Summary‍

Expanding access to college education for people in New York prisons would improve the health and well-being of individuals, their families, and the communities they return to. College education in prison strengthens self-respect, critical thinking, and decision-making skills—leading to safer communities, healthier families, and safer prison environments.

This Health Impact Assessment finds that in-prison college education is a cost-effective strategy to reduce crime and improve community well-being:

• For New York State: Investing in college education in prison prevents more crimes than investing in prison construction. Every $1 million spent on education prevents over 600 crimes, compared to about 350 crimes prevented by prison expansion.
• For communities: Formerly incarcerated students commit fewer crimes and are more civically engaged when they return to their communities.
• For individuals: College education improves job prospects, family relationships, civic participation, and reduces recidivism.
• For children: Parents who pursue college in prison are more engaged, contributing to better outcomes for their children, including higher family income, improved parenting, and reduced risk of involvement in the criminal justice system.
• For prison environments: College programs foster safer, more respectful relationships and reduce conflicts.

Key Findings‍

Communities with lower crime rates experience fewer injuries and trauma, better mental health, and stronger civic engagement. Research shows that people who complete college courses in prison are 51% less likely to return to prison.

College education also improves self-esteem, critical thinking, and decision-making. It offers incarcerated individuals a new identity as students, fostering accountability and self-reflection. As John Valverde, who earned a law degree after participating in a prison college program, said: education “prevented people from just making excuses... really made you think about your responsibility.”

Education in prison benefits families as well. Better employment opportunities for parents increase family income—one of the strongest indicators of health—and positively impact children’s education and emotional development. In New York, an estimated 105,000 children have an incarcerated parent. When parents pursue college education in prison, it improves parent-child relationships and models positive behaviors for their children and families.

Finally, college programs improve prison environments. The Correctional Association of New York reports that education programs encourage good behavior and leadership among incarcerated people, contributing to a safer and healthier atmosphere.

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Recommendations

‍Legislators in New York are considering S975/A2870, a bill to restore Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility for incarcerated students. This assessment finds that restoring access to TAP would benefit public health and safety.

• Restore TAP eligibility for qualified incarcerated students, with funding available to public and private colleges offering credit-earning degree programs.
• Ensure the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision supports college programs by providing adequate space, security, technology, and resources.
• Limit student transfers to maintain participation in college programs.
• Ensure all prison college programs meet high academic standards.
• Support continued education opportunities as part of reentry efforts.