Looking for a computer science scholarship? The Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock is a full ride worth up to $100,000 over four years, and computer science majors can win it. It isn't a CS-only award: the Donaghey is open to every major. You compete on your academic record, then study computer science with your tuition, fees and living costs covered.
The Donaghey full ride for computer science majors
- The Donaghey Scholarship is worth $92,000 to $100,000 over four years, and computer science 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.
Most computer science scholarships cover a semester or a single year. The Donaghey Scholarship covers four. It's a full ride from the George W. Donaghey Foundation, paired with UA Little Rock's honors program, so you can spend your time on coursework, projects and research instead of extra jobs.
What the full ride covers for computer science 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 computer science student gets the full package.
Study computer science at UA Little Rock
UA Little Rock's computer science program is ranked in the 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings. The university is also home to research centers in immersive visualization (the George W. Donaghey Emerging Analytics Center), social media and data analytics, and information quality, so computing work shows up across campus.
When you visit, ask the department about undergraduate research, labs and internships open to first- and second-year students.
Planning to major in computer science?
Start your free Donaghey profile. Priority review begins January 15, 2027.
How a computer science major fits the honors program
Donaghey Scholars take two honors core courses a semester alongside their major. The honors core is built around small seminars, writing and argument: skills that set strong engineers apart.
- Study abroad. Every scholar goes abroad, usually the summer after sophomore or junior year. CS students can choose technical coursework, research or an internship.
- Senior thesis. Every scholar completes a thesis. A CS major might build software, study an algorithm or tackle a question in AI or data, with a faculty mentor.
- 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 computer science majors?
The Donaghey Scholarship isn't limited to computer science. It's open to every major, and computer science majors are eligible for the full award, worth up to $100,000 over four years.
Can I use the Donaghey Scholarship to study computer science?
Yes. Donaghey Scholars choose their own major at UA Little Rock, including computer science. The award covers tuition and fees for up to 18 hours a semester for eight semesters, plus a yearly stipend.
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.