Looking for a criminal justice scholarship? The Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock is a full ride worth up to $100,000 over four years, and criminal justice majors can win it. It isn't a CJ-only award: the Donaghey is open to every major. You compete on your academic record, then study criminal justice with your tuition, fees and living costs covered.
The Donaghey full ride for criminal justice majors
- The Donaghey Scholarship is worth $92,000 to $100,000 over four years, and criminal justice 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.
Criminal justice leads to careers in law enforcement, the courts, corrections, policy and law 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 your studies and internships.
What the full ride covers for criminal justice 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 criminal justice student gets the full package.
Study criminal justice at UA Little Rock
Criminal justice is one of UA Little Rock's top undergraduate majors, and the university's online graduate program in criminal justice is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Little Rock is Arkansas's capital, home to state and federal courts, state agencies and the legislature, which puts internships close to campus.
When you visit, ask the department about internships and research open to undergraduates.
Planning to major in criminal justice?
Start your free Donaghey profile. Priority review begins January 15, 2027.
How a criminal justice major fits the honors program
Donaghey Scholars take two honors core courses a semester alongside their major. The honors core's seminars on ethics, writing and argument are a strong match for criminal justice.
- Study abroad. Every scholar goes abroad, usually the summer after sophomore or junior year. CJ students can compare how other countries approach justice and policing.
- Senior thesis. Every scholar completes a thesis. A criminal justice major might study a policy, a court practice or crime 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 criminal justice majors?
The Donaghey Scholarship isn't limited to criminal justice. It's open to every major, and criminal justice majors are eligible for the full award, worth up to $100,000 over four years.
Can I use the Donaghey Scholarship to study criminal justice or criminology?
Yes. Donaghey Scholars choose their own major at UA Little Rock, including criminal justice. 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.
Does the scholarship cover the online graduate program?
No. The Donaghey Scholarship is for undergraduate study at UA Little Rock. It covers up to eight fall and spring semesters toward your bachelor's degree.
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.