Correction by Degrees: Postsecondary Programs in Prisons

In an era of national record-low 3.8% unemployment, the unemployment rate among formerly incarcerated people stands at a significant 27%. Complicating this further, by 2020 two-thirds of job postings will require some level of postsecondary education—certificates, associate degrees, bachelor degrees or more—while formerly incarcerated adults are nearly twice as likely as the general population to have no high school credential.

Facing changes in population demographics, some states regard incarcerated people nearing the end of their sentences as a possible resource to help address many challenges: the need for a stronger workforce, the need to reduce state spending, and the need for former prisoners to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.

This brief provides an overview of the issues relating to prison postsecondary education programs with examples of state responses aimed at creating possible benefits for the participants, the workforce and economy, and the state taxpayers.

The Benefits

To the Participants

The nonpartisan Prison Policy Initiative reports that about 2.3 million people are incarcerated across the nation, and 95% will eventually be released back into their communities. In addition, research by the Urban Institute indicates that society benefits when these individuals return to their communities prepared to rebuild their lives, secure gainful employment and pay taxes. There are positive consequences for their families, communities and local economies.
Significantly, the benefits of prison education programs are evident before an inmate’s release. Wardens and prison superintendents that postsecondary education programs improve a prison’s environment and culture—creating a safer facility and giving the overall inmate population a more positive post-prison perspective.
Therefore, the primary beneficiaries of postsecondary education programs within correctional facilities are the incarcerated individuals themselves. The programs reorient inmates to focus on life after prison—maximizing the use of their incarcerated time to rehabilitate and equip themselves to contribute to society—within a prison environment that is safe and purposeful.

To the Workforce and Economy

In 2017, more than 622,000 people were released from state and federal prisons. Of these individuals, 78% of the men and 83% of the women were between the ages of 25 and 54—the prime working age population. Those who receive some form of postsecondary education within prison are estimated to have a 10% better chance of higher employment and earnings when they reenter the workforce. Nationally, the overall increase in salaries and wages of this population is projected to be $45.3 million—each year.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Labor projects that just over 5 million entry-level job openings annually over the next decade will require some form of postsecondary education. Education programs within correctional facilities help prepare workers who need employment for the jobs that need to be filled.
Therefore, offering educational programs to prisoners may not only help them reestablish their lives upon completing their sentences—and decrease their chances of returning to prison—but also provide a new source of workers to enhance economic development in their communities.

To the Taxpayers

As noted above, 95% of the 2.3 million people incarcerated across the nation eventually will be released back into their communities. Furthermore, inmates who have an educational experience while in prison are significantly less likely to recidivate. Reduced recidivism saves taxpayers an average of $5 for every $1 spent on prison education. A study by the Vera Institute of Justice found that inmates who receive an education while in prison are 43% to 72% less likely to return to prison. The projected nationwide savings from reduced recidivism total $365.8 million per year. These findings indicate significant savings for states while increasing opportunities for former prisoners to contribute to the workforce of their communities.