Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.