Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship application now open for the 2026-2027 academic year

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) is pleased to announce that the application for Missouri's Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year is now open. A key component of Governor Mike Kehoe's Safer Missouri public safety initiative, the scholarship helps cover the cost of tuition for eligible public safety personnel and their dependent children pursuing a qualifying license, certification, or postsecondary degree from a Missouri public or independent college or university or a Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) accredited training provider.

"This scholarship is an investment to help support those who have dedicated their lives to protecting the health and safety of others," said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. "By providing an affordable pathway to higher education, we are not only fostering the growth and retention of public safety professionals but also strengthening the foundation of Missouri's communities."

Full-time police officers, firefighters, paramedics, telecommunicator first responders, emergency medical technicians, and advanced emergency medical technicians with at least six years of service may be eligible to receive the scholarship. Additionally, the dependent children of those with at least 10 years of service may also qualify. Applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements, including be a Missouri resident and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To apply, interested individuals must create an account and complete the application through the State Financial Aid Portal. In addition to the application, individuals will be required to upload and submit documentation verifying employment, Missouri residency, and other eligibility requirements.

The scholarship application and supporting documents must be submitted to MDHEWD by December 15, 2025, to be considered for the 2026-2027 school year. Interested individuals must apply for the scholarship each academic year to be considered for the award. This means that even if an individual recently completed an application for the 2025-2026 academic year, they would need to complete a new application to be considered for the 2026-2027 school year.

The Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship is a new scholarship established through Senate Bill 71. The scholarship application for the 2025-2026 school year was open from October 1 through November 5. As of November 5, the department has received nearly 400 applications for review and consideration.

For more information about the Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship, visit the MDHEWD website. Detailed information about qualifying majors, eligibility requirements, application instructions, and more is available in the Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship FAQs.