Penn Foster’s earns a 2.8-star rating from 76 reviews, showing that the majority of students are somewhat satisfied with educational programs.
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wrongful charge
My daughter called Penn Foster and got information on classes back in 2002. A collections company started putting this bogus $69 charge on my credit report back in 2009. After disputing it repeatedly and never being able to get them to remove it I finally gave in and paid the $69 bogus charge to get it off my credit report. Now a different collections agency is reporting it on my credit report. REALLY? I paid you and you are trying to get the money again when I didn't owe you in the first place. Also this is from 10 years ago, ever heard of the status of limitations? I feel so completely ripped off by this company. Never ever even call Penn Foster or you will be screwed for life!
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
info
In 2006 i ask for info about some classes that i thought i might had been interested in enrolling in and i got charged for something i never enrolled into or the info . so now this school has showed up on my credit report and saying I owe them 1, 000.00 dollars. this is bull crap and i want this debt off of my credit report.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Julie, can you please contact us at [protected]? We do not (and cannot) charge people before enrollment, so we can get this straightened out!
transcript
In 1994 when Penn Foster was under another name I graduated high school from the previous company. Then a few years ago I signed up for some career courses and decided not to pursue any further with the studies so a few years ago when I asked for my transcripts they didn't want to give or send me any copies of my transcript because I didn't finish the studies a few years ago. That should not have anything to do with when I graduated high school from years ago
Hi JC77, I am definitely sorry about this. My name is Steve, and I work for Penn Foster and had to check on this as I think somebody gave you the wrong information. I checked on it and was told If your high school program was paid up, and you successfully completed it, you would be eligible to receive your high school transcript for $10.00. However you would not be eligible for any transcripts that are not complete or that you own money on. I am very sorry (on behalf of the school) for the incorrect info. Email me steve.weber(AT)pennfoster(DOT)edu your full name and student id number I can point you in the right direction on how to get your high school transcript. (Please replace the symbols in my email address by the way)
I am sorry you had trouble getting a copy your transcript. Can you please contact us at pennfosterinc@gmail.com so we can investigate this situation? It is not Penn Foster policy to keep our graduates from future successes.
terrible customer service
I absolutely never write reviews, but I feel I need to after my experience with the "Enrollment Advisor" at Penn Foster. In calling the school, which they suggest you do by putting the "Call an Enrollment Advisor, " button on their website, I learned just how rude people can actually be.
The woman that I spoke with was short, mean, uninformed and refused to give me information. When I specifically asked questions about Career Services, which she brought up, she said she could not tell me. She continually directed me to the website, and then would angrily sigh each time I asked a follow-up question.
Here's a tip to Penn Foster, if you hire someone who is suppose to work in Customer Service, try to get someone who is both knowledable and able to fake some service for a 5 minute call. If this woman is a representation of the school, I will take my money to Ashworth, Phoenix or somewhere else. Unfortunate.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Does anyone knows if the high school diploma program if the certificate is fake? i just completed the course but they want me to pay 250 dollars but I want to make sure is not fake
Regarding your experience with one of our Enrollment Advisors, please accept our sincere apology for this Advisors lack of professionalism. You deserve nothing less than an exceptional experience every time you interact with any representative of Penn Foster. To that end, we want to know what we can do to make things right for you and earn the privilege of becoming a partner in your success. Please contact me at erin.connors@pennfoster.edu. One of our Student Services Managers will personally look into your concerns and provide you the information/guidance you were seeking when you first reached out to us for assistance.
Best Regards,
Penn Foster Student Services
They dont have an assistant course, it's an aid and it useless. But yes, the enrollment advisors are that way for a reason. I am one. We are trained to be like that. We get Qc'd on Every Call and need to go for the sale and answer as few questions as possible. Over 100 advisors get hired every year and on avg. 95 of them are fired within the year, then they hire again and fire again ect. The people you talk to have only been there usually a couple months and need to make these sales. Stay away. Please let other people know as well
I agree. The academic adviser had a very patronizing attitude when I called to ask him a simple question about the clinical training item in the Occupational Therapist Assistant course. He was more interested in the payment plan than answering the question. The problem is that Penn Foster is supposed to offer career oriented courses, but beware: it is useless unless you get some hands-on training. They don't do anything to help you get clinical practice. You will still need to sit for an exam and get certified to practice in your state of residence. So, I don't know...what good is a diploma from Penn Foster?
accounting/billing problem
I attended penn foster over 9 years ago and cancelled my enrollment and sent their stuff back to them and they are still on my back about it.
The statute of limitation ran out on the fair credit reporting act 2 years ago and it should have been removed from my credit report but, these scam artists at penn foster somehow are now claiming that i enrolled this year when ive had nothing to do with them since i cancelled over 9 years ago.
The fact of the matter they are out to ruin peoples credit even if they pay what is in the writing.
I have all the proof and will be in contact with my lawyer and the proper government agencies about this and with any luck a class action will follow.
I would report them through the BBB but, From what i read the BBB and Penn Foster are in the same bed so to speak and will just close the case instead of investigating the issue.
Penn Foster did the same thing to me. It has been eight years since I took their course. They never billed me for $80 then they reported me to collection agency and said I owed $800, not the $80 that I had already paid when they called me. Now 8 yrs later it is still haunting me. They reported it as a recent problem when it was almost 9 yrs ago. Count me in for the class action. i was just recently denied a refinance because of this and almost did not qualify for a car loan and had to take an 11 % loan for it.
James Hinckley
durant9999@yahoo.com
Hello,
I apologize for any inconvenience you might have had, and I believe this can be sorted out. Can you e-mail me at adam.mcilwee@pennfoster.edu with your Student ID so we can get any issues straightened out?
Thank you, and once I again, I do apologize.
Yeah so far I have only been in the course for two weeks and already have billed for the course as being late, and my first payment isn't due until next month. When I called them, they were rude and unwilling to resolve the dispute.
access to courses
About three weeks ago I paid off my daughter program at Penn Foster. I was late with payments so they denied her access to her classes (which is understandable). It has now been three weeks and she doesn't have access to her classes. When I spoke to a representative about this, they informed me it could take upto a month. I would never recommend anyone taking course with Penn Foster. It should not take that long to get access. When I first enrolled her, she had access the first day of enrollment.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I did a program. from Penny Foster, I never had any exam, just a got the book for study.I would like to cancel my student number, but they are told to me "I have to pay $84.00.Before I paid $121.00.The reason-I cancel my student account.Can you believe for that?!
It's not good. I do know one person, she already graduate and she couldn't find out any jobs.Before they are promise to find out a job for her.
scam giant!
To begin I would like to say this. this is a negative "review" also known as a complaint:) If you even act like you're thinking of doing this school don't.
They only accept credit cards which should pop out and say "scam" automatically. If you don't do it they will call you everyday, this is their "guarantee" if you will.
They will use a phone number machine to make it look like someones calling from your area code which is EXACTLY what they did to me. they will run up your credit card bill and take you to court. their employees will post sweet and positive reviews of their school so you'll feel more comfortable about applying. how deceptive and what a pathetic attempt at robbing you blind.
simple: DON'T DO IT.
How do you explain their A+ rating with the bbb then? Surely people would have filed a report with them.
money
I paid alot of money for the cerfication in Child Pyschology to them and because I maintain a 70 average they said I failed the course, I asked if I could do it over again then said no I ask for a refund because I paid in full they told me they dont do that I told them this was a rip off and I would be contacting my lawyer and they just laughed and said go a head it wont do any good we do this all the time.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Hello,
I apologize for any inconveniences, but I believe this can be sorted out. Can you e-mail me at adam.mcilwee@pennfoster.edu with your student number so I can see what the discrepancy is?
I can tell you that our programs are certainly not bogus, and you can view our accreditation here: http://www.pennfoster.edu/accreditation.html
Thank you, and once again, I apologize for any issues that have come up.
lied and cheated me of transfer credits
Penn Foster College is a big scam. Connie Dempsey is a tramp who knows nothing about directing education. The people at Penn Foster College are a bunch of losers who are jealous of their students' educational accomplishments and try to put down students in order to cheat them of previous school credits. They tell you a whole bunch of lies and they argue with you. They lack respect and student services and are a bunch of losers who are nothing but [censored] telemarketers!
Penn Foster College will seek to extend students' studies to maximize profit and make money and the people in Education Services are as dumb as an elephant reversing..yes..they are as dumb as an elephant's *** and know nothing about education. Penn Foster needs to be shut down and chased out of Arizona and Scranton, PA. I have never dealt with such unethical bunch of thieves and trash..a bunch of nasty ###.
My name is kenneth: Im mentally disabled-I take medicine for dipression, attention deficit disorder, and for sleep.This is an online school, when I first started school A lady name (Evelyn doyle) called me wanting to know when Im gonna finish school, Idont know I say, first lasson (hurry) my grades suffered so I slowed down, 6month to complete expired so they gave me a complimentary 6 more months free becouse my bill was already mostly paid off those 6 months expired, so I paid an extra $75. to continue but only made a 68 average on coarse, now I paid for 6 months to complete coarse and I paid for 6 months I have 3 months left and they will not let me make that test a passing grade, They say who cares about your disability..
I believe that ALL universities, in America, are unethical and only want your money. It's not just the online ones. The private and ivy league schools are the worst as far as excepting credits from other colleges. I believe all colleges are messed up and only want your money and guess what, they can get away with it just because they know that people need college. Look up RIT in Rochester NY. They raise their tuition at least %5 every single year. They are a private school. They constantly build unnecessary fancy buildings just to show off to perspective students. Something needs to be done in America because if not then someday only the rich will be able to attend college. I think all the colleges and universities are ONE BIG FAT CARTEL. I maybe crazy but I am positive that University of Phoenix, Devry and Penn Foster all part of the same cartel.
I am in the beginning stages of a lawsuit against penn foster and would like to hear more from you. Contact me at deanna.trihopegroup@gmail.com
their credit copamy keeps calling
I have never taken a Penn Foster course although I did ask for info only some time ago. Now I am getting two calls a day from USCB of Scranton Pa which is their collection company. The bad part is that they are always asking for someone that is not now or ever been in my house nor do I know them, I have indicated several times that I do not or ever have know this individual and to quit calling but I still get the phones calls once or twice a day.How do I get them to quit bugging me. I have reported themn to the Florida Department of Consumer Affirs.
scam
I am finished with all the classes in the Veterinary Technician Program. I only have a final clinical left to finish. Keep in mind, I could of finished this program in two years with ALL the hard work and hours I put in! My tuition is paid in full, and they have dragged it on for four years. The staff is rudem and they complain constantly about having to...
Read full review of Penn Foster and 3 commentstakes peoples hard earned money and does nothing
This seemed like the perfect online schooling for quick education. However, a amall glitch in my payment due to the bank rejecting their automatic withdrawl system and I saw the true Penn Foster. Instead of allowing me to correct the problem and submit a new method of payment, they witheld all of my learning materials, books, suspended my login on the site & charged me $20 late fee within 2 weeks! I am a busy Mother and had no idea the payment didn't go through until my bank sent me a notice in the mail. Penn Foster sent 1 email stating they received my payment and a 2nd email after I had been charged the extra $20 saying that they didn't actually receive my payment. The head supervisor woman who runs the school didn't care and offered no aplogy for the drastic action taken by the school. It has been another week now and I STILL have not received my materials and the additional $20 fee never got removed, the supervisor refused to do this simple thing. You're better off using a regular school that offers online courses and you can receive transferable credits. I read from previos students that Penn Foster's credits only transfer in PA!
tuition payment
Started out ok...thought their study materials were a little under par...not textbooks mind you...but their version of a textbooklet...had to cancel after a year due to poor health...was promised a reimbursement for overpaid tuition...there was no way I could finish so I decided this was the best thing to do...$377.50...they take the down payment immediately from your bank account and the monthly payments promptly, however it takes weeks to get reimbursed for overpayment? No sign of a reimbursement yet to my account...lawyer seems next best bet.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
scam
This online school is a rip-off. They charge you $20 additional no matter how you pay, by bank or credit card. The withdrawl system cannot even be used with a savings account and my bank's cheif officer told me this himself. They will try to charge you the full price which is $60 more.
If you want to complain and don't pay, they continue to send you 3-4 letters every week charging you more & more! They are WORSE than any insurance or doctor office bills. A $339 class could EASILY end up costing OVER $500!
Not to mention, there is no one to complain with directly besides enrollment advisors, which are basically dumb *** college kids or younger making min wage and cannot handle any complaints.
They will not send your materials on time and you will never see the materials you need if you owe them a cent, regardless that it is THEIR fault.
This has truly been a huge dissapointment and waste of a hard -working single parent's money.
Please, DO NOT USE PENN FOSTER!
education rip off
Penn Foster Is the most ripp off scam Ive ever seen. False info, Never telling me that I will have to pay extra if I wanted to re take an exam. I went to the High School Program, also accusing me of Plagerism. how can a story be that if its about my life ? failing me trying to suck more money out of me to get their pockets lined whike I am here without the Diploma. I finally went to get a Ged, the best thing I ever done. I am not going to pay them what they keep asking when I have nothing to hold in my hand to begin with .The company is rude, nasty, and before they even try to help you they want to close you out and make you pay a remaining bill. rather than admit their mistakes. they prey on people like me that arent able to get out alot and get a high school but I did it. it want with them either. so be sure to ask about the extras they add on everytime you fail a section, what is most interesting is that when your papers are mailed in, they are not sent to a Teacher, they are sent out to whomever will grade them. ask them how much the books actually cost them to ship? and the worth of the books as well? it will not even come close to what they charge you. the books arent worth the paper its writeen on.by the way before I go, if you read this and are a Penn Foster Flunkie, you need not speak your mind. we know who you are, and YOU dont matter., honey.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Hello,
I apologize for any inconveniences, but I believe this can be sorted out. Can you e-mail me at adam.mcilwee@pennfoster.edu with your student number so I can see what the discrepancy is?
Thank you, and once again, I apologize for any issues that have come up.
I broke my back and was unable to make all my payments on time. I then sent them a payment in full .Over 1200.00 Then they say send a 50.00 reinstatement fee. I get the paper in to sign, that states they are going to charge me 50.00 a credit that is not complete. Up to 599.00. This school is a rip off ! Don't waste your time are money. Just take a GED class and test.
beware
I filed a grievance against a student who was proven to NOT be honestly doing his own school work and submitting it as his. I proved (by lawsuit, in a court of law in MO that this student's mother was doing his homework (online) for him while he was at work - can't be in two places at the same time) and yet this school allows this student to remain in school and now I have learned he is about to graduate. This is highly unethical and certainly unprofessional. They allow cheaters and liars to graduate and use their school's reputation to further their own interests. This school apparently only cares about the money, not the ability of their students to perform their duties when working. The veterinarians need to be informed to be wary of the graduates of the Vet tech programs (how many others also?) of this school.
ripping of military families
I was ripped of by penn foster, if you know or are a military member or family member email me at [protected]@ymail.com and tell me your story I am putting together a letter including all the military families and soldiers that penn foster has ripped off and I am going to make a case until the military drops them off the MYcca accounts and cuts them off! They put things on my credit and claimed i owed charges after I had cancelled the account 3 years before! So as i said if you have a complaint send it to me.
lack of service
Penn Foster - Initial studies for a non-accredited program had nothing to do for what I signed up for, supplies not delivered and when I fortunate enough to take an exam that was handed in it took more than 4 weeks to be graded. My SS# was also listed under someone else who had used Penn Foster. I have 4 valid complaints that Penn Foster needed to rectify. Several phone calls to Penn Foster did not produce favorable results so I informed them of my cancellation and the reiterated the above. Mary from Penn Foster confirmed my cancellation and I followed up with a letter to them. I did not even ask for a refund, it was not worth the argument.
Not long after my cancellation...the 1st month I did not pay them anymore money. Harassing phone calls started, robot messages several times a day and then they attacked my credit report.
I am in the process of reporting all of this to the Federal trade Commission and my states Attorney General..has anyone else had a similar experience?
My experience with this school was different they are inexpensive, they grade the papers quickly, and teach you what you need to know. The price is what I can afford and you can do the course on your own time, when I had any complaints or issues they always addressed them right away. My experience has been positive. I've taken courses elsewhere and paid a lot more for a lot less results.
medical billing and coding classes
I started taking penn fosters medical billing and coding class a few months ago. It started out fine, then when I started the english part I found alot of wrong information and alot of things were being repeated over and over. When I moved onto the internet and micrsoft word and excel part, there was alot of missing information. I have told them I wanted to...
Read full review of Penn Foster and 5 commentsfraudelent fees
Out of nowhere I find out two collection inputs on my credit from penn foster, while I have never heard of them in my life! I have been trying to contact them and collection company they used to provide me with any proof of contract or account they claim I have, but haven't gotten anything so far. While my credit is being ruined for nothing! Unbelievable...
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Hello,
This does not seem to make much sense, especially if you have never enrolled in Penn Foster. Can you please e-mail me at adam.mcilwee@pennfoster.edu so we can get this straightened out?
Thank you, and once again, I do apologize.
Yes they are like that and once they get info on you, they are sharks! sue them if you can
Penn Foster Reviews 0
If you represent Penn Foster, take charge of your business profile by claiming it and stay informed about any new reviews or complaints submitted.
Penn Foster is a legitimate educational institution offering accredited online programs in high school, career training, and college education.
Yes, Penn Foster's programs are accredited by various organizations, including the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools.
Penn Foster offers a range of programs, including high school diplomas, career diplomas, certificate programs, and associate and bachelor's degree programs.
Some employers view Penn Foster degrees and diplomas positively, recognizing their accreditation and the skills students gain from the programs. However, the perception of online degrees may vary among employers.
Penn Foster offers affordable tuition rates, with a pay-as-you-go model and various payment plans, making it more accessible for many students.
Penn Foster's course content and materials are designed to be comprehensive and up-to-date, but the quality may vary depending on the program.
Many Penn Foster graduates find success in their careers after completing their programs, but individual success depends on factors such as the job market and the graduate's efforts in networking and job searching.
Yes, Penn Foster's online, self-paced programs are well-suited for students who need a flexible learning schedule, allowing them to balance work, family, and other responsibilities.
Penn Foster offers support to its students through resources like academic advising, tutoring, webinars, and access to an online student community.
Penn Foster credits may be transferable to other educational institutions, but it depends on the specific institution and their transfer policies.
The duration of Penn Foster programs varies depending on the program and the student's pace. Some programs can be completed in a few months, while others may take several years.
Penn Foster's online platform is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, allowing students to access course materials, submit assignments, and communicate with instructors.
Penn Foster students can interact with their instructors through email, phone calls, or online messaging within the course platform.
Penn Foster does not offer federal financial aid, but they provide flexible payment plans and discounts to help make their programs more affordable.
Yes, Penn Foster accepts international students, but it's important to verify if the program and accreditation are recognized in your home country.
Penn Foster has a refund policy that allows students to cancel their enrollment within a specified period and receive a refund based on the terms outlined in their enrollment agreement.
Penn Foster's customer service can be contacted through various channels, including phone, email, and their online help center.
Penn Foster is a for-profit educational institution.
Overview of Penn Foster complaint handling
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Penn Foster Contacts
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Penn Foster phone numbers+1 (800) 471-3232+1 (800) 471-3232Click up if you have successfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (800) 471-3232 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (800) 471-3232 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (800) 471-3232 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (800) 471-3232 phone numberCustomer Service+1 (888) 427-1000+1 (888) 427-1000Click up if you have successfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (888) 427-1000 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (888) 427-1000 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (888) 427-1000 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (888) 427-1000 phone numberStudent Care+1 (800) 275-4410+1 (800) 275-4410Click up if you have successfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (800) 275-4410 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (800) 275-4410 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (800) 275-4410 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (800) 275-4410 phone numberPenn Foster Career School+1 (888) 427-6200+1 (888) 427-6200Click up if you have successfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (888) 427-6200 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (888) 427-6200 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (888) 427-6200 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (888) 427-6200 phone numberPenn Foster High School+1 (570) 961-4033+1 (570) 961-4033Click up if you have successfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (570) 961-4033 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (570) 961-4033 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (570) 961-4033 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (570) 961-4033 phone numberCareer School, International+1 (480) 947-3994+1 (480) 947-3994Click up if you have successfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (480) 947-3994 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (480) 947-3994 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (480) 947-3994 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (480) 947-3994 phone numberPenn Foster College, International+1 (480) 947-6644+1 (480) 947-6644Click up if you have successfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (480) 947-6644 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (480) 947-6644 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (480) 947-6644 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Penn Foster by calling +1 (480) 947-6644 phone numberHead Office
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Penn Foster emailskris.boylan@pennfoster.edu100%Confidence score: 100%Supportsocial@pennfoster.edu97%Confidence score: 97%communication
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Penn Foster address14300 N. Northsight Blvd, Suite 125, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85260, United States
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Penn Foster social media
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Checked and verified by Jenny This contact information is personally checked and verified by the ComplaintsBoard representative. Learn moreSep 21, 2024
Recent comments about Penn Foster company
I completed the small engine course still had some money to pay missed a couple payment.Our Commitment
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