Dozens of Pennsylvania colleges and universities have entered into an agreement with PSP that allows students to finish their degree by completing their academy training to become state troopers.
Students interested in finishing their final semester at the PSP academy through the college internship program must apply by September 30, 2026.
The 2026-27 budget signed by Gov. Shapiro supports the hiring of four additional PSP cadet classes. To date, Gov. Shapiro has secured funding for 16 cadet classes to train over 1,600 new PSP troopers.
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) continue to expand recruitment opportunities for future Troopers through innovative 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 September 30, 2026.
The newly enacted 2026-27 state budget provides funding for approximately 380 new cadet appointments. The investment highlights Governor 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 foundation of our mission is to protect our communities across the Commonwealth, and that begins with recruiting the next generation of Pennsylvania State Troopers,” said Lieutenant Colonel George L. Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “The investments included in the 2026-27 budget, combined with our expanding agreements with colleges and universities, provide more opportunities than ever for motivated individuals to pursue a rewarding career in public service.”
The PSP currently has agreements with 27 colleges and universities, including four Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institutions, and seven additional agreements in progress, through its Academy Internship and Law Enforcement Academic Partnership (LEAP) 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 Law Enforcement Academic Partnership (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, PA 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 Governor Josh 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 percent increase in cadet applications, with approximately half of 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.
