Practical experience and statistical evidence show what prison officials already know: Inmates who attend school behind bars are less likely to return.

Many people on the outside, however, think prisoners should not be afforded any amenities -- even that of exercising their minds, said Susan Lichtman, a former English professor at Ball State and Purdue universities.

For 10 years, Lichtman taught inmates college courses within the walls of Westville Correctional Facility and the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.

Convicted murderer Paul Komyatti Jr., formerly of Hammond, was one of her students. Komyatti and several other inmates contributed to Lichtman's book, "Conversations with Male Inmates at Indiana State Prison Concerning Education and its Rehabilitative Effects."

The textbook, published in 2004, is a collection of essays by inmates.

Lichtman said when she first met Komyatti, he was "a jock." But she witnessed a change in Komyatti as he earned a college education.

"He developed a political consciousness and got rules changed in a very thoughtful and creative way," Lichtman said. "I put his writing up against anybody -- regular college student, college graduate. He'd be equal to the task."

Lichtman said all inmates taking college courses have to be academically eligible and pay for the classes.

Even though some scholarships are available, it's still difficult because inmates cannot work and be students at the same time, Lichtman said.

Dennis Rittenmeyer, president of Calumet College of St. Joseph, said 60 percent of inmates nationwide are functionally illiterate, adding to the challenges of obtaining degrees behind bars. The Hammond-based college is involved with a literacy project at the Lake County Jail.

Sister Michele Dvorak, vice president of academic affairs at Calumet College, said a U.S. Department of Education study showed recidivism decreases as education levels increase. Recidivism rates -- the percentage of former inmates who return to prison -- is between 41 percent and 71 percent, according to different studies, Dvorak said.

"Inmates who get an associate's degree have a 13.7 percent recidivism rate," she said. "Those with a baccalaureate degree have a 5.6 percent recidivism rate, and those who get a master's degree have zero recidivism."

Indiana houses 24,000 inmates at an average annual cost to taxpayers of $40,000 per inmate, state records show.

In 2006, Indiana released 16,000 prisoners, according to the Department of Correction.