University of Arkansas at Little Rock Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
If you’re a first-gen family in Arkansas (or a nearby state), UA Little Rock can feel surprisingly affordable once you know where to look. From automatic awards tied to GPA and test scores, to the full-ride Donaghey Scholars Program, there are clear paths to bring the cost down. This page also links out to our Arkansas state aid guide so you can see how state grants stack with UA Little Rock’s scholarships.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Arkansas at Little Rock
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (15 credit hours/semester) |
$10,185 | $22,870 |
| Housing & Meal Plan | $7,606 | $7,606 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,800 | $1,800 |
| Total (before aid) | $19,591 | $32,276 |
- 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.
Who qualifies? Contiguous state residents qualify automatically; ACM eligibility depends on your major and whether your home state offers it.
How much can you save? The contiguous waiver cuts over $12,000 a year in tuition; ACM lets you pay the $10,185 in-state rate if your major is approved.
Do you need to apply? The contiguous waiver is automatic with admission. ACM requires a separate application through your state agency plus approval by UA Little Rock.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Academic Distinction | $10,000 total | 4.0 GPA + ACT 20 / SAT 1030; AR or contiguous state resident | No | Yes (3.0 GPA & credit load) | Students with a perfect GPA and solid test score; leadership/service helps if funding is tight |
| Provost’s Academic Excellence | $8,000 total ($4,000 tuition + $4,000 housing) | 3.75 GPA + ACT 20 / SAT 1030 | No | Yes | Strong GPA students who meet the test minimums |
| Deans’ Academic Merit | $6,000 total ($4,000 tuition + $2,000 housing) | 3.5 GPA + ACT 20 / SAT 1030 | No | Yes | Competitive students in the 3.5–3.74 GPA range with minimum scores |
| UA Little Rock Academic Achievement | $4,000 total ($3,000 tuition + $1,000 housing) | 3.25 GPA + ACT 20 / SAT 1030 | No | Yes | Solid-B+ students who test above the cutoff |
| Freshman Award | $2,000 | 3.0 GPA + ACT 20 / SAT 1030 | No | Yes | Typical students meeting minimum GPA and test scores |
Cutoffs are approximate and based on official award descriptions and published ranges. Actual thresholds can shift depending on the year’s applicant pool and funding.
Do I need a separate application? No — these awards are automatic with your admission materials.
Does UA Little Rock superscore? Yes, the university considers your best section scores across test dates when reviewing ACT/SAT for scholarships.
Can I stack these awards? You may only combine one academic award with one programmatic award; the Donaghey Scholars Program is not stackable with other scholarships.
🏆 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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Leadership Corps (CLC) | $6,000/yr total ($3,000 tuition/fees + $3,000 on-campus housing) | First-time freshmen with leadership & service; typically 3.0+ HS GPA and ACT 19+ (or approved placement). On-campus living required first year. | Yes — UA Little Rock Scholarship Application (deadline often around Apr 1) | Yes — maintain program participation and academic standing | Students with documented leadership roles, consistent service hours, and strong recommendations; interview-ready and willing to engage in CLC programming |
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.
Why are these “competitive”? They have limited spots and require extra materials (essays, recommendations, interviews) beyond admission.
When should we apply? Submit the general scholarship application early in senior year; many program deadlines fall in late winter/early spring (e.g., around April 1 for CLC).
Do test scores matter? Yes, minimums (or approved placement scores) apply for some programs, but leadership, service, and fit with program goals often carry significant weight.
Can these stack with automatic merit? Often you can stack one academic (automatic) with one programmatic (like CLC), but some flagship programs do not stack. Read each award’s terms.
⭐ 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.
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.
🎖️ 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.
GPA in the 3.8–4.0 range, ACT in the high 20s or above (SAT ~1300+), a record of rigorous courses, leadership roles, service projects, and the ability to shine in essays and interviews.
- 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
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donaghey Scholars Honors Program | $75,000–$95,000 total over 4 years Full in-state tuition & fees (up to 18 hrs/semester) + $6,000–$10,000 stipend + housing subsidy + study abroad funding + laptop |
Incoming freshmen with near-perfect GPA (3.8–4.0) and ACT 28+ / SAT 1300+, plus demonstrated leadership, service, and strong writing | Yes — separate Donaghey application (deadline ~Feb 15) | Yes — must maintain GPA and program standing | Roughly 25 new scholars each year; admits are top of class with rigorous coursework, leadership, and strong essays/interviews |
Disclaimer: GPA and test score ranges shown are based on typical profiles of past Donaghey Scholars, not published cutoffs. Exact thresholds vary by year and applicant pool.
Is admission automatic? No — students must submit a separate application, essays, recommendations, and sit for an interview.
Does the program add time to a degree? No — the Donaghey curriculum replaces general education requirements, so students graduate on time.
What’s the deadline? The priority application deadline is typically February 15 of senior year.
Any extra funding? Yes — the Donaghey award itself is one of the most generous in the state, covering tuition, fees, housing, stipends, and study abroad.
📎 Official Links
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock Homepage
- Donaghey Scholars Honors Program
- Scholarships & Financial Aid
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.
✅ Last updated: September 14, 2025