Expansion of Government-Funded College Education for Prisoners in the US

Thousands of incarcerated individuals in the United States will now have access to free college education provided by the government. Recently, 85 men dressed in black commencement garb, almost concealing their aqua and navy-blue prison uniforms, received college degrees, high school diplomas, and vocational certificates while serving their sentences. These educational achievements were made possible through the federal Pell Grant program, which offers tuition aid to the neediest undergraduates without the requirement of repayment.

The upcoming expansion of the Pell Grant program is set to significantly increase the number of students receiving financial aid behind bars, with around 30,000 additional incarcerated individuals expected to benefit from approximately $130 million in funding each year. This expansion marks a significant policy change, overturning a ban that was implemented in 1994, during the era of “tough on crime” policies, which led to mass incarceration and stark racial disparities within the US prison population of 1.9 million.

For prisoners, obtaining a college degree can make a critical difference in their lives. It enhances their chances of successfully reintegrating into society upon release and reduces the likelihood of returning to prison. Former prisoners often face difficulties finding employment due to their criminal records, and a college degree can provide them with a competitive advantage in the job market.

Gerald Massey, one of the graduates from Folsom State Prison, who completed a degree from California State University at Sacramento, serves as an example of the transformative power of education. Massey, who had served nine years of a 15-to-life sentence for a tragic incident involving a drunken driving incident that claimed the life of a close friend, took the opportunity to pursue higher education while incarcerated. He recalls his late friend encouraging him to return to college, and when the chance to enroll in college courses presented itself in prison, he seized it.

The cost of incarcerating one adult in California is approximately $106,000 per year, while educating a prisoner through a bachelor’s degree program costs around $20,000 via initiatives like the Transforming Outcomes Project at Sacramento State (TOPSS). Investing in education for prisoners not only offers them a chance at redemption and rehabilitation but also holds promise for reducing recidivism rates and generating positive social and economic outcomes. According to David Zuckerman, the interim director of TOPSS, the return on investment in prison education is remarkably high.

Although providing college aid to incarcerated individuals may be a contentious issue for some, the benefits of education in correctional settings are well-documented. Studies have shown that taking courses while in prison reduces the likelihood of reoffending by 43%, leading to safer prison environments for both staff and the incarcerated population. Moreover, expanding access to higher education for prisoners aims to address historical racial disparities within the criminal justice system. The ban on Pell Grants for prisoners led to the decline of college-in-prison programs, predominantly affecting Black and Hispanic populations. By lifting the ban, the hope is to create more equitable opportunities for education and redemption.

The decision to expand the Pell Grant program has garnered support from President Joe Biden, who has been a vocal advocate for providing financial aid to incarcerated individuals. Despite the historical opposition to such initiatives, policymakers now recognize the value of education in breaking the cycle of crime and promoting positive reintegration into society.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has already enrolled 200 students in bachelor’s degree programs this year, partnering with eight universities across the state. The department aims to transform prisoners’ lives through education, preparing them for a brighter future beyond incarceration.

While challenges such as limited resources and racial disparities remain, the expansion of college-in-prison programs is expected to open doors for thousands of incarcerated individuals across the United States. Over 200 colleges have been invited to participate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about prisoner education

More about prisoner education

• Federal Pell Grants
• Benefits of Providing College Education for Prisoners
• Reducing Recidivism Through Prison Education
• Expanding College Education in Prisons: Challenges and Opportunities