University of Arkansas at Little Rock Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Arkansas aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 21, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~58%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22
- Middle 50% SAT: 1095
- Average GPA: 3.6
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Arkansas at Little Rock at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Trojan Guarantee & Donaghey Scholars Honors Program)
Average Net Price
$11,225/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$2,000–$10,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
14 opportunities
7 automatic · 2 competitive · 4 hidden gem · 1 honors
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3+; ACT 20+ / SAT 1030+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-required
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Aug 17 • FAFSA: Aug 17
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Trojan Guarantee & Donaghey Scholars Honors Program
Honors College
Honors Program Available
UALR is one of those schools that quietly makes a lot of financial sense—especially for families trying to avoid big student loan numbers. The automatic merit is straightforward, the GPA/test score cutoffs are realistic, and the border-state waiver can instantly drop costs for out-of-state students. This is a place where solid students can stack aid and actually get to a low net price without chasing long-shot scholarships.
The big upside is the Donaghey Scholars Program, which is a true full ride—but that’s a selective track, not something to count on. For most families, the real value here is predictable discounts and affordability. UALR works best for students who want a practical, career-focused education in a city setting and are more focused on outcomes than brand name. If your goal is “graduate with little to no debt,” this is the kind of school that should be on your list.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? No — University of Arkansas at Little Rock is test-required.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: 1095.
Average net price? About $11,225/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in ACM.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Arkansas at Little Rock 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$10,185 |
$23,605 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$7,606 |
$7,606 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$17,791 |
$31,211 |
Average Federal Net Price: $11,225 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Tuition Savings Options:
- Contiguous States Waiver: Residents of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Oklahoma automatically qualify for in-state tuition rates. This lowers non-resident tuition from $22,870 down to the $10,185 in-state level.
- Academic Common Market (ACM): Through the Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market, students from participating states can pay in-state rates for approved majors not offered at home. Application required through your state higher-ed office.
Cost & Aid FAQ
Do tuition rates differ by residency?
Yes — Arkansas residents pay around $10,185 per year, while non-residents pay approximately $23,605 before waivers or aid.
Are books and personal costs included?
No. These are indirect costs, meaning they’re estimated for financial aid purposes but not billed by the university.
Can out-of-state students qualify for in-state rates?
Yes. Students from six neighboring states qualify automatically under UA Little Rock’s regional tuition policy.
Sources:
https://ualr.edu/bursar/tuitionandfees/
https://ualr.edu/financialaid/undergrad/coa/
https://ualr.edu/housing/rates/
https://ualr.edu/admissions/instate/
https://ualr.edu/scholarships/freshmen/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-arkansas-at-little-rock/tuition-and-costs
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?107558-University-of-Arkansas-at-Little-Rock=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Automatic
Chancellor’s Academic Distinction
📅 Deadline: August 1 (admission plus transcript and test scores on file)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$10,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
🏫 4.0+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT✎ ~1030 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Your family gets one bite at the merit grid — this award cannot be combined with the Half-Off Scholarship or the Donaghey Scholars Program. It can, however, layer with one mentored program award (like CLC) and with state and federal aid such as the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and Pell.
💡
Strategic Detail
UA Little Rock’s top automatic merit tier layers $5,000 toward tuition and fees with another $5,000 toward on-campus housing — a $10,000-per-year package for 4.0 students who hit a 20 ACT or 1030 SAT. Because it’s automatic on the merit grid, there’s no separate application: your admissions file is your scholarship application.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
4.0 GPA students with at least a 20 ACT or 1030 SAT who live in Arkansas or a contiguous state, complete admission early, and get transcripts and scores to UA Little Rock by August 1.
Automatic
Provost’s Academic Excellence
📅 Deadline: August 1 (admission plus transcript and test scores on file)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.8+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT✎ ~1030 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This counts as your one academic merit award — it cannot be combined with the Half-Off Scholarship or the Donaghey Scholars Program. It can stack with one mentored program scholarship (such as CLC) and with state and federal aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
The second tier on UA Little Rock’s automatic merit grid packages $4,000 toward tuition and fees with $4,000 toward on-campus housing — $8,000 per year for admitted freshmen who bring at least a 3.75 GPA and a 20 ACT or 1030 SAT. No separate application; being admitted with credentials on file is the whole process.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with at least a 3.75 GPA and a 20 ACT or 1030 SAT who live in Arkansas or a contiguous state and get their admissions file complete by August 1.
Automatic
Deans’ Academic Merit
📅 Deadline: August 1 (admission plus transcript and test scores on file)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.5+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT✎ ~1030 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
One academic merit award per student — cannot be combined with the Half-Off Scholarship or the Donaghey Scholars Program. Layers well with one mentored program award and with Arkansas Academic Challenge and Pell.
💡
Strategic Detail
A $6,000-per-year package on UA Little Rock’s automatic merit grid — $4,000 toward tuition and fees and $2,000 toward on-campus housing — for students landing at least a 3.5 GPA with a 20 ACT or 1030 SAT. Automatic on admission, no separate essays or interviews.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Admitted freshmen with a 3.5–3.74 GPA and at least a 20 ACT or 1030 SAT who live in Arkansas or a contiguous state and finish admission steps on time.
Automatic
UA Little Rock Academic Achievement
📅 Deadline: August 1 (admission plus transcript and test scores on file)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.3+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT✎ ~1030 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
Counts as the student’s single academic merit award; cannot be stacked with the Half-Off Scholarship or the Donaghey Scholars Program. Combines with one mentored program award and with state and federal aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
A $4,000-per-year package on the automatic merit grid — $3,000 toward tuition and fees and $1,000 toward on-campus housing — for admitted freshmen with a 3.25+ GPA and a 20 ACT or 1030 SAT. No essays, no interview: your admissions file does the work.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Freshmen with at least a 3.25 GPA and a 20 ACT or 1030 SAT who live in Arkansas or a contiguous state and complete admission and credentials by August 1.
Automatic
Freshman Award
📅 Deadline: August 1 (admission plus transcript and test scores on file)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT✎ ~1030 SAT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is the entry tier on the merit grid. It doesn’t stack with higher-tier merit awards, the Half-Off Scholarship, or Donaghey Scholars — but it pairs nicely with one mentored program award and with Arkansas Academic Challenge and Pell.
💡
Strategic Detail
The entry point on UA Little Rock’s automatic merit grid — $2,000 per year toward tuition and fees for admitted freshmen with a 3.0+ GPA and a 20 ACT or 1030 SAT. Unlike the higher tiers, this one doesn’t include a housing component. No separate application required.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-time freshmen with at least a 3.0 GPA and a 20 ACT or 1030 SAT who live in Arkansas or a contiguous state and complete admission and credentials by August 1.
Automatic
New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award
📅 Deadline: August 1 (admission plus transcript and test scores on file)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~20 ACT
✚
Stacking & Combining
This is a tuition-rate adjustment rather than a dollar scholarship, so it layers naturally with UA Little Rock institutional merit awards and with federal and external aid — a real advantage for out-of-state families comparing net cost.
💡
Strategic Detail
One of the most under-appreciated affordability tools at UA Little Rock — the New Arkansan award pays roughly 90% of the non-resident tuition premium, effectively dropping out-of-state families to something very close to the in-state rate. Minimum criteria are a 3.0 GPA and a 20 ACT, and the discount is applied automatically for eligible students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Non-resident freshmen with at least a 3.0 GPA and a 20 ACT who enroll full-time — including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students.
Automatic
Half-Off Scholarship (50% Off Freshman Tuition & Fees)
📅 Deadline: Rolling by enrollment (admission and enrollment steps must be complete before the term starts)
✓ Renews (2.25 GPA, 2 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with institutional scholarships totaling $5,000 or more — so if you land the Provost’s or higher tier, you take that instead. It layers beautifully with the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and Pell Grant, which is the classic UA Little Rock “$14,000 four-year degree” combination families hear about.
💡
Strategic Detail
This is UA Little Rock’s signature affordability play — 50% off in-state tuition and fees, up to $5,000 per year split evenly between fall and spring. There’s no GPA or test score threshold, no essay, and no income cap; you just need to be an admitted, enrolled full-time freshman. It’s renewable through sophomore year with a 2.25 GPA and 12+ credit hours per term.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-time Arkansas freshmen enrolling full-time who are not already receiving $5,000 or more in institutional scholarships — genuinely regardless of family income or test scores.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Cutoffs reflect published UA Little Rock awards. Actual thresholds, renewability details, and stacking eligibility may change based on funding or updated university policy.
Do I need a separate application? No — these awards are automatic as part of your admission file, including the new Half-Off Scholarship.
Does UA Little Rock superscore? Yes, your highest ACT/SAT section scores across test dates are used for scholarship review.
Can I stack these awards? Only one academic (merit) scholarship can be combined with certain programmatic awards. The Donaghey Scholars Program and Half-Off Scholarship cannot be stacked with other institutional academic awards.
Sources:
ualr.edu/scholarships/
ualr.edu/admissions/cost-financial-aid/
ualr.edu/catalog/academic-policies/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These awards require extra steps (an application, essays, interviews, or verified leadership/service). They’re selective and limited, but very achievable for students who prepare early.
Automatic
STEM Academic Scholarship
📅 Deadline: August 1 (admission plus transcript and test scores on file)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 2.5+ GPA✎ ~19 ACT
✚
Stacking & Combining
STEM Academic counts as the student’s single academic merit award and cannot be combined with the regular merit grid tiers, the Half-Off Scholarship, or the Donaghey Scholars Program. It can pair with one mentored program award (like CLC) and layer with state and federal aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
This is UA Little Rock’s STEM-focused merit award, competitively awarded to admitted STEM majors based on academics, leadership, and STEM activities. The dollar amount is tiered by GPA-and-ACT band, topping out at $6,000 per year for the strongest applicants and going down to a variable award for the entry band. Selection requires living on campus for the first two years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Admitted STEM majors reviewed competitively across four bands: a $6,000 tier for 28–36 ACT with a 3.5 GPA, $4,000 for 24–27 ACT with a 3.25 GPA, $3,000 for 24–27 ACT with a 3.00 GPA, and a variable award for 19+ ACT with at least a 2.5 GPA. Leadership and STEM-related activities also factor in.
App Required
Chancellor’s Leadership Corps (CLC)
📅 Deadline: March 1 (mentored program scholarship deadline)
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA✎ ~19 ACT👥 ~Limited cohort each year; spots are competitive. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
CLC is a mentored program award, which under UA Little Rock’s stacking rules can be combined with one academic merit scholarship from the grid — so families often see it layered on top of the Provost’s or Deans’ tier for a much larger package. It also stacks with the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and federal aid.
📄
How to Apply
Be admitted to UA Little Rock as a first-time freshman, then submit the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps application with the required essay and recommendations by the CLC deadline. Selected finalists are invited to interview as part of the review.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
CLC is UA Little Rock’s signature service-and-leadership scholars community. The package is $6,000 per year — $3,000 toward tuition and fees and $3,000 toward on-campus housing — in exchange for living on campus your first year and participating in ongoing leadership development, service hours, and cohort programming. Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students, which is unusually generous for a mentored program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-time freshmen with at least a 3.0 GPA and a 19+ ACT (or qualifying Accuplacer scores) who bring a real record of leadership and service, submit competitive essays and recommendations, and interview well.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Stacking: University competitive awards follow UA Little Rock’s stacking guidance — typically you can combine one academic award with one programmatic award; some programs may not stack. Always confirm award letters.
What qualities make a strong CLC applicant?
The most successful Chancellor’s Leadership Corps applicants demonstrate sustained and meaningful leadership—such as founding or organizing a project, maintaining a role in community or school initiatives, or having a major ongoing impact in family, volunteer, or extracurricular settings. In addition to meeting academic minimums, applicants should express thoughtfulness and enthusiasm through their essays, recommendations, and interviews. The CLC interview committee especially values applicants who communicate well, show self-awareness, and are motivated to foster a positive campus community .
What is the CLC interview really like?
Applicants are typically invited to participate in a small-group or panel interview. The discussion covers topics such as personal service experiences, motivations for joining the program, and ideas for contributing to CLC programming. Interviewers aim to learn about a candidate’s initiative, reliability, and ability to articulate goals. Applicants are encouraged to dress professionally and prepare relevant examples to share with the committee .
What ongoing requirements do CLC scholars face?
Students in the CLC program are required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, live on campus during their first year, complete the required orientation and First Year Experience courses, fulfill annual service hour requirements, and actively participate in professional development programming. Scholars must meet these criteria each year in order to renew their award .
Why does CLC housing matter?
The university strongly encourages CLC scholars to live in West Hall and participate in the Living Learning Community. This arrangement offers a built-in support system for adjusting to college life, enhanced networking with fellow scholarship recipients, and greater accountability for involvement and academic success .
Can CLC be stacked with other scholarships?
The CLC scholarship can generally be combined with a single academic or automatic merit award, in accordance with UA Little Rock’s university-wide stacking rules. However, certain flagship or high-value program awards are not stackable. It is always important to check the terms and award letters for each individual scholarship.
Sources:
ualr.edu/clc/
ualr.edu/clc/requirements/
ualr.edu/scholarships/
ualr.edu/catalog/academic-policies/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Although these are not the headline scholarships, the right student can save thousands of dollars through these opportunities. Most hidden gem awards are need-based, support first-generation students, or fund experiences like study abroad and research.
Automatic
P.A.R.K. Scholarship
📅 Deadline: August 1 (aligned with admission and credentials deadline)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Because it’s a pipeline award tied to a specific external program, this one generally layers on top of UA Little Rock merit awards, the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, and federal aid — which is a big deal for the families it serves.
💡
Strategic Detail
A $4,000-per-year pipeline award for graduates of the P.A.R.K. Program (Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids), the long-running Little Rock nonprofit that runs after-school academics, recreation, and college prep for at-risk youth. If your student came through P.A.R.K.’s college prep track at the Ottenheimer Accelerated Learning Center, this award recognizes that pipeline directly at UA Little Rock.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Graduates of the P.A.R.K. Program in central Arkansas — the after-school and college-prep program based in Little Rock that supports at-risk youth from elementary school through the Ottenheimer Accelerated Learning Center in grades 10–12.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
📅 Deadline: November 1 (state deadline); earlier internal campus deadlines may apply.
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.3+ GPA👥 ~Number and size of awards depend on annual state funding. winners/yr🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Funds are separate from tuition aid and can be combined with scholarships and grants, subject to sponsor and university rules.
📄
How to Apply
Work with a faculty mentor to develop a research proposal, complete the SURF application through UA Little Rock’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and the ADHE SAMS portal, and submit all materials by the annual deadline.
Selection criteria: State-level competitive review emphasizing academic merit, quality and feasibility of the research proposal, and strength of faculty mentorship.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Program is funded through the Arkansas Division of Higher Education; awards support supplies, travel, and other research-related costs rather than general tuition.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Sophomore, junior, or senior undergraduates with at least a 3.25 GPA, 30 or more credit hours, and a well-developed, faculty-mentored research proposal.
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographicneed_based
Trojan Guarantee
📅 Deadline: Recommended: admission and aid credentials by April 1 for fall; enroll full time by August 1.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition and fees
✔ Stackable
⚠ Arkansas freshmen who are Pell‑eligible and get the Arkansas Academic Challenge can have all UA Little Rock tuition and mandatory fees covered through Trojan Guarantee; families still pay room and board.
👥 ~Funding and number of recipients may vary by year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Last-dollar scholarship that fills remaining tuition and mandatory fees after Pell, Arkansas Academic Challenge, and institutional aid; may stack with certain external and programmatic awards subject to UA Little Rock stacking rules.
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers full tuition and mandatory fees up to 15 credit hours per semester after other federal, state, and institutional aid are applied; designed to create a zero-tuition bachelor’s degree pathway.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Pell-eligible Arkansas residents who also receive the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and enroll full time.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Trojan Travels (Study Abroad)
📅 Deadline: April 1 (fall), October 15 (spring), December 1 (summer programs)
Non-Renewable
👥 ~Limited number of awards each application cycle. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
May be combined with other institutional and external funding for study abroad, subject to overall cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to and be accepted into an approved UA Little Rock study abroad program, then submit the Trojan Travels scholarship application and required materials through the Study Abroad Office by the term-specific deadline.
Selection criteria: Competitive review based on academic purpose for study abroad, financial need, and quality of the written application.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Scholarship is intended to offset study abroad program expenses such as program fees, travel, or housing; amounts and availability can vary by term.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Undergraduates with financial need and a strong academic rationale for studying abroad who submit a thoughtful application tied to an approved program.
Full TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Army ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Varies by Army ROTC national cycle; high school seniors typically apply between fall and early spring (often December–February).
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition, fees, stipend, and books
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Determined annually by the U.S. Army; limited number of national and campus-based awards. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full tuition and mandatory fees plus stipend and book allowance; may be combined with room-and-board or limited institutional awards subject to Army and university policy.
📄
How to Apply
Complete the national Army ROTC scholarship application, including fitness test, transcripts, and interview; coordinate with the UA Little Rock ROTC unit if enrolling with a campus-based or transfer scholarship.
Selection criteria: Army ROTC evaluates academic record, leadership, physical fitness, interview performance, and potential to commission as an Army officer.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Typical benefits include full tuition and fees, an approximate $420 monthly living stipend during the school year, and up to $1,200 per year for books; specific terms depend on the Army ROTC contract.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students committed to completing Army ROTC requirements and commissioning as officers who meet academic, fitness, medical, and leadership standards.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Award amounts, eligibility, and deadlines reflect official UA Little Rock and ADHE guidance. Internal and national deadlines may vary for outside awards and must be confirmed annually.
- Music and Pep Band Scholarships: Audition-based, awarded by the Department of Music, available to majors and non-majors; deadlines vary by area and ensemble.
- First-Generation Opportunities: Most donor and first-gen awards are posted on ScholarshipUniverse, with rolling and program-specific deadlines.
- Clubs and Civic Organizations: Private and civic organization deadlines are set by each donor and are usually announced on the UA Little Rock portal each spring.
Are these scholarships automatic?
The Trojan Guarantee and Half-Off Scholarship are automatic if all eligibility is met and aid credentials are submitted on time. Other awards, such as SURF and Trojan Travels, require an extra application and have specific deadlines.
Can these scholarships be combined with automatic merit?
Pell, Challenge, and Trojan Guarantee can be combined with stackable outside funding, but some awards have stacking and renewal limits. Students should check each program’s annual instructions.
Are award amounts and deadlines guaranteed?
All amounts and dates are based on the UA Little Rock and Arkansas Department of Higher Education releases; always confirm the current year’s instructions before applying.
Which students benefit most from these programs?
The most common recipients are Pell-eligible or middle-income Arkansas families, upper-level students with faculty-led research, and students planning to study abroad.
Sources:
ualr.edu/scholarships/
ualr.edu/trojan-guarantee/
ualr.edu/studyabroad/
sams.adhe.edu/
🎖️ Honors College
UA Little Rock’s honors experience is centered on the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, a campus-wide curriculum that replaces the traditional core with small, discussion-based seminars. Admission is selective and based on more than just grades—writing ability, leadership, and an interview matter as much as GPA or test scores.
What a Typical Donaghey Scholar Looks Like:
Most recipients have a GPA in the 3.8–4.0 range, ACT scores in the high 20s or above (SAT ~1300+), a record of rigorous courses, demonstrated leadership roles, service projects, and the ability to shine in essays and interviews.
Honors Perks That Matter:
- Full in-state tuition and fees covered for 8 semesters (up to 18 hours/semester)
- $8,000–$10,000 annual stipend
- Housing subsidy and a funded study abroad experience
- Laptop computer provided to each scholar
- Priority registration and access to faculty mentors
Full TuitionApp Requiredpipeline
Donaghey Scholars Honors Program
📅 Deadline: January 15
✓ Renews (3.25 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition, fees, stipend, housing, study abroad, laptop
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Highly competitive campus‑wide honors program that covers full tuition and major fees and adds housing, books, and study‑abroad support, so many Donaghey Scholars pay little or nothing for college
👥 ~Approximately 25 new scholars selected each year; total program size around 100 students. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Donaghey is a comprehensive honors package — because it already covers full tuition and fees plus a stipend, housing support, study abroad, and a laptop, it cannot be combined with other institutional merit scholarships. It can layer with state and federal aid (Arkansas Academic Challenge, Pell) and with external private scholarships.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission to UA Little Rock, then submit the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program application with the required essays, recommendations, and supporting materials by the priority or final deadline. Finalists are invited to interview as part of a holistic review.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
This is UA Little Rock’s flagship fully-funded honors program, valued at roughly $92,000 to $100,000 over four years. The package covers full tuition and fees for up to 18 credit hours per semester across eight semesters, adds an annual $8,000 or $10,000 stipend depending on qualifications, includes a housing subsidy, funds a study-abroad experience, and provides a new laptop. It’s open to all majors and selected holistically — there’s no published GPA or test score cutoff, so the essays and interview really matter.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: About 25 new scholars each year, selected through a holistic review that weighs academic excellence, leadership, service, essays, and interview performance more than any single GPA or test cutoff. Open to all majors.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Published GPA and test score ranges reflect typical profiles of past Donaghey Scholars. Actual selection is holistic, and cutoffs may shift based on the pool.
Is admission automatic? No. Students must submit a separate application, essays, recommendations, and participate in an interview process.
Does the program add time to a degree? No. The Donaghey curriculum is designed to replace general education requirements, allowing students to graduate on a standard timeline.
What’s the priority deadline? UA Little Rock’s Donaghey Scholars Program applications are due by February 15; early applicants get priority if they apply by January 15.
How much can a scholar actually receive? Donaghey scholars can receive a value well over $90,000 across four years, including tuition, stipend, housing, study abroad, and a laptop.
Sources:
ualr.edu/donagheyscholars/
ualr.edu/scholarships/
ualr.catalog.acalog.com/
⭐ College Specialty
UA Little Rock may not be the state flagship, but it has carved out a reputation in areas that matter locally and nationally. For parents, that means your student can plug into programs that carry weight with employers and graduate schools, especially in the capital city where internships and career pipelines are close at hand.
Best-Known Program:
UA Little Rock’s Cybersecurity program is designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security. That federal seal signals rigorous training and direct employer credibility in a fast-growing field.
- Emerging Analytics Center (AR/VR & Visualization): Nationally recognized for immersive technologies and virtual reality research, with industry partnerships and advanced lab spaces.
- Criminal Justice: One of the strongest programs in Arkansas, with statewide influence on law enforcement and corrections training.
- Social Work: Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; the School of Social Work is well-regarded in Arkansas for preparing professionals in youth and family services.
- Business & Public Administration: Located in the state’s capital, UA Little Rock connects directly to government agencies and Fortune 500 companies with internship pipelines.
Note: UA Little Rock is classified as an R2: Doctoral University — High Research Activity in Carnegie’s research rankings, not an R1.
Final Thoughts
For Arkansas families — and even neighbors from nearby states — UA Little Rock can be one of the most affordable four-year paths to a degree. Between automatic merit, hidden gems like the Trojan Guarantee, and the prestigious Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, students have multiple ways to bring the cost down. Add in the capital-city setting with internships close by, and this campus delivers real value without losing opportunity.
Was this helpful? Share it with another parent who’s comparing college costs!
[last_updated]
Back to top ↑
