Looking for a nanotechnology scholarship? The Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock is a full ride worth up to $100,000 over four years, and students headed into nanotechnology can win it. It's open to every major, so you compete on your academic record, then study nanoscience with your tuition, fees and living costs covered.
The Donaghey full ride for nanotechnology students
- The Donaghey Scholarship is worth $92,000 to $100,000 over four years, and nanotechnology 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.
Nanotechnology scholarships are rare, and most are small. 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 spend your time in the lab instead of working to pay tuition.
What the full ride covers for nanotechnology 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 nanotech student gets the full package.
Study nanotechnology at UA Little Rock
UA Little Rock is home to the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences, which recently received $6 million in federal funding, including for research on bone regeneration. It's a chance to see nanoscience applied to real problems in medicine and materials.
Students usually reach nanotechnology through physics, chemistry, biology or a related science major. When you visit, ask which majors connect to the center and how undergraduates join its research.
Interested in nanotechnology?
Start your free Donaghey profile. Priority review begins January 15, 2027.
How nanotechnology fits the honors program
Donaghey Scholars take two honors core courses a semester alongside their major. Seminars on writing and argument help scientists explain their work, in grant proposals, papers and talks.
- Study abroad. Every scholar goes abroad, usually the summer after sophomore or junior year. Science students can choose research or lab-based programs.
- Senior thesis. Every scholar completes a thesis. A nanotech student might do original lab research with a faculty mentor, valuable for graduate school or industry.
- 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 nanotechnology students?
The Donaghey Scholarship isn't limited to nanotechnology. It's open to every major, and nanotech students are eligible for the full award, worth up to $100,000 over four years.
Which major should I choose for nanotechnology?
Students usually reach nanotechnology through physics, chemistry, biology or a related science 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.