Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the a Penn Foster program or tuition? Browse the list of commonly asked questions below. If you don’t see an answer to your questions, visit our program pages or call us toll-free at 1-888-427-1600 to talk to one of our enrollment advisors.

TUITION & PAYMENT

How much do programs cost?
Each program has its own affordable tuition with several payment options.

Do you accept financial aid?
We do not accept financial aid, but  do have a number of convenient payment options available to assist students.

Why are your programs so inexpensive?
Since Penn Foster does not have a brick and mortar campus that students need to attend, we are able to save money on operation costs and pass those savings on to our students.

ACCREDITATION

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). Penn Foster High School is accredited by Cognia. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, professional learning, and improvement services to institutions and other education providers.

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 Association 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.

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.

ENROLLMENT

When do classes start?
Penn Foster has open enrollment, which means classes start as soon as you enroll.

If I start a program and don’t like it, can I switch to something else?
Yes. This would need to be done through the Student Services department.

COLLEGE

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. Also, many of Penn Foster’s individual courses are recognized by the American Council on Education’s Credit Recommendation Service for potential transfer. 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.

CAREER SCHOOL

Once I complete my program, am I qualified to immediately enter my vocational field? If not, what other steps do I need to take to get certification or licensure?
Certification and licensure requirements will vary depending on the program, vocational field, and state. Students should check with the governing body in their state that oversees their field of interest, to determine their state’s requirements.

Will I be able to use your program as certification to work in my state?
This will depend on the program, as some states may require additional education or may have requirements our programs do not meet. Students are encouraged to check with the governing body in their state that oversees their vocational field to determine what their state’s requirements are.