For students considering relocating to North Carolina for college, North Carolina A&T State University (NC A&T) offers a nationally recognized academic environment paired with one of the most comprehensive scholarship-to-career pipelines in the country. Through the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, eligible students can earn a fully funded bachelor’s degree while positioning themselves for long-term careers in agriculture, food systems, environmental science, and related STEM disciplines.
Located in Greensboro, NC A&T is the largest historically Black university (HBCU) in the United States and one of the nineteen 1890 Land-Grant Universities. Its strong research infrastructure, federal partnerships, and industry connections make it an attractive destination for students willing to relocate for opportunity.
A Fully Funded Education With a Federal Career Path
Established in 1992, the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and 1890 land-grant institutions. The objective is clear: cultivate a highly skilled workforce prepared to address national challenges in agriculture, sustainability, conservation, and food security.
For students relocating to North Carolina, the scholarship eliminates the primary financial barriers associated with moving for college. The award includes:
- Full tuition and required fees
- Books and academic supplies
- Room and board
- Paid summer internships with USDA
In many cases, the internship experience can transition into full-time employment with USDA after graduation, creating a direct pathway from undergraduate education to federal service.
Why North Carolina A&T Appeals to Relocating Students
North Carolina A&T is widely recognized for its strength in agricultural and environmental sciences, engineering, and applied research. Students relocating to Greensboro gain access to:
- A robust College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
- Research facilities focused on sustainability, agribusiness, biotechnology, and natural resource management
- Proximity to the Research Triangle and broader Southeast job markets
- A large, diverse student body with strong alumni networks nationwide
As a land-grant institution, NC A&T emphasizes applied learning, community engagement, and workforce readiness—key considerations for students moving across state lines to invest in their future.
Eligible Fields of Study With Long-Term Demand
To qualify for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, students must pursue a degree aligned with USDA mission areas. At North Carolina A&T, eligible disciplines include:
- Agriculture and Agronomy
- Agricultural Business and Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Engineering and Technology
- Animal Sciences
- Food Science and Nutrition
- Forestry and Natural Resources Management
- Soil Science and Conservation
- Horticulture
- Agricultural Production and Technology
- Related disciplines such as non-medical biological sciences, pre-veterinary medicine, and computer science
These fields align with both federal workforce needs and private-sector growth in environmental sustainability, food innovation, and data-driven agriculture.
Who Should Consider Relocating for This Opportunity
The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is open to:
- High school seniors entering their freshman year of college
- Rising college sophomores and juniors
- U.S. citizens accepted to or currently attending one of the nineteen 1890 Land-Grant Universities, including NC A&T
General eligibility requirements include:
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Minimum standardized test scores of 21 ACT or 1080 SAT
- Demonstrated leadership and community service
- Submission of official transcripts
- Completion of two required essays outlining career goals and academic motivations
Applicants must articulate how the scholarship supports their long-term aspirations and identify relevant USDA mission areas aligned with their career path.
A Strategic Relocation for Career-Focused Students
For students and families evaluating the return on investment of relocating for college, North Carolina A&T State University offers a compelling value proposition. Through the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, students can graduate without the burden of tuition debt, gain paid federal experience, and step directly into mission-driven careers.
Relocating to North Carolina for NC A&T is not simply a college decision—it is a strategic career move. For students interested in agriculture, environmental science, engineering, or applied biological sciences, the combination of academic rigor, federal partnership, and workforce alignment makes Greensboro a destination worth serious consideration.