Top Five Reasons to Consider Continuing Your Education While Incarcerated
5. Because degree holders make more money.
* In 1999, average annual earning ranged from $18,900 for high school dropouts to $25,900 for high school graduates, $45,500 for college graduates and $99,300 for the holders of professional degrees (medical doctors, dentists, veterinarians and lawyers).
* Offenders are almost twice as likely to be unemployed without a degree. Graduates are far more likely to be in senior positions and earn more.
4. Because the chance of re-incarceration will dramatically decrease.
* On average, individuals have a 60% chance of ending up back in prison once released.
* With an Associate’s degree (2 year degree), that number drops to 16%.
* With a Master’s degree (6 year degree), that number drops to 0%.
3. Because financial aid may be available after release!
* Once released from a correctional facility, almost all offenders are completely eligible to file for financial aid.
* Loans and grants ARE available to fund your education.
2. Because it improves opportunities for employment after release.
* Having an education shows employers that offenders are serious about wanting to do a good job. It’s an opportunity to gain experience without ever being hired!
1. Because offenders can succeed in college!
* Many offenders feel they won’t be successful in college. In reality, professors have noted that those who take classes while incarcerated oftentimes do better and earn higher grades than their on-campus counterparts.
St. Cloud State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer.
St. Cloud State University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
© 2012 St. Cloud State University