Mission and history for Penn Foster

Mission & History

A history of helping hardworking people succeed

Penn Foster’s mission is to help our students acquire the skills needed to advance in their chosen field, begin new careers, or simply pursue their passion.

Penn Foster timeline

PROUD OF OUR HISTORY,
EXCITED FOR THE FUTURE

View our Penn Foster Through The Years timeline

As the nation’s leader in distance education since 1890, Penn Foster offers more than 150 career-focused high school, career, and college programs, as well as individual courses.

Penn Foster Timeline





How did Penn Foster begin?


In 1890, a newspaper editor named Thomas J. Foster founded the school to provide coal miners with the education they needed to advance in their careers and increase worker safety. By the turn of the century, one out of every 27 adults in the US had taken a Penn Foster course.

What is different about Penn Foster?


Graduating over 13 million students since we opened our doors, we are proven, respected, and offer accredited degree, diploma, and certificate programs. At Penn Foster, you’ll benefit from our expert faculty members, who are highly knowledgeable on the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges in their respective fields. Our dynamic Community of faculty, advisors, and fellow students are here and ready to support your learning goals. Join the Penn Foster movement and start building a better future today.

Is Penn Foster affordable?


Yes. Not only will you graduate with a great education, you will graduate debt-free. We make sure that you start your new career with nothing holding you back.

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