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Research
The Impact of COVID-19 on Prison Education
During the COVID-19 pandemic many correctional systems ceased or substantially cut back on education and workforce training programs. As late as 2023, instruction continued to be interrupted because of new outbreaks and staff shortages. Will prison education programs recover in the long term?
Apr 24, 2024
Research
How Did COVID-19 Affect Prison Education?
Many U.S. correctional systems shut down or cut back on education and vocational programs because of the pandemic. But having to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions helped accelerate the adoption of online and hybrid learning models and the use of technology for prison education programs.
Mar 23, 2023
Tool
New Guide to Help Implement College Programs in Prisons
Education services can improve the lives and conditions of people in prison and help them compete for jobs when they are released. A new tool aims to guide corrections officials who are considering whether to start a college program or are looking for information to ensure the success of an existing program.
Jun 29, 2021
Expert Insights
Higher Education Programs in Prison Reduce Recidivism
Evidence shows that correctional education programs are effective—and cost-effective—at improving employment outcomes for participants and at helping to keep them from returning to prison. But given limited budgets, how can the long-term funding of these programs be sustained?
Aug 28, 2019
Research
Lessons from a Prison-Based College Program That Continues After Release
A prison-based program offered individuals college classes during the final two years of their incarceration and support for another two years after release to help them achieve their degree or certificate goal. How well did the program work?
May 22, 2019
Article
The Case for Correctional Education in U.S. Prisons
Inmates who participate in any kind of educational program behind bars are up to 43 percent less likely to reoffend and return to prison. They also appear to be far more likely to find a job after their release.
Jan 3, 2016
Commentary
The State of Washington and Its Focus on Rehabilitation
California can learn a great deal from the state of Washington, which has implemented a series of reforms focused on rehabilitation—on diverting offenders to treatment and other options and making serving time in prison the last option.
Sep 16, 2014
Commentary
If You Want Ex-Cons to Be 'Productive Members of Society,' Ban the Box
When an inmate is released, you often hear Americans say that he's “paid his debt” and can now become “a productive member of society.” But the reality is ex-cons pay for their crimes long after sentences end. On the outside, the stigma of incarceration makes it extremely difficult to land a job.
Sep 5, 2014
Commentary
Sending Prisoners to College Will Save You Money
Correctional education works for states because it saves money and shrinks prison populations. It works for prisoners, the public, law enforcement, and the judicial system because educated prisoners are less likely to return to their criminal ways once released.
Apr 11, 2014
Research
Prison-Based Education Declined During Economic Downturn
Large states cut spending on prison education programs by an average of 10 percent between the 2009 and 2012 fiscal years, while medium-sized states cut spending by 20 percent. While the drop appears to have resulted from budget cuts prompted by the economic downturn, evidence suggests that the curtailment of prison education could increase prison system costs in the longer term.
Feb 18, 2014
Research Summary
Correctional Education in the United States: How Effective Is It, and How Can We Move the Field Forward?
Assesses the effectiveness of correctional education for both incarcerated adults and juveniles, presents the results of a survey of U.S. state correctional education directors, and offers recommendations for improving correctional education.
Jan 1, 2014
Data Viz
Correctional Education Can Make a Difference
Inmates who participate in any kind of educational program behind bars are up to 43 percent less likely to reoffend and return to prison. They also are more likely to find a job, and the social stability that comes with it, after their release. Every dollar invested in correctional education saves nearly five in reincarceration costs over three years.
Nov 26, 2013
Research
Obama Administration Expands Prisoner Access to Pell Grants
The U.S. Department of Education has launched a pilot program to restore federal Pell grant eligibility to prisoners. According to RAND research, inmates who take part in education programs had 43% lower odds of returning to prison. The findings also suggest a return on investment of $4 to $5 during the first three years after release for each $1 invested in prison education.
Jul 31, 2015
Event
RAND Europe Impact and Innovation Forum 2027: National Necessity, Regional Choice: Evidence in an Age of Devolution
At this RAND Europe event, policymakers, researchers, and leaders from across the UK and Europe will explore one of the central tensions shaping UK policy today: the pull between national necessity and regional and local choice.
Jan 25, 2027