Paying for tuition to a police academy will depend primarily on whether or not you receive employment by a law enforcement agency. Typically, once a department has hired you, it will send you to police academy and pay for it. If you decide to go to a police academy before you have a job offer, you will have to pay for it yourself. Some departments offer probationary officers' pay to its trainees while they are attending the academy. [1]
There are numerous options for funding law enforcement training
Current tax returns
Official high school or college transcripts
References
Step 1
Check with the academy that you will be attending to see if they offer a payment plan. You may be able to make monthly payments while you attend training. This is especially helpful if you are still working because it can prevent you from incurring long-term debt.
Step 2
Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Once you complete the application, the information goes directly to the academy that you select. You will need to provide information about all of the colleges you have attended in the past and whether or not you have ever received financial aid. You will also need to provide information from your most recent tax return. If you are still living at home and your parents claim you as a dependent, you will also need information from their most recent tax return.
Step 3
Check with the academy to see how much aid you received and if it is enough to cover your tuition. Accept all the grants you are eligible for. The Pell Grant is an income-based grant, and many states offer tuition-assistant grants. You will automatically be eligible for consideration for federal grants when you fill out your FAFSA.
Step 4
Search for scholarships available for police academy students. Ask the college you will be attending for information on available scholarships. You can also check with local law enforcement agencies and the National Guard. They may have special programs or information on scholarships and grants available. [3]
Step 5
Accept student loans if you find you still need money to attend and you have exhausted other resources. Federal Stafford Loans are non-income based and are available for those who have filled out a FAFSA. Other government loans include the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans and the Parent Plus loans. You may also check your bank to see what types of private student loans are available.
Things You'll Need
References
Writer Bio
Based in Atlanta, Melody Dawn has been writing business articles and blogs since 2004. Her work has appeared in the "Gainesville Times," "Player's Press" and "USA Today." She is also skilled in writing product descriptions and marketing materials. Dawn holds a Master of Business from Brenau University.