Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about how online school works, how Penn Foster works, tuition, or programs? We’re here to help! These are general questions about Penn Foster and aren’t program specific. If you don’t see an answer to your question, check out the page of the program you’re interested in or reach out to our Admissions Department for help!

General Penn Foster Questions

Is Penn Foster a legit school?

Yes! Penn Foster High School is regionally accredited for grades 9 through adult by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (CSS-MSA) and nationally accredited by Cognia and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited for non-degree granting postsecondary programs by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 215-662-5603, www.msa-cess.org. In addition, Penn Foster Career School is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Penn Foster has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Penn Foster College is nationally accredited for our college programs by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)..

No form of accreditation guarantees that any learning institution will accept credits from any school as transfer credits.

Can I get a job with a Penn Foster diploma/degree?

Penn Foster’s programs can help you prepare for a new job or to advance your career through training and skill-building. While many employers should accept a Penn Foster diploma or degree, it’s important to note that different jobs and companies may have different requirements when they’re considering an applicant’s education. Overall, many employers just like to see that you have completed some formal training or have certification, but a job isn’t a guarantee.

How do I know if an online school is accredited?

Generally, you can tell if an online school is accredited by checking out their website. They are required to share factual information about their accreditation and licensing. If you want to double check a school’s legitimacy, you can also search for them on the US Department of Education’s website.

What's the difference between a high school diploma and GED?

While both are generally accepted by employers and colleges, there are a few differences between a high school diploma and a GED or equivalent tests. A high school diploma program includes a full curriculum of courses that meet national requirements. To earn a diploma, you must successfully complete all of your required credits. This can involve studying, submitting assignments, doing homework, and passing exams.

A GED – or an equivalent exam – is just that: a test. You can study and prepare for it, but you’re only tested on four main subjects. To earn your GED, you need to successfully pass all four components of the exam.

While both can be helpful to you, a high school diploma does cover a wider range of subjects and teaches you a variety of skills, like time management, that can be useful in the future. A GED can also be a good option for someone who wants to get their credential relatively quickly without having to go back to school.

Can I go to college with a Penn Foster diploma?

Sure! Many of our Penn Foster High School graduates have gone on to community colleges, 4-year colleges, technical schools and more! It’s important to note, though, that college admissions can vary by school and some schools have different requirements than others. Before enrolling in an online high school program, it can be helpful to check with colleges near you or that you may be interested in attending to make sure the diploma you get satisfies their requirements.

Check out the schools our graduates have told us they attended after finishing their diplomas.

Tuition and Payment

How much do programs cost?

Each program has its own affordable tuition with several payment options. Students can pay in full or pay with monthly payments. You can enroll in many of our programs for an average cost of $2 a day. Only a limited number of programs have one or two payment options.

Why isn't the high school program free like it is in school districts?

Penn Foster High School is a private school and funded through tuition paid by the students, unlike public schools that are funded from taxes paid by residents of that community.

Do you accept financial aid?

We do not accept financial aid, but we do have a number of convenient payment options available to assist students, student discounts and promotions, and overall low program costs.

Tuition & Payment FAQs

Accreditation

What is the difference between regional and national accreditation?

The major difference between regional and national accrediting agencies lies in the type of institutions that they evaluate and accredit. Regional agencies are responsible for accrediting public colleges and universities and major private, nonprofit institutions. National agencies accredit private, proprietary schools and specialty institutions such as correspondence schools.

Is Penn Foster accredited?

Penn Foster High School is regionally accredited for grades 9 through adult by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (CSS-MSA) and nationally accredited by the AdvancEd Accreditation Commission and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited for non-degree granting postsecondary programs by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 215-662-5603, www.msa-cess.org. In addition, Penn Foster Career School is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Penn Foster has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Penn Foster College is nationally accredited for our college programs by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). No form of accreditation guarantees that any learning institution will accept credits from any school as transfer credits.

If Penn Foster College is not regionally accredited, will I still be able to get a job or transfer credits to another college after I complete a degree program?

Penn Foster College is nationally accredited, and our college graduates have been able to gain employment and transfer credits to other colleges and universities upon completion of our degree programs. However, these decisions are up to the discretion of the colleges, universities, or individual employers, and students should check with those entities to determine if they will be able to transfer credits or use their degree in a satisfactory capacity. No form of accreditation guarantees that any learning institution will accept credits from any school as transfer credits.

Accreditation FAQs

Enrollment

When do my classes start?

Penn Foster has open enrollment, which means classes start as soon as you enroll.

What is the age limit for Penn Foster's programs?

Penn Foster has minimum age requirements for each program, but we do not set a maximum age limit on any of our programs.

If I start a program and don't like it, can I switch to something different?

Yes. This would need to be done through the Student Services department. You can call Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, Eastern Time.

Enrollment FAQs

Student Life & Experience

Is Penn Foster self-paced?

Yep, Penn Foster programs are completely self-paced and 100% online! What that means is that you can login and study whenever – and wherever – you are. There are no due dates, deadlines, or live classes that you need to attend; everything can be done around your schedule, on your terms.

What is the learning experience like at Penn Foster?

Since Penn Foster is self-paced and completely online, students are in charge of their education. They are able to login and independently complete courses, assignments, and exams around their preferred learning pace and schedule. For most students, this independence allows them to learn in the way that works best for them, instead of going with the flow set by teachers in in-person classrooms.

Since students are responsible for staying on track and completing their studies, it takes a self-motivated and determined learner! If you’re someone who needs more guidance, you’re not alone; our teachers and staff are here to support you during the week, and there are several resources available for help and tips online through our Learner Resource Center and our Learner Resources Blog!

Are there deadlines or due dates?

Nope! You complete classes, lessons, assignments, and exams on your schedule, no deadlines or due dates!

How do I stay motivated in an online program?

When you have no deadlines or due dates in an online program, it can sometimes be tough to keep yourself motivated. But staying motivated in online school isn’t impossible! Try things like:

Creating study schedule that you follow
Having dedicated study space and time
Having a family member or friend help you stay accountable and keep on track

Check out this blog for more tips on staying motivated!

Technology

Does Penn Foster provide laptops?

Computers are not provided. This is one of the ways Penn Foster is able to keep the tuition lower for our students.

Will my Mac® computer be compatible for the program?

This varies by program. Some programs can be completed on a Mac® computer. However, other programs have portions of study that can be completed on a MAC,® and require a PC-based computer.

Is Penn Foster just an online school?

Most of Penn Foster’s programs require a computer and Internet access to be completed. However, many of the programs also include books/study units that are mailed to the students. Some programs also provide the opportunity to take work study or a practicum in the field.

Technology FAQs

Support and Resources

What support is available if I fall behind?

If you fall behind and worry that you’re not going to complete your program, or you’re just feeling stuck on a tough problem, we can help! You have support available through your instructors, who you can contact through email in your Learner Center or even schedule an appointment with to talk 1 on 1.

Besides help from instructors, you can also get support through online resources! And, if you feel like you need more time to complete everything and graduate, that’s okay, too! For many courses and programs, you can get study time extensions if you feel like you just need a little bit more time to graduate.

Are there tutors or academic coaches available?

No, there aren’t dedicated tutors or academic coaches, but all of our students have access to online resources for help 24/7 and are able to reach instructors and our Learner Success Advocates during the week for help with course questions, assignments, student account, and technology issues.

Do I get feedback on assignments or projects?

Yes! If you submit an assignment or project, you’ll often find a feedback file that goes over what you can improve or what you may have done incorrectly.

I’m a current student; how do I contact somebody for help?

If you’re a current Penn Foster student, you can get help through your Learner Center! If you need help with your account, you can submit a ticket through your Learner Center when you login. You can also start a chat through your Learner Center!

If you need help with a specific class or assignment, you can also contact your teachers through a ticket in your Learner Center or schedule an appointment with them to talk through it on the phone.

Can someone help me choose the right program?

Totally! Our Admissions Specialists are knowledgeable and dedicated to helping learners find the right program for them and their goals! Want to talk through your options and narrow down your choices? Reach out to our Admissions Team at 1-800-275-4410!

Academic

Once I complete my program, am I qualified to immediately enter my vocational field? If not, what other steps do I need to take to get certification or licensure?

Certification and licensure requirements will vary depending on the program, vocational field, and state. Students should check with the governing body in their state that oversees their field of interest, to determine their state’s requirements.

How does Penn Foster teach trade-related programs online without hands-on training?

Penn Foster’s trade-related programs give students the functional knowledge and theories behind practical skills needed to work in their vocational field. In addition, several programs contain practical exercises, which are a combination of a suggested activity and a required examination. Many programs also contain a work experience option, which allows students to apply the skills they’ve learned by doing real-life, hands-on exercises at a facility in their local community.

Will I be able to use your program as certification to work in my state?

This will depend on the program, as some states may require additional education or may have requirements our programs do not meet. Students are encouraged to check with the governing body in their state that oversees their vocational field to determine what their state’s requirements are.

Academic FAQs

Career Services and Outcomes

Do you help with job placement after graduation?

No, Penn Foster doesn’t help with job placement after graduation. You can, however, potentially find open positions posted by employers looking for Penn Foster graduates on our job board.

Will I get help writing a resume or preparing for interviews?

While we don’t offer one-on-one help writing a resume or preparing for interviews, the Job Search and Career Readiness section of the Learning Resource Center offers videos and guides on everything from crafting a good resume and cover letter to interview tips and common questions.

Are internships or externships available?

It depends on the program. Some of our programs have an optional or required externship portion that gives you the opportunity to practice what you learned online in real life! Some programs that include an externship portion are:

Veterinary Technician Associate Degree
Medical Assistant Associate Degree
Phlebotomy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Professional

Reviews and Refunds

What happens after I enroll?

After you enroll, you’ll receive a welcome email that will have your student ID and steps to logging into your Learner Center for the first time. If you’re enrolled in high school or a college program and have completed courses at another school, you will also be prompted to get us an official copy of your transcripts so we can evaluate them for any transferrable credits. Otherwise, after you enroll, you’re able to just go ahead and start learning!

Is there a trial period or money-back guarantee?

No, there is no trial period. However, we do offer a cancellation and refund policy if you find that the course you chose wasn’t right for you. If you cancel your program (high school and career) within 5 days, you’ll receive a full refund. If you are in a college program and cancel within 6 days, you’ll receive a full refund. After that, the refund amount depends on several factors including how many lessons you’ve completed, what you’ve paid toward tuition, and more. You can check out the full refund policy on our website.

Can I change programs after starting?

Yes, it’s possible to change programs after starting! If you decide that you want to switch programs, you’ll need to reach out to us to start that process. We’ll cancel you out of your current program and get you enrolled in the right one for you! Keep in mind that changing programs can come with different tuition costs, so it’s best to speak with us to complete that process!

International Students

Can international students enroll in Penn Foster?

It can depend on what program you’re interested in and where you live. Some programs are available internationally, while others aren’t due to different requirements for things like certification and credits. If you’re not sure if you are able to enroll in your program of choice as an international student, reach out to our Admissions Team for help!

Do I need a U.S. address to study at Penn Foster?

Not necessarily! Depending on where you live and what program you want to take, you may be able to use your international address. However, should you need anything shipped, there may be additional fees.

Are Penn Foster diplomas recognized outside the U.S.?

It can depend on the requirements of where you live. Different countries may have different standards or require different courses to qualify for employment or college. Before you enroll, you should check with the requirements of your country or province to ensure your Penn Foster program meets your needs.

*Start for $20 offer applies to select programs.