The Missouri Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship

The Missouri Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship is a financial aid scholarship offered through the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to assist eligible public safety personnel and their dependent children pursuing a qualifying postsecondary degree from a Missouri university like Central Methodist University.

Eligibility Requirements

The scholarship helps cover the costs of tuition for public safety personnel with at least 6 years of service and the dependent children of public safety personnel with at least 10 years of service. Additionally, individuals must meet other eligibility requirements to qualify, including (but not limited to):

• Be a Missouri resident and remain a resident for a minimum of 5 years once approved for the award
• Have not already earned a baccalaureate (bachelor’s) degree
• Be enrolled into an approved institution or training program to pursue a qualifying postsecondary degree or credential
• File a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA)

Qualified Programs at CMU

Police officers/telecommunicator first responders:

• Criminal Justice
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Behavioral Health
• Psychology
• Health Science
• History
• Business -Marketing and Advertising
• Communications

Firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, advanced EMTs:

• Health Science
• Communications
• Business -Marketing and Advertising

How to Apply to the Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship

To apply, you must:

• Create an account and log in to the Student Financial Aid Portal
• Click on the "Estimate Eligibility" tab and select the academic year you would like to apply for
• Select "Apply" next to Public Safety Recruitment & Retention
• Complete the application and upload required documents, including the employment verification form, to verify eligibility

Deadline

2025-26 Application Deadline: NOVEMBER 5, 2025 You must apply by the deadline to be considered for the 2025-26 school year. The application for the 2026-27 school year will open late October and will need to be completed no later than December 15, 2025.

Questions?

Be sure to check out Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development webpage for more information on this exciting scholarship opportunity or to view their FAQs, or contact the CMU College of Graduate and Extended Studies Office at the contacts below.

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