Looking for a pre-med scholarship? The Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock is a full ride worth up to $100,000 over four years, and biology and pre-med students can win it. It's open to every major, so you compete on your academic record. Then you finish your undergraduate degree with tuition, fees and living costs covered, and save for medical school.
The Donaghey full ride for pre-med students
- The Donaghey Scholarship is worth $92,000 to $100,000 over four years, and biology and pre-med 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.
Medical school is expensive. Finishing your undergraduate degree without tuition bills gives you a head start. The Donaghey Scholarship is 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 pre-med 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 pre-med student gets the full package.
Study biology and pre-med at UA Little Rock
Biology is one of UA Little Rock's largest and best-known majors. Pre-med usually isn't a major on its own: most pre-med students major in biology or chemistry and add the courses medical schools require. UA Little Rock is also home to the Center for Molecular Design and Development, which works in biotech research.
When you visit, ask the biology department about pre-health advising, research labs and shadowing opportunities in Little Rock's hospitals.
Headed for medical school?
Start your free Donaghey profile. Priority review begins January 15, 2027.
How a pre-med track fits the honors program
Donaghey Scholars take two honors core courses a semester alongside their major. The honors core's emphasis on writing and argument helps with medical school essays and interviews.
- Study abroad. Every scholar goes abroad, usually the summer after sophomore or junior year. Pre-med students can look for programs in global health, research or science coursework.
- Senior thesis. Every scholar completes a thesis. A biology student might do lab or field research with a faculty mentor, which strengthens a medical school application.
- 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-med students?
The Donaghey Scholarship isn't limited to pre-med. It's open to every major, and biology and pre-med students are eligible for the full award, worth up to $100,000 over four years.
Does the Donaghey Scholarship pay for medical 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 medical school.
What should a pre-med student major in?
Most choose biology or chemistry, but medical schools accept any major as long as you complete their required courses. 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.
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.