Looking for a pre-law scholarship? The Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock is a full ride worth up to $100,000 over four years, and pre-law students can win it. Law schools accept every major, and so does the Donaghey. You compete on your academic record, finish your bachelor's degree with costs covered, and save for law school.
The Donaghey full ride for pre-law students
- The Donaghey Scholarship is worth $92,000 to $100,000 over four years, and pre-law students in any major 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.
Law school is expensive, and law schools look closely at your undergraduate GPA, writing and reasoning. The Donaghey Scholarship helps on both fronts. It's a four-year full ride from the George W. Donaghey Foundation, paired with an honors program built on writing and argument.
What the full ride covers for pre-law 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. It covers your undergraduate degree, not law school.
Prepare for law school at UA Little Rock
Pre-law isn't a major. It's a path you follow while majoring in a field such as political science, history, English, philosophy, business or criminal justice. UA Little Rock is home to the William H. Bowen School of Law, and Little Rock is Arkansas's capital, with state and federal courts, the legislature and law firms nearby.
When you visit, ask about pre-law advising, mock trial and internships with courts, agencies and firms.
Headed for law school?
Start your free Donaghey profile. Priority review begins January 15, 2027.
How a pre-law path fits the honors program
Donaghey Scholars take two honors core courses a semester alongside their major. The honors core is built on close reading, writing and argument, the same skills law schools and the LSAT test.
- Study abroad. Every scholar goes abroad, usually the summer after sophomore or junior year. Pre-law students can study international law, human rights or government.
- Senior thesis. Every scholar completes a thesis. A pre-law student might research a legal question, a court decision or a policy, with a faculty mentor. It's strong writing evidence for law school applications.
- 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 pre-law students?
The Donaghey Scholarship isn't limited to pre-law. It's open to every major, and pre-law students are eligible for the full award, worth up to $100,000 over four years.
Does the Donaghey Scholarship pay for law school?
No. It covers your undergraduate degree at UA Little Rock: tuition and fees for up to eight semesters, a yearly stipend, housing support, study abroad and a laptop. That can help you save for law school.
What should a pre-law student major in?
Any major. Law schools admit students from every field. Many choose political science, history, English, philosophy, business or criminal justice.
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.