Report: More prison education could reduce recidivism, save tax dollars

Education programs in prisons could be part of the solution in cracking down on crime, according to public policy experts.

A new report from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy found prison education programs to be a worthwhile investment of taxpayer dollars as they lower reoffending rates and thus decrease the taxpayers’ burden.

Mackinac’s research shows the impact of various levels of education on recidivism from 3-13%, save thousands of taxpayer dollars and create opportunities for higher wages.  

Secondary and vocational education have the greatest return on investment (ROI), 124% and 205%, respectively. College education had the lowest ROI, at 61.15%.

Adult Basic Education (ABE) serves those with an 8th grade education level or less.  

States’ all-in costs currently average $65,000 per prisoner annually. Federal prisons cost almost $40,000 per inmate or roughly $120 a day.  

Prison education programs are just a fraction of that cost – between 1% and 3% – suggesting states can afford to expand education options without overloading budgets.  

Incarcerated people are significantly less educated than the average American.  

About 33% of prisoners have less than a high school diploma compared to just 14% of the public. And only 15% of prisoners have a postsecondary degree or certificate compared to 45% of the public.  

According to data from the Department of Justice, more than 40% of prisoners are still young, between the ages of 18 and 34.  

Almost all (94%) will eventually be released, and over half (57%) within two years. 

Most (69%) are also interested in pursuing postsecondary education. 

Mackinac’s report offers four policy recommendations to improve prison education at the state level:  

• Create a statewide office dedicated to prison education programs;  

• Automatically enroll prisoners in a program based on their current proficiency or education level; 

• Provide incentives for prisoners to complete an education program, such as a reduction in their sentence; 

• Require regular reports on educational programs and outcomes. 

“Education is one of the most effective tools we have to break the cycle of incarceration,” said David Guenthner, vice president for government affairs at the Mackinac Center. “Lawmakers in Michigan and across the country should prioritize expanding and improving prison education programs.  

“By doing so, states can reduce recidivism, save taxpayer dollars and better prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society.”