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Being able to go to college can make a world of difference for felons. A college education can give you an edge when it comes to the job opportunities that you will have. The problem is that the cost of going to college is out of reach for many felons. The good news is that there are college grants that will help pay for the tuition.
Getting a college education can be life changing for felons. Not only will it open more doors on the number of places that you would work and type of career you can have, but you will generally make more money, too. The average income for those with a college education is higher on every level, including an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree.
Paying for college may be challenging, but you do have options you can explore to help pay for it. College grants for felons will provide a way to help pay for the tuition bill in all or part. Apply for as many college grants as you feel you are qualified for, because there is no limit to the number of them that you can receive. Plus, the more grants you get the less you will pay out of your pocket.
College Grants for Felons
Pell Grants – The federal government offers college grants for felons. The college grants they offer are called Pell Grants. These are grants that people do not ever have to pay back, unlike school loans. To qualify for Pell Grants you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. You will need to re-apply for the grant every year that you need the assistance paying for college. There is a maximum amount that is provided by the grant. Through 2021, the yearly maximum amount is $6345. That is the most you can get in a Pell Grant per year to use to pay for your college education. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal alien. Not all felons are qualified for Pell Grants. Whether or not you can qualify for one depends on what your conviction was for. While you can apply for a Pell Grant online, it will be administered through the college you plan to attend. To get more information, click here.
The National Reentry Resource Center – This organization provides information about how felons can get grants, as well as providing a list of grants that are open to felons. The organization focuses on the Second Chance Act, which aims to help felons be able to get an education, and thereby improve the outcomes for those who have been incarcerated at one point. Since 2009, they have given out over 800 grants to students around the country. To get more information about the Second Chance Act Grant Program, click here.
Institute for Justice and Opportunity – This organization focuses on helping felons with social issues, as well as obtaining an education. They offer felons a range of services to help with their educational needs and career pathways, including providing grants. To get more information on the assistance offered through the Institute for Justice and Opportunity, click here.
Osher Foundation Reentry Scholarship – The University of Oklahoma offers reentry scholarships for felons. These grants provide felons with the ability to go to college. They are open to people who have been out of college for at least five years and are between the ages of 25-50. The grants are open to felons who are full or part time students. The deadline to apply each year for this grant is December 15. The grant amount is $5,000 and you can receive it more than once, so be sure to apply each year that you need the assistance. To get more information about the Osher Foundation Reentry Scholarship, click here.
In addition to the college grants for felons that are listed above, be sure to check with the college you plan to attend. There is a good chance that when you contact them they will have some suggestions for you as well. Reach out to the financial aid department and explain your situation. They should be able to tell you about different types of local grants that you can apply for that will help to pay for your college education.
Obtaining college grants can be a total game changer for felons. By earning a degree you may be able to obtain a higher paying job, and be able to have more career options that you can choose from. Once you finish with earning your college degree, the school you attend may also be able to help you with job placement. Most colleges have job placement assistance and will help their graduates find open positions.
