Land-grant universities are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established under the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. These laws aimed to promote education in agriculture, science, and engineering, making higher education accessible to a broader segment of the population. Each state received federal land to fund the establishment of these universities, which often focus on practical education and research. Today, there are over 100 land-grant universities across the country, including well-known institutions like Texas A&M University and University of California, Davis. They play a vital role in advancing agricultural practices, conducting research, and providing community outreach, contributing significantly to local and national economies.