For many felons, gaining access to education is an important step toward rebuilding their lives. While the cost of education can be a significant barrier, these school grants for felons help make college or trade school more affordable.
Pell Grants For Felons
The federal Pell Grant is one of the main education grants for felons and can be used to cover tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses.
This grant is for:
- Low-income undergraduate students studying for their first degree
- Students attending an accredited trade school
Previously, convictions for drug or sexual offenses prevented some felons from receiving the Pell Grant. However, thanks to recent changes in federal law those convictions are no longer a barrier to obtaining a Pell Grant.
The FAFSA Simplification Act also allows incarcerated felons to benefit from Pell Grant funding.
The maximum Pell Grant for the 2024-2025 school year, is $7,395. Students need to reapply for the grant each year.
The amount you’ll receive depends on your living expenses, cost of tuition, and financial need.
To apply for a Pell Grant, complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
What is FAFSA? The FAFSA is a form you fill out to find out if you can get government grants, loans, or work-study, to make college more affordable.
Apply for a Pell Grant: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
In addition to the Pell Grant, felons may also qualify for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) which offers funding up to $4,000 per year.
This grant operates alongside the Pell Grant and is available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.
Unlike the Pell Grant, funds for the FSEOG are limited and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis by individual colleges and trade schools.
Your FAFSA application determines your eligibility for the FSEOG, though your school may also require you to complete additional financial aid paperwork.
Felons, with severe financial hardships, are encouraged to apply early, as the limited funding can be a barrier for late applicants.
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Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program
Like other forms of federal aid, the Federal Work-Study program is available to felons as long as they meet the standard eligibility requirements for federal financial aid. Your FAFSA application will determine if you can benefit from the Federal Work-Study program.
This program funds part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for education expenses.
Jobs are typically on-campus positions related to your course of study or off-campus jobs with nonprofit organizations and public agencies.
The amount you’ll be paid varies, but will be at least the hourly federal minimum wage.
Incarcerated felons are not eligible for FWS.
State College Grants For Felons
In addition to the federal grants mentioned above, you may be eligible for state funding to help pay for school.
State grants typically focus on financial need and can significantly reduce tuition costs. Each state has its own programs, so be sure to check what college grants for felons are available in your state.
Here are a few examples:
The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) waives tuition fees for eligible California residents. CCPG is available to low-income students, including felons, attending state community colleges.
Learn more: https://home.cccapply.org/en/money/california-college-promise-grant
The Tennessee Reconnect Grant covers the remaining tuition costs after other financial aid has been applied. Felons planning to study for an associate degree, technical degree, or technical diploma at a Tennessee community college or technical college are eligible for this grant.
Learn more: https://tnreconnect.gov/Tennessee-Reconnect-Grant
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) provides grants to qualifying students, including those with felony convictions. Eligibility is based on income and the cost of tuition. Grant amounts for the 2024-2025 school year are from $1,000 to $5,665.
Learn more: https://www.hesc.ny.gov/find-aid/nys-grants-scholarships/tuition-assistance-program-tap/
Other Grants and Scholarships for Felons
While the Pell Grant and FSEOG are the most well-known forms of federal financial aid, other grants and scholarships for felons are available from nonprofit organizations and private institutions.
For example, the Prison Education Foundation awards scholarships to incarcerated individuals and recently released felons studying for degrees or vocational training.
Learn more: https://www.prisonedu.org/.
Felons involved in social justice causes may be eligible for a grant from the Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund where the maximum award is $15,000.
Learn more: https://www.davisputter.org/
More scholarships and education grants for felons:
- Scholarship America: https://scholarshipamerica.org/
- Prison Scholar Fund: https://www.prisonscholars.org/
- Correctional Ministries Institute: https://correctionalministries.org/colson-scholarship/
- Fail-Safe: https://www.failsafe-era.org/scholarships
- Transcending Through Education Foundation: https://www.transcendingthrougheducation.org/
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Charles Greg is the Co-Founder, Author, & Head Developer behind RentingtoFelons.org
With a lifelong passion for humanity.