Going to college after a felony conviction can feel overwhelming. You may worry about whether schools will accept you, how your record will affect financial aid, or whether employers will take your degree seriously. Those are real concerns—but they don’t mean college is out of reach. Many students with felony convictions successfully enroll in degree programs every year, build valuable skills, and move into meaningful careers.
Key Takeaways for Students:
- There are many career options available for felons with a degree!
- Online study is a great way for formerly incarcerated people to get a degree
- Computer science, entrepreneurship, and trades are excellent choices for someone with felony.
This guide is designed to help you understand your options and feel more confident as you plan your next step. We’ll talk honestly about what challenges you might face, which careers are often more accessible to people with a criminal record, and how to choose a degree that gives you real opportunities. You’ll also find practical tips for working with admissions offices, understanding licensing requirements, and finding support programs designed specifically for returning citizens.
You were convicted of a felony, you served your time and now you’re ready to get back into life on the outside. Getting a job will be number one in helping you to maintain yourself and possibly your family. Research shows that having stable employment and a degree can reduce the rates of re-offending and re-incarceration.
Best Degrees for Felons by Average Salary
| Salary Rank | Degree | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Computer Science | $98,000 |
| 2. | Robotics | $93,000 |
| 3. | Vocational Studies | $80,000 |
| 4. | Business Management | $73,000 |
| 5. | Liberal Arts | $73,000 |
| 6. | Agriculture | $72,000 |
| 7. | Marketing | $72,000 |
| 8. | Sustainability | $63,000 |
| 9. | Mechanic | $63,000 |
| 10. | Substance Abuse Counseling | $53,000 |
Fields With Strong Job Demand & Fewer Licensing Barriers
These degrees often lead to jobs that focus more on your skills, training, and certifications than on background checks. Many roles allow remote work or self-employment, which can also reduce employment barriers.
Computer Science
Why it can be a good fit:
Tech careers value ability and problem-solving more than traditional credentials. Many tech employers prioritize experience, portfolios, and certifications. Some positions also offer remote work opportunities.
Overview: Computer science is an ever-growing field with no shortage of jobs available as technology takes over many aspects designed to make life simpler. Depending on the specialty that you decide to choose in this field, you’ll need to be good at math. However, many colleges and universities offer basic level courses to help you get caught up.
While in your studies, you’ll learn about the basics of computer systems, various programming languages and operating systems, databases and security. Other coursework may include web programming, software engineering, data mining, cloud computing and data management. You can choose a generalized degree or specialize in one of several sectors. While the focus of your coursework will be on computer science, you’ll likely be expected to take additional courses that include language arts, science, math and some type of humanities to round out your education.
Career Paths:
Software development, IT support, cybersecurity, programming, web development
Things to Know:
Background checks still exist at some companies, especially government or security-related jobs, but many private-sector roles are more flexible.
Robotics
Why it can be a good fit:
Robotics blends mechanics, electronics, and programming—great for hands-on learners who like building and problem-solving. Manufacturing, automation, and technology companies often focus primarily on skill competency.
Overview: If working directly with people doesn’t appeal to you, perhaps working with robots is more your speed. A subfield of engineering, robotics is gaining popularity as a way to reduce human error and injury associated with a lot of professions. You’ll need to be good at math and science, including physics to progress throughout the coursework for this degree as you learn how to create, design, test, repair, maintain and test various robotics hardware and software.
Some of the coursework you may encounter in your studies includes computers, sensors, artificial intelligence, and automation. You may also learn about electrical engineering and programming. Further studies could allow you to delve into manufacturing, computer-aided design, nanotech, AI learning and human-robot interactions.
Career Paths:
Automation technician, robotics technician, manufacturing technology, engineering support roles
Things to Know:
Some advanced engineering roles require higher degrees, but many entry-level and technician jobs are accessible with a certificate or associate degree.
Business, Trades & Entrepreneurial Paths
These degrees can lead to careers where you can work independently, freelance, or even build your own business—giving you more control over your opportunities.
Business
Why it can be a good fit:
A business degree offers flexibility. It can lead to employment in companies—or give you the knowledge to start your own venture, avoiding employers who might screen heavily.
Overview: If you’d rather not worry about getting hired somewhere because of your felony conviction, you may decide to work for yourself. Being self-employed has its pros and cons, but you may want to think about getting at least a basic education in business management or a related field. In addition, a business degree can help you in a traditional role with an employer.
For this degree, you’ll be required to take the basic general education requirements including math, language, science and humanities in addition to your core area of concentration. You’ll learn about how to manage the accounting and finance for your business, marketing, communication, problem solving and how to keep records.
Career Paths:
Management, office administration, entrepreneurship, sales, finance support roles
Things to Know:
If concerns about hiring barriers are high, entrepreneurship can provide more independence.
Marketing
Why it can be a good fit:
Marketing depends on creativity, communication skills, and results rather than background history. Many jobs are freelance-friendly, and digital marketing roles are especially accessible.
Overview: If you’re like most people, when you hear the term marketing, you probably think of advertising. While marketing does involve the use of ads, there’s so much more involved than just tossing out some information in hard copy, over the radio or TV or digitally. Marketing tells a story about products, services or business, but you have to know where to start. That’s where a degree comes in handy.
When you choose to get a marketing degree, you’ll learn how to effectively learn from customers and apply that information. Research, analyses, networking and creating and developing products are all covered. The major you choose may be based more in science, humanities or business, so choose the segment that best suits your interests.
Career Paths:
Digital marketing, social media management, advertising, branding, content creation
Things to Know:
Building a portfolio helps. Employers in this field often care most about measurable skills and work samples.
Vocational Degrees
Why it can be a good fit:
Vocational and trade programs train you for specific hands-on careers with strong job demand and good pay. Some trades allow independent contracting or small-business work.
Overview: Vocational degrees and trade programs can be an excellent option for people with felony convictions because they focus on developing practical, job-ready skills that are directly tied to specific careers. These programs are often shorter than traditional four-year degrees, more affordable, and designed to lead straight into the workforce through apprenticeships, certifications, or hands-on training. Many trades also continue to experience worker shortages, which means employers are often more interested in whether you can do the job than in your background.
For many returning citizens, vocational training also offers flexibility and independence. Some trades allow people to work as contractors or eventually start their own businesses, reducing the worry of background checks in traditional hiring. However, it’s important to research ahead of time—certain trades may require state licensing, and requirements can vary depending on location and the type of conviction. With the right planning, vocational degrees can provide a realistic, stable pathway to meaningful work and long-term financial stability.
Career Paths:
HVAC, electrical, plumbing, welding, construction, automotive services
Things to Know:
Some trades require licensing depending on the state. Requirements vary, so it’s smart to check ahead of time.
Mechanics
Why it can be a good fit:
Automotive and mechanical fields reward technical ability. Many shops are open to hiring skilled workers, and some mechanics eventually open their own businesses.
Overview: Many companies large and small are willing to give ex-convicts a second chance as a mechanic. If you prefer hands-on endeavors over classic book learning, this might be a field to pursue. However, you’ll still have to get that reading in to learn your stuff. With a wide range of establishments that provide different types of mechanics, you may work for a small, independent company or even a larger corporation as many of these are willing to give felons a second chance.
While you can certainly get a college degree at some places for a more well-rounded education, you may be able to find a trade school that will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to get started. You’ll learn about how everything in vehicles works together to make them run as well as specialized learning in engines, transmissions and sensors, which is especially important in today’s newer vehicles.
Career Paths:
Automotive technician, diesel mechanic, industrial machinery repair, small engine repair
Things to Know:
Certification programs like ASE can strengthen job prospects and credibility.
Careers Where Lived Experience Can Be a Strength
These fields value empathy, resilience, communication, and the ability to support others. For many people, education becomes part of a personal mission to give back.
Substance Abuse Counseling
Why it can be a good fit:
People who have experienced incarceration or addiction often bring insight and motivation that can make them powerful helpers. Many organizations value counselors who understand recovery firsthand.
Overview: This is one area of personal connection where felons are typically welcome, especially if you’ve personally overcome any chemical dependency issues. Not only will you be able to help others to recover from substance abuse, you can make it more relatable by telling your own story as well.
For a substance abuse counseling degree, you’ll study a lot of theories involved in psychology and sociology, including abnormal psychology and social psychology to get an understanding of what often goes on in the human mind. Other classes involve the basics of addiction, delinquency, abuse, human services, ethics, dual diagnosis and interpersonal communication.
You’ll learn to identify behaviors that are associated with addiction and develop treatment plans. With your felony record, you’ll want to check if you’re eligible for any licensure or certification that’s required. However, many agencies hire ex-cons to counsel inmates while they are in jail or prison since you have experience in overcoming these obstacles.
Career Paths:
Substance abuse counselor, case manager, peer support specialist, community outreach worker
Things to Know:
Licensing may be required and can vary by state. Some states are supportive of counselors with past convictions—others may impose restrictions. Research early.
Liberal Arts
Why it can be a good fit:
A liberal arts degree builds communication, writing, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It’s flexible and adaptable across career fields.
Overview: If you’re not very number-oriented, a liberal arts or humanities degree may be right up your alley though you can integrate a technical component if you choose. Liberal arts is a very broad field that can be general or specialized. It’s best used when combined with a more specific minor or as a minor when you’re pursuing a different major topic of interest.
You’ll learn communication skills, critical thinking and even about human nature. These topics are all applicable in real-world situations both in and out of work. You can even add specialties such as technical and professional writing, which would be highly adaptable if you choose to freelance as a content writer, editor or even a transcriptionist.
Career Paths:
Education support roles, communications, nonprofit work, public service, administrative careers
Things to Know:
Because this degree is broad, pairing it with internships or certifications can strengthen job opportunities.
Fields Focused on Growth, Rebuilding & the Future
These degrees connect to meaningful, forward-looking work—helping communities, the environment, and industries evolve.
Sustainability
Why it can be a good fit:
Sustainability careers involve environmental responsibility, green technology, and community impact—fields growing quickly across government, nonprofit, and private sectors.
Overview: With the world’s climate and energy problems, conservation technology continues to be a growing field. Having a sustainability degree will allow you to help work on solutions to the ever-expanding problems facing the world and humanity. Whether you’re interested in endangered species or improving the quality of the nation’s waterways, there are plenty of options with this degree.
You’ll learn about conservation, green technologies, biofuels and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Studies will also teach you how humans have impacted the environment and ways to reduce the impact. You may also decide to specialize on whether you want to work with energy, clean water, the land or animals.
Career Paths:
Environmental technician, sustainability coordinator, green energy programs, conservation work
Things to Know:
Some roles require fieldwork or background screenings, but many organizations are mission-focused and supportive of second-chance employment.
Agriculture
Why it can be a good fit:
Agriculture offers diverse opportunities—from farming and agribusiness to environmental science and food production. It can lead to entrepreneurial or self-sustaining work opportunities.
Overview: A necessary field, fewer people are starting out in the rewarding career of agriculture. Without people working in agriculture, the world would soon go hungry. You may decide to focus on the business aspect of agriculture, or you may decide to go with soil, plants and animals as your prime area of learning.
Your studies for a degree in agriculture will be heavy in science, including biology and chemistry. You’ll also learn about nutrition for plants, animals and the soil, geology, topography, horticulture, pesticides, food systems and the collection of data.
Career Paths:
Agricultural management, farm operations, food production, environmental agriculture, horticulture
Things to Know:
Some students use agriculture degrees to build independent careers, reducing reliance on traditional employers.
What Can I Go to School for With a Felony?
Unfortunately, once you’ve been labeled as a felon, good employment may be difficult to come by. In fact, data shows that the unemployment rate for felons is five times higher than for the general population. Whether you have limited skills or work experience or you’re no longer able to work in your field due to your conviction, your best option may be to get a college degree so that you can gain meaningful employment in a felon-friendly sector.
Even if you can’t attend school in person full-time because of other responsibilities, you may be able to take courses part-time or online. Additionally, check out online courses that are available for free that relate to your field of interest or that can make you more marketable when it comes time to apply to a job. Your local library can be a good source of information in this area, and they may even offer some courses that you can access from home.
Legal & Admissions Realities You Should Know
Before choosing a degree or applying to a program, it’s important to understand how a felony conviction may affect the admissions process and, in some cases, future employment. Policies are changing across the country, and many schools are becoming more supportive of students with criminal records—but there are still rules, screenings, and extra steps you may need to take.
Do Colleges Ask About Criminal History?
Some colleges ask about criminal history on their applications, while others do not. Even when schools do ask, a “yes” answer does not automatically mean you’ll be denied admission. Many colleges review applications individually and look at things like time since conviction, the type of offense, academic readiness, and personal growth.
In some states and at some institutions, “Ban the Box” or similar policies limit when or how schools can ask about criminal history. Often, they only review this information later in the process or for specific housing and campus safety situations.
Be Honest in Applications
If you are asked about your criminal history, answer truthfully. Schools that do background checks will find the information anyway, and honesty shows responsibility and maturity. Many admissions offices appreciate transparency and may give you a chance to explain your story, growth, and goals.
If you’re unsure how to answer a question, you can:
- Contact the admissions office for guidance
- Work with a reentry counselor or legal aid program
- Prepare a brief, honest explanation focused on what you’ve learned and how you’ve moved forward
Background Checks & Campus Housing
Background checks are sometimes required for:
- Campus housing
- Certain degree programs
- Clinical placements, internships, or student teaching
- Working on campus
If you cannot live on campus or access certain facilities, colleges can often help you find alternative options—so don’t assume a barrier means the end of the road.
Licensing and Career Restrictions
Some careers require state or professional licenses, and licensing boards may review your criminal record. This doesn’t always mean “no,” but it may mean extra paperwork, longer review times, or restrictions depending on the type of conviction.
Before committing to a program, it’s a good idea to:
- Check your state’s licensing rules for your field
- Talk to an academic advisor
- Ask whether graduates with records have successfully worked in that field
This helps you choose a degree that leads to real, attainable opportunities.
You Are Not Alone
Many colleges have support systems for students with criminal records, including dedicated advisors, community partnerships, scholarship programs, and reentry services. Reaching out early can make the process smoother and less stressful.
How Do I Find a Job as a Felon?
Finding a job after a felony conviction can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible. With persistence, planning, and the right support, many people successfully rebuild their careers and create new opportunities.
Before starting a degree or training program, always check state licensing and certification rules. Some professions restrict applicants with certain convictions, and it’s important to know whether you’ll be eligible before investing time and money. If a specific career isn’t accessible, consider related paths that let you use similar skills.
Fields like law, healthcare, education, criminal justice, psychology, and finance often have stricter limits, depending on the nature of the conviction. Getting accurate information early can help you make realistic, confident decisions.
Even with some restrictions, many employers actively support second-chance hiring, and there are still plenty of meaningful career paths available. The degrees highlighted in this guide are designed to help you find options that build real skills and lead to attainable, rewarding futures.
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