Agriculture scholarships

About agriculture scholarships

The study of agriculture covers the general practices, principles, and technologies that factor into agricultural production and research. Undergraduate students attending agriculture programs can expect to study plant, soil, and animal science, in addition to plant cultivation, animal husbandry, soil conservation, natural resources, and agricultural operations such as farming and agricultural business.

Due to the wide array of topics agriculture covers, there are a variety of concentrations and related majors that fall under the umbrella of agriculture. These include but are not limited to, aquaculture, equine science, animal nutrition, livestock management, landscaping, plant and crop science, agricultural equipment technology, animal training, taxidermy, and more. Students pursuing a college education in agriculture will take classes that cover these subjects to give them experience in a variety of disciplines.

At its core, the field of agriculture is about food production and is closely related to the disciplines of farming and animal husbandry. Agriculture degrees are given at four-year colleges, but there are some opportunities for graduate study depending on various students' concentrations. Students pursuing careers in management positions tend to have both a four-year degree and a master's degree.

The United States Department of Agriculture published in a 2019 census that 39% of U.S. farmers are women and 56% of U.S. farms have a female employee in a decision-making role. However, female producers tend to be younger, more beginner farmers, and more likely to live on the farm they operate. Despite these facts, opportunities for women in agriculture are growing. While in 1980, only a little over one-third of agriculture degrees were awarded to women, now women are more than half of graduates.

Similarly, as the number of women in agriculture increases, so does the number of minorities represented. Between 2012 and 2017 the total number of minority farmers increased by 9.6%, and their market value was $35 billion in 2017, up around 29% from 2012. Yet despite these promising increases, of the 3.4 million farmers in the U.S., only 240,000 - about 7% - are minorities. To continue the trend of minority representation in agriculture increasing, there are several organizations that exist to improve racial diversity.

Agricultural colleges and degree programs exist around the country. The cost of programs can vary, but the average cost college undergraduates can expect for the school year is around $5,487 for in-state residents at public higher education institutions, and $14,437 for out-of-state students at public higher education institutions. Students attending graduate programs can expect around $10,755 for in-state residents and $19,595 for out-of-state students.

These costs can seem daunting to high school seniors who are preparing to attend college or university. The cost of college or university continues to be a significant contribution to stress among university and college undergraduates. To help students pursuing a bachelor's degree at college or university pay tuition costs, there are many scholarships that provide excellent opportunities to gain financial support. These scholarships are exclusive to Bold.org, and cannot be found anywhere else. Begin applying by clicking on any of our featured scholarships!

What is an agriculture scholarship?

Agriculture scholarship programs are scholarships intended for college students studying agriculture or a related discipline. Some scholarships are exclusively for agriculture majors, while others are also open to students enrolled in similar programs. There are also numerous scholarships that are open to all students, including political science majors.

Further, there are scholarship opportunities that are open to undergraduate students, graduate students, or even high school students interested in agriculture or a related discipline.

Some scholarships are easy application no-essay scholarships, while others require an essay. Essays are not always about agriculture, and sometimes ask students to relay information about hobbies and other life experiences.

Because the field of agriculture and related subjects is widespread, students should also look for scholarship funds that may pertain to their sub-field of choice. There are many scholarships available that are animal-related and food-related, and veterinary students or food science students may be able to apply for these.

Can you get a scholarship for agriculture?

Anyone can make an account with Bold.org and begin applying for scholarships they meet the eligibility requirements for. To increase your chances of winning a scholarship, make sure to apply early and to apply for multiple scholarships. Additionally, make sure each essay answers the prompt given, and follow Bold.org's writing tips for creating a great essay.

How to apply for agriculture scholarships

With a Bold.org profile, you can browse and apply for the many scholarship programs you are eligible for. Search scholarships and use the filters to find scholarships related to agriculture, and use any other categories you fit in to find scholarships to apply for. Check all the eligibility requirements and the description of the scholarship to make sure you qualify.

In order to be the best candidate possible, there are several ways you can craft your applications. Reviewers can tell when you put time and effort into your work, and your application will stand out as a result.

Be in agriculture or related program

The first and most important requirement for many scholarships is that applicants are students enrolled in an agricultural program or a program for agricultural-related fields, or are planning to be in the future. So whether you are a high schooler or a graduate student, studying agriculture and related fields is integral to receiving a relevant scholarship.

Check Scholarship requirements

Some scholarship programs have more requirements to apply, such as a GPA minimum to reward academic achievement, gender, education level, extracurriculars, etc. Applying for scholarships that have several requirements makes your chances of winning greater because fewer people can apply.

When to apply

It is never too early to start applying for scholarships! There are even scholarships available to graduating high school seniors. The earlier you start planning for the cost of college the better prepared you will be. It's also never too late, there are scholarships available to current students and even graduate students.

Tips for winning scholarships

Make the most of your profile

Your profile on Bold.org is a great way to supplement your application. Make sure your profile is polished, free of errors, and shows off all the great things about you! Additionally, make sure to start collecting bold points so your profile stands out.

Apply early and often

The more scholarships you apply for the more chances you will have to win. Donors also often note the first few applicants, so applying early is a great way to catch some attention when you apply for a scholarship program.

Put time and effort into your applications

You can make your application stand out from others by following Bold.org's writing tips.

To start, make sure to grab your reader's attention from the first sentence. Then, make your essay a personal story so it's memorable.

Additionally, make sure to stay focused on the prompt. Even a great essay won't win if it doesn't answer the question(s) the donors asked.

Finally, structure your essay into small pieces. Readers will be able to more easily focus on your message if your essay is broken up into separate paragraphs instead of a single text block. While writing, be sure to use correct grammar and proofread your application once you are done.

Best agriculture scholarships

Jay Bowen Scholarship

Amount: $24,000, 3 winners, $8,000 each

For: High school seniors pursuing agriculture or animal care who are from Texas

This scholarship seeks to provide financial aid to students who are planning to obtain an undergraduate degree as they work to fulfill their educational goals and impact the world through their future careers in agriculture or animal care.

Students for Animal Advocacy Scholarship

Amount: $500

For: High school or undergraduate students who have volunteered at an animal shelter or an animal non-profit

Agriculture students passionate about animal advocacy and working with animals can apply to this scholarship by writing about why they are passionate about animal advocacy.

Healthy Living Scholarship

Amount: $500

For: A student who is a US Citizen or permanent legal resident who is passionate about health and wellness

This scholarship seeks to provide financial aid to students who are passionate about health and wellness and about leading healthy lives. This is an excellent opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate degree in agriculture to write about how they seek to use agriculture to encourage health and wellness.

Agriculture scholarships for high school seniors

Homeward Bound Pets Humane Society Veterinary Assistant Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

For: High school students with a 3.0 or higher GPA who have experience volunteering or working with a non-profit, and are interested in becoming a veterinary assistant

This scholarship was funded by Oregon's first no-kill shelter, Homeward Bound Pets Humane Society, and seeks to provide financial aid to high school students interested in the veterinary aspects of agriculture.

Homeward Bound Pets Veterinary Technician Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

For: A graduating high school senior from Oregon with a 3.0 or higher GPA who has experience volunteering or working with a non-profit, and is interested in becoming a veterinary technician

The Homeward Bound Pets Humane Society, Oregon's first no-kill shelter, has created this scholarship to provide financial aid to a student from Oregon who is interested in the veterinary aspects of agriculture.

Agriculture scholarships for college students

North Carolina Youth Equine Service Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

For: Students who have volunteered with a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and love working with horses

This scholarship seeks to provide financial aid to students who love working with horses and giving back to the community.

Pet Lover Scholarship

Amount: $500

For: A student who is a US citizen or permanent legal resident who loves their pet

Pet and animal-loving agriculture students can apply for this scholarship by writing about how animals have changed their lives.

Agriculture scholarships for graduate students

Betsy V Brown Veterinary Scholarship

Amount: $2,500, 5 winners, $500 each

For: Graduate students enrolled in a veterinarian program who are BIPOC

This scholarship seeks to provide financial aid to graduate students who are pursuing education in the veterinary aspects of agriculture.

Pettable Pet Lovers Scholarship Fund

Amount: $1,000

For: A graduate student or undergraduate student who is a pet lover or pet owner

This is an excellent scholarship for agriculture students who are animal lovers to apply for. It is also an easy application scholarship, only requiring an Instagram post.

Pettable Life Transitions Pet Lovers Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

For: A recent graduate or undergraduate student who is a junior or senior who is a pet lover or pet owner

This scholarship provides an easy application opportunity for agriculture students who are animal lovers. Just post on Instagram about your pet to apply.

Scholarships for women in agriculture

Taking Up Space Scholarship

Amount: $500

For: A female student who is a first-generation college student, underrepresented (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, etc), and pursuing a degree in a male-dominated field.

Female agriculture students are encouraged to apply for scholarships such as this one. Apply to the Taking Up Space Scholarship by writing about what taking up space means to you and how you apply it in your daily life.

Charlotte Emery Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $1,200, 2 winners, $600 each

For: Female students who are high school seniors or undergraduate students, Black/African American, a first-generation student, and have a 2.0 or higher GPA

This scholarship seeks to support and uplift Black girls and women so they can succeed and flourish in their lives and careers. To apply, write a short essay OR create a short video about your definition of Black Girl Magic or Black excellence and how you work to empower others.

Agriculture scholarships for international students

Solgaard Scholars: Access Oceanic Studies for LGBTQ+ Students

Amount: $5,000

For: Any student who is LGBTQ+ and is interested in oceanic health, preservation, sustainability, etc.

This agriculture-adjacent scholarship seeks to support students who are passionate about preserving the health of the ocean.

WiseGeek Community Service No-Essay Scholarship

Amount: $500

For: Any student

This easy application scholarship seeks to support a student who is passionate and involved in community service. Just make sure your Bold.org profile is polished and shows your community service experience.

Frequently asked questions about agriculture scholarships

How to find agriculture scholarships

With a Bold.org profile, you can browse and apply for hundreds of scholarships. You can use the filters to find scholarships for agriculture, as well as any other categories that you fit in, to find scholarships to apply for. Be sure to check all the eligibility requirements and descriptions of the scholarship to make sure you qualify before you apply.

When can I start applying?

It is never too early to start applying for scholarships! There are even scholarships available to high school seniors, juniors, and even underclassmen. The earlier you start planning for the cost of college the better prepared you will be. It's also never too late to start since there are scholarships available to undergraduates and even graduate students. Apply early and apply often to increase your chances of winning.

How do I know if I'm eligible for a scholarship?

Bold.org lists eligibility requirements in each scholarship's description. Check for education level requirements, as well as any other requirements such as gender, desired major or career field, and background or hobby experience that the donor has listed in the description of the scholarship.

What do I have to do to apply?

Create an account at Bold.org, click on any of the links to the featured scholarships in this article to find the prompts, and start writing! Once your essay is done and polished, copy and paste it into the application and click submit. It's that easy!

Are scholarships counted as income?

Generally, scholarships are not considered income. The money from a scholarship program is usually not taxable unless you use it to pay non-eligible costs, such as room and board. Since scholarships from Bold.org are sent directly to the financial aid office of the winner's college or university, the money is applied to qualified costs and is not considered taxable income as a result.