How do I start Penn Foster?
You can enroll in Penn Foster by filling out the online form or calling our Admissions Team at 1-888-427-6500. To get started, you’ll need to share some information to set up your student profile, make an initial payment toward your tuition, and choose a payment plan.
Will college credits from Penn Foster transfer into another college degree program?
Penn Foster college credits have been accepted for transfer into colleges across the country. Students should check with a specific college to see if they accept our credits, as credit transfer can vary depending on the school. No form of accreditation guarantees that any learning institution will accept credits from any school as transfer credits.
Will Penn Foster accept my college credits from a different college or university?
Yes, degree students can have prior coursework that was completed at an accredited college or university evaluated for potential credit transfer into one of our college programs. You must have a minimum grade of “C,” and up to 75% of required credits may be transferred. If you wish to receive credit, contact the college you attended and request for your official transcript(s) to be sent to Penn Foster College for evaluation. All approved transfer credits will be deducted from your tuition.
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.
Why doesn't every college or university accept Penn Foster's High School Diploma?
Acceptance of a high school diploma can vary based on the college or university. No form of accreditation can guarantee that any learning institution or employer will accept the high school diploma. For a list of schools where Penn Foster High School graduates attended, click here.
Why don't you offer any AP (Advanced Placement) courses for the High School Diploma?
The Penn Foster High School curriculum was designed to meet standard requirements, which does not require AP courses as part of the curriculum. While we don’t offer AP classes, students who are looking for more academically challenging courses can choose from our college prep electives to round out their education.
I can't get my high school transcript because the school is closed. What do I do?
Students looking to obtain transcripts from a high school that is no longer open should contact their state Board of Education.
Will you accept high school transcripts from other countries?
Yes. However, if the transcript is in a language other than English, we will need an official English translation of the transcript in order to evaluate it.
Do you offer a GED?
Penn Foster does not offer a GED. We offer a regionally and nationally accredited high school diploma.
Which is better, a GED or a high school diploma?
Neither one is necessarily better than the other, just different! A GED – or an equivalent exam – is a test that measures whether you have high school equivalent knowledge, while a diploma involves taking classes, exams, and completing assignments. Whether a GED or high school diploma is better for you can depend on your circumstances and your goals.
What will I get when I finish the high school program?
When you complete the high school program, you will receive a nationally and regionally accredited diploma. 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 Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Will Penn Foster accept my transferred credits from a different high school?
To receive transfer credits, an official transcript from an accredited institution recognized by Penn Foster must be submitted for evaluation. Transfer credits will be awarded for comparable high school subjects where a full credit has been earned. Since high school programs vary, only an evaluation by Penn Foster will determine the actual number of transfer credits to be awarded. The maximum number of transfer credits allowed is 16.
Does Penn Foster offer dual credit?
No, Penn Foster does not currently offer dual credit or opportunities for dual enrollment. This is because, for our college programs and many of our career training programs, a high school diploma or equivalent is a prerequisite for enrollment. Students cannot be currently enrolled in the high school program and also enrolled in a college degree program.
Can I cancel my Penn Foster program after I enroll?
Yes. We understand that things happen and you may feel like this may not be the right fit for you after you enroll. You can cancel at any time during your enrollment, however it’s important to note that you may still be responsible for the cost of your tuition or classes you’ve completed. Our refund policy goes into detail about how cancelling can impact your financial responsibility. If you choose to cancel within 5 days of enrolling, you can receive a full refund.
Can I change programs after enrolling in Penn Foster?
Yes! If you’ve enrolled in a program and realize it’s not the right path for you or you wanted to enroll in something different, just contact us for help.
How quickly can I start after enrolling?
You can start right away! Once you’ve made your first payment toward tuition and officially enrolled in Penn Foster, you’ll receive an email with the details to login to your Learner Center. From there, you can start your first class as soon as you’re ready!
Can I enroll in more than one course or program at a time?
It depends. In some cases, yes. However, there are some guidelines and restrictions. For example, you can’t enroll in the high school program and another program at the same time. This is because the prerequisite for many career and college programs is a diploma. You also cannot enroll in two healthcare programs at the same time. In general, we don’t recommend doing two programs at once, even when possible, because it can be overwhelming trying to balance studying and assignments for both, impacting how successful you may be.