Recidivism Costs vs Education Investment: Saving Money and Lives

Justice is not fulfilled when a sentence ends; it is fulfilled when those returning to society are held accountable and equipped to succeed. Yet time and again, America continues to prioritize incarceration spending over reentry investments. The result is a costly cycle of repeat offenses and mounting burdens on our justice system, a challenge that every community shares and one that demands a practical, united response. 

A Practical Challenge, A Shared Opportunity: Recidivism—the return to criminal behavior after serving a sentence—carries a steep price for society. In 2018 alone, state courts processed more than 83.8 million cases, and the COVID‑19 pandemic only deepened the strain by driving case backlogs to unprecedented levels. Housing a single inmate costs taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars each year; in states like New York, that figure is about $60,000 per person annually. When re-offense rates are high, these costs multiply quickly. National studies show that nearly 77% of released prisoners are rearrested within five years, and more than half return to prison during that time.

Breaking this cycle is not only fiscally responsible policy; it is a fulfillment of our duty under the American social contract. While some may believe that no offender should return or succeed, the reality is that most will.

That reality calls for clear expectations of accountability, meaningful opportunities for honest work, and a commitment to repairing harm, so that returning citizens can take their place in the shared promise of the American Opportunity and help build safer, stronger communities.

Cutting Crime and Costs Through Education: One of the most effective ways to break this costly cycle is through targeted education and skills training for those reentering society. This approach isn’t about giving handouts; it’s about making smart investments that reduce crime and ultimately save money. A landmark Department of Justice–funded analysis by the RAND Corporation found that every $1 invested in correctional education yields $4 to $5 in saved incarceration costs within three years. 

The reason is simple: people who leave incarceration with marketable skills and education are far less likely to commit new crimes. Participation in court-related educational programs corresponds to a 43% lower chance of returning to incarceration after release. Fewer crimes and fewer returns to jail mean fewer victims and a lighter burden on taxpayers. The payoff is twofold: strengthened workforce participation by former offenders, and significant reductions in the public costs of re-incarceration.

Maximizing Returns for Taxpayers and Communities: Communities benefit directly when returning citizens have the tools to work, pay taxes, and support their families. By accepting responsibility and working to rebuild, returning citizens can transform into trusted and productive members of their communities.

Programs like ours help justice-involved individuals rebuild their lives, leading to safer neighborhoods and stronger local economies. Graduates are more likely to find work, contribute positively, and avoid reoffending. Even modest reductions in recidivism can save states millions annually, freeing up resources for schools, infrastructure, and other community priorities.

A Common-Sense Policy for All Levels of Government: Reducing recidivism through education is a common-sense policy that leaders across the political spectrum support. From county commissioners to members of Congress, there is broad agreement that initiatives that cut crime and strengthen local economies are worth pursuing. In recent years, many states have embraced reforms to lower re-offense rates and curb prison spending. In 2011 alone, 15 states (led by both Democrats and Republicans) passed major sentencing reform laws, united in their goal of reducing prison populations. 

These efforts reflect a growing consensus: education and rehabilitation programs are proven to reduce crime while saving taxpayer dollars, making them a win–win strategy for public safety and fiscal health. 

By investing wisely in reentry, we strengthen our communities, honor our social contract, and take a critical step toward a justice system that truly works for all.