Will colleges accept you if you have a felony?
Asked by: Luella Koch | Last update: October 21, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (19 votes)
It is still entirely possible to get into college with an open felony case. However, having an experienced criminal defense attorney can increase your chances of a favorable outcome. A lawyer can help navigate your case, protect your legal rights and lessen the impact on your future educational opportunities.
Can I attend college with a felony?
Yes, you can still attend college with a felony. There are no legal restrictions that prevent you from attending college with a felony record. Every college makes its own admission decisions. A criminal history may lower your chances of getting accepted if you're aiming for a more competitive school, though.
Are there college grants for convicted felons?
You may qualify for a Federal Pell Grant if you've been convicted, are incarcerated in a federal or state penal facility, and are enrolled in an approved prison education program.
Is college worth it for a felon?
A degree helps because (especially if you do well) it demonstrates that you've left your criminal past behind. It indicates you've learned new skills. It gives you opportunities to demonstrate you can contribute positively to your university (eg via extracurricular activities).
Can a criminal record stop you from getting into college?
Some common ways that criminal charges may affect students include: The college might deny you admission. It might rescind its admission offer. Your reputation at school, in the community, and at your job could suffer irreparable harm.
Can You go to College with a Felony?
What degree is best for a felon?
- Construction Management. Many construction companies do not perform background checks. ...
- Counseling. Some agencies hire ex-offenders as counselors to help those who are currently incarcerated. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Culinary Arts. ...
- Graphic Design.
Does Harvard accept felons?
Applicants will not be denied admission based on their disclosure of conviction and should not be discouraged from applying.
Can felons get FAFSA?
You are free to apply for all forms of federal student aid, including those you couldn't get while you were incarcerated. However, the drug and sex offense restrictions still apply (see above).
What's the best career for a felon?
- Digital marketer. ...
- Freelance copywriter. ...
- Freelance designer. ...
- Painter. ...
- Maintenance worker. ...
- CNC machinist. ...
- Car sales executive. ...
- Entrepreneur.
What disqualifies you from FAFSA?
Disqualifications for financial aid include lack of citizenship, defaulting on loans, drug offenses, failure to maintain academic progress, and incomplete FAFSA info.
What benefits can felons get?
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Benefits
An individual released from incarceration may be eligible for Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits if they have worked or paid into Social Security enough years.
Can felons get passports?
Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.
Can you get kicked out of college for a felony?
First of all, this happens automatically with a lot of different felony charges. Schools will remove students, but it is often more of an administrative measure. Someone who is convicted on felony charges will likely be spending time behind bars and would not be able to go to school anyway.
What are you not allowed to do as a felon?
The rights most often curtailed include the right to vote and hold public office, employment rights, domestic rights, and financial and contractual rights. State statutes and local ordinances are the traditional means for abridging the rights of convicted criminals.
Do colleges background check?
The good news is this: while, yes, most colleges do run background checks on prospective students, it doesn't mean they will reject you. One study shows that 66.4% of colleges collect criminal background information on at least some of their applicants.
Can I go to college if I'm a felon?
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.
How long do felonies stay on your record?
In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.
What are the cons of being a felon?
- You can't travel, but you also can't find a home. ...
- You can't vote. ...
- You can't serve on a jury. ...
- You can't get public benefits. ...
- You can't get a job.
Are there college grants for felons?
Pell Grants are need-based grants that can help pay for tuition, books, and living expenses. 2. Second Chance Pell Pilot Program: A part of the Experimental Sites Initiative, this program allows qualifying incarcerated individuals to receive Pell Grants for educational and career training programs.
Is it a felony to lie on FAFSA?
But what if you lie while filling out the FAFSA®? That could lead to some pretty serious repercussions. If someone purposefully lies on the FAFSA®, they're committing student fraud . Intentionally lying on the FAFSA® is a serious crime.
Can you go to the military with a felony?
Felons and individuals with multiple convictions cannot join, but waivers are available on a case-by-case basis. All interested individuals must clear a criminal background check and have no felony convictions.
What degree should a felon pursue?
Engineering. Engineering is a field that offers many different options for felons. They can choose to pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering but aren't limited to just those options. If attending college for four years isn't what you want, you can also choose a two-year engineering technology program.
Does Yale hire felons?
I have a criminal record, am I still eligible for employment at Yale University? A record of criminal or motor vehicle conviction does not preclude employment.
Can felons get an education?
Many state and local governments have resources for felons that are designed to make education and training more accessible. Precisely what's available does vary by area, but it could open doors for formal learning opportunities.