Reentry MythBuster About Federal Student Financial Aid: Individuals Currently Incarcerated Have Some Eligibility and Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Are Eligible for Federal Student Aid

A Reentry Myth Buster, authored by the Federal Interagency Reentry Council, is a fact sheet intending to clearly explain federal policies that affect justice-involved individuals and their families. This document dispels the myth that an individual with a criminal record cannot receive student financial aid. In fact, “Individuals who are currently incarcerated in a federal, state, or local correctional institution have some limited eligibility for federal student aid. In general, restrictions on federal student aid eligibility are removed for formerly incarcerated individuals, including those on probation, on parole, or residing in a halfway house.” The guide explains the Department of Education’s Second Chance Pell program and also provides links with additional resources.