Looking for a virtual reality scholarship? The Donaghey Scholarship at UA Little Rock is a full ride worth up to $100,000 over four years, and students interested in VR, AR and immersive technology can win it. It's open to every major, and the university's immersive visualization center carries the Donaghey name.
The Donaghey full ride for VR and AR students
- The Donaghey Scholarship is worth $92,000 to $100,000 over four years, and students interested in VR and AR 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.
Virtual and augmented reality are changing how people design, train, explore data and tell stories. 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 build skills in immersive technology without working your way through tuition.
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.
The award is the same for every major.
VR and AR at UA Little Rock
UA Little Rock is home to the George W. Donaghey Emerging Analytics Center, which works in virtual reality, augmented reality and immersive visualization. The center was founded with a grant from the Donaghey Foundation, the same foundation that funds this scholarship.
VR isn't usually a major on its own. Students reach it through computer science, information science, art and design or a related field. When you visit, ask which majors connect to the center and how undergraduates get involved.
Into VR and AR?
Start your free Donaghey profile. Priority review begins January 15, 2027.
How immersive tech fits the honors program
Donaghey Scholars take two honors core courses a semester alongside their major. Immersive technology is about people as much as code, and the honors core's seminars on ideas and communication help you design for them.
- Study abroad. Every scholar goes abroad, usually the summer after sophomore or junior year. Students can choose technical, design or research programs.
- Senior thesis. Every scholar completes a thesis. A VR-focused student might build an immersive application or study how people use one, 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 virtual reality students?
The Donaghey Scholarship isn't limited to VR. It's open to every major, and students interested in virtual and augmented reality are eligible for the full award, worth up to $100,000 over four years.
What is the Emerging Analytics Center?
The George W. Donaghey Emerging Analytics Center at UA Little Rock works in virtual reality, augmented reality and immersive visualization. It was founded with a grant from the Donaghey Foundation.
Which major should I choose for VR and AR?
VR isn't usually a major on its own. Students reach it through computer science, information science, art and design or a related field. 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.