Pell Grants For Felons in 2025

Higher education can be a powerful tool for individuals looking to rebuild their lives after incarceration. Fortunately, there are many colleges that accept felons and provide financial aid opportunities, including Pell Grants for felons to succeed.

College grants for felons can make pursuing a degree more accessible. While incarcerated individuals have limited eligibility, those on probation, parole, or recently released can often qualify. By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and exploring available financial aid programs, felons can take advantage of second chances and work toward a brighter future through education.

Are Felons Eligible for Pell Grants?

It's important to understand how Pell Grants for felons work and who is eligible for these funds. Felons currently confined in a correctional facility have limited eligibility for Pell Grants. However, once released, these limitations are removed, and felons can apply for college grants. If on probation or parole, felons should fill out a FAFSA form to determine eligibility for Pell Grants.

Many colleges accept federal student aid. To determine if a school approves Pell Grants, verify that it is accredited and then use the FAFSA to apply. Some of the best online colleges that accept Pell Grants include Parker University, Florida International University, University of Central Florida, Arizona State University, and Illinois College.

Pell Grants For Convicted Felons

Felons who wish to earn their degrees have several options for funding their education. From student loans to second chance grants for felons, they can get the money to pay for college.

Second Chance Pell Grants

In 1994, access to Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals was halted. However, the Second Chance Pell experiment began in 2015, offering grants for felons to go to college once again.

As of 2023, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has created 14 Second Chance Pell prison programs. Second chance grants for felons have enabled 431 enrolled students to earn 208 associate degrees, 16 bachelor's degrees, and 13 certificates, according to the BOP.

With the availability of second chance grants, felons can pursue post-secondary degrees to earn a decent income upon release.

Traditional Pell Grants Through the FAFSA

Whether currently incarcerated, on parole or probation, or released, felons should fill out the FAFSA form. They will receive a determination on whether they are eligible for grant money for college.

The college grants for felons currently in prison are the Second Chance Pell Grants. This applies if courses are available at their facility. Those on parole, on probation, or at a halfway house can apply for a Pell Grant; however, their incarceration may affect their eligibility. Released felons are eligible for federal student aid, just like any other student.

Read More: Can You Get FAFSA With a Felony?

Other Financial Aid Options for Felons

In addition to college grants for convicted felons, other forms of financial aid are available. If incarcerated individuals apply for all potential financial help, they can make a way to pay for college.

Federal Student Loans

Incarcerated individuals cannot receive federal student loans. Loans are denied to anyone serving a sentence in a jail, prison, penitentiary, work farm, or other correctional facility. This also applies to minor felons who've been delinquent and are currently in a juvenile justice facility.

There are student loans for felons available upon release, allowing access to a college education. Those who are under house arrest, at a halfway house, or those confined prior to sentencing are not considered incarcerated and may apply for student loans, such as:

• direct subsidized loans
• direct unsubsidized loans
• direct PLUS loans
• direct consolidation loans

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, or FSEOG, provide money that does not need to be repaid to undergraduates with financial needs. Felons who have been released are able to apply and receive FSEOG funds. It is not available at all schools, so students should check with the financial aid office.

Those who are currently incarcerated, whether in a state, federal, or juvenile facility, are technically able to receive an FSEOG. However, according to the Federal Student Aid office of the Department of Education, felons are unlikely to get funds. Schools offering FSEOG money have limited funds available to them.

Federal Work-Study Programs

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program offers students with financial needs the ability to earn money while attending college. Part-time employment may include on-campus jobs (e.g., research assistant, library aide, or professor assistant). Often, schools pair with nonprofits or small business organizations to offer various off-campus jobs.

Felons may apply for FWS positions through FAFSA; however, inmates who are currently incarcerated most likely won't be accepted into the program. According to the Federal Student Aid office, this is because of limited funds and logistical issues. A student confined to a correctional institute will be unable to leave to perform their duties.

Scholarships for Felons

Felons have access to scholarships to help pay for their continued education. This form of financial aid does not need to be repaid. There are scholarships available to felons who have been released, as well as those currently in prison.

The Education Justice Project, a resource of the University of Illinois, compiled a list of available scholarships for felons.

The Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship, for instance, provides $5,000 to formerly incarcerated students. Eligible students must demonstrate leadership qualities and wish to give back to their community.

How To Apply for the Pell Grant as a Felon

Students with a felony conviction can receive the Pell Grant, but they must follow a few steps to do so. If eligible, students can obtain college funds with several steps.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before starting the application process for a Federal Pell Grant, students should determine if they are eligible. The grant is usually given to undergraduate students who do not have a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. Sometimes, a Pell Grant may be awarded to a student in a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program.

Applicants must have an exceptional financial need. This includes incarcerated felons; however, they must attend an approved educational program within the prison to be eligible.

Step 2: Fill Out the FAFSA Form

To fill out the FAFSA form, students must create a StudentAid.gov account. The FAFSA can be filled out online, or individuals can print a PDF to fill out by hand and mail it in.

Applicants will need their Social Security number - if they are dependents, they'll need their parents' SSNs. Other records required include tax returns, records of child support received, and the net worth of any assets including investments, bank accounts, and cash. Students must reapply every year.

Step 3: Monitor Your Student Aid Report (SAR)

The Student Aid Report (SAR), now known as the FAFSA Submission Summary, informs applicants if corrections need to be made. It explains financial aid eligibility and offers a list of potential colleges.

The Submission Summary can be found on the StudentAid.gov dashboard. It will not be accessible until the FAFSA form is processed - usually within three days after the online form is submitted. If a paper copy was used, the summary will be available within 10 days from the mailing date.

Step 4: Contact Your School's Financial Aid Office

Once processed, the FAFSA results are sent to the schools that the student listed on their form. This does not guarantee that an offer of aid will be given.

It's important to contact the financial aid office at the college to see what other steps must be taken. Most schools have their own eligibility requirements for students seeking financial aid.

Step 5: Accept Your Pell Grant and Enroll in Classes

After meeting with a financial aid officer, students must complete any required steps or actions required to get financial assistance. Once they accept their Pell Grant, the school will disburse the aid to pay tuition.

Payment schedules vary by school. Typically, the college will pay the money at least once per quarter, semester, or trimester.

Colleges That Accept Pell Grants for Felons

Many colleges throughout the U.S. accept federal Pell Grants, allowing students to earn a degree without going into debt. Below, we've listed just a few examples of these schools.

• University of Texas at El Paso: UTEP offers online classes to earn a bachelor's or master's degree. It's a public institution that accepts 100% of applicants, including felons. UTEP accepts the Pell Grant and other forms of financial aid. Inmates with violent or sexual offenses may not be accepted into certain healthcare programs, such as those that involve working with patients.
• University of Massachusetts Global: UMass Global, the online affiliate of the University of Massachusetts, accepts Pell Grants, as well as the FSEOG and other grant programs. Felons with a high school diploma meet the open admission requirements. They can work full-time toward undergraduate and graduate degrees in the arts, education, science, and business. A background check is required for some programs.
• University of Maryland Global Campus: UMGC, the online campus of the University System of Maryland, accepts Pell Grants from felons. Since they offer open admission, applicants only need to have a high school diploma or GED to be accepted. They offer a wide array of degrees from associate to doctoral.
• Weber State: Located in the beautiful mountains of Ogden, UT, WSU offers open enrollment and accepts felons to most of its programs. The university accepts financial aid, including the Pell Grant, FSEOG, and FWS for low-income students. Programs include business, arts, engineering, and sciences, as well as trade school opportunities.
• Utah Tech University: Formerly known as Dixie State University, UT is a public university in St. George, UT. The school focuses on applied sciences, vocational education, and career paths - it offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Felons can use Pell Grant funds to attend UT, although some classes may require a background check or be restricted for students with a criminal record.

Explore College Degree Programs

Felons who are interested in furthering their education can explore schools featured on Learn.org. College is not out of reach and a fresh start awaits. Explore programs that accept FAFSA and enroll today.