2026 Scholarship opportunities for animal science students
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EmailApplications are due September 27, 2026.
Are you a student pursuing a dairy-related career? The Animal Science department annually awards over $120,000 to students interested in careers in the dairy industry. Criteria for scholarship selection includes academics, extracurricular activities and interest in a dairy-related career.
In addition to completing the application, applicants must also submit a resume, photo, transcripts and statement of interest. The application form, resume and statement of interest must be submitted as Word documents. Transcripts and photos may be submitted as PDF or picture files.
Applications are due on September 27, 2026, to Dr. Miriam Baker, msw@msu.edu either by email or delivered to her office at 2265J Anthony Hall. Please contact her with any questions regarding the funding opportunities below.
Michigan Dairy Memorial Scholarship
The Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation supports one of the largest scholarship funds in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. These scholarships range from $3,000 to $8,500 per student annually. The Foundation also supports MSU Dairy Education programs, including Dairy Judging and Dairy Challenge, providing opportunities for students to participate in regional and national intercollegiate contests. Since its inception in 1957, charitable gifts to the Foundation have supported the education of MSU students while recognizing individuals as Foundation Honorees for their contributions to the dairy industry.
All undergraduate, Ag Tech and veterinary students may apply for this scholarship.
Howard E. Cowles Dairy Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded annually to juniors born in Michigan who are majoring in Animal Science with an interest in dairy. Students must also exhibit interest and participation in extracurricular dairy activities. Recipients are selected by the faculty of Animal Science from students who meet criteria for eligibility.
Rolland Patenge Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded annually to students majoring in Animal Science with an interest in dairy. Recipients are selected by the faculty of Animal Science from students who meet criteria for eligibility. Applicants must be born in Michigan, plan to pursue a career in the dairy industry, and have a record of participation in dairy-related extracurricular activities.
G.C. and Gwendolyn Graf Student Enhancement Program
The Graf student enhancement program supports undergraduate students conducting research to support the dairy industry. Applicants should submit a resume, project description, statement of interest and proposed budget (up to $2,000).
Funds can be used for research supplies, conference travel costs, hourly wages, or other project expenses. Animal Science faculty will select students based on past academic achievement, soundness of the project plan, relevance to the dairy industry, and plans for presentation of the results, such as posters, written materials, or conference presentations.
