Governor Mike Kehoe has announced an increase in the Missouri Blue Scholarship, boosting the maximum benefit for law enforcement recruits from $5,000 to $6,000. The enhancement follows a $1 million funding increase approved in the state’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget, raising the total allocation for the program to $3 million.
Since its launch in October 2022, the Missouri Blue Scholarship has awarded more than $4.49 million to 995 recruits entering law enforcement academies across the state. The scholarship aims to ease the financial burden for recruits—particularly those entering academies without agency sponsorship—by covering a portion of tuition costs, which can reach up to $11,725.
The Missouri Department of Public Safety administers the program and reports steady growth in licensed peace officers since the scholarship’s inception. In 2024, Missouri licensed 1,099 peace officers, up from an average of 1,025 annually prior to the scholarship.
Several departments are already seeing the impact. As of June 30, 2025, Missouri Blue Scholarship recipients make up a notable portion of forces, including 11 officers in Camden County, 10 in Fulton, nine in Henry County, and nine in University City.
Applications for the Missouri Blue Scholarship can be submitted through the Missouri Department of Public Safety. Funding levels for future awards will depend on legislative appropriations.
