Surveys of study release conducted during the 1970's suggest that programs varied considerably from State to State, depending on the correctional agency's statutory authority, educational philosophy, availability of educational placements, and amount of financial aid available for students. Four types of educational activities were available: adult basic education, high school or high school equivalency, technical or vocational education, and college. The absconder rates of these programs were very low, only 1 percent in 1977. Two case studies illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of study release programs: Project Newgate, a model educational program adopted by many States used study release as one component, and study release in New York State. Factors contributing to Project Newgate's success included an active outreach and remedial program, provision of extracurricular activities, transition services, and involvement of colleges and universities. New York's program experienced a high dropout rate because, given the powerful incentive that inmates had to have a job plan and verifiable means of support to be eligible for parole, many transferred to work release or parole. The paper provides 13 references.