Missouri Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act Scholarships are open for the 2025-26 school year. Texas County residents are eligible.
The scholarship was created earlier this year through legislation. It offers tuition assistance for first responders and their families, covering 100 percent of tuition costs that remain after subtracting any awarded federal financial aid grants and state scholarships or grants.
The Missouri General Assembly appropriated $5 million for the program. The scholarships are limited by appropriations every year.
“The Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act Scholarship provides support and a path toward a quality education for Missouri’s dedicated public safety professionals and their children,” Gov. Mike Kehoe said in a news release announcing the opening of applications.
The scholarship is offered to full-time police officers, firefighters, paramedics, telecommunicator first responders, emergency medical technicians and advanced emergency medical technicians with at least six years of service. The dependent children of those with at least 10 years of service may also qualify.
Those who are eligible can receive help with covering the cost of tuition in pursuit of qualifying licenses, certifications or a postsecondary degree from a Missouri public or independent college or university, or a Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services accredited training provider.
Interested applicants are limited in what degree or training they can pursue with the award. For police officers, degrees are eligible in forensic science, fisheries and wildlife, public relations, criminal justice and many of the humanities.
For firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians, eligible studies include biology, chemistry, communication sciences, Spanish, fire science, emergency management and more.
“We know that the recruitment and retention of first responders is a major concern across our state, so that’s why we are proud to invest in the future of those who have made incredible sacrifices for our communities and who help keep Missourians safe,” Kehoe said. “We appreciate the members of the General Assembly for supporting this scholarship and delivering real support to first responder families.”
To apply, interested individuals must create an account and complete the application through the State Financial Aid Portal. Applicants will be required to submit documentation verifying employment, Missouri residency and other eligibility requirements.
Applications for the 2025-26 school year must be submitted by Nov. 5 to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. This will cover tuition and fees for the entire academic year, including the current fall semester.
Scholarship applications for the 2026-27 school year will be available in October with a deadline of Dec. 15, 2025.
Scholarship recipients must reapply for the scholarship each academic year to be considered for the award.
For more information, visit dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants-scholarships/public-safety-scholarship.