A recent report from Ithaka S+R found that there’s a lack of consistent, available data on students in prison education programs, including basic metrics like enrollment, retention and completion.

The report uncovered multiple obstacles to more robust data on these students, including that prison education programs, higher ed institutions and corrections facilities often had different, incompatible data systems. Data sharing between programs and corrections departments was limited by communications and technology breakdowns. And the programs tend to lack resources and training for data collection and analysis. Concerns about data privacy also posed an issue. While some states have made progress, others lag, with limited data standardization and coordination across institutions.

The report argued that improved data is especially critical now that federal Pell Grants have been restored to incarcerated students.

“Better data is essential to realizing the promise of higher education in prison,” the report noted. “With reliable, accessible, and ethical data practices, programs can better support student success, identify and address disparities, and advocate for resources and reform … At this turning point, data is not just a tool for accountability—it is a foundation for educational quality and meaningful opportunity.”

To reach its conclusions, the report drew on literature, reports and policy documents concerning how data on incarcerated students is collected, including an analysis of state longitudinal data systems and policy guidance related to the Prison Education Program approval process for Pell Grants. Researchers also conducted interviews with 45 officials and staff members at state departments of correction, national education data organizations, higher ed institutions and college-in-prison programs.

The report marks the first phase in a three-year project. For the second phase, Ithaka S+R is now launching new efforts in Mississippi and New England to strengthen the data infrastructure regarding higher ed in prison.