Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of offering higher education programs in prisons?
The research on this question is consistent; higher education in prisons reduces recidivism as well as incidents within the institution. A meta-analysis aggregating 37 years of research on correctional education in the United States, drawing on 57 studies that used recidivism as an outcome, found that people participating in correctional education programs were 28% less likely to recidivate than those who did not participate (The benefits also show up inside the facility, well before anyone goes home (Bozick, 2018).
A study of more than 92,000 men admitted to Ohio prisons between January 2008 and June 2012 found that those who completed college classes or earned GEDs were less likely than non-participants to engage in violence during incarceration, and that completing coursework coincided with lower rates of return to prison within three years (Pompoco et al., 2017). Those researchers concluded that offering college classes may help reduce levels of violence during incarceration, providing safer facility environments for both incarcerated people and staff (Pompoco et al., 2017).
A Vera Institute evaluation of college-in-prison programs across New York State found the same pattern, with students accumulating statistically fewer substantiated disciplinary incidents than non-students at 6, 12, and 24 months following enrollment (Vera Institute of Justice, 2024). A prison that runs a college program is a calmer place to live and a safer place to work, and gives people who are incarcerated the necessary skills to help reduce recidivism after they are released.
Courses
- All classes are taught by vetted ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì University faculty and instructors, including full-time tenured/tenure-track, non-tenure-track, adjunct, and emeritus faculty.
- Course learning objectives are consistent with those of courses offered across the ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì University system.
- Incarcerated students are fully enrolled ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì University students.
- Students who complete their degrees are recognized as ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì University alumni.
- If a student is released before completing their degree, they may apply to continue their education at ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì University.
How are students accepted?
- Students express interest at their institution.
- The institution reviews their institutional eligibility.
- Students apply via their onsite ÐÔ¸£ÎåÔÂÌì Coordinator.
- Students apply for the Pell Grant for Incarcerated Students.
- Admitted students begin their program of study.
