Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act Scholarship
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
Covers remaining tuition and fees for Missouri police, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and 911 dispatchers (6+ years' service) and their children (parent 10+ years).
- How much
- 100% of remaining tuition and mandatory fees after federal and state grants (subject to appropriation)
- Who qualifies
- Missouri police officer, firefighter, paramedic, EMT/AEMT or telecommunicator first responder with 6+ years' service, or the child of one with 10+ years' service (or who died in the line of duty)
- Missouri resident (must prove 5 years of residency after approval); no bachelor's degree; enrolled in an eligible program at an approved Missouri institution or EMS training entity; FAFSA required. Dependents' award converts to a loan if they do not keep Missouri residency for 5 years.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- For criminal justice, fire science, paramedicine students
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual; statutory application deadline Dec. 15 for the following academic year (application opens about late October); decisions by March 1.
- How to apply
- Create an account in the State Financial Aid Portal, choose Estimate Eligibility, select the year, and apply for Public Safety Recruitment & Retention
- Upload the employment verification form and license/certificate documents
- File the FAFSA
- Apply every year
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (dhewd.mo.gov) and page 2
The details
Created by Senate Bill 71 (effective Aug. 28, 2025). Subject to appropriation, covers 100% of tuition and mandatory fees left after federal and state grants (not room, board or books). At private schools, capped at the highest public in-state tuition and fees. Lasts up to 5 years or until the degree, license or certificate is finished. Eligible programs depend on occupation (e.g., criminal justice, psychology, forensic science for police; fire science, paramedicine, biology, emergency management for fire/EMS); dependents and telecommunicators may choose from either list. Usable at Missouri public colleges, participating private colleges, and accredited EMS training programs. Dependents sign promissory notes and must live in Missouri for 5 years (filing state tax returns) or the award becomes a loan.
More money from Missouri
- Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program$1,700 max per year at public 2-year schools; $3,500 max per year at public 4-year, State Technical College, private and approved virtual schools (minimums $500 / $1,750; may be less depending on funding)
- Bright Flight Scholarship (Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program)Up to $3,000 per year (top 3% of ACT/SAT scores); up to $1,000 per year (top 4th-5th percentile)
- Advanced Placement Incentive Grant$500 one-time
- Fast Track Workforce Incentive GrantRemaining tuition and fees after other non-loan aid (public schools fully covered; private capped at the comparable public rate), or up to $500 for other costs if tuition is already covered
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.