Prison Education

Supporting Learner Pathways Across All Postsecondary Contexts

AACRAO is committed to advancing learning mobility, the ability for learners to access, progress through, and receive recognition for postsecondary learning across institutions, systems, and life circumstances. This commitment extends to learners in all settings, including those who are currently or formerly incarcerated.

Postsecondary education in correctional settings plays a critical role in expanding educational access, supporting reentry and workforce participation, and promoting equitable outcomes for learners who have historically been excluded from higher education pathways. As institutions expand prison education programs nationwide, registrars and enrollment professionals are increasingly central to ensuring that these programs are academically rigorous, administratively sound, and aligned with learner mobility principles.

This work reflects the Association's broader focus on:

• Learner-centered records and credentialing
• Fair and transparent academic policies
• Transfer and credit mobility
• Data integrity, privacy, and compliance
• Cross-functional collaboration across higher education

The AACRAO Member's Role in Prison Education

Admissions Officers, Registrars, and enrollment leaders play a unique and essential role in prison education programs (PEPs), supporting areas such as:

• Student records and transcript integrity
• Enrollment and registration in restricted environments
• FERPA compliance and data privacy
• Coordination with financial aid, accreditation, and academic units
• Credential completion, portability, and recognition
  

AACRAO supports institutions by convening members, elevating promising practices, and developing practical guidance that reflects the realities of administering postsecondary education in correctional contexts.

Get Involved with the Prison Education Community

Join the Community of Practice

The AACRAO Exchange Prison Education Community connects registrars, enrollment leaders, and campus partners to exchange knowledge, address operational challenges, and strengthen the administration of postsecondary education in correctional settings.