Peanut Scholarship Opportunities

Supporting the next generation of leaders across the peanut industry.

The Virginia–Carolina peanut industry is proud to offer scholarship opportunities for students pursuing careers in agriculture and related fields. These scholarships are supported by grower organizations across North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina, helping invest in the future of peanut farming, research, and agricultural leadership.

 Available Scholarship Opportunities

North Carolina State University (NC State – CALS & Ag Institute)

North Carolina State University

View full scholarship details here.

 

Norfleet L. “Fleet” Sugg Scholarship

  • Open to undergraduate and graduate students in CALS
  • Priority given to students whose academic or research focus relates to the peanut industry
  • Must demonstrate strong academic merit
  • Linked here

Award: Varies
Deadline: August 1

 

Joe Speight Sugg Agricultural Institute Scholarship

  • Must be:
    • Enrolled in the Agricultural Institute (AGI)
    • A resident of a North Carolina peanut-producing county
  • Preference given to:
    • First-year students
    • Students with family ties to the peanut industry (growers, shellers, processors, etc.)
    • Linked here

Selection Criteria Includes:

  • Academic merit
  • Leadership and community involvement (4-H, FFA, etc.)
  • Interest in peanut production, processing, or marketing
  • Financial need may be considered

Award: Varies
Deadline: August 1

 

Bob Sutter Scholarship (Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Association)

  • For Agricultural Institute students from North Carolina or Virginia
  • Merit and need-based
  • Linked here

Preference given to students with:

  • Interest in the peanut industry
  • Farming background or experience
  • Intent to work in agriculture or return to a farm

Award: Varies
Deadline: August 1

 

Thomas R. “Dell” Cotton Scholarship (NC State)

  • For Agricultural Institute students residing in:
    • Select Virginia counties OR
    • North Carolina peanut-producing counties
    • Linked here

Preference given to students who:

  • Demonstrate interest in the peanut industry
  • Have farming or industry experience
  • Plan to return to agriculture in a peanut-producing region

Award: Varies
Deadline: August 1

 

Virginia Tech (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences)

Virginia Tech

 View full scholarship details here

Thomas R. Cotton, Jr. Scholarship (Virginia Tech)

  • Available to students enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Focus on students pursuing Agricultural Technology or related disciplines

Preference given to:

  • Students from North Carolina or Virginia peanut-producing counties

 

 How to Apply

1. Complete the FAFSA

Filing the FAFSA is required for all need-based scholarships: https://studentaid.gov

 

2. Apply Through Your University’s Scholarship Portal

Be sure to complete all required application sections.

 

3. Tell Your Peanut Story 

To be considered for peanut-related scholarships, be sure to:

  • Indicate interest in agriculture or the peanut industry
  • Highlight any family, academic, or work connection to agriculture
  • Share your goals related to farming, research, or the agricultural industry

 

 Important Dates

  • FAFSA Opens: October 1
  • Scholarship Applications Open: December–August (varies by school)
  • Priority Deadline (NC State): February 15
  • Final Deadline (NC State Scholarships): August 1

(Deadlines may vary by institution and scholarship.)

 

Questions

           NC State Students:

    • Student Services Center- Harris Hall
      2831 Thurman Drive
      Raleigh, North Carolina 27695

    • Monday - Friday 8am-5pm

    • Email: studentservices@ncsu.edu

    • Phone: 919-515-NCSU (6278)

      Virginia Tech Students:

      • Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid
        Student Services Building Suite 200
        800 Washington St SW, Blacksburg, VA 24061
      • Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
      • Email: finaid@vt.edu
      • Phone: 540-231-5179