When Jamal Carter enrolled in a college course behind bars in 2022, he didn’t just gain knowledge—he gained hope. Now, thousands like him across the United States are getting the same chance, thanks to a quiet but powerful shift in how the country sees education behind prison walls.
In 2020, the U.S. government restored access to Pell Grants for incarcerated students, allowing them to use federal aid to pay for college courses while serving their sentences. This change, part of the FAFSA Simplification Act, marked a turning point: education was no longer a privilege for the few, but a right within reach for many in prison. Today, more than 200 colleges run Prison Education Programs (PEPs), helping students like Jamal earn credits, build skills, and prepare for life after release.
But access isn’t enough—accountability matters too. To keep receiving Pell Grant funding, schools must now report detailed information every year to the U.S. Department of Education. This includes data on every incarcerated student receiving aid, submitted through the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) website. Schools also complete a separate survey about their programs, sharing insights on student transfers, support services, and whether they’re truly acting in students’ best interests.
By December 31, 2026, all institutions offering PEPs must complete both reports for the 2025–26 school year. The goal is transparency: ensuring that taxpayer dollars are well spent and that students receive a quality education that prepares them for real-world success. The Department of Education is also working to simplify the process, aiming to combine both reporting steps into a single system in the future.
The impact goes beyond numbers. Studies show that incarcerated people who take college courses are far less likely to return to prison. For every dollar invested in prison education, society saves up to five in future incarceration costs. And when people leave prison with degrees, they become mentors, workers, and leaders in their communities.
This isn’t just about second chances—it’s about recognizing potential where it’s too often overlooked. As the U.S. continues to refine these programs, one truth remains clear: education doesn’t end at the prison gate. And for thousands of students, it’s just beginning.