Students attending classes at the undergraduate level reimburse the state of Texas for their educational expenses, while the university provides a non-competitive scholarship to graduate students within the program. This graduate scholarship allows students to enroll for one class per semester. At the undergraduate level, offenders are also permitted to take one class per semester under the reimbursement plan. Any additional classes must be paid for by outside funds.

The university has awarded some more than 150 degrees to students within the TDCJ program. These graduates have gone on to take jobs with such varied organizations as the Texas Railroad Commission, the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and various halfway houses, and substance abuse treatment facilities throughout the state. Others have furthered their education, going on to earn additional Masters degrees and enrolling in doctoral programs.

The benefits of educating offenders are both visible and varied. The recidivism rate for students who earn college degrees has been consistently lower than the rate for the general population. In the long-term, this translates into a substantial savings of taxpayer dollars. In the short-term, in order to attend university classes, students must maintain the highest standards of discipline within the TDCJ. Failure to maintain those standards results in a student's suspension from the program. Students who attend classes receive the benefits inherent in exposure to a relatively controlled environment with a clear understanding of expectation. They enjoy a support base that includes availability of a job placement service, and career/vocational and personal counseling. The benefits of this program extend far beyond the confines of the university.