In 2024, the restoration of Pell Grant eligibility for students who are incarcerated ushered in a new chapter for higher education in prison. With an estimated 800,000 individuals now eligible to receive federal aid while incarcerated, the stakes have never been higher—and neither has the opportunity to ensure that college in prison is broadly accessible and high-quality. But while programs are growing, the data systems needed to understand their reach and impact are lagging.
A new report from Ithaka S+R explores the fractured data landscape that underpins this critical sector. Drawing on interviews with nearly 50 stakeholders—including program leaders, institutional researchers, department of corrections staff, and technical assistance providers—the study outlines the key barriers and opportunities facing the field and what’s needed to build a more comprehensive and sustainable data infrastructure.