Looking for a data science scholarship? The Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock is a full ride worth up to $100,000 over four years, and students headed into data science and analytics can win it. It's open to every major, so you compete on your academic record, then study data with your tuition, fees and living costs covered.
The Donaghey full ride for data science students
- The Donaghey Scholarship is worth $92,000 to $100,000 over four years, and data and analytics 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.
Data skills are in demand in nearly every field. 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 build those skills without working your way through tuition.
What the full ride covers for data 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 data science student gets the full package.
Study data science and analytics at UA Little Rock
UA Little Rock does serious data research. The COSMOS Research Center studies social media and data analytics and recently received a $1 million federal investment for analytics and national security research. The Center for Advanced Research in Entity Resolution and Information Quality works on making data accurate and usable.
Students usually reach data science through computer science, information science or a related major. When you visit, ask which majors fit your goals and how undergraduates join research.
Interested in data science?
Start your free Donaghey profile. Priority review begins January 15, 2027.
How data science fits the honors program
Donaghey Scholars take two honors core courses a semester alongside their major. Data work is only as good as the questions behind it, and the honors core's seminars sharpen how you frame and explain them.
- Study abroad. Every scholar goes abroad, usually the summer after sophomore or junior year. Data students can choose technical coursework, research or an internship.
- Senior thesis. Every scholar completes a thesis. A data student might analyze a large dataset or test a method, 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 data science students?
The Donaghey Scholarship isn't limited to data science. It's open to every major, and data and analytics students are eligible for the full award, worth up to $100,000 over four years.
Which major should I choose for data science?
Students usually reach data science through computer science, information science 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.
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.