Can You Go to College With a Felony?

Higher education is the key to a successful and rewarding career. Compared to those with just a high school diploma, college graduates earn 84% more and are half as likely to experience unemployment. And government data show that eight of the 10 fastest-growing occupations require at least a bachelor’s degree.

While a college degree is a valuable asset, attending college can be more difficult for people with prior involvement with the criminal justice system. This article answers many questions about the obstacles people with felony convictions may face when pursuing higher education. However, every situation is different. A criminal defense lawyer can give you advice tailored to your unique circumstances.

Can a Felony Conviction Keep Me from Attending College in Another State?

It depends. You can go anywhere you like if you’ve completed every part of your sentence. However, the college application process is slightly different if you’re still under parole or probation supervision.

The first issue is admission. About 40% of colleges will not admit people on probation or parole. Ask the schools you are interested in about their policies on this subject before you apply.

Second, if you get admitted to an out-of-state college before your parole or probation term ends, you must request permission to transfer your supervision to another state. There are strict eligibility requirements, and your request may be denied even if you satisfy them. A criminal defense attorney can help you with the transfer process.

Will a Felony Conviction Affect My Chances of Getting Admitted to College?

It might. Nearly 75% of colleges ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions. Worse, one study found that colleges rejected 10% of applicants without criminal records but denied 33% of those with felonies.

There is good news, however. According to a Center for Community Alternatives study, private colleges are more likely to ask about criminal charges than public ones (81% vs. 55%, respectively), and four-year colleges are more likely to inquire than community colleges (75% vs. 40%). These numbers show that with a little research, you can find a college that won’t hold your past against you.

Can I Keep a Felony Conviction from Hurting Me During the College Admissions Process?

Although every school has its own rules, generally, a conviction that is reversed on appeal or expunged can’t be held against you. Talk to your criminal defense attorney about the options in your case.

What Types of Financial Aid Are Available to College Students?

Here’s a brief explanation of four common types of financial aid:

• Loans: Money from the federal government or a private lender. Loans must be repaid.
• Scholarships: These are given to students because of financial need, excellence in a particular area, or specific personal characteristics. They don’t need to be repaid.
• Grants: They are awarded based on financial need and do not need to be repaid.
• Work-study: A federal program that gives part-time jobs to college students.

Will a Felony Conviction Make It Harder for Me To Get Financial Aid?

There isn’t any one answer to this question. Read on for answers regarding specific programs:

Will a Felony Conviction Affect My Eligibility for Federal Financial Aid Programs

You may have heard that people convicted of certain felonies are ineligible for federal financial aid. While this was once the case, Congress recently changed the law. As of July 1, 2023, no felony is a barrier to receiving federal financial aid. This is true even for crimes that were previously disqualifying, such as drug-related felonies and felony sexual offenses that require an involuntary civil commitment after incarceration.

Do Felony Convictions Affect Student Loan Eligibility?

No. You’ll have to meet the bank’s borrowing criteria to receive private loans. To qualify for federal student loans, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the designated deadline.

Will My Felony Conviction Affect My Eligibility for Scholarships?

Maybe. Some state-funded scholarships use criteria that hurt people with criminal histories. For example, Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship explicitly excludes people convicted of felonies.

On the positive side, many scholarships are designed specifically for justice-impacted people. A quick web search can help you find these opportunities.

Can I Get a Federal Pell Grant with a Felony Conviction?

Yes. As of July 2023, all felony-based restrictions on Pell Grants have been removed.

Are People with Felony Convictions Eligible for Work-Study?

In theory, yes. No federal law forbids schools from awarding work-study to formerly incarcerated students. However, some colleges and outside employers require background checks for work-study positions. A felony conviction may make it harder to pass the background check and get hired for certain work-study jobs. Talk to your college’s financial aid office about these requirements.

Will a Felony Record Affect My Post-College Job Opportunities?

It might. Although the practice of asking about a person’s criminal background during the application process is slowly falling out of favor, for now, it is something that you’ll need to consider.

Also, certain professions (e.g., law, medicine, K-12 education) require licenses. Extensive background checks are usually part of the licensure process. Licensing boards may even consider expunged records. It would be best to discuss your intended career path with your academic advisor and defense attorney as soon as you enroll in a degree program. They can alert you to potential problems and help you with any difficulties with licensure.

Get Legal Help to Continue Your Education

Getting into college with a felony conviction can be difficult. If a prior conviction makes getting a college education difficult, you may need legal help. A criminal defense attorney can give you advice. Use the LawInfo directory to find a defense attorney near you.