Stuff happens when it comes to life. All commit mistakes from time to time. While some of these errors are mild, others will result in severe consequences. Life and opportunities may look grim for those who have served time in prison or have been incarcerated for serious offenses and felonies. Returning to college will help you boost your financial situation and career opportunities. A college diploma will unlock doors, provide more jobs, and raise your annual salary. The issue, on the other hand, often arises when attempting to pay for education. College costs have been rising, but there are several solutions that may benefit.
The estimated cost of a two-year public college is about $3,500 per year, while a similar four-year college costs about $9,500 a year. Any felons will be deterred from returning to college if they cannot come up with the funds to cover their fees. However, this isn’t the case. There are grants and scholarships available for felons returning to college, so it’s not impossible.
It is important to remember, though, that many organizations aim to help those who deserve a second chance, such as convicted felons. Scholarships for felons are one form of funding available to those interested in pursuing a college degree. Grants and scholarships are called grants in most cases. They would never have to be repaid, unlike loans. Felons who earn grants and loans to returning to college will do so without having to worry about repaying the funds after they complete their studies. There is no cap on how many grants and scholarships you can apply for, just make sure you apply for all of them.
In order to help you achieve that, here is a concise list of 10 scholarships to get you started!
Table of Contents
Federal Pell Grants
Criminals may qualify for a Federal Pell Grant to see how they can get their college expenses paid for in full or in half. People who have a reduced income and are immigrants or lawful residents are eligible for these federal grants. The grant number ranges from year to year, but in recent years it has been about $6,345 a year. Given the high cost of attending college, this would help pay for more or a portion of your annual tuition, depending on which college you attend. A Pell Grant from the federal government would not have to be repaid. Any year that you are enrolled in college, you must reapply for the scholarship. Any felons are ineligible for a Pell Grant from the federal government. If you should or not depends on the situation. For further information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.
Provided By: Federal Pell Grant
Award: $6,345
Education level: Undergraduate
Subject: All
Apply Now
2nd Chance 4 Felons
This company is dedicated to giving felons a second chance at life. They will assess your specific condition and assist you in identifying ways that help you tackle challenges. They even offer felons who wish to go to college scholarships. For further information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.
Provided By: 2nd Chance 4 Felons
Award: Varies
Education level: Undergraduate
Subject: All
Apply Now
United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
About half a million students have benefited from this organization’s assistance in obtaining a college degree. They offer more college scholarships to minorities than any other organization. They award more than $100 million in grants each year, all of which are not repaid. You may qualify for a variety of scholarship programs, including ones focused on STEM degrees, education degrees, and more. For further information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.
Provided By: United Negro College Fund
Award: Varies
Education level: Undergraduate
Subject: STEM
Apply Now
Sallie Mae Fund Scholarships
This fund offers college tuition to felons. Its mission is to assist minorities and low-income students in attending college. They offer a variety of scholarships, including those for Hispanics, people with unmet needs, among others. For further information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.
Provided By: Sallie Mae Fund
Award: Varies
Education level: Undergraduate
Subject: All
Apply Now
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
The Gates Foundation awards these grants to felons. They prefer to award scholarships to those who have already been refused access to higher education. Since the initiative began, they have distributed over $1.2 billion in scholarships, with the total grant amounting to almost $13,000. They choose 1,000 individuals to receive a scholarship each year. For further information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.
Provided By: Gates Foundation
Award: $13,000
Education level: Undergraduate
Subject: All
Apply Now
National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated
This foundation provides college tuition to felons as well as children whose parents are incarcerated. Since the service is only open to residents of Florida, you must fulfill the criteria. About 1,500 students have earned $35 million in grants as a result of the scheme. For further information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.
Provided By: National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated
Award: Varies
Education level: High School Senior
Subject: All
Apply Now
Abercrombie & Fitch Global Diversity & Leadership Scholar Awards
Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) has worked with NSHSS to help young academics develop global leadership skills. Only NSHSS participants are eligible for the Abercrombie & Fitch Global Diversity & Leadership Scholar Awards. The global competition is focused on NSHSS participants’ essay submissions that explore their viewpoints on the subject of diversity and inclusion and are judged on originality and content. Per year, scholarships will be given to the best applicants. A&F has also hosted receptions in connection with NSHSS member meetings. We’d also like to thank A&F for being a supporter of the NSHSS Fee Waiver Program, which covers the expense of membership for students who qualify. For further information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.
Provided By: Abercrombie & Fitch
Award: Varies
Education level: Undergraduate
Subject: All
Apply Now
The Prison Education Foundation Scholarship
Inmates and ex-prisoners can apply for grants from the Prison Education Foundation. The number of scholarships available is determined by the number of donor funds available. Many who completed their GED while imprisoned are given priority, as are those who are eligible and prepared to contribute a portion of the net cost of their education. For further information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.
Provided By: Prison Education Foundation
Award: Varies
Education level: Undergraduate
Subject: All
Apply Now
Transcending Through Education Foundation Scholarship
Three former ACI inmates founded the Transcending Through Education Foundation (TTEF) to help others better their lives through higher education. Both imprisoned and previously incarcerated students are eligible for the grant. People who can show leadership skills, community engagement, and a dedication to education are sought by the foundation. For further information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.
Provided By: Transcending Through Education Foundation
Award: $1,000
Education level: Undergraduate
Subject: All
Apply Now
The Charles W. Colson Scholarship
The Charles W. Colson Scholarship offers convicted felons a college degree as well as a life formation curriculum that helps them grow as Christian leaders. This award has been given to a number of people so far. The recipient must enroll in Wheaton College’s undergraduate or doctoral programs, or the correctional ministries degree program. Wheaton College is a private liberal arts college in Wheaton, Illinois. For further information about the scholarship or in order to apply for this scholarship, please click the link below.
Provided By: Institute of Prison Ministries
Award: $1,000
Education level: Undergraduate
Subject: All
Apply Now
