Some or all of the pre-release educational and vocational programs that are offered in state and federal prisons are free. Though these inmates are required to participate in these programs before they re-enter society, their attitudes regarding their participation in these programs are mixed. This study reveals literature of what attitudes some inmates may have towards pre-release educational and vocational programs and the manifestations of these attitudes. Review of the literature was conducted through Google Scholar and ERIC and revealed a number of scholarly articles. Inmates share both positive and negative attitudes with regards to pre-release educational and vocational programs in federal and state prison institutions. To a degree prison staff can provide more opportunities to improve inmates' attitudes towards pre-release educational and vocational programs within the combines of the prison environment.