Vocational & Trade Schools
Career and vocational courses are among the most practical forms of education for incarcerated individuals because they provide the skills needed to secure employment soon after release—and often at a lower cost than college programs. While college isn’t for everyone, having a steady job is essential, and these programs offer a direct path to the workforce. Vocational training can prepare someone for careers in fields like hospitality, trucking, or even paralegal work—especially valuable for those seeking to understand and navigate the legal system that shaped their lives.
Blackstone Career Institute
Paralegal / Legal Assistance Certification
The Legal Assistant/Paralegal certificate program provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed in general law. Blackstone Career Institute prepares students for employment in a law firm, bank, court, government agency, or one of dozens of organizations that depend on legal assistants/paralegals today.

International Sports Sciences Association
Personal Trainer Certification & More!
Upon completion of ISSA's courses, individuals earn certifications recognized throughout the fitness industry. This credential not only validates their expertise but also serves as a beacon of hope for a brighter future beyond prison walls. With this certification in hand, former inmates have a tangible pathway to secure employment in personal training and related fields upon their release.
ISSA's impact extends far beyond the confines of correctional facilities. By equipping individuals with marketable skills and certifications, ISSA plays a pivotal role in supporting reentry into society. The ability to secure gainful employment significantly reduces the likelihood of recidivism, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging for those transitioning back into their communities.

Stratford Career Institute
Drug & Alcohol Treatment Specialist & More!
Stratford Career Institute is a privately owned correspondence school established in 1991 that offers at-home vocational training programs to students in North America. With more than one million students enrolled, Stratford has earned its reputation in the delivery of quality at-home career training.

Undergraduate Studies
Access to education can be life-changing—especially for individuals pursuing a second chance while incarcerated. Earning an associate (AA/AS) or bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) through written correspondence provides a powerful path toward personal growth, employment, and long-term success. The schools listed below offer accredited undergraduate programs by mail, allowing students to complete coursework, submit assignments, and progress toward a degree entirely through postal correspondence. These programs are ideal for those without internet access and are designed to be flexible, affordable, and accessible to incarcerated learners nationwide. A Better Tomorrow is proud to support educational reentry by connecting individuals to these life-changing opportunities.

Adams State University
ASU-PEP is a leading higher education institution in the United States, specializing in print-based correspondence education accessible nationwide. Our primary goal is to empower incarcerated individuals through educational opportunities, which improves their chances of success after release. Our academic programs are designed to cater to a broad range of students, with certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees on offer. We are deeply committed to fostering educational opportunities and take pride in being one of the few quality correspondence programs available to incarcerated individuals in the country. Our remote learning options are designed to serve those who need access to traditional education.

California Coast University
California Coast University has been a pioneer in distance learning since its founding in 1973. CCU has consistently met the needs of professional men and women whose geographic, professional, or personal time limitations kept them from completing their education at a traditional brick and mortar school. We pride ourselves on quality, affordability, and flexibility for our students.

Colorado State University
Independent Study at CSU Pueblo provides rigorous, flexible courses and degree programs so that you can achieve your educational goals on your own schedule. We offer over 100 exceptional print-based and digital correspondence courses and three degree programs, all taught by CSU Pueblo faculty and subject-matter experts.
Whether you’re a student looking for flexibility, a student who is incarcerated and needs entirely print-based courses, or a member of our military taking courses at home or abroad, our Independent Study program may be right for you.

Murray State University
After a student selects courses through correspondence study at MSU, he/she will receive a course packet, order the necessary textbooks, and begin a program of individualized study. The course will follow the strict standards for instruction and grading applied in the classroom. Likewise, instructors in correspondence may answer students' questions. Students simply include questions with their written assignments. Graded lessons, instructor comments and answers to questions are returned to students for use in evaluating progress and studying for the final exam.

Ohio State University
Many students choose to start with an associate’s degree because it counts toward both the associate’s and bachelor’s degrees if they decide to continue their education.
Degree residency requirements are satisfied through these courses. Prisoner students don’t need to come to campus to earn resident credit. The criteria are fulfilled by combining courses completed at Ohio University (rather than transfer credits).
You can learn more about other prison college programs here. Many in-prison education programs are also available in every federal prison.

Oklahoma Baptist Univeristy
Oklahoma Baptist University, Oklahoma Baptists and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections are partners in a historic endeavor in Oklahoma. OBU is offering a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Studies to inmates in an Oklahoma prison. Upon completion of their degrees, these men will be sent as Field Ministers to other prisons across the state. This element of equipping and sending inmates to minister to fellow inmates is a unique educational opportunity for those incarcerated.

Rio Salado College
In 1978, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) challenged the limits of tradition by creating Rio Salado College to serve non-traditional students. The College has maintained a tradition of excellence in distance learning for more than 40 years. Rio Salado is one of 10 independently accredited colleges comprising the MCCCD, which is overseen by an elected governing board. Serving more than a quarter million students online for more than 20 years, Rio Salado is dedicated to providing innovative educational opportunities through college bridge pathways, community-based learning, corporate and government partnerships, and early college initiatives.

University of Idaho
The PEI currently offers three degree programs for incarcerated students: communication, general studies, and organizational science. The PEI also coordinates community events, such as art shows and fundraisers, to raise awareness about the initiative and provide financial support to incarcerated students. In addition, it offers for-credit internship opportunities for non-incarcerated students. The internship operates on a flexible timeline, and tasking caters to the specific interests of the intern.

University of Saint Mary
The University of Saint Mary is proud to be part of rehabilitating incarcerated persons. The university has a long history of providing education in prison settings.
The University of Saint Mary’s core curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts educational tradition. The basis of a liberal arts education is the belief that learning in a broad and deep range of fields enhances a student’s ability to think. It refines, challenges, and encourages a student's ability, regardless of background or preparedness for university learning.

University of North Carolina
UNC-Chapel Hill is at the heart of what’s next, preparing talented students from different perspectives and life experiences to become creators, explorers, entrepreneurs and leaders. Tar Heels develop a voice for critical thought and the courage to guide change.
Carolina’s nationally recognized teaching, groundbreaking research and dedication to public service continue a legacy that began when the University was chartered in 1789 and opened to students four years later.

Recently Released? Check out "Project Rebound"
In 1967 Professor John Irwin created Project Rebound as a way to matriculate people into San Francisco State University (SFSU) directly from the criminal Justice system. The focus of Project Rebound quickly became “Education as an Alternative to incarceration” and “Turning Former Prisoners to Scholars.” Since the program’s inception hundreds of formerly incarcerated people have obtained four year degrees and beyond. In 2016, we are moving beyond the confines of SFSU onto seven other CSU campuses. With the help of a new team of professionals we will support students at CSU Fullerton, Fresno, San Diego, San Bernardino, Sacramento, Pomona, and Bakersfield.
Project Rebound is a program that supports the higher education and successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals wishing to enroll and succeed at the California State University. By connecting students with critical resources, Project Rebound constructs an alternative to the revolving door policy of mass incarceration and increases community strength and safety.

Find a school and get started.
Education in prisons is crucial for reducing recidivism (re-offending), improving post-release employment prospects, and fostering personal development. It equips inmates with skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in society, ultimately leading to safer and more prosperous communities.

