Substantive Change: Pell-Eligible Prison Education Programs
Prior HLC approval or notification may be required when an institution offers a new Pell-eligible prison education program (also referred to as PEP) or changes the modality of a previously approved PEP. See HLC's Glossary for definitions related to PEPs.
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Federal PEP Requirements
See the Federal Student Aid Knowledge Center: Prison Education Programs for federal expectations and requirements for PEPs. Prior to seeking approval from HLC for a new PEP, institutions are required to obtain approval from the relevant oversight entity for the correctional facility.
Revised Second Chance Pell Experimental Sites Initiative
Institutions currently participating in the U.S. Department of Education’s Revised Second Chance Pell Experimental Sites Initiative (ESI) remain responsible for seeking HLC approval no later than the expiration of the timeframe for such ESI (three award years), if they intend to continue offering Pell-eligible prison education programs.
Guidebook on Prison Higher Education Programs
HLC collaborated with the Vera Institute of Justice on a guidebook for accreditors and their peer reviewers, providing insight into the unique context and goals of postsecondary education in correctional facilities.
Postsecondary Education in Prison Programs and Accreditation
Screening Form
Institutions planning to start a new PEP or change the modality of an approved PEP should complete HLC’s PEP screening form.
Types of Requests
The following information is provided for general guidance. Institutions planning a change related to distance or correspondence education offerings should contact their HLC staff liaison to confirm that prior HLC approval or notification is required.
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New Programs
Prior HLC Approval Required
How to Apply
Complete the Pell-Eligible Prison Education Program Application
Important: Before submitting its application to HLC, the institution must obtain approval to offer the PEP from the relevant oversight entity for the correctional facility.
Review Process
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately five months from submission of complete application
Follow-Up Evaluation
If the PEP is approved, an additional location confirmation visit for Pell-eligible prison education programs will be conducted within six months of the matriculation of the students who are incarcerated and initiation of instruction at the correctional facility.
Prior HLC Approval Required
How to Apply
Complete the Pell-Eligible Prison Education Program Application
Important: Before submitting its application to HLC, the institution must obtain approval to offer the PEP from the relevant oversight entity for the correctional facility.
Review Process
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately five months from submission of complete application
Follow-Up Evaluation
If the PEP is approved, an additional location confirmation visit for Pell-eligible prison education programs will be conducted within six months of the matriculation of the students who are incarcerated and initiation of instruction at the correctional facility.
HLC Notification Required*
How to Notify HLC
Complete the PEP Screening Form
Reminder related to additional location approval: Any correctional facility where an institution offers a PEP must be approved by HLC as an additional location.
Change to Program Modality
Prior HLC Approval Required
How to Apply
Complete the PEP Screening Form, and HLC will provide further instructions.
Review Process
Review and Decision-Making Timeline
Approximately three to five months from submission of completed application, depending on review process
Follow-Up Evaluations
Additional Location Confirmation Visit for PEPs
Additional location confirmation visits for PEPs are conducted for an institution’s first two approved PEPs at two separate correctional facilities. The review takes place within six months of the matriculation of students who are incarcerated and initiation of instruction at each correctional facility.
Additional Location Confirmation Visit Procedure
PEP Methodology Review
Two years after an institution begins offering its first PEP at a correctional facility, HLC will review and approve the methodology for how the institution, in collaboration with the oversight entity for the correctional facility, determined that the PEP meets the same standards as substantially similar programs at the institution that are not prison education programs, and otherwise meets related federal requirements. Therefore, institutions are required to create and retain documentation of this methodology to facilitate this review.
Questions?
Contact HLC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Review HLC's Glossary for definitions of terms related to substantive change.
