Postsecondary programs in the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) aim to provide incarcerated individuals access to higher education degrees and career technical certifications aligned with the state’s workforce needs. Academic and vocational offerings foster personal growth, reduce recidivism, improve job opportunities, and promote successful integration into society. Higher education programs reduce violence in prisons, and those who participate are not only significantly less likely to return to prison after release but often serve as role models and mentors while inside. Through strategic partnerships with educational institutions, DOC’s college in prison programs cultivate a culture of learning within Minnesota state correctional facilities and contribute to a more equitable and rehabilitative justice system.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a postsecondary career and technical education pathway that provides rigorous and relevant instruction leading to meaningful employment and a livable wage. CTE programs prepare individuals for a wide range of high-skill and high-demand careers by offering industry-recognized certifications and other skilled job training.
DOC is looking to expand CTE programming that is responsive to our state’s workforce needs through the new Prison Education Program (PEP) application process (see tab above).
Current programs include:
Programs Offered
Accrediting/Credentialing Body
Facility
Short-Term Industry-Recognized Credentials
Drywall Installation
Century College
Faribault
Floor Covering Installation
Century College
Faribault
Forklift Training
Hibbing Community College
Togo*, Rush City
OSHA 10
Togo, Rush City
Serv Safe Certification - Tiers II and III
Rush City, Shakopee
Other CTE Programming
Barbering/Cosmetology
Barber/Cosmetology Boards
St. Cloud, Shakopee
Cabinetmaking
Century College
Faribault, Stillwater
Carpentry
Century College
Faribault, Moose Lake
Computer Careers/CISCO
Century College/CISCO Networking Academy
Shakopee
Computer Network Cabling
C-Tech
Lino Lakes, Moose Lake
General Construction
Moose Lake
Heavy Equipment Operator
Century College
Faribault, Rush City
Machine Technology
Century College
Stillwater
Manufacturing Skills
Century College
Faribault
Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology
Century College
Faribault
Painting and Decorating
Century College
Rush City
*Program currently on hold
Degree-Granting Programs and College Partners
In cooperation with our college partners, DOC offers associate and bachelor’s degree programs, credit-bearing certificate programs, and MN Transfer Curriculum courses across six facilities. Incarcerated students may be eligible for federal Pell Grants and other forms of financial aid to help cover the cost of these programs. To determine eligibility, they are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) with assistance from program coordinators or agency staff.
DOC anticipates expanding programs and partners through the new Prison Education Program (PEP) application process (see tab above) and currently offers the following programs:
Credentials Offered
College
Facility
Associate Degrees - AA unless otherwise noted
Liberal Arts
Minneapolis College
Faribault, Lino Lakes, Stillwater
Communications Studies Transfer Pathway
Minneapolis College
Lino Lakes
Business Transfer Pathway (AS)
Minneapolis College
Lino Lakes
Liberal Arts and Sciences
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Shakopee
Bachelor's Degrees - BA unless otherwise noted
Interdisciplinary Studies
Metro State University
Faribault, Stillwater, Lino Lakes
Legal Studies
Juris Doctor
Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Shakopee, Faribault
Paralegal Certificate
North Hennepin Community College
Shakopee
Other Certificates
Business Essentials
Pine Tech & Community College
Moose Lake, Rush City
Entrepreneurship
Minneapolis College
Lino Lakes
Mechatronics
South Central College
Faribault
MN Transfer Curriculum Courses
Varies
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud
*Program currently on hold
Prison Education Program (PEP) Process and Application
Prison Education Programs
DOC is currently accepting applications from public and nonprofit colleges and universities interested in starting (or continuing) degree and credit-bearing certificate programs for students in our facilities. We are looking to partner with institutions whose programs align with our agency’s education goals and that also address Minnesota’s workforce needs.
Federal Pell Grants
Pell Grants are the primary source of federal financial aid for undergraduate college students who have the greatest financial need. As of July 1, 2023 – after more than a quarter century ban – incarcerated students are again eligible to receive Pell Grants to help pay for their studies.
This date also began a new era in higher education in prisons in which colleges interested in offering programs to students utilizing Pell Grants must apply to the US Department of Education to become an approved Prison Education Program (PEP). Prior to that application, required steps include seeking approval from the institution’s accrediting agency and, as a first step, seeking initial approval from DOC.
MN DOC PEP Application
A summary outlining key aspects of the federal regulations on Pell Grants for Prison Education Programs can be found on the MN DOC PEP Application Documents button below. A section of the document entitled Supporting Information for Institutions appears before the MN DOC PEP Application itself. Institutions interested in applying for a PEP are strongly encouraged to review this supporting information, as it contains information specific to completing the application.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a postsecondary career and technical education pathway that provides rigorous and relevant instruction leading to meaningful employment and a livable wage. CTE programs prepare individuals for a wide range of high-skill and high-demand careers by offering industry-recognized certifications and other skilled job training.
In cooperation with our college partners, DOC offers associate and bachelor’s degree programs, credit-bearing certificate programs, and MN Transfer Curriculum courses across six facilities. Incarcerated students may be eligible for federal Pell Grants and other forms of financial aid to help cover the cost of these programs. To determine eligibility, they are encouraged to complete the 
Prison Education Programs