Looking for a cybersecurity scholarship? The Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock is a full ride worth up to $100,000 over four years, and cybersecurity majors can win it. It isn't a cyber-only award: the Donaghey is open to every major. That means you compete on your academic record, not your intended field, and you study cybersecurity with your tuition, fees and living costs covered.
The Donaghey full ride for cybersecurity majors
- The Donaghey Scholarship is worth $92,000 to $100,000 over four years, and cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity scholarships are small, one-time awards, or they come with a service commitment after graduation. The Donaghey Scholarship is different. It's a four-year full ride from the George W. Donaghey Foundation, paired with UA Little Rock's honors program, and it has no work commitment.
What the full ride covers for cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity student gets the full package.
Study cybersecurity at UA Little Rock
UA Little Rock has invested heavily in cybersecurity. Its Cyberspace Operations, Research, and Education (CORE) Center and the Trojan Cyber Arena, a cloud-based training lab, anchor the university's cyber work. UA Little Rock was also one of the first universities in the country to offer a graduate certificate in cybersecurity education, and it is adding a master's degree in cybersecurity.
For an undergraduate, that means a campus where cybersecurity is a priority, with graduate options in the same field if you want to keep going. Ask the department about the courses, labs and research open to first-year students when you visit.
Planning to major in cybersecurity?
Start your free Donaghey profile. Priority review begins January 15, 2027.
How a cybersecurity 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, which pairs well with a technical degree.
- Study abroad. Every scholar goes abroad, usually the summer after sophomore or junior year. Cyber students can choose a program with technical coursework, research or an internship.
- Senior thesis. Every scholar completes a thesis. A cybersecurity major might research a security problem, a policy question or a tool, with a faculty mentor.
- A cohort. You'll join about 25 new scholars from every major, which helps when your work touches law, policy or business.
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 cybersecurity majors?
The Donaghey Scholarship isn't limited to cybersecurity. It's open to every major, and cybersecurity majors are eligible for the full award, worth up to $100,000 over four years.
Can I use the Donaghey Scholarship to study cybersecurity?
Yes. Donaghey Scholars choose their own major at UA Little Rock, including cybersecurity. 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 in cybersecurity 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 require a work commitment after graduation?
No. Scholars keep the award by holding a 3.0 GPA, taking honors core courses, studying abroad, and completing a senior thesis. There is no service or work requirement after graduation.
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.