USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture — Scholarships for Students at 1890 Institutions
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.
About USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture — Scholarships for Students at 1890 Institutions
USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) runs a separate Scholarships for Students at 1890 Institutions opportunity. Although “scholarships” is in the name, the university—not each student—applies for the federal grant. Only the 19 1890 land-grant institutions may submit proposals, and they must run a competitive process to select scholarship recipients.
The purpose is to recruit, support, and retain undergraduate and graduate students in agricultural and food sciences and related fields. NIFA says institutions submit plans and then administer selection and student support on their campuses. A student’s practical route is therefore not Grants.gov: contact the scholarship, financial-aid, or academic department at one of the participating institutions.
The FY 2026 opportunity was posted August 10 and closed September 10, 2026. Estimated total funding was $67.2 million, and listed award amounts—from roughly $1.11 million to $5.56 million—are grants to institutions, not individual student awards. As of October 12, the competition was closed, and the page does not state that students may submit a late federal application.
If you attend an 1890 campus, ask whether it received NIFA funds, which majors and degree levels are included, the campus deadline, and the required student file. The programme overview says accepted students intending careers in agricultural or food sciences may be eligible, but the NOFO and each university’s selection process determine details. Do not assume that every one of the 19 institutions has individual scholarship funds simply because it is on the list.
Confusing this opportunity with USDA 1890 National Scholars can cost an application cycle: National Scholars had an individual application and closed March 8 in 2026; NIFA accepts institutional proposals and closed in September. National Scholars advertises a direct scholarship that may cover tuition and living costs, alongside an internship and current agreement terms. NIFA funds scholarship programmes that universities award under their own internal calls.
<a data-profile="nifa-1890">NIFA posts dates, funding, and eligibility for universities applying</a>; <a data-profile="usda-national">USDA separately describes the individual National Scholars award</a>. Confirm which opportunity your campus received, student eligibility, and the actual award before budgeting tuition or housing.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: NIFA posts the institutional competition and lists 1890Scholarships.Applications@usda.gov. Students should ask their campus about internal dates and selection. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
Competitive scholarship-grant programme administered with 1890 land-grant universities