Prison Education Program (PEP)

Empowering Incarcerated People Through Educational Opportunities

Expanding Access to Higher Education for Incarcerated Students

At Adams State University’s Prison Education Program (PEP), we believe education has the power to transform lives, create opportunities, and strengthen communities.

As a national leader in print-based correspondence education for incarcerated students, we provide accessible, high-quality academic programs to learners across the United States. Our mission is to expand access to higher education for individuals who may otherwise face barriers to earning a college credential.

Students can pursue a variety of educational pathways, including:

• Certificate programs
• Associate degrees
• Bachelor’s degrees
• Master’s degrees

Through flexible correspondence learning options, students can continue their education regardless of location or access to traditional classroom settings.

We are proud to be among the few universities in the nation offering comprehensive, quality correspondence-based higher education opportunities for incarcerated learners. By supporting academic achievement and lifelong learning, we help students build knowledge, develop valuable skills, and prepare for future success both during incarceration and beyond.

Expanding Access Through Prison Education Programs

Adams State University is committed to expanding access to higher education for incarcerated students through both correspondence education and approved Prison Education Programs (PEPs).

In addition to our long-standing correspondence model, Adams State University currently offers Pell Grant-eligible educational opportunities at approved correctional facilities within the Colorado Department of Corrections. These programs help reduce financial barriers and make college education more accessible to eligible students.

Federal regulations require incarcerated students to be enrolled in an approved Prison Education Program at a participating correctional facility in order to use Federal Pell Grant funding. While some incarcerated individuals may qualify for Pell Grants, those funds can only be applied to courses offered through approved PEP locations.

Adams State University currently offers Pell Grant-eligible programming at the following Colorado facilities:

• Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility
• Denver Women’s Correctional Facility
• Four Mile Correctional Facility
• Fremont Correctional Facility
• Limon Correctional Facility

Interested in learning more about educational opportunities for an incarcerated loved one?

Complete the form below to request a Prison Education Program catalog and information packet. Our team will mail the requested materials directly to the student, provided the mailing information complies with the correctional facility’s mailing guidelines and requirements.

If you would like to purchase textbooks for an incarcerated student, please visit the Adams State University Bookstore for available ordering options and instructions.

At Adams State University’s Prison Education Program, we are committed to expanding access to high-quality educational opportunities for incarcerated learners. We believe education creates opportunities for personal growth, career development, and successful reentry, and we are proud to support students as they pursue their educational goals.