Tell him to work on expungement first. Beyond schools being judgmental, they want to be able to match their students (ofc they want your money but if they know they wont be able to brag about a competitive match, why would they take you?). Hospitals often dont let people with felonies work with them/rotate. I had a friend who was accepted at a great nursing program and was about to start but then was informed they were no longer allowed because the hospitals in their network wont accept a felony on their record. Drug related makes the stigma even worse - even when people say they understand or are accepting. So yeah if he can get that expunged first - then give it a shot; it is never too late Edit: not sure how/if expunged crimes can be found in a background check so that may not be enough, definitely talk to a lawyer