Education Access
Your Path to Education Starts Here
Free and low-cost GED prep, college degree programs, vocational training, and federal financial aid — curated for returning citizens and anyone ready to build a new future.
All program details, contact information, and eligibility requirements are verified as of July 2026. Programs and contacts change — always confirm directly with the institution.
Step 1: GED & High School Equivalency
Free GED Prep — No Cost to Start
A GED or HiSET credential opens the door to college, vocational programs, and better employment. These programs are free or very low cost.
GED.com — Official GED Program
GED Testing Service
The official GED website offers free study guides, practice tests, and a full prep course. The GED credential is accepted by virtually all U.S. employers and colleges. Test fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income test-takers.
GED test fee assistance: contact your state's GED administrator. Many states offer free or subsidized testing for returning citizens.
Khan Academy — Free GED Prep
Khan Academy (nonprofit)
Khan Academy offers free, world-class education covering all GED subject areas: Math, Science, Social Studies, and Reasoning Through Language Arts. Lessons are video-based and self-paced. No account required to start.
Khan Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All content is permanently free. Works on smartphones — no computer required.
GCFGlobal — Free Learning
Goodwill Community Foundation
GCFGlobal (formerly GCFLearnFree) offers free courses in reading, math, technology, and job skills — all GED-relevant subjects. Operated by the Goodwill Community Foundation. No registration required.
Especially strong for adult learners returning to education after a long gap. Includes digital literacy and job readiness skills.
HiSET — Alternative to GED
ETS (Educational Testing Service)
HiSET is an alternative high school equivalency exam accepted in 22 states. It is often less expensive than the GED. Free prep materials are available at hiset.ets.org. Check whether your state accepts HiSET before enrolling.
States accepting HiSET include: CA, CO, IA, LA, MA, ME, MO, MS, MT, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NV, OH, PA, TN, TX, WV, WY, and others. Verify your state at hiset.ets.org/states.
Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) — State Programs
U.S. Dept. of Education / State Agencies
Every state operates a federally funded Adult Education and Literacy program offering free GED prep, basic skills instruction, and English language learning. Classes are held at community colleges, libraries, and community centers. Funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
To find your local AEL program: call 1-800-USA-LEARN or visit your state's Department of Education website. Many programs offer childcare and transportation assistance.
Coursera — Free Audit Option
Coursera (partnered with top universities)
Coursera offers free audit access to thousands of college-level courses from top universities including Yale, Duke, Johns Hopkins, and Google. Returning citizens can build college-ready skills at no cost. Financial aid is available for certificates.
Apply for Coursera financial aid to get certificates free. Coursera for Government and Coursera for Workforce Recovery programs may offer additional access.
Step 2: College & University Programs
25 Universities Welcoming Returning Citizens
These institutions have explicit second-chance admissions policies, ban-the-box applications, or dedicated reentry support programs. All accept federal financial aid.
Admission policies, contacts, and financial aid programs are verified as of July 2026. Always confirm directly with the admissions office. Having a felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from admission at any of these institutions.
Step 3: Federal & State Financial Aid
Funding Your Education — Grants, Not Loans
Federal and state grants do not need to be repaid. Here is every major source of funding available to returning citizens.
Start with the FAFSA — It's Free
The FAFSA unlocks Pell Grants, state grants, work-study, and institutional aid. It takes about 30 minutes and is always free at studentaid.gov. Never pay anyone to complete it for you.
Get Help Now
Advisors & Support Organizations
These organizations provide free advising, application help, and wraparound support for returning citizens pursuing education.
College & Career Advising — American Job Centers
U.S. Department of Labor
Over 2,400 American Job Centers nationwide offer free career counseling, education advising, job training referrals, and WIOA enrollment. Returning citizens are a priority population. Find your nearest center at careeronestop.org.
FAFSA Help Line
U.S. Department of Education — Federal Student Aid
Free help completing the FAFSA, understanding your Student Aid Report, and navigating federal financial aid. Available in English and Spanish. TTY: 1-800-730-8913.
Reentry Council — Education & Employment Advisors
National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC)
The National Reentry Resource Center, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, provides information and referrals for education, employment, housing, and benefits for returning citizens. Can connect you with local reentry organizations.
College Advising Corps
College Advising Corps (nonprofit)
College Advising Corps places full-time college advisors in under-resourced high schools and community organizations. Free college application, financial aid, and enrollment advising. Serves first-generation and low-income students.
Vera Institute — Education from the Inside Out
Vera Institute of Justice
Vera's Education from the Inside Out project advocates for and supports prison education programs. Provides research, policy guidance, and referrals to prison education programs nationwide.
Goodwill Industries — Reentry Services
Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill operates over 150 workforce development centers nationwide offering free GED prep, job training, career counseling, and job placement services. Many Goodwill locations have dedicated reentry programs. Find your nearest center at goodwill.org.
Dave's Killer Bread Foundation — Second Chance Employment
Dave's Killer Bread Foundation
The Dave's Killer Bread Foundation advocates for second-chance employment and provides resources for returning citizens seeking jobs and education. Maintains a directory of second-chance employers and education programs.
Volunteers of America — Reentry Programs
Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America operates reentry programs in over 30 states providing housing, education, employment, and wraparound support for returning citizens. Find your nearest program at voa.org.
All program information, contact details, tuition figures, and eligibility requirements are verified as of July 2026 and are subject to change. Tuition figures are approximate and do not include fees, books, or living expenses. Financial aid availability varies by institution and individual circumstances. DLF does not endorse any specific institution and is not responsible for changes to program offerings or contact information. Always verify directly with the institution or agency before making enrollment or financial decisions.