Scholars have recommended that community colleges create degree and certificate programs to educate current and formerly incarcerated individuals. These programs are to be designed and implemented with the hopes of both aiding their reentry to society and reducing recidivism. However, research on education for returning citizens is virtually nonexistent. While there is substantial literature on the benefits of post-secondary education programs offered to incarcerated inmates, there is scarce research on the role, if any, community college degrees play on acclimating returning citizens who when released, elected to attend a community college and did not re-offend. This study aimed to examine the effects that earning community college credentials has on the lives of returning citizens and their efforts to remain free from incarceration. The central research question to be addressed in this study is "how do returning citizens describe their lived experiences regarding recidivism and earning community college credentials?" The research design of this study is a case study, utilizing semi-structured interviews as the mechanism to gather data from each participant. The study's findings can help affect positive social change in community college programming and aid returning citizens' efforts to reintegrate into the community. [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://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]