Ex-offenders Guide To Higher Education

A Guide to Continuing Education After Prison

Pursuing higher education is an excellent way for ex-offenders to re-enter their communities and live productive, fulfilling lives. But many may not know where to start. This guide answers common questions about returning to school after prison. It also reviews available financial aid and spotlights the best degrees for ex-offenders.

Getting Started

Although people who have been incarcerated share a common experience, they each have different needs based on their unique educational background. The following guides provide information for prospective students who want to earn a degree from different starting points.

FAQ for Ex-Offenders Returning to School

Navigating higher education can be complicated for any student, but being an ex-offender creates its own challenges. Experts Steve Toplan, Dr. Jeffrey Gardere, and Tracey Bowen answer common questions ex-offenders may have about returning to school.

Do students have to disclose their criminal conviction when they apply to colleges? Should they handle disclosure in the same way for online and traditional schools?

Toplan: Some schools ask, some don't. A criminal conviction may have more bearing when applying for a graduate professional program, since the conviction may prevent the student from obtaining a license despite having the degree.

Bowen: Most college applications have a question asking about prior convictions. If asked, given that most applications have you sign affirming that you have been truthful in your answers, it is in your best interest to reply with the truth. Disclosure would be the same for online and traditional schools.

Can colleges reject an application on the basis of a criminal record?

Toplan: Can they? Yes. Would they say, "You have been rejected due to your conviction?” Definitely not. My impression is that a rejection rarely comes from just a conviction, but a combination of factors.

Bowen: They can, however, few actually do. Instead, they will ask for detailed personal statements, letters from probation officers, and character references.

Should college applicants address their criminal conviction in their admissions essay?

Toplan: It is usually better to own up to a past mistake than to hide it.

Gardere: Absolutely. You must show that you learned from the criminal conviction, and how it has made you a better person and better student. I say own it, control it, make it powerful, and be empowered by it. Don't let the school or reviewer turn it into something negative.

Bowen: I would suggest addressing the conviction outside of the essay, unless specifically asked to do so. The conviction is a moment in time, not the entirety of one's life. Unless the conviction adds to the compelling message the student is telling, it's better shared elsewhere.

How should prospective students talk about their conviction if it comes up during a college admissions interview?

Toplan: They should talk about what they learned from the experience and explain how and why they are in a different place. Also, there are many different types of criminal convictions (being drunk is different from a violent attack) and this is often taken into consideration.

Gardere: They should be humble and remorseful. But they should also show strength and show how the conviction was an eye opener to issues that needed to be addressed, and they continue to be addressed through counseling and other positive behaviors.

Bowen: Above all, be honest and straightforward. Do not make excuses or spread blame. State the charges and time served, highlighting a specific positive change that has been made since the conviction. Avoid generalizations like, "I learned my lesson," unless you have a profound example of how you learned your lesson.

Can you live in college housing if you have a criminal conviction?

Toplan: Possibly. The type of conviction should be taken into consideration when making a decision about this.

Bowen: Yes, however some colleges may require a background check for those seeking on-campus housing. It helps with campus safety to know the nature of the convictions of those living on campus.

What tips can ex-offenders use to adjust to the rigors of college life?

Bowen: Developing strong time management skills, creating a reliable support system, and practicing proper self-care are critical when navigating college life. These can be a challenge for students without a criminal record.

Gardere: 1. Maintain a relationship with a psychologist, social worker, or therapist to help achieve balance. 2. Stay in contact with probation or parole officers. 3. Stay away from people, places, and things that could get you in trouble again.

How can ex-offenders get the most out of their college experience?

Toplan: Don't just go to class. Join a club or two to see the world through a different lens. Also, they should avail themselves of some of the social services on campus, which are typically free of charge (counselors, tutors).

Bowen: Get involved in campus life. Students should join clubs and groups on campus that are related to their major and special interests. Getting connected helps cultivate a sense of belonging, which plays a large role in student success by creating accountability and belonging.

Do colleges offer resources to ex-offenders to help them with their education?

Toplan: Colleges offer all students resources to help them with their education. Ex-offenders are no different in this regard.

Bowen: Yes, some colleges may have special programming that provides tutoring and mentoring for ex-offenders. In addition, there may be grants, stipends, and free bus passes for ex-offenders. Student life, the dean of students, and financial aid are good places to ask about special programs.

Financial Aid Options for Ex-Offenders

Many college students need help paying for higher education. However, financial aid availability for ex-offenders may differ. This section addresses financial aid for people with a criminal conviction.

Can You Get Financial Aid if You Have a Criminal Conviction?

Students who are currently incarcerated receive limited access to financial aid, according to the U.S. Department of Education (ED). People doing time in a federal or state institution are ineligible for a Federal Pell Grant or federal student loans.

In addition, students serving time can apply for a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant and Federal Work-Study. However, they are unlikely to receive these types of aid because students eligible for a Federal Pell Grant receive priority.

Prospective students released from custody have more options for financial aid. But options vary depending on their convictions. For example, those who have been convicted of the possession or sale of illegal drugs while receiving federal financial aid—including loans, grants, and work-study—forfeit their eligibility for this funding.

However, students with these convictions can get their financial aid reinstated. They must successfully complete a drug rehabilitation program approved by the ED. Or, they must pass two random drug tests done by a rehab facility.

In addition, people who have been convicted of sexual offenses may not receive aid. Their eligibility may be limited if they are subject to an involuntary civil commitment after serving their prison sentence.

Best Degrees if You Have a Criminal Conviction

All students should make an informed decision about the type of degree they want to earn. They should consider factors such as the types of jobs available and career earning potentials. In addition, ex-offenders may need to address issues that may come up because of their legal status.

Ex-offenders who attend college after being released can pursue many careers after graduating. However, they may face some barriers when looking for employment because of their past. Below are a few things to keep in mind.

People with felony records may face limitations with earning licenses for certain careers. States may not award credentials to people with criminal convictions. For example, felony convictions may limit graduates' abilities to earn licensure to work in certain health occupations, such as dental assisting. Ex-offenders may also not be able to get a license to work in schools, child care centers, home health agencies, or nursing homes.

Certain government agencies may enforce policies that bar people with felony convictions from getting jobs there. For example, if someone has been convicted of a gun charge, they may not get jobs that require the use of firearms, such as security guard positions.

Someone who has been convicted of a charge that involved alcohol may not get work as a bar manager.

Although ex-offenders should keep these things in mind when exploring possible careers and degrees, they should not let this discourage them. They can still pursue many job opportunities when they earn their degrees.

Degree Spotlight

The list below highlights degree options for ex-offenders.

• Construction Management

  Many construction companies do not perform background checks. In addition, graduates with entrepreneurial interests can start their own business in this industry.

  Students who enroll in construction management degrees learn the technical and managerial concepts needed for the field. They may take coursework that covers structural analysis, scientific problem solving, and project management. Other courses may teach field inspection, building codes, and real estate development.

  Possible Careers

  Construction manager, site engineer, building control surveyor, building services engineer, project manager, building surveyor, cost estimator, facilities manager, scheduler, quantity surveyor, field superintendent, sustainability consultant

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• Counseling

  Some agencies hire ex-offenders as counselors to help those who are currently incarcerated. In these cases, workers act as role models for those who are imprisoned. Counselors may help them with a variety of life problems, such as drug addiction and the aftermath of abuse. To prepare for these types of jobs, students can earn a counseling degree.

  Counseling programs teach students the skills they need to help people improve their lives effectively. The curriculum may include classes about juvenile delinquency, personality theory, and the psychology of addiction. Students may also take abnormal psychology, child abuse and neglect counseling, and group therapy classes.

  Possible Careers

  Counseling psychologist, behavioral disorder counselor, mental health counselor, vocational (career) counselor, substance abuse counselor

  Learn more about getting an online counseling degree.

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• Computer Science

  Students who want to pursue technology careers can earn a computer science degree. They may take courses in software design and development, operating systems, and database management. Other topics may include programming languages, computing theory, and data structures.

  Ex-offenders who have technology skills may gain jobs in this field if they do not have convictions related to cybercrimes, fraud, violence, and theft.

  Learn more about getting a computer science degree.

  Possible Careers

  Computer systems analyst, network and computer systems administrator, software applications developer, computer programmer, database administrator, computer network architect, web developer, computer and information systems manager

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• Culinary Arts

  The culinary industry may provide many job opportunities for ex-offenders because restaurants generally do not require background checks. People interested in owning their own business can start a catering service or food truck. Students who enter a culinary arts program can focus their studies on baking and pastry arts, culinary nutrition, food service management, or culinary science.

  Possible Careers

  Restaurant manager, executive chef, wine sommelier, personal chef, caterer, pastry chef

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• Graphic Design

  Students with a creative eye and a desire for self-employment can use a graphic design degree to begin a freelance career in the field. Graphic design programs include classes on desktop publishing, typography, and web design. Students also learn print and online media layout techniques and digital imaging.

  Learn more about getting a graphic design degree.

  Possible Careers

  Graphic designer, film and video editor, creative director, drafter, web designer, art director, product designer

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Advocacy Programs and Resources for Ex-Offenders

After being incarcerated, prospective students may not know where to start to enroll in a program or look for a job. The following resources can help.