Looking for a nursing scholarship? The Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock is a full ride worth up to $100,000 over four years, and nursing students can win it. It isn't a nursing-only award: the Donaghey is open to every major. You compete on your academic record, then study nursing with your tuition, fees and living costs covered.
The Donaghey full ride for nursing students
- The Donaghey Scholarship is worth $92,000 to $100,000 over four years, and nursing 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.
Nursing school is demanding, and many nursing students work to cover costs on top of classes and clinicals. The Donaghey Scholarship takes that pressure off. It's a four-year full ride from the George W. Donaghey Foundation, paired with UA Little Rock's honors program.
What the full ride covers for nursing 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 nursing student gets the full package.
Study nursing at UA Little Rock
UA Little Rock's nursing program is ranked in the 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings. Little Rock is also Arkansas's largest city and a regional center for health care, which gives nursing students a wide range of hospitals and clinics nearby.
Nursing programs have their own admission steps and course sequence. Talk with the nursing department about how and when you enter the program, and with the Donaghey office about planning your honors courses around it.
Planning to study nursing?
Start your free Donaghey profile. Priority review begins January 15, 2027.
How a nursing major fits the honors program
Donaghey Scholars take two honors core courses a semester alongside their major. Nursing has a tight schedule, so scholars plan early.
- Study abroad. Every scholar goes abroad, usually in a summer. Nursing students can look for programs in global health or health care systems, and should plan the timing around clinicals.
- Senior thesis. Every scholar completes a thesis. A nursing student might study patient care, community health or health policy, 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 nursing students?
The Donaghey Scholarship isn't limited to nursing. It's open to every major, and nursing students are eligible for the full award, worth up to $100,000 over four years.
Can I use the Donaghey Scholarship to study nursing?
Yes. Donaghey Scholars choose their own major at UA Little Rock, including nursing. Ask the nursing department about its own admission steps, since the program has its own sequence.
Can nursing students fit in study abroad and a thesis?
Yes, with early planning. Talk with the Donaghey program office and your nursing advisor in your first year to schedule study abroad and your thesis around clinicals.
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.
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.