Nebraska First Responder Pledge

A resident tuition waiver after other scholarships and grants for Nebraska law enforcement officers, corrections officers, youth detention officers, firefighters, firefighter-paramedics and their dependent children on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Nebraska First Responders review is based on an annual application, including completion of a verification of satisfactory performance form and verification with the Nebraska Department of Revenue showing proof of employment and proof of Nebraska residence each year. First responders will also need to file annually for their dependent to receive the tuition waiver and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to remain eligible. These follow up steps must be completed by the last day of the fall semester to receive benefits for fall, spring and/or summer, if enrolled. Otherwise, benefits will only be considered for the semester for which documents were completed. A law enforcement officer must pursue studies leading to a degree that relates to a career in law enforcement. A firefighter or firefighter-paramedic must pursue studies leading to a degree in science or medicine that relates to a career in professional firefighting. A correction or youth detention officer must pursue studies leading to a career in corrections, youth detention, or law enforcement. Dependent children of first responders can choose any undergraduate major offered at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Apply to Nebraska with your cumulative transfer college GPA and submit transcripts to be considered for academic transfer scholarships.

A resident tuition waiver after other scholarships and grants for Nebraska law enforcement officers, corrections officers, youth detention officers, firefighters, firefighter-paramedics and their dependent children on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Nebraska First Responders review is based on an annual application, including completion of a verification of satisfactory performance form and verification with the Nebraska Department of Revenue showing proof of employment and proof of Nebraska residence each year. First responders will also need to file annually for their dependent to receive the tuition waiver and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to remain eligible. These follow up steps must be completed by the last day of the fall semester to receive benefits for fall, spring and/or summer, if enrolled. Otherwise, benefits will only be considered for the semester for which documents were completed. A law enforcement officer must pursue studies leading to a degree that relates to a career in law enforcement. A firefighter or firefighter-paramedic must pursue studies leading to a degree in science or medicine that relates to a career in professional firefighting. A correction or youth detention officer must pursue studies leading to a career in corrections, youth detention, or law enforcement. Dependent children of first responders can choose any undergraduate major offered at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Students must maintain a 3.000 cumulative GPA at Nebraska and reapply each year with supporting documentation. Frequently asked questions are available at the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid FAQs page. See full guidelines for scholarship.

Eligibility for this program is based on the Nebraska First Responder Recruitment and Retention Act and participating institutions. Note: The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based upon any protected status. Scholarships are subject to change each year for new incoming students. As a public tuition benefit under Nebraska State Statute 4-110, individuals awarded these funds must be citizens of the United States or if a qualified alien have been verified as lawfully present in the United States (Nebraska State Statutes 4-111 and 4-112).