NCJ Number
209315
Journal
Criminal Justice Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2005 Pages: 55-74
Date Published
February 2005
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study examined the effects of receiving a college education on the recidivism rate of inmates.
Abstract
Many correctional policies place limits on the rights of inmates. One such correctional policy eliminated the use of Pell Grants by prisoners, which effectively blocked the majority of prisoners from receiving a college education. However, previous research has suggested that a post-secondary education within prison reduces recidivism among offenders. Thus, it is important to assess the potentially deleterious effects of correctional policies. The current study examined 972 Ohio inmates who were paroled or released from prison between 1989 and 1992 in order to explore the effects of receiving a college education versus other types of education while in prison. The study population was selected via the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) database using a disproportionate stratified sampling technique. Variables under consideration included no education, high school education, GED, vocational education, college education, and offense and offender characteristics. Results of statistical analyses indicated that those inmates who received a college education while in prison had a significantly lower recidivism risk than inmates who had no or different educational opportunities while in prison. This finding suggests the need for correctional agencies to re-think current policies that serve to block inmates from receiving a college education while in prison. Tables, figure, notes, references