Looking for a business scholarship? The Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock is a full ride worth up to $100,000 over four years, and business majors can win it. It isn't a business-only award: the Donaghey is open to every major. You compete on your academic record, then study business with your tuition, fees and living costs covered.
The Donaghey full ride for business majors
- The Donaghey Scholarship is worth $92,000 to $100,000 over four years, and business majors 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.
Many business scholarships are one-time awards of a few thousand dollars. 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 take internships and build experience instead of working just to pay tuition.
What the full ride covers for business majors
- 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 business student gets the full package.
Study business at UA Little Rock
UA Little Rock's business program is ranked in the 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings. Little Rock is Arkansas's capital and largest city, home to state government, banks, health systems and corporate offices, which puts internships within reach.
When you visit, ask the business college about its majors, internship placements and student organizations.
Planning to major in business?
Start your free Donaghey profile. Priority review begins January 15, 2027.
How a business major fits the honors program
Donaghey Scholars take two honors core courses a semester alongside their major. Small seminars built on writing and argument sharpen the communication skills employers look for.
- Study abroad. Every scholar goes abroad, usually the summer after sophomore or junior year. Business students can choose international business courses or an internship abroad.
- Senior thesis. Every scholar completes a thesis. A business major might study a market, a company or an economic question, with a faculty mentor.
- A cohort. You'll join about 25 new scholars from every major each year, and a network of Donaghey alumni going back to 1987.
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 business majors?
The Donaghey Scholarship isn't limited to business. It's open to every major, and business majors are eligible for the full award, worth up to $100,000 over four years.
Can I use the Donaghey Scholarship for accounting, finance or marketing?
Yes. Donaghey Scholars choose their own major at UA Little Rock. Ask the business college which majors it offers.
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.
Is the scholarship based on financial need?
No. It's a merit award chosen on your academic record, activities, essays, recommendations and an interview. It also stacks with Pell Grants and most Arkansas state scholarships.
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.