Can I graduate early with Penn Foster?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to graduate early if that’s what you want! Our classes are self-paced, allowing you to complete your courses and exams around your schedule. The more time you devote to your studies, the quicker you may be able to finish. However, if you’re someone who prefers to take their time, you’ll have 3 years to complete all of your classes so you don’t need to stress about working at a fast pace.
Does Penn Foster online High School accept transfer credits from other schools?
Yes! We do accept transfer credits from other schools. To begin, you’ll need an official, sealed transcript sent from your previous school for evaluation. Your credits will likely transfer if the courses are equivalent to our curriculum and are from a regionally accredited high school. Visit our high school credit transfer page for more details.
What is Penn Foster's online high school curriculum like?
To get your high school diploma from Penn Foster, you will need to complete 16 core credits and 5 elective credits. Your elective requirement gives you the chance to customize your learning experience to support your unique goals. Whether you’re preparing for college or want to get a head start on your career, you’ll select 5 electives ranging from subjects like chemistry and psychology to vocational pathways, like plumbing and veterinary assistant.
Our core curriculum includes English, math, social science, science, arts, and humanities, as well as health and physical education courses. If you are transferring credits, your coursework may vary.
Can I take only the classes I need?
Yes! Whether you only need a few credits to graduate from your high school or you want to take summer classes to get ahead, Penn Foster offers a variety of individual classes that can help you reach your goals!
Are online high schools accredited?
While not every online high school has achieved accreditation, Penn Foster High School is both regionally and nationally accredited. One credential to look for is from the Distance Education Accreditation Commission, or DEAC. The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Can I go to college with a Penn Foster diploma?
Yes, though it’s important to note that all colleges have different admissions requirements, so admission isn’t guaranteed. Before enrolling, it’s important to check with colleges and universities you may be interested in to see if they accept Penn Foster.
You can view the schools alumni have told us they’ve been accepted to after graduation to get a better idea of what kind of colleges have accepted our students in the past.
What types of degree programs can I pursue after graduating from Penn Foster High School?
Graduates can pursue a wide range of degree programs, including associate and bachelor's degrees. Our partnerships with higher education providers University of Maryland Global Campus, National University, Sophia, and Southern New Hampshire University offer diverse program options in various fields. These partnerships allow our graduates to seamlessly transition to college-level courses and degree programs with exclusive benefits and support.
Additionally, our alumni have been able to attend a variety of 2 and 4-year colleges after graduation! While we recommend checking with schools you’re interested in to see if they accept Penn Foster, you can check out this list of colleges our alumni have enrolled in!
What benefits do Penn Foster High School graduates receive from educational partners?
Penn Foster High School graduates can enjoy various benefits from our educational partners, including:
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC): 8-week asynchronous, online courses with multiple start dates per term, no SAT® or GRE requirements, a waived application fee for first time applicants, and up to 25% off on tuition.
National University: 190+ career-relevant programs, financial aid opportunities, flexible 4- and 8-week online classes, and a 25% tuition reduction for Penn Foster graduates.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): Affordable tuition rates, financial aid for qualifying students, priority admissions support, and access to 200+ career-focused degree programs.
How do you get your high school diploma online?
Each state has different options for online high school programs, some even through the public school districts. Most have set scheduling for study time as well as for taking exams. Penn Foster offers flexibly paced scheduling, meaning you study when it’s best for you and complete your tests once you feel you are well-prepared. As a traditional-aged learner, you can have your parent or guardian enroll you online. You’ll need to have an official copy of your transcript sent to us if you’ve already started high school to help you pick up right where you left off.