CANTON, Mo. — Culver-Stockton College (C-SC) is pleased to announce its approval as an official partner institution for the Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Scholarship, a state-supported program designed to provide financial aid to public safety professionals and their eligible dependents pursuing higher education in Missouri.
Through this program, approved students will have 100% of their tuition paid, enabling them to pursue eligible degree programs that prepare them to serve Missouri communities in public safety roles. This includes approved associate and bachelor’s degrees aligned with fields such as criminal justice, psychology, biology, chemistry, public relations, homeland security, emergency management, disaster management, and other eligible subjects.
“Culver-Stockton is proud to support the individuals who serve and protect our communities,” said Seth McBride, Director, Center for Public Safety at C-SC and chair of the C-SC Criminal Justice department. “Through this partnership, we hope to expand educational access for public safety personnel and their families while continuing to prepare future leaders committed to strengthening the safety and well-being of Missouri communities.”
Scholarship Eligibility
To qualify for the 2026-27 academic year, applicants must:
- Apply by Dec. 15, 2025. (Students must reapply each academic year to be considered for funding.)
- Be Missouri residents.
- Be public safety personnel with at least six years of service, or the dependent child of eligible personnel with at least 10 years of service.
- Meet admission requirements and be enrolled in an approved degree program.
- Not already hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Complete the FAFSA and provide required verification documents.
Eligible applicants may be current or former police officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, or advanced emergency medical technicians, as defined by Missouri statute. Verification may include state-issued licenses, certificates, or employer documentation supporting full-time service.
Application Deadline
Applications for the 2026–27 academic year must be completed by December 15, 2025. Students must reapply each academic year to be considered for funding.
How to Apply
Prospective students may begin the application process by visiting the following resources:
- Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship Information & Eligibility Requirements: https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants-scholarships/public-safety-scholarship
- Access the Scholarship Employment Verification Form: https://dhewd.mo.gov/media/pdf/employment-verification-form
- Complete the FAFSA to Get Started: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
For more information, contact McBride at smcbride@culver.edu.
Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000 ext. 6728 for more information.
NOTE: A number that appears immediately after a person’s name (i.e. Jane Doe ’18) is a reference to the year that person earned their bachelor’s degree from Culver-Stockton.