The Pennsylvania State Police continue to expand recruitment opportunities for future troopers through agreements with colleges and universities throughout the commonwealth. Through the Academy Internship Program, eligible seniors at participating institutions can complete their final semester by attending the PSP Academy. Upon successful completion of cadet basic training, students earn the academic credits necessary to graduate while simultaneously beginning their career as a Pennsylvania state trooper. Students interested in finishing their final semester at the PSP Academy through the college internship program must apply by Sept. 30.

The newly enacted 2026-27 state budget provides funding for approximately 380 new cadet appointments. The investment highlights Gov. Josh Shapiro’s continued commitment to strengthening public safety by ensuring the Pennsylvania State Police remain well-staffed, well-trained and prepared to serve communities across Pennsylvania.

The PSP currently has agreements with 27 colleges and universities, including four Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education institutions, and seven additional agreements in progress, through its Academy Internship and Law Enforcement Academic Partnership programs. These initiatives create flexible pathways for students and troopers to earn college credit while preparing for or advancing a career with the PSP.

The current list of colleges and universities participating in the internship program includes:

• Alvernia University

• Central Penn College

• DeSales University

• Elizabethtown College

• Erie County Community College

• Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

• Keystone College

• Lehigh Carbon Community College

• Luzerne County Community College

• Lycoming College

• Marywood University

• Mercyhurst University

• Misericordia University

• Northampton Community College

• Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

• Saint Vincent College

• Slippery Rock University

• University of Scranton

• Waynesburg University

• York College of Pennsylvania

The PSP has also established a collaborative pathway for both enlisted and retired troopers to earn college credit for their academy training through the LEAP program. This initiative aims to simplify the process for troopers seeking an associate or undergraduate degree by recognizing their prior learning and reducing course duplication.

The current list of colleges and universities participating in the LEAP program includes:

• American Military University

• Central Penn College

• Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

• Delaware County Community College

• Elizabethtown College

• Kutztown University

• Neumann University

• Northampton Community College

• Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

• Shippensburg University

• Slippery Rock University

• University of Maryland Global Campus

Under this agreement, troopers who successfully complete their training at the PSP Academy in Hershey will receive a predetermined number of academic credits applicable towards their degree program. This ensures that the troopers’ extensive training is formally recognized, allowing them to transition into higher education smoothly and potentially accelerate their degree completion.

The commonwealth’s continued investment in PSP recruitment builds on efforts launched in 2023, when Shapiro removed the college credit requirement for state troopers, creating an opportunity for Pennsylvanians who are interested in pursuing a career with the PSP. While a degree is not required, this partnership creates a streamlined pathway for students to finish their degree while simultaneously training to become a state trooper.

Since then, PSP has experienced nearly a 60% increase in cadet applications, with approximately half of PSP Academy graduates after the policy change having been eligible to apply because of the updated standards.

There is no cost to apply, nor to enter the PSP Academy. Cadets are paid a biweekly salary with room and meals provided at no cost. Cadets must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. They must be at least 20 years old at the time of application and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the training academy.

At the time of graduation, cadets must be a Pennsylvania resident and possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license. No prior law enforcement experience is required.

After five years of service, troopers can earn approximately $103,319. Those interested in becoming a state trooper can find application requirements, job benefits and other details at PATrooper.com.