Texas 2036’s Opening Doors research series tracks the expansion of higher education opportunities in Texas prisons and highlights efforts to strengthen the workforce, reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for Texans returning home.
The latest report, Opening More Doors: Data, Progress, and Opportunities for Higher Education in Texas Prisons, documents significant growth potential in prison higher education programs across Texas while identifying opportunities to expand access for thousands more eligible students.
Key Findings
- 60% of Texans incarcerated in prison remain at units without access to higher education programs
- 6,200+ higher education enrollments recorded across Texas prisons in Fall 2025
- 7 new colleges and universities approved to launch prison education programs
- 11 prison units approved for new higher education programming
Why Prison Higher Education Matters
Higher education in prison creates opportunities for incarcerated Texans to gain workforce skills, earn credentials and prepare for successful reentry into their communities.
Research consistently shows that postsecondary education programs in prison reduce recidivism, improve employment prospects after release and ultimately generate positive returns for taxpayers.
Postsecondary Education Programming in Texas Prisons
Access to prison higher education programs varies significantly across Texas.
This interactive map shows nearly every prison unit in Texas. It illustrates where institutions of higher education currently operate prison education programs, where new programs have been approvedĀ and where opportunities remain to expand access.
The map reflects Fall 2025 program data and highlights the continued growth of postsecondary education opportunities throughout the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system.
Methodology
This analysis draws on Fall 2025 enrollment data provided by Windham School District and incarceration population data from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Enrollment figures reflect program-level participation across institutions operating prison education programs in Texas.
Additional qualitative analysis was informed by interviews with educators, administrators and stakeholders involved in prison higher education.
About the Author
Luis Soberon is Senior Policy Advisor and In House Counsel at Texas 2036, where he leads the organization’s justice policy work.
Related Research
Opening Doors: The State of Higher Education in Texas Prisons
Before the reforms examined in this report, Texas 2036’s Opening Doors report documented the opportunities and challenges facing prison higher education in Texas and recommended reforms to improve access and coordination. Many of those recommendations informed subsequent policy discussions and implementation efforts.