Online & Distance Learning

Pathways Program for Incarcerated Students

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’s Pathways Program for Incarcerated Students offers individuals the opportunity to earn a degree or to simply take courses for personal growth and development.

St. Cloud State University (SCSU) was established in 1869 and is the second-largest university in Minnesota. For over 40 years, SCSU’s Center for Continuing Studies has offered access to the university’s high quality academic courses through correspondence study.

Today, St. Cloud State University offers incarcerated students access to these same academic courses through the Pathways program. Students can choose to pursue an Associate in Arts or Associate in Elective Studies degree entirely by correspondence study. Courses are facilitated by experienced faculty who share the Center’s vision of providing access to students who cannot attend class on campus.

Students who are admitted to the University through Pathways for Incarcerated Students become part of St. Cloud State University’s long-standing tradition of excellence and opportunity.

• Degree Options
• Tuition and fees
• Program Support
• Research on Correctional Education and Reducing Recidivism
• Apply

Contact Information

For more information on the Pathways program (including current tuition and fees) through the SCSU’s Center for Continuing Studies, write to:
Pathways for Incarcerated Students Program
Center for Continuing Studies
St. Cloud State University
720 4th Avenue South
St. Cloud MN 56301
320-308-3081
Or email any questions to: ccs@stcloudstate.edu