USDA Scholarship 2025

USDA Scholarship 2025: A Complete Guide for Applicants

Introduction

The USDA Scholarship 2025 is an exceptional opportunity funded by the United States Department of Agriculture to help students gain access to quality education while contributing to the future of America’s food and agricultural systems.

As higher education costs continue to rise, the importance of scholarship opportunities has never been more critical—especially for students pursuing careers in agriculture, environmental sciences, food security, and rural development.

This  guide explains how to apply for the ongoing USDA Scholarship 2025, eligibility criteria, application process, deadlines, and tips for success. It is designed to help high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students alike take full advantage of this prestigious and high-impact scholarship program.

What is the USDA Scholarship, History And Background

The USDA Scholarship is a set of financial aid programs provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is aimed at bolstering educational and career opportunities for students from rural or underserved communities around the country. It was established in 1992 as part of the partnership between USDA and the 1890 land-grant universities.

USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE) manages the 1890 National Scholars Program, which is aimed at increasing the number of students from rural and underserved communities who study food, agriculture, natural resource and other related sciences. The scholarship provides recipients with full tuition, fees, books, room and board. Scholars attend one of the 1890 land-grant universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The scholarship may also include work experience at USDA. The program is a crucial part of USDA’s Next Generation efforts. These scholarships support students pursuing degrees in agriculture-related fields, including:

• Agricultural Sciences

• Environmental Sciences

• Natural Resources

• Food Safety

• Animal Sciences

• Plant Pathology

• Nutrition and Dietetics

• Agricultural Engineering

• Rural Development and Policy

• Agronomy or Crop Science

• Animal Sciences

• Botany

• Food Sciences/Technology

• Forestry and Related Sciences

• Home Economics/Nutrition

• Horticulture

• Natural Resources Management

• Soil Conservation/Soil Science

• Farm and Range Management

• Other related disciplines, (e.g. non-medical biological sciences, pre-veterinary medicine, computer science)

The Award

The USDA scholarship may be renewed each year, contingent upon satisfactory academic performance and normal progress toward a bachelor’s degree.

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Benefits of the USDA Scholarship scholarship

Here are a few compelling reasons why students should apply:

• Full Financial Coverage: Covers tuition, fees, room, board, and textbooks.

• Guaranteed Internship: Offers paid internships with USDA agencies.

• Career Pipeline: Provides a direct path to employment with the USDA upon graduation.

• Nationwide Recognition: This is a highly respected federal scholarship that enhances career prospects.

• Focus on Underserved Communities: Encourages participation from students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority-serving institutions.

Types of USDA Scholarships

1. 1890 National Scholars Program

• For students attending one of the 19 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Universities.

• Full-ride scholarship with internship and job placement.

2. USDA Tribal Scholars Program

• For Native American students attending 1994 Land-Grant Tribal Colleges.

• Covers tuition, books, and provides career development.

3. Future Leaders in Agriculture Program

• Supports undergraduates with leadership potential in agriculture and natural resource fields.

Below are the list of Universities that Applicants can choose to study once they are successful

• Alabama A&M University
• Alcorn State University, Mississippi
• Central State University, Ohio
• Delaware State University
• Florida A&M University
• Fort Valley State University, Georgia
• Kentucky State University
• Langston University, Oklahoma
• Lincoln University, Missouri
• North Carolina A&T State University
• Prairie View A&M University, Texas
• South Carolina State University
• Southern University, Louisiana
• Tennessee State University
• Tuskegee University, Alabama
• University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore
• Virginia State University
• West Virginia State University

Eligibility Criteria for USDA Scholarship 2025

To qualify for the USDA Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Basic Eligibility

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent by the time of enrollment.

• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

• Be accepted to or enrolled in a USDA partner university or eligible institution.

Academic Focus

• Must pursue a degree in a field related to agriculture, food science, natural resources, or a related STEM area.

• Study agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or other related academic disciplines
• Demonstrate leadership and community service
• Submit an official transcript, from each high school and college attended, with the school seal and 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.)?
• Submit completed application.

Commitment

• Willing to commit to summer internships and post-graduation employment with the USDA for each year the scholarship is received.

How to Apply for the USDA Scholarship 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Identify which USDA scholarship fits your profile:

• 1890 National Scholars Program

• 1994 Tribal Scholars Program

• Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program

• Visit the official USDA scholarship page https://www.usda.gov/partnerships

USDA Scholarship 2025 Deadlines

Conclusion

The USDA Scholarship 2025 is more than just financial support, it is a full pathway to an exciting career in agriculture, food security, and public service. With generous funding, guaranteed internships, and post-graduation employment opportunities, this scholarship is a golden opportunity for students with a passion for shaping the future of America’s agricultural landscape.

If you are eligible, do not wait. Start gathering your materials, write a compelling essay, and submit your application before the deadline. Let the USDA invest in your education and future today.