Looking for a political 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 politics, public policy and public service can win it. It's open to every major, and you'll study in Arkansas's capital city.
The Donaghey full ride for political science students
- The Donaghey Scholarship is worth $92,000 to $100,000 over four years, and political science 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.
Few places put politics closer at hand than a state capital. 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 take internships in government and public service instead of working just to pay tuition.
What the full ride covers for political 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 political science student gets the full package.
Study politics and public service at UA Little Rock
Little Rock is Arkansas's capital, home to the legislature, state agencies, state and federal courts and many nonprofits. UA Little Rock's graduate programs in public affairs rank among the nation's best, and the university is also home to the William H. Bowen School of Law.
When you visit, ask about the political science major, legislative and government internships, and how undergraduates connect with the public affairs faculty.
Planning a career in public service?
Start your free Donaghey profile. Priority review begins January 15, 2027.
How political science fits the honors program
Donaghey Scholars take two honors core courses a semester alongside their major. The honors core is built on reading, writing and argument, the everyday tools of policy and politics.
- Study abroad. Every scholar goes abroad, usually the summer after sophomore or junior year. Political science students can study another country's government and politics firsthand.
- Senior thesis. Every scholar completes a thesis. A political science student might study an election, a law or a 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 political science majors?
The Donaghey Scholarship isn't limited to political science. It's open to every major, and political science students are eligible for the full award, worth up to $100,000 over four years.
Can I use the Donaghey Scholarship for public service or public policy?
Yes. Donaghey Scholars choose their own major at UA Little Rock. Ask the university which majors best fit a career in public service or policy.
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 pay for graduate school in public affairs?
No. It covers your undergraduate degree at UA Little Rock. Finishing college without tuition bills can help you save for graduate or law school.
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.