2026 Best Online Degrees for Felons with Records

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an online degree for felons with records?

You can expect an online degree program to be just as challenging and respected as an on-campus one. The coursework is rigorous, the material is the same, and you'll be learning from the same expert faculty. And to be clear, your final diploma will not say "online" on it.

The biggest difference is the flexibility. You can structure your study time around your work schedule and family life, which is a major advantage. The best online degrees for felons are designed for individuals who require this level of adaptability.

However, that flexibility requires a great deal of self-discipline. Without set class times, you are entirely in charge of managing your schedule and meeting deadlines. Success depends on your ability to stay organized and motivated.

Where can I work with an online degree for felons with records?

Your best career opportunities are in fields with low licensing barriers, like technology, business administration, marketing, and communications.

Entrepreneurship is another powerful path. Earning a business degree can give you the tools to start your own company, allowing you to bypass the entire hiring process and build something for yourself.

Now, a crucial word of caution. You must be very careful with degrees that lead to state-licensed professions. Fields such as nursing, social work, or physical therapy have strict requirements, and research shows that individuals with felony convictions are often legally barred from obtaining the required license, regardless of their educational background. Choosing the correct field from the start is key to avoiding time and money waste.

How much can I make with an online degree for felons with records?

Earning a degree is one of the most effective ways to increase your income. Bachelor’s degree holders have median weekly earnings of $1,493, which is a significant increase from those with a high school diploma.

It’s essential to be realistic. Your first job out of college might start a bit lower than the median due to employer bias. However, the degree gets you on a professional career track. It unlocks a lifetime of salary growth, promotions, and opportunities that are not otherwise available. That long-term trajectory is the real financial power of your degree.

Popular College Degrees Worth Considering in 2025

Many degrees are popular and in high demand. Still, when you have a criminal record, you have to choose more strategically. The most critical factor to consider is whether the career path requires a state license to practice. A degree is worthless if you are legally barred from using it.

1. Business Administration

This is one of the safest and most versatile degrees you can earn. It provides a direct path to careers in management, marketing, and finance—fields with very few licensing barriers. Most importantly, it gives the strongest possible foundation for starting your own business, allowing you to bypass hiring bias completely.

2. Psychology

A bachelor's degree in psychology can provide a solid foundation for roles that don't require a license, such as a case manager or a human resources specialist. However, becoming a licensed psychologist or therapist is a significant challenge. This path requires an advanced degree and passing a state board's background check, which can be a considerable hurdle.

3. Social Work

While this is a mission-driven field, it is a high-risk choice. To practice as a social worker, you must obtain a state license (LSW), and this process almost always involves a thorough criminal background check. These regulations vary by state but often create a significant barrier to entry for individuals with felony convictions.

4. Nursing

Nursing is a high-demand field, but it is also one of the highest-risk educational paths you can take. Graduating with a nursing degree is not enough; you must be licensed by a state board of nursing to work. These boards have rigorous character and fitness standards, and a felony conviction can be an absolute barrier to licensure.

5. Counseling

Similar to social work, becoming a licensed professional counselor is a very challenging path. It requires a master's degree and passing a state board's background check, which is often a disqualifying obstacle. While the work is rewarding, the educational and legal hurdles are incredibly high, presenting a significant risk.

List of the Best Online Degrees for Felons with Records for 2026

1. SUNY Empire State University - Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)

SUNY Empire State University delivers a B.B.A. designed for adult learners and transfer students, focusing on core competencies from accounting to strategic management. The program prepares you to lead in diverse business contexts. It is supported by a system-wide “Ban the Box” policy, ensuring fair consideration in admissions.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Support Services: SUNY’s “Ban the Box” policy removes questions about prior felony convictions from the initial application, ensuring a fair review process.
• Required Credits to Graduate: 124
• Cost per Credit Hour: $295 (in-state), $353 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. University of Washington - Online B.A. in Early Care and Education

The University of Washington offers a B.A. program designed to advance the field of early childhood education through a curriculum centered on equity and inclusion. This fully online program provides dedicated coaching and hands-on learning, operating in a state with the Fair Chance Act, which helps prevent hiring discrimination.

• Program Length: 2-3 years
• Support Services: The university operates in a state with the Fair Chance Act, which prohibits employers from inquiring about criminal records on job applications—a policy UW highlights for its community.
• Required Credits to Graduate: 87
• Cost per Credit Hour: $231
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

3. University of Maryland Global Campus - Bachelor of Science in Psychology

University of Maryland Global Campus offers a B.S. in Psychology that develops your ability to think critically and analyze behavior in a professional context. Taught by experienced practitioners, the program operates under a state law that prohibits the use of criminal history in admissions decisions.

• Program Length: 3-4 years
• Support Services: The university adheres to the Maryland Fair Access to Education Act, which prohibits inquiring about criminal history on admissions applications.
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit Hour: $330 (in-state), $499 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

4. Rutgers University-Camden - Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

Rutgers University-Camden offers a flexible B.A. in Liberal Studies that allows students to leverage prior credits and professional experience for faster degree completion. The university provides a dedicated webpage of resources for formerly incarcerated individuals, connecting students with job search help and supportive nonprofit organizations.

• Program Length: 2-4 years
• Support Services: The university offers an extensive list of resources for formerly incarcerated students, including federal handbooks, job search guides, and connections to nonprofit support networks, such as the Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network.
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit Hour: $655
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. California State University-Fullerton - B.A. in Sociology

California State University-Fullerton’s online B.A. in Sociology delivers a practical education focused on understanding complex social and interpersonal dynamics. Students can benefit from Project Rebound, an on-campus initiative that provides a supportive community and direct mentorship for formerly incarcerated individuals pursuing their degree.

• Program Length: 3 years
• Support Services: The university hosts a chapter of Project Rebound, a system-wide program offering mentorship, academic counseling, and a supportive community specifically for formerly incarcerated students.
• Required Credits to Graduate: 51
• Cost per Credit Hour: $425
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

6. Arizona State University - Online Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business

Arizona State University’s B.S. in AI in Business teaches you to implement technology ethically and strategically to solve complex business problems. The university’s Earned Admission program creates an accessible route to enrollment for all students, including those with past convictions, by allowing you to prove your academic abilities.

• Program Length: 3-4 years
• Support Services: ASU’s Earned Admission program enables prospective students to take courses and earn admission, offering an alternative and supportive pathway to a degree program for individuals formerly incarcerated.
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit Hour: $763
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7. Penn State World Campus - Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations

Penn State World Campus offers a B.S. in Cybersecurity focused on developing your skills in threat analysis and digital information protection. The university maintains a transparent conduct review policy for applicants with criminal records, ensuring that your history does not automatically prevent your enrollment.

• Program Length: 3-4 years
• Support Services: The university has a formal, written policy that ensures applicants with a criminal history receive a detailed review. This policy explicitly states that a prior record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from admission.
• Required Credits to Graduate: 123
• Cost per Credit Hour: $685
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

10. University of Minnesota - Bachelor of Science in Accounting

The University of Minnesota’s online B.S. in Accounting equips you with the analytical skills needed for a successful career in corporate or governmental finance. This program is strengthened by the university’s TREC initiative, which provides dedicated resources to guide formerly incarcerated students through their academic journey.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Support Services: The university’s Transformation and Reentry through Education and Community (TREC) initiative is specifically designed to support currently and formerly incarcerated students.
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit Hour: $466
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

How long does it take to complete an online degree for felons with records?

A bachelor’s degree is designed to be completed in four years of full-time study. However, that timeline isn’t set in stone; you have options. If you’ve taken college courses in the past, transferring those credits can significantly shorten your path.

You also control the pace. Studying full-time is the fastest route, but most online programs are designed for part-time students who need to balance school with work and family responsibilities. This flexibility means it might take longer, but it makes the goal much more manageable.

Alternative Paths: Degrees vs. Trade Skills

It’s essential to recognize that a four-year degree is a significant long-term investment in your professional future. For some, a faster path to a stable income is the more pressing need.

Skills-based training, such as vocational programs or even specific certifications from online woodworking classes, can get you into a good job more quickly. A degree builds a career; a trade skill builds a job. Deciding which is right for you now is a key first step.

How does an online degree program for felons compare to an on-campus program?

From an academic standpoint, they are identical. You earn the same degree, learn from the same faculty, and receive the exact same diploma as an on-campus student. The quality and rigor of the best online degrees for felons are held to the same high standards.

But from a strategic perspective, the online format offers some distinct advantages for someone in your situation.

A Safer Harbor for a New Beginning

Re-entering a social environment, such as a college campus, can be overwhelming. An online program provides a safer, more controlled space for your new beginning. It allows you to focus entirely on your studies without the added social pressure, giving you a smoother transition back into an academic setting.

More practically, it helps you sidestep certain administrative hurdles. For example, applying for on-campus housing often involves a separate and sometimes more stringent background check than the admissions application itself. Studying online removes that barrier completely, simplifying your path forward.

What is the average cost of an online degree for felons with records?

The cost of a bachelor's degree can vary widely, but on average, you can expect the total tuition to be around $53,500 for an in-state public university. Based on our research, the full range can be anywhere from about $20,000 to over $90,000, depending on the school you choose.

It's important to remember that this is the "sticker price." Almost no one pays that full amount. What you will actually pay is the "net price," which is the cost after grants and scholarships are applied. We'll discuss financial aid next, but first, let's put this cost into the proper context.

The Return on Your Educational Investment

Viewing tuition as a strategic investment is key. The real question isn't just "What does it cost?" but "What is the return?" The data shows a clear and decisive answer. The median weekly earnings for a bachelor's degree holder are $1,493, compared to just $899 for someone with a high school diploma.

That's an increase of over $30,000 a year, which means the degree can pay for itself many times over during your career. The chart below breaks down this financial impact by education level.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online degree for felons with records?

Yes, you are likely eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, which do not require repayment. The old rules that blocked people with certain convictions have been removed from the FAFSA application.

For a long time, a drug conviction could prevent you from receiving aid, but that is no longer the case. Do not let outdated information stop you from applying. A fully funded or heavily subsidized education through online degrees for felons is more possible now than ever before.

The Second Chance Pell Initiative: A Pathway to Opportunity

This isn't just a minor change; it's part of a significant policy shift. In 2015, the government launched the Second Chance Pell Initiative, which temporarily reopened access to federal aid for incarcerated individuals.

The program was so successful at helping people build new lives that it was fully expanded. This demonstrates a clear, system-wide understanding that education is one of the most effective tools for creating a successful future. You are not an exception; you are precisely the type of person these programs are now designed to help.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online degree for felons with records?

The main academic prerequisite for enrolling in a bachelor's degree program is a high school diploma or a GED. That's the straightforward part.

The primary concern for most people is the issue of a criminal history. The good news is that there's a growing movement called "Ban the Box" to remove this question from initial college applications. Today, over 25 states and 150 local areas have adopted these fair-chance policies, which means many schools no longer ask about your past upfront.

Framing Your Past as a Strength

If you do need to address your history, the key is to frame it as a story of resilience. You don't need to go into excessive detail. Briefly and honestly acknowledge your past, then immediately pivot to what you've learned and how your experiences have given you a unique sense of determination and focus. Admissions officers are looking for grit and a commitment to succeed, and your journey is powerful proof of that.

What courses are typically in an online degree for felons with records?

You can expect your degree program to be a mix of general education courses and courses specific to your major. The general education classes build a broad foundation in critical thinking and communication. This foundation, often established through online social sciences degrees and humanities courses, is designed to enhance your overall thinking and communication skills.

Your major-specific courses are where you will develop deep, practical knowledge in your chosen field. Here are a few examples:

• General Education: English Composition, Statistics, Introduction to Psychology
• Major-Specific (for Business): Principles of Accounting, Marketing Fundamentals

Building Your Professional Portfolio

The most strategic way to approach your coursework is to see it as an opportunity to build a professional portfolio. A degree is a credential, but a portfolio is proof of your skills. Use a business class to write a real business plan. Use a tech class to create a coding project. This is how you counteract bias—with undeniable evidence of your abilities.

Considering that only about 35% of state prisons offer access to college courses, you now have an incredible opportunity to build this proof. Don't just pass your classes; use them to create the tools that will get you hired.

What types of specializations are available in an online degree for felons with records?

A specialization is a way to focus your degree on a specific area of your field, making you an expert in that niche. Think of it as choosing a specialty. For a business degree, for example, you could select from several powerful, low-barrier options:

• Digital Marketing: This specialization prepares you for the high-demand world of online advertising and branding, leading directly to social media jobs and other marketing roles.
• Human Resource Management: Focus on the systems and strategies that help companies manage their most important asset: their people.
• Entrepreneurship: This track is designed to equip you with the specific tools and knowledge necessary to start and run your own successful business.

Aligning Your Specialization with Opportunity

Choosing a specialization isn't just about what interests you; it's a strategic career move. Your goal should be to align your choice with a specific, high-growth job market that is open and accessible.

Before you commit to a specialization, research the exact job titles it leads to. The most important check is to ensure that the path doesn't end with a state licensing requirement. A smart specialization will make you a highly qualified expert in a safe field, which is the fastest way to build a successful, long-term career.

How to choose the best online degree for felons with records?

When selecting a program, there are several key factors to consider. Use this as your initial checklist to make sure a school is a solid choice:

• Accreditation: Make sure the school is regionally accredited. This is a non-negotiable mark of quality that ensures your degree will be respected by employers and other institutions.
• Program Cost: Review the total tuition and fees to ensure the program aligns with your budget and financial aid plan.
• Curriculum Flexibility: The best online degrees for felons offer the flexibility to balance your studies with your work and family life. You can also explore programs that lead to careers with strong growth potential, such as healthcare. Understanding the difference between a PA and NP can help you identify which path best suits your interests and long-term goals.

The Most Important Factor: A Culture of Support

For you, the most critical factor goes beyond that list. You need to choose a school that has a proven, explicit culture of support for students with criminal records.

Look for universities that have dedicated programs, such as SUNY's "Ban the Box" policy or Cal State Fullerton's Project Rebound. These aren't just policies; they are signals that the institution is invested in your success. A school that understands your journey and provides a supportive community is where you are most likely to thrive — especially if you’re pursuing fields like the types of biology majors that offer diverse career opportunities after graduation.

What career paths are available for graduates of an online degree for felons with records program?

Earning your degree opens up a wide range of professional career paths in fields that don't have restrictive licensing barriers. You'll be qualified for roles that offer stability, good pay, and real opportunities for advancement. Here are some of the most common and accessible career paths:

• Operations Manager
• Digital Marketer
• IT Support Specialist
• Human Resources Coordinator
• Business Owner / Entrepreneur

If you're interested in tech-related roles, understanding the difference between data scientist and data analyst can help you decide which direction best fits your skills and goals.  

Leveraging Your Unique Perspective

It's also important to consider how your unique life experience can be a professional asset. You possess firsthand knowledge of the justice system that few people have. This perspective can be incredibly valuable in specific fields.

For example, your experience could be a powerful asset in policy advocacy, nonprofit work, or even in academic fields, making you a strong candidate for some of the best jobs for criminology majors. Understanding the real-world impact of the justice system, as illustrated in the data below, provides a credible voice that can't be taught in a classroom.

What is the job market for graduates of an online degree for felons with records program?

The job market is very positive for graduates who have in-demand, skills-based degrees. Companies are actively looking for qualified candidates in fields like tech, business, and marketing, and your new degree makes you a strong contender for those roles. If you're considering a career in technology, understanding whether a coding bootcamp or degree in computer science is the better fit for your goals can help you choose the right path.

Remember, you are not alone in this. With nearly 1 in 3 Americans having a criminal record, a growing number of companies are actively seeking out "second chance" employees. The key is not just having the degree, but having a smart strategy for your job search.

A Strategic Guide to Your Job Search

Your job search requires a specific approach. First, focus on industries that value demonstrated skills over traditional career paths, such as the numerous web development careers available. Second, look for companies that have signed the Fair Chance Pledge, as they are actively open to hiring people with records.

When it comes to disclosing your past, wait until you have a chance to make a personal connection in an interview. Frame your story in the same way you did for your college application, focusing on resilience and what you've learned. Lead with your skills, your portfolio, and your degree. That is the story that will get you hired.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Online Degree for Felons with Records

How can I confirm the accreditation and quality of an online degree program?

Verify that your program holds recognized regional or national accreditation by consulting the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Use independent resources to check institutional ratings and align your choice with reputable organizations. Accreditation not only validates the educational quality but also influences financial aid eligibility and professional acceptance. For a comprehensive review of comparable options, visit the best online degrees.

Other Things You Should Know About Online Degrees for Felons with Records