Are Online High School Diplomas Legitimate?

Online courses are often the best fit for teens, busy adults, or those who need flexibility. The biggest worry that students often have, though, is whether or not the money and effort they put into online school will pay off.

Before enrolling in an online high school program, you want to find out if the school you’re interested in is accredited.

Accreditation is the recognition from specific agencies and organizations that a school meets or exceeds the educational standards established by the group.

Read more: Online High School vs. In-Person High School: What Should Parents Know?

Online high school is almost like a regular school — without the set schedule deadlines, or due dates. The flexibility allows you to learn at the pace that works for you, wherever you’re comfortable. Online classes can work for a variety of personalities and grade levels. You can expect to study independently, though you will have faculty, student support, and more if you need help. Penn Foster High School graduate Sydney Zaremba Woodward shares her experience working online: “I love the way it teaches me and the way you’re able to take breaks,” said 2025 Penn Foster High School grad, Zayne. “You can do things without being stressed out by attendance. It's way less stressful than actual school. I feel like I had more freedom with this program!”

In Penn Foster’s online high school, you’ll have access to lessons from 9th to 12th grade — and if you’ve completed classes at a previous school, you can see if you’re able to transfer those credits and pick up where you left off. For students feeling apprehensive or academically anxious, Brian Brown, Penn Foster High School’s academic manager, says, “Students often feel judged, especially those who have been judged all their lives. I try to make them feel comfortable enough to reach out for help because we are here to support them.”

Read more: Penn Foster Exams and Grading Explained

A legitimate online diploma can be no different than a traditional diploma. Therefore, the options post grad are the same as they would be if you got your diploma through in-person learning. Many Penn Foster High graduates, for example, go on to college. Some find the online model works best for them and therefore enroll in Penn Foster College or a career program, but our high school students have been accepted at several different traditional colleges throughout the country, such as the State College of Florida, Monroe College, and Maryville University.*

And, even better, earning your diploma can allow you to earn more money, which can make a big difference. On average, someone with a high school diploma can earn almost $10,000 more per year than someone who hasn’t graduated.

Read more: Alumni Institutions

Colleges have a variety of admissions requirements, and can decide what they do or do not accept from prospective students. However, in general, most schools do recognize regionally accredited high school diplomas whether they’re earned online or at a traditional school.

Like with any high school graduate, colleges will also make admissions decisions based on your grades, your extracurricular activities, or any additional application requirements like essays. While we recommend confirming that an online high school diploma from Penn Foster meets a school’s requirements before enrolling, you can also review a list of schools our alumni have said they’ve been accepted to.

In fact, many of our graduates have been able to go on to college after completing their high school diploma with us. 2025 grad, Cassidy, for example, earned her Penn Foster diploma at 17 and is now preparing to attend college for nursing. “Penn Foster prepared me for college by teaching me independence and self-discipline,” she says. “It’s all on you, and that responsibility has made me stronger.”

Besides college, Penn Foster High School has also helped graduates reach other goals – like joining the military. “I never thought I would actually get my diploma,” Eli, a 2025 graduate, said. “I quit two years into high school and never even thought about trying to finish those two years until I came across Penn Foster. Because I actually got my diploma, I have so many more options in my future, one of them being able to go to the military. If not for my diploma, my signing up to the military would’ve been a much longer/harder process!”

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There are two types of accreditation that a school can earn: regional and national. Regional accreditation is awarded through one of seven regional accrediting bodies in the United States. National accreditation is awarded by independent accrediting bodies that often focus on career-specific education or vocational schools, as well as online schools and colleges.

Penn Foster High School is both regionally and nationally accredited, ensuring that the diploma you earn online is legitimate. We’re regionally accredited through the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. The high school program also has national accreditation through Cognia. Cognia is the world leader in providing improvement and accreditation services to schools and emphasizes constantly working to improve the student experience.

Accreditation is renewed on a regular basis and involves reviewing a school’s courses and materials to make sure students receive the best education possible.

Read more: How to Decide if a Diploma or a GED is Right for You

Since Penn Foster High School is regionally and nationally accredited, it should be accepted by most employers! It is, however, still up to the employer’s discretion. Unlike colleges, which may have varying requirements regarding accepted diplomas, most employers just want to see that you graduated from a legitimate high school. Since Penn Foster is legitimate – it's regionally and nationally accredited, and licensed – you likely will not have any issues when you use your diploma on your job applications!

Many graduates have had the opportunity to move on to new jobs – or first jobs – after earning their diploma. “I graduated when I was 17,” Kaelyn, a 2025 graduate, said, “and I am now a certified phlebotomist at my local hospital. Penn Foster has given many of us opportunities to learn and become anything we want in life! Grateful for Penn foster for helping a lot of us move forward in life!”

Besides that, earning their diploma has just given many graduates the confidence and determination to pursue their goals – whatever they may be. “Penn Foster has provided not only the opportunity to advance my education, but also the confidence, discipline, and encouragement I needed to continue striving toward my long‐term goals,” 2025 grad April mentioned. “I am profoundly grateful for the growth I’ve experienced and for the unwavering support that has guided me along the way. It is a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and inspiring academic community, and I am truly proud to call Penn Foster my school family.”

Yes! Earning your high school diploma is always worth it. Besides having the opportunity to qualify for more jobs as a high school graduate, you’ll also be able to further your education if that’s your goal. More doors can open for you with a high school diploma under your belt.

With affordable tuition, self-paced classes, and the support of your peers and instructors, Penn Foster High School can be a great option to help you take the next steps toward success!

Read more: Does Education Make a Difference in Salary? (How Learning More May Help You Earn More)

A lot of high school diplomas look pretty similar! Your Penn Foster High School diploma will look just like one you’d receive from a public school. It will include the name of the school, your name, and when you graduated! You will also receive a digital copy of your diploma that you can share on social media sites like LinkedIn to show off your accomplishment to prospective employers. Take a look at the diplomas some of our graduates have shared in our 2023-2024 Penn Foster Digital Yearbook!

If you’re not sure what the online student experience is like and want to make sure that Penn Foster is right for you, don’t take it from us – read stories of real Penn Foster students and graduates instead!

Whatever your story, you can find inspiration and learn more about whether or not Penn Foster High School is right for you. If you’re a traditional aged student escaping bullying or an adult learner wondering if you really need a high school diploma to achieve success, this program can work for you. Once you’re ready, you can request more information or reach out to our expert Admissions Specialists at 1-800-275-4410 to get started.

*It’s important to note that admissions requirements for colleges vary and the institutions our alumni have attended after graduating from Penn Foster High School may or may not accept you for enrollment. All colleges listed have been self-reported by Penn Foster alumni.