2025 Application Guide for Donaghey Scholars Program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Scholarship Awarding University: 

Type of degree: 
Bachelor’s

Scholarship Deadline: 
Applications for this scholarship will end as follows;
i. Priority deadline: 15th of January, 2025
ii. Final deadline: 15th of February, 2025

Scholarship Summary: 
The Donaghey Scholars Program is the honors program open to all majors at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. With a generous financial package, interdisciplinary core curriculum, study abroad, and supportive community, the Donaghey Scholars Program offers a distinctive learning environment for undergraduate studies to approximately 25 incoming freshmen (domestic and international).

Scholarship Applicant Criteria:
There are no standardized minimum requirements to be considered for the Donaghey Scholars. An admissions committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students review applications and select promising applicants for interview.

The following are factors in the selection process:
a. High school performance (coursework and GPA of 3.5+) 
b. Extra-curricular activities and community involvement
c. Test scores (ACT or SAT)
d. Recommendations
e. Demonstrated ability in college (if applicable)
f. Written essays
g. Personal interviews

Please note: To apply for the program, a student must have at least 3.5 GPA

Value of Scholarship: 
Donaghey Scholars receive a substantial financial package totaling between $75,000 - $95,000 that includes full tuition, fees, and a generous stipend.

All students accepted into the Program receive:
Full tuition and fees for up to 18 hours per semester for up to eight semesters
Stipend ($6,000, $8,000, or $10,000 per year dependent upon qualifications)
Financial assistance towards Study Abroad
On-campus housing subsidy
New laptop computer

Scholarship Application Guide: 
To apply to the Donaghey Scholars Program;
1. Complete the online application for admission to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Priority application deadline is January 15. Applications are accepted through February 15.
    • Once you have been accepted to the university, you will receive a T-number from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

2. Have official test scores for the ACT/SAT sent to UA Little Rock.

3. Have official transcripts for high school (including fall semester 2024) and, if
applicable, college sent to UA Little Rock.


5. Complete the Donaghey scholars application found at this link: Fall 2025-26 Donaghey Scholars Program Application . Please make sure you meet the minimum academic requirements listed in the application:
    • In the application you will be able to submit your essays and will receive directions regarding your letters of recommendation. It's strongly suggested that your letters of recommendation come from teachers.

6. Beginning in late January, interviews are arranged for the most promising applicants. The candidate interviews with three people from the admissions committee: the Director of the Scholars Program, a faculty member from the Policy Council, and a student representative from the Student Committee. Interviews typically last 45 minutes

7. In late March, after further review, the admissions committee decides which students will receive an offer from the Program. The admission standards are holistic, and decisions are based on academic record, test scores, leadership ability, community service, interest in other cultures, recommendation letters, the essays the student has submitted, and the interview.

8. The Program will notify selected students in late March.

Scholarship Website: 
Find further information on this scholarship opportunity at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Donaghey Scholarship Page or the International Scholarship Page.