Can You Go to College With a Felony?

Yes, you can go to college with a felony record. Your past conviction does not have to prevent you from achieving your educational and professional goals. In fact, pursuing higher education is a proven way to help build the productive, fulfilling life you aspire to lead.

However, a felony conviction can make college admission more challenging, financial aid tougher to secure, and some careers out of bounds. That’s why we created our guide — to answer common questions about returning to school after prison. We also review financial aid and spotlight the best degrees for returning citizens.

Not everyone with a felony conviction shares the same educational background. Do you hold some college credits? Did you finish high school equivalency? Do you see yourself pursuing a master’s degree?

How you answer these questions will help determine which program is right for you. The following guides provide information for prospective students who want to earn a degree from different starting points.

If you have already earned college credits, you might be able to transfer them into your new program, which can help you save time and money. Use this guide to explore the five baby steps for finishing college.

Returning to college after prison can feel intimidating, but many universities and organizations have your back. Learn more about what assistance you can find as you transition into college life.

Find out more about your options for higher education without a high school diploma, GED, or other high school equivalency certificate.

Many college students need help paying for higher education, but people with felony convictions may face additional challenges when accessing financial aid.

Don’t believe the myth that you can’t afford college just because of a past conviction. You can still qualify for many forms of financial assistance.

According to the U.S. Department of Education (ED), currently incarcerated students receive limited access to federal financial aid. People doing time in a federal or state institution are ineligible for federal student loans. You may qualify for a Pell Grant, but only if you are participating in an ED-approved prison education program.

However, once you’re released from incarceration, these limitations are removed. In the past, sexual and drug-related offenses could be a barrier to federal aid dollars, but as of July 1, 2023, the nature of your offense no longer determines your eligibility for aid after your incarceration ends.

If you are still in the custody of the Department of Corrections or Federal Bureau of Prisons, you can apply for financial aid now using your facility’s address and be ready to start school as soon as you’re released.

People who attend college after serving time in prison can pursue many careers once they graduate, but returning citizens may face barriers when looking for employment because of their past.

States often will not award licenses to practice as doctors, nurses, teachers, or lawyers to people with certain criminal convictions. Federal government agencies may also enforce policies that bar people with felony convictions from getting specific jobs due to security concerns.

However, many states are opening up more professions to formerly incarcerated people. For example, South Carolina recently passed legislation prohibiting licensing boards from denying approval solely based on a criminal conviction unless it was directly related to the “duties, responsibilities, or fitness of the occupation.”

While people with felony convictions face higher hurdles to getting hired than many other applicants, more and more companies are recognizing the value of hiring qualified individuals without performing a criminal background check. Sales, energy, construction, marketing, communications, and technology can all be promising industries to consider.

Prospective students who have been incarcerated may not know where to start when enrolling in a degree program or looking for a job. The following resources can help.

A felony conviction does not have to be a barrier to college. You can still get accepted, apply for financial aid, compete for scholarships, and attend classes. While a few majors might not be possible, depending on the nature of your conviction, a college education is not beyond your reach just because of a criminal background.

Yes, you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out how much aid you can qualify to receive based on your income. In the past, some sexual or drug-related offenses could prevent you from receiving Pell Grants or student loans. However, those prohibitions have been rescinded, so your conviction should not impact your application.

People returning from prison can qualify for public and private student loans. To apply for federally subsidized loans, complete the FAFSA. To apply for private loans, approach your bank or other financial institution. Be sure to prioritize grants, scholarships, and all other forms of financial aid over interest-bearing student loans.

Yes, you can get hired after college if you have a felony conviction, although your background will likely present a barrier to certain careers. Some industries, such as healthcare, law enforcement, and finance, have stricter regulations, so make sure your state will license you for work in your chosen industry before declaring a major.

Even with a felony conviction, you may pursue many diverse college majors, including business, marketing, construction, technology, and graphic design. You can attend community college to become an electrician, plumber, or chef or pursue a master’s degree or doctorate in your field. Some majors, though, such as nursing, pharmacy, teaching, and law, may be off limits in your state, depending on the nature of your conviction.