Looking for a biotechnology or chemistry scholarship? The Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock is a full ride worth up to $100,000 over four years, and chemistry, biochemistry and biotech students can win it. It's open to every major, so you compete on your academic record, then study science with your tuition, fees and living costs covered.
The Donaghey full ride for biotech and chemistry students
- The Donaghey Scholarship is worth $92,000 to $100,000 over four years, and chemistry and biotech students are eligible.
- It covers full tuition and fees, an $8,000 to $10,000 yearly stipend, housing support, $8,500 for study abroad, and a laptop.
- It's merit based, not need based. About 25 new scholars are chosen each year.
- To apply you need a 3.5 GPA and a 24 ACT or 1180 SAT, plus admission to UA Little Rock.
- For fall 2027 entry, January 15, 2027 is the priority date and February 15, 2027 is the final deadline.
Biotech and chemistry lead to careers in medicine, pharmaceuticals, research and industry, and often to graduate or professional school. The Donaghey Scholarship is a four-year full ride from the George W. Donaghey Foundation, paired with UA Little Rock's honors program, so you can focus on lab work instead of tuition bills.
What the full ride covers for science students
- Tuition and fees for up to 18 hours a semester, for up to eight semesters.
- A yearly stipend of $8,000 to $10,000.
- Housing support of $700 a semester while you live on campus (required your first year).
- $8,500 for study abroad, which every scholar completes.
- A new laptop.
The award is the same for every major, so a science student gets the full package.
Study chemistry and biotech at UA Little Rock
UA Little Rock is home to the Center for Molecular Design and Development, which works in molecular design and biotech research. Biology is also one of the university's largest and best-known majors.
Students usually reach biotech through chemistry, biochemistry, biology or a related major. When you visit, ask which majors fit your goals and how undergraduates join research labs.
Planning to study chemistry or biotech?
Start your free Donaghey profile. Priority review begins January 15, 2027.
How a science major fits the honors program
Donaghey Scholars take two honors core courses a semester alongside their major. Seminars on writing and argument help scientists explain their work in papers, posters and applications.
- Study abroad. Every scholar goes abroad, usually the summer after sophomore or junior year. Science students can choose research or lab-based programs.
- Senior thesis. Every scholar completes a thesis. A chemistry or biotech student might do original lab research with a faculty mentor, strong preparation for graduate or medical school.
- A cohort. You'll join about 25 new scholars from every major each year.
Who can apply and when
- A 3.5 GPA and a 24 ACT or 1180 SAT. Admitted scholars have a median 3.9 GPA and 30 ACT.
- Admission to UA Little Rock.
- Incoming freshmen, international students, and transfer or current UA Little Rock students with fewer than 36 hours of college credit. AP and concurrent credit from high school don't count.
- For fall 2027 entry, apply by January 15, 2027 (priority) or February 15, 2027 (final). Decisions go out in mid to late March.
To keep the award, scholars hold a 3.0 cumulative GPA, take two honors core courses a semester, live on campus their first year, study abroad, and complete a senior thesis. See the full admission standards, what the full ride covers, and how merit selection works.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a scholarship just for chemistry or biotech students?
The Donaghey Scholarship isn't limited to science. It's open to every major, and chemistry, biochemistry and biotech students are eligible for the full award, worth up to $100,000 over four years.
Which major should I choose for biotechnology?
Students usually reach biotech through chemistry, biochemistry, biology or a related major. Ask UA Little Rock's departments which fits your goals. Donaghey Scholars can choose any major.
What GPA and test scores do I need?
At least a 3.5 GPA and a 24 ACT or 1180 SAT, plus admission to UA Little Rock. Admitted scholars have a median 3.9 GPA and 30 ACT.
Can transfer students apply?
Yes, if you meet the minimums and have completed fewer than 36 hours of college credit. AP scores and concurrent credit earned in high school don't count toward the 36 hours.
Does the scholarship pay for graduate or medical school?
No. It covers your undergraduate degree at UA Little Rock. Finishing college without tuition bills can help you save for what comes next.
Apply to be a Donaghey Scholar
About 25 new scholars are selected each year. The final deadline for fall 2027 entry is February 15, 2027.