Looking for scholarships for gifted students? The Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock was built for them. It's a full ride honors award worth up to $100,000 over four years, chosen on academic achievement, not financial need. About 25 new scholars are selected each year, with a median 3.9 GPA and 30 ACT.
The Donaghey Scholarship for gifted students at a glance
- It's a full ride honors award worth $92,000 to $100,000 over four years, open to every major.
- It covers full tuition and fees, an $8,000 to $10,000 yearly stipend, housing support, $8,500 for study abroad, and a laptop.
- Admitted scholars have a median 3.9 GPA and 30 ACT. The minimums to apply are a 3.5 GPA and a 24 ACT or 1180 SAT.
- About 25 new scholars are chosen each year, based on merit, not need.
- For fall 2027 entry, January 15, 2027 is the priority date and February 15, 2027 is the final deadline.
Gifted students often have good options and big questions: Where will I be challenged? Can I graduate without debt? The Donaghey Scholarship answers both. It pairs a four-year full ride from the George W. Donaghey Foundation with UA Little Rock's honors program: small seminars, required study abroad and a senior thesis.
What the full ride covers
- 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.
An honors program built for top students
The Donaghey Scholars program is UA Little Rock's honors program. Scholars take two honors core courses a semester: small, discussion-based seminars on ideas, writing and argument, taken with other scholars. You can pair that with any major.
UA Little Rock's School of Education is also nationally recognized for its gifted education program, so the university understands how high-ability students learn.
Ready for a real challenge?
Start your free Donaghey profile. Priority review begins January 15, 2027.
What scholars do
- Study abroad. Every scholar goes abroad, usually the summer after sophomore or junior year, with $8,500 from the Foundation.
- Senior thesis. Every scholar completes an original thesis with a faculty mentor, in any field.
- A cohort. You'll join about 25 new scholars a year, and a network of Donaghey alumni going back to 1987.
Who can apply and when
- A 3.5 GPA and a 24 ACT or 1180 SAT to apply. Admitted scholars have a median 3.9 GPA and 30 ACT, but scores alone shouldn't stop you from applying.
- 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
What scholarships are there for gifted students?
Look for merit-based honors awards that reward academic achievement. The Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock is one: a full ride honors award worth up to $100,000 over four years.
What GPA and test scores do Donaghey Scholars have?
Admitted scholars have a median 3.9 GPA and 30 ACT. The minimums to apply are a 3.5 GPA and a 24 ACT or 1180 SAT.
Is the Donaghey 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.
Can I choose any major?
Yes. Donaghey Scholars choose their own major at UA Little Rock and take honors core courses alongside it.
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.