Missouri has launched a new initiative designed to recognize and support the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. The Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act Scholarship provides educational funding for eligible public safety personnel—and their dependent children—to pursue higher education or professional training at approved Missouri institutions.
This scholarship program, administered by the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (DHEWD), is part of the state’s ongoing effort to recruit, retain, and honor those who serve in public safety roles.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act Scholarship, applicants must meet several key criteria:
- Be public safety personnel with at least six years of service, or the dependent child of a public safety worker with at least ten years of service
- Be a Missouri resident
- Have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree
- Be accepted into an eligible degree or certification program at a Missouri public or private institution
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Provide all required documentation, such as proof of employment, residency, and professional licensing
Public safety personnel include police officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), advanced EMTs, and 911 telecommunicator first responders who are trained and authorized by law to render emergency medical assistance
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the Missouri Student Financial Aid Portal at dhewd.mo.gov/studentportal. Once logged in, applicants can navigate to “Estimate Eligibility,” select the academic year, and apply under “Public Safety Recruitment & Retention.”
Applicants will also need to upload verification documents, including:
- Proof of Missouri residency
- Employment verification
- Professional license or certification
- Confirmation of years of service
All materials must be submitted by November 5, 2025, to be considered for the 2025–2026 academic year
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship covers 100% of remaining tuition and mandatory fees after federal and state grants are applied. However, it does not cover the cost of books, room and board, or other supplies.
For students attending private institutions, the scholarship amount will be capped at the equivalent tuition of the most expensive Missouri public university at the time of the award
Duration and Renewal
Once approved, recipients can receive funding for up to five consecutive years—or until they complete their degree or certification program, whichever comes first. Students must continue meeting all eligibility and enrollment requirements each year
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Eligible Programs and Fields of Study
Approved programs vary depending on the applicant’s role in public safety. Examples include:
For Police Officers:
- Criminal justice, political science, forensic science, psychology, communications, or public relations
For Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics, and Advanced EMTs:
- Fire science, paramedicine, emergency management, biology, chemistry, disaster management, and related studies
For Telecommunicator First Responders:
- Any of the subjects listed above
Eligible schools include any Missouri public college or university, approved private institution, or accredited emergency medical services training entity.
Does the Scholarship Have to Be Repaid?
For public safety personnel, the scholarship is a grant—not a loan—and does not require repayment.
For dependent children, certain requirements must be met to maintain the award as a scholarship. These include:
- Living in Missouri for five years after the initial award
- Filing Missouri state income taxes during that period
- Submitting annual proof of residency
If these requirements are not met, the award converts into a loan with interest, though exceptions apply for total disability or death
Why This Scholarship Matters
Public safety professionals are the backbone of Missouri’s communities. From first responders who save lives daily to the dispatchers who guide help to those in need, these individuals sacrifice much to protect others. The Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act Scholarship ensures that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of their educational advancement—or that of their families.
How to Learn More
Interested applicants can find detailed eligibility guidelines, deadlines, and application forms at: dhewd.mo.gov/studentportalYou can also review the FAQs, download the Employment Verification Form, or explore participating schools on DHEWD’s official website.