Criminal Records, College Credentials, and Middle-Skill Jobs; an Audit Study in One Labor Market

• In Event: Understanding the Enduring Impact of a Criminal Record

Abstract

A recent nationwide survey of employers found promising evidence that postsecondary credentials earned in prison improve perceptions of hireability for low-skill positions relative to a GED (Ballou, 2024). The proposed study expands on this work by investigating whether postsecondary carceral education (PSCE) credentials increase the likelihood of securing employment of higher quality than the menial, low-skill jobs commonly obtained by returning citizens (Visher et al., 2008). In a significant departure from most studies testing labor market outcomes for individuals with criminal records, this research explores whether PSCE credentials make job candidates with criminal records eligible for middle-skill jobs with stable pay and opportunities for career progression, and whether the detected effects of these credentials are mitigated by applicant race. The study employs an unmatched résumé audit methodology in one labor market (greater Chicago, IL) using a 3 x 2 factorial design. Fictional applicant résumés varying on (1) one of three possible prison educational credentials, and (2) two possible race conditions (black or white) were used to apply to over 2000 jobs. Preliminary results and policy implications will be explored.

Author

• Abby Ballou, Northeastern University