Research has shown correctional education has always been associated with prison reform from the early years of Pennsylvania's Eastern State Penitentiary to the modern correctional systems of today. However, as a result of increased prison populations and costs, correctional education leadership has been challenged to validate the need for these educational programs. One way to validate these educational programs is by providing evidence that educational attainment, by an offender, while incarcerated, will assist in the reduction of recidivism. The premise is that through implementation of the cognitive learning theory in the classroom offenders will achieve high order thinking, which will result in positive change. This research study was designed to answer the question: Is there a relationship between the educational attainment by an offender through participation in correctional education and recidivism? This study used a descriptive-comparative methodology to determine a relationship between educational attainment and recidivism. Additionally, the study was designed to expand upon current research by determining a relationship between the level of educational attainment and recidivism. Cross-tabulation and Chi Square Tests of Independence analysis were conducted on pre-existing data, as provided by the New Hampshire Department of Corrections. Findings did determine a marginally significant relationship between educational participation and recidivism, but did not determine any significant relationship between the level of education attainment and recidivism. However, future studies with a larger population are recommended to determine significance. The benefits of doing future research, will allow for continued funding of educational programs for offenders, which will make society safer. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]