Updated Last On: 03/23/2026
If you have a felony on your record and want help paying for school, here is the truth.
Yes, scholarships for felons exist. But most people do not get enough money by finding one giant national scholarship just for people with records. Most people succeed by stacking together federal aid, state aid, school scholarships, justice impacted student programs, workforce funding, and private scholarships that never asked about a criminal record in the first place.
That is why this page is built to do two things at once. First, answer whether felons can get scholarship money. Second, and the true reason, to show you where the real opportunities usually are. Programs from schools like St. Francis College, Middlesex College, NYU, UC Davis, and others show that real education support for formerly incarcerated or justice impacted students does exist, even though it is often school specific rather than nationwide.
Quick answer
Yes, felons can get scholarships. But you should not limit your search to awards with the word “felon” in the title. The best starting point is the FAFSA because it is the gateway to federal student aid, including grants and work study, and many schools use it for their own aid decisions too.
Can felons get financial aid for college?
In many cases, yes. A criminal record by itself does not automatically block all federal student aid. Federal Student Aid says students who are confined or incarcerated may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant if they are enrolled in an approved prison education program, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants may also be available in some cases. Federal Work Study is another form of aid for eligible students with financial need.
That does not mean every school, major, or license path will be easy. Some degree tracks and licensed professions can create extra barriers later. But the broad idea that “felons cannot get college money” is simply wrong.
The biggest mistake people make
The biggest mistake is searching only for “scholarships for felons” and stopping there.
That search is too narrow. Real opportunities are usually found under terms like adult learner scholarship, returning student scholarship, foundation scholarship, justice initiative, reentry support, first generation scholarship, workforce training grant, or student emergency fund. CareerOneStop alone says its Scholarship Finder includes more than 9,500 scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities.
Where the real money usually comes from for felons
1. FAFSA based aid
If you do nothing else, fill out the FAFSA. It is the core application for federal student aid. That can open the door to Pell Grants, FSEOG, work study, and in many cases school based aid as well.
2. School scholarships
Many colleges have scholarships that are easier to win than famous national awards because fewer people know about them. Schools also have completion grants, retention grants, book support, transportation help, and emergency funds. Federal Student Aid specifically notes that your school’s financial aid office can help you find new scholarship opportunities.
Make sure to use scholarship search tools like:
3. Justice impacted student programs
This is where many people with records find the best real world support. Some colleges have formal programs for formerly incarcerated or justice impacted students that go far beyond one small scholarship. These programs may include mentoring, stipends, academic support, financial aid help, and emergency assistance.
4. Workforce training money (Trades)
If your goal is a trade, certificate, CDL, welding, HVAC, health care support role, or another job focused path, scholarship hunting is only part of the picture. The U.S. Department of Labor says WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services, and American Job Centers help people search for jobs and find training.
Find an American Jobs Center near you and ask about training.
Verified scholarships for felons and programs worth checking out
These are the kinds of programs worth checking first because they are tied to official institutions or established organizations, not random low quality list posts. Availability, deadlines, and award amounts can change, so always verify the official page before applying.
| Program | Who it is for | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Prison Education Foundation | Incarcerated students, with some post release continuation support in certain situations | Scholarship support through a long running nonprofit focused on education in prison |
| Charles W. Colson Scholarship at Wheaton | Formerly incarcerated students connected to Wheaton College | College education support through Wheaton’s Correctional Ministries Institute |
| St. Francis College Justice Initiative | Formerly incarcerated men and women | Academic, scholarship, and mentoring support |
| Middlesex College Center for Justice Impacted Students | Justice impacted students | Stipend, financial aid help, planning, advising, and support services |
| NYU Horizon Grant | Formerly incarcerated students admitted to undergraduate NYU degree programs | Grant support for a very small number of admitted students each year |
| UC Davis Underground Scholars | Students previously incarcerated or impacted by the criminal punishment system | Financial help for basic needs plus educational materials and support |
| NAACP Empowering a Better Tomorrow Scholarship | Formerly incarcerated people or those recently convicted who completed their sentence | Scholarship support tied to leadership, change, and community commitment |
The table above is based on official program pages from the organizations and colleges themselves.
What if you are still incarcerated?
There is more opportunity here than there used to be. Federal Student Aid says students who are confined or incarcerated may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant if they are enrolled in an approved prison education program. The Department of Education also has formal guidance for prison education programs. That does not mean every facility has strong options yet, but it does mean the old blanket assumption is outdated.
What if you are already out and trying to restart school?
Community colleges and regional public colleges can be especially strong options because they are usually cheaper, more flexible, and more likely to have adult student support. Some schools also have reentry or justice impacted student programs that help with advising, financial aid, enrollment, and basic needs. You can also qualify for a Pell grant.
How to find scholarships if you have a felony
Step 1. Fill out the FAFSA first
Do this before you waste hours on random scholarship sites. The FAFSA is the foundation for federal aid and often affects school aid too.
Step 2. Search your school’s scholarship page
Look for school scholarships, foundation scholarships, completion grants, emergency aid, adult learner support, and reentry support. Your own school can easily end up being your best source of money.
Step 3. Search broader than your record
Use search terms like these:
- adult learner scholarship
- returning student scholarship
- first generation scholarship
- community foundation scholarship
- justice impacted students
- reentry scholarship
- workforce training grant
- trade school scholarship
- school name plus foundation scholarship
- county name plus scholarship
This works better because many real scholarships never mention felony records at all. They are based on age, income, life experience, major, location, or school.
Step 4. Contact the financial aid office directly
Ask one clear question:
Do you have any scholarships, reentry support funds, justice impacted student programs, emergency grants, or foundation scholarships for returning students?
That question is strong because it uncovers money that often never appears in normal Google results. Federal Student Aid also points students back to the school financial aid office for help finding scholarship opportunities.
Step 5. Check workforce programs too
If your goal is job training rather than a four year degree, contact your local American Job Center and ask about WIOA funded training, supportive services, and short term credential programs.
Search terms that work better than “scholarships for felons”
Use searches like these instead:
- justice impacted students [college name]
- foundation scholarships [college name]
- adult learner scholarships [state name]
- community foundation scholarships [county name]
- reentry program [college name]
- trade school scholarship [career field]
- returning student scholarship [state name]
- workforce training grant [city or state]
These search patterns work because the best funding is often local, school specific, or tied to your education path.
A simple email you can send
Subject: Scholarship and grant help for a returning student
Hello my name is [your name here],
I am interested in your school and I am trying to find the most affordable path. I am a returning student and I want to ask whether your school has any foundation scholarships, emergency grants, reentry support, justice impacted student programs, or adult learner aid.
I also want to know the best order for completing the FAFSA and any school scholarship applications.
Thank you.
Red flags and scholarship scams
Watch for these warning signs:
- A site asks you to pay money just to access scholarship leads
- A site promises “guaranteed grants for felons”
- A site pushes private loans before telling you to complete the FAFSA
- A site lists old scholarships with broken links or expired deadlines
- A site gives no official source for the award
Do not trust any scholarship sites asking for payment!
Best positions and school paths for people with a felony record
If you are trying to rebuild after a felony, the smartest education paths are often the ones that lead to income fast and have lower upfront costs. That usually means community college transfer programs, certificate programs, and practical career training rather than chasing the most expensive degree first.
Pell Grants can be used at eligible community colleges, career schools, trade schools, online schools, and four year colleges.
Good paths to explore include:
- Skilled trades
- CDL and transportation
- Manufacturing and industrial work
- Technology support programs
- Business and entrepreneurship certificates
- Community college transfer tracks
Scholarships For Felons FAQ
Yes. A felony record does not automatically stop you from getting scholarships. In many cases, the better approach is to apply for all forms of aid, including FAFSA based aid, school scholarships, state aid, and local foundation scholarships.
No. A felony record does not automatically mean you are blocked from all college money. Some schools, majors, or career paths may create extra barriers, but financial aid itself is often still possible.
Yes. Community colleges are often one of the best options because they usually cost less, are more flexible, and may offer better support for returning students.
Other Financial Help Resources for Felons
If you are looking for more ways to pay for school or rebuild financially after a felony, these guides can help:
- Financial Help for Felons
A complete hub covering housing help, emergency aid, education funding, and more. - Small Business Loans for Felons
If your goal is starting a business instead of school, this shows your best funding options. - Loans for Felons
Learn what loan options exist, which ones to avoid, and how to rebuild credit safely. - Grants for Felons
Find real grant opportunities and understand how they differ from scholarships. - Pell Grants for Felons
Step by step guide to FAFSA, eligibility, and how to qualify for federal education funding.
Bottom line
Yes, felons can get scholarships. But the best strategy is not waiting around for one perfect “felon scholarship.” The best strategy is stacking together every real source of education money you can find: FAFSA based aid, school scholarships, justice impacted student programs, local foundations, and workforce funding. That is how people with records actually make school affordable.
Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice. Scholarship availability, eligibility requirements, award amounts, and deadlines can change at any time. Always verify details directly with the official scholarship provider, school financial aid office, or government website before applying.
HelpForFelons.org is not affiliated with any scholarship provider, college, or government agency mentioned on this page.