Costs & Financial Aid

Training you need, at a price you can afford: that’s what we do.

We know education is a big financial commitment and the process can be confusing to navigate, but we are here to help. From understanding tuition and fees to exploring grants, loans, and payment plans, our full-service financial aid office is ready to guide you through your options and help you get the education you need.

Police Academy Costs 

The Police Academy offers a full-time, 700+ hour, weekday class. We no longer offer a part-time weekend class. 

Classes begin twice per year in January and August and meet for 18 weeks. Both meet Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Classes are held at our Cape Girardeau campus. 

The cost of the academy is tied directly to the current tuition rate.  Students will pay for 18 credit hours plus a $1,500 program fee that covers the costs of uniforms, books, testing, equipment use/repair, and ammunition.  The current tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students can be found on the Cost and Fees page.

Financial options 

Pell Grants/Student Loans 

Pell grants and federally funded student loans are now available for all students.  All students must now be admitted to the University as a regular student in addition to being admitted to the academy. 

In addition, all students must now complete a FAFSA application.  

For more information on these federally funded programs, please contact Student Financial Services at (573) 651-2253. 

Missouri Blue Scholarship

The Missouri Blue Scholarship is a law enforcement basic training academy scholarship that makes up to $6,000 available for each selected non-sponsored* police academy recruit to help cover the cost of attending a Missouri basic training academy. Before applying, contact the basic police academy to confirm the academy start date, the cost of the Basic Academy, and any financial aid you will receive that does not have to be repaid, such as a Federal Pell Grant. You can apply for the Missouri Blue Scholarship before the start of basic training, but you must be attending a basic training academy to receive the Blue Scholarship. Only one scholarship application should be submitted per person. You will receive a confirmation email once your scholarship application has been received. For more information or to apply, please go to the Missouri Department of Public Safety's website.
Apply Here

Get Funding for Your Education

Missouri has opened the door to a more educated workforce. We want to help you walk through it. If you’re an adult learner returning to college, learn about the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant. It’s a statewide financial aid program that can be used to pursue a certificate, degree or industry-recognized credential in a high need area in Missouri. This major is eligible for the degree is a Fast Track grant.
Learn More Here

Use the GI Bill® for your law enforcement training.

The Police Academy is approved for the GI Bill®. For more information regarding your military benefits, contact our office of Military and Veterans Services.
Learn More Here
An in uniform ROTC student smiles while studying in the library.

Are you called to serve and protect?

There's a lot more to law enforcement that just enforcing the law. You'll touch the lives of people in the community. You'll get to mentor people. And, you'll help people in some of the most trying times of their lives. Ready to get started?

Apply now

Police Academy

Contact us

Location

122 S. Ellis
One University Plaza, MS 5200
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701