores and juniors could also apply if they met the remaining criteria.
The second programme, NIFA Scholarships for Students at 1890 Institutions, operates at the institutional level. Only the 19 eligible universities could submit grant proposals; the FY 2026 competition opened August 10 and closed September 10. NIFA listed $67.2 million in estimated total funding and award amounts of roughly $1.11 million to $5.56 million, but those figures are institutional grants, not individual scholarships. Each campus decides which students to support with funds it receives.
If you already attend an 1890 university, ask its scholarship or financial-aid office whether the campus applied, received NIFA funds, and has a selection process for your major. The programme overview describes students accepted to an 1890 institution and pursuing food or agricultural sciences, but the official call and campus rules determine eligibility. USDA National Scholars lists the individual application and award terms; NIFA explains the federal scholarship grant that universities apply for. Confirm which opportunity applies before counting on tuition, books, or housing money.
USDA 1890 National Scholars Program — U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement.
USDA Accepting Applications for the 1890 National Scholars Program — U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Scholarships for Students at 1890 Institutions — USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Information checked on October 12, 2026 against official sources. Dates shown may have passed; agencies have not necessarily announced the next cycle. Confirm each application round and decision with the responsible office.
USDA 1890 National Scholars accepts individual applications; NIFA funds institutional scholarship programmes. Both 2026 rounds have closed.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement — 1890 National Scholars
1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250
USDA 1890 National Scholars covers tuition, fees, books, room, and board, plus a summer internship; the programme page says the internship may lead to federal employment. It targets U.S. citizens with at least a 3.0 GPA, ACT 21 or SAT 1080, admission to one of 19 1890 land-grant universities, and agriculture-related study. The current public programme page does not detail a mandatory service commitment; confirm the terms in the current award agreement and application before a
Federal scholarship with education support and internships at 1890 land-grant universities
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture — Scholarships for Students at 1890 Institutions
1201 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
NIFA runs competitive funding that only the 19 1890 land-grant universities may apply for. The programme supports institution-selected scholarships in agricultural and food sciences and related fields; students should ask their campus about its internal selection process and funded places. The FY 2026 institutional round closed September 10, and the published award range is for universities, not an individual student’s scholarship amount.
Competitive scholarship-grant programme administered with 1890 land-grant universities
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
U.S. Department of Agriculture · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement — 1890 National Scholars ↗
Primary source
U.S. Department of Agriculture · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture — Scholarships for Students at 1890 Institutions ↗
Primary source
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture — Scholarships for Students at 1890 Institutions ↗
Primary source
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.