A resident tuition waiver after other scholarships and grants for Nebraska law enforcement officers, firefighters or firefighter-paramedics, and their dependent children on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Nebraska law enforcement officer is defined in Nebraska Revised Statute 81-1401 and firefighter or firefighter-paramedic is defined in Nebraska Revised Statute 85-2602. See more information.
Award
Waiver of resident tuition after other scholarships and grants for up to five years, including summers, or completion of a bachelor's degree.
Completion of form required to confirm first responder affiliation via the first responder’s supervisor and residency verification by the Nebraska Department of Revenue.
If the tuition waiver recipient fails to annually file a tax return to prove residency in the State of Nebraska for the five-year period following the use of the tuition waiver or fails to remain a resident for the five-year period following the use of the tuition waiver, the recipient agrees to repay the University of Nebraska System for the amount of tuition that was waived.
Deadline
Review Basis
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. The first responder must meet the definition of the parent listed on the FAFSA. These follow up steps must be completed by the last day of the fall semester to receive full 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.
Dependent children of first responders can choose any undergraduate major offered at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Eligible Undergraduate Majors
Law Enforcement
- Forensic Science
- Fisheries and Wildlife
- Political Science
- Psychology
- History
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Global Studies
- Spanish
- Advertising and Public Relations
- Journalism
- Nutrition and Health Sciences
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
Firefighters and Firefighter-Paramedics
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Nutrition and Health Sciences
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
Renewability
Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress 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.
Transferability
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).
We're Here to Help
Husker Hub Student Services Center
Husker Hub is Nebraska's "one stop" for you to get assistance with the FAFSA Form, scholarships, grants, loans and more. Our Husker Hub full-time student services specialists are available remotely Monday-Friday through a Virtual Queue to help answer all of your questions about paying for college.