How to get into University of Arkansas at Little Rock
How to get into UA Little Rock: rolling admissions, the Donaghey Scholars, and Little Rock-based internships
58.8%
Acceptance rate
$9,748
In-state cost
$22,158
Out-of-state cost
What makes University of Arkansas at Little Rock admissions different
University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock) is the second-largest university in the University of Arkansas system. Acceptance rate around 59%. The university is urban, commuter-friendly, and has strong programs in criminal justice, social work, audiology, and the Donaghey Scholars program (a full-ride honors scholarship with distinctive seminar curriculum).
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Apply through the UA Little Rock application by the rolling priority deadline (typically August 1 for fall, but earlier is meaningfully better for scholarships).
- 2.
Submit transcripts. UA Little Rock is test-optional; submit SAT/ACT only if they strengthen your application.
- 3.
Apply for the Donaghey Scholars Program by the December deadline. It's the top award (full tuition, room, board, books, plus a stipend and study abroad funding) and requires separate essays, recommendations, and an on-campus interview.
- 4.
Apply for the Chancellor's Scholarship and other competitive merit awards by the published deadline.
- 5.
Arkansas residents: confirm Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship eligibility — a state-funded merit award for in-state students.
- 6.
File the FAFSA. Arkansas Future Grant (ArFuture) supports some technical and STEM pathways.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Missing the Donaghey Scholars deadline. It's UA Little Rock's flagship award and the application is more involved than standard admission.
- ✕
Treating UALR as identical to University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. They're different campuses with different cultures.
- ✕
Skipping the state aid (Arkansas Academic Challenge, ArFuture) for in-state students.
- ✕
Not visiting before committing — the urban commuter campus is very different from the Fayetteville flagship.
The specifics for University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Application deadlines
- Donaghey Scholars deadlineDecember 1, 2025
- Priority ApplicationAugust 1, 2026 for fall (earlier strongly preferred for scholarships)
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Donaghey Scholars Program
Full-ride honors scholarship (tuition, room, board, books, plus a stipend and study abroad funding). Distinctive seminar-based interdisciplinary curriculum. Separate application with essays, recommendations, and on-campus interview.
Notable scholarships at University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Donaghey ScholarsFull ride + stipend + study abroad
Top competitive award. Separate application by December.
Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship (state-administered)
Arkansas residents meeting state academic eligibility.
What graduates actually do
UA Little Rock is a metropolitan public university serving central Arkansas with strong programs in criminal justice, social work, engineering technology, and education. Alumni feed Arkansas state government, the Little Rock-area legal and healthcare sectors, and the Clinton Foundation. The William H. Bowen School of Law produces a substantial share of Arkansas attorneys. UA Little Rock serves a large adult, working, and non-traditional student population.
Notable alumni
- Mike Beebe — Former Arkansas Governor
- John Daly — Professional golfer
- Vic Snyder — Former U.S. Congressman
Transfer pathway
UA Little Rock has articulation agreements with all Arkansas two-year colleges through the state's Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS). Pulaski Technical College (UA-PTC), now part of the University of Arkansas System, provides a seamless 2+2 pathway. Minimum 2.0 GPA for most programs. Up to 68 credits transfer from two-year institutions. The Transfer Achievement Scholarship supports Phi Theta Kappa members.
Articulation partners
University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College · Arkansas State University Three Rivers · National Park College · North Arkansas College
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
UA Little Rock is a target for Arkansas residents and out-of-state applicants who want a urban public university with strong career-focused programs. Most applicants with a 3.0+ GPA are admitted. The Donaghey Scholars Program is a real opportunity for top applicants who want a full-ride with substantial enrichment.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.