Reviews

This profile includes reviews for Penn Foster's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Penn Foster

  200 Hickory St Scranton, PA 18505-1135

  
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  Penn Foster College

  14300 N Northsight Blvd Ste 125 Scottsdale, AZ 85260-3674

Review Details

• Review fromJoshua W

  Date: 09/26/2025

  1 star
  Penn Foster does not value its students, only profit and numbers. I enrolled in one of their programs, but within about 10 minutes I realized it was not the right course for me. I immediately attempted to cancel. Despite barely using the program, Penn Foster insisted on charging me over $200.
  
  The course I was placed in was completely different from what I expected. For example, instead of actual plumbing content, it included basic construction topics about roofing and carpentry, which had nothing to do with the plumbing course I signed up for. Once I saw this, I contacted Penn Foster twice to explain the situation and request cancellation.
  
  Their response was that it was “policy” and there was nothing they could do. I even offered to let them keep the $130 they had already collected and to settle the balance that way. However, they refused and insisted I still owed an additional $100.
  
  This feels unfair and unethical, as I did not meaningfully use their services or receive the course I signed up for. Penn Foster’s unwillingness to work with me or acknowledge my concerns shows they prioritize money over students.

  Penn Foster

  Date: 09/29/2025

  Dear ******,

  Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Student feedback is very valuable. We do offer a 5-day cancellation window for a full refund, no questions asked. Although you requested to cancel your enrollment several months after enrolling, we have honored your request to drop the outstanding balance on your account as you did not complete any courses within the program.

  While we're sorry to see you go, we would love you have you return as a student again in the future.

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Review fromShunna L

  Date: 09/18/2025

  1 star
  I have been taking a penn foster jewelry making and design class. I have been in this class for a couple of months. The practice test I was taking. I kept getting answers wrong or I worded something wrong. Ex. To file the inside of the ring surface you use a _____. I said a half round file. The answer was wrong. It sa half- round file. What if I talk to someone, im not going to say I use a half-round file. I started thinking this is ai. I do not have a teacher. I called and it was confirmed for the jewelry making class. I did not have an actual teacher. It was all completely ai and I was loosing against a computer. I would never be right. Now they only want give me a partial refund. That is not right. I need a full refund they said I had a teacher. Not an AI corrector. I will never be or compare to something that only see things one way. Watch out!!! Some classes do have teachers though. I have told them they need to correct this. This is false information on their part and I deserve a full refund. Not partial

  Penn Foster

  Date: 09/19/2025

  Dear ******,

  Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Student feedback is very valuable to us. I am sorry to hear that you had trouble while enrolled in your course with us. It is important to note that practice tests are just that, practice. They do not count towards your grade. We do offer 1 on 1 appointments with instructors to provide individualized assistance for our students. If you ever choose to re-enroll again in the future, we would love to have you as a student again.

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Review fromErica-Faye H

  Date: 09/13/2025

  1 star
  I am writing to formally lodge a complaint against Ashworth College (Penn Foster Group) regarding my ongoing difficulties in obtaining my conferred bachelor’s degree transcript. I have been attempting to request my official transcript in order to apply to MSW programs, but I have encountered numerous issues that remain unresolved. Despite multiple attempts, the college’s system has been consistently down, preventing me from completing my request. I have also been hung up on during phone calls, received incorrect transcripts, and have not received any updates or clear communication from their administration. This level of service is unacceptable, especially considering that I have fulfilled all financial obligations and completed my coursework. As an alumnus, I am appalled to learn that Ashworth College appears to have purged records of graduates, making it impossible for alumni to access their own transcripts or login to their accounts. This is a breach of my rights and a serious concern regarding record-keeping and transparency. Given these circumstances, I am requesting a full refund of my tuition paid to Ashworth College. I believe it is unjust to pay for a degree that I am unable to verify or present to graduate programs. Furthermore, I am considering legal action to address this matter. In addition, I must express my dissatisfaction with the college’s customer service. Their lack of professionalism and responsiveness demonstrates a clear disregard for students’ needs and a focus solely on profit. I strongly advise others to exercise caution and consider alternative institutions for their education.

  Penn Foster

  Date: 09/15/2025

  Hello *****,

  Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Student feedback is very valuable to us. This seems to be a duplicate complaint. We have responded to your other complaint submitted in an effort to keep the communications in one place.

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Review fromLinda R

  Date: 09/12/2025

  1 star
  Penn Foster is not the school they say they are. There is a huge lack of communication and trust; department heads dont take responsibility for their words. If there is an issue the issue keeps being passed from person to person- the issues should be resolved by teacher and / or department heads. If an externship is required Penn Foster should have these externships set up, approved and available for the student. It should NOT be the students that have to try and find an externship especially since its considered a mandatory class.Trying to locate a professor or top management is none. Professors should be available at all times, thats their job, to assist students when ********* this time I would not recommend Penn Foster for educational purposes.

  Penn Foster

  Date: 09/15/2025

  Dear ****** and *****,

  Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're truly sorry to hear that your experience didnt meet expectations. Your input is incredibly valuable to us, and were committed to learning from it to improve moving forward. Were always striving to do better, and your insights help guide that process. 

  Best,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Review fromGrace J

  Date: 09/05/2025

  1 star
  This school is an absolute sham. I enrolled in my second semester of my program in April and still have not received my textbook for my FIRST COURSE Of the semester despite literal DOZENS of emails, phone calls, and help tickets to their team. Ive been getting told since June that my book (that should have been shipped in April) is expected to arrive in 7-10 days. Every. single. time. I reach out. But they are unable to find a tracking number for me, yet nobody will answer me on whether theyve contacted the shipping company looking for a tracking number. I have six months left to complete my entire semester. I have resorted to reporting them to ******************* for Private Postsecondary Education which still has gotten me NO answers or textbook. I should add that Ive paid upfront in full for this semester They even have a section on this page saying They ask that prior to filing a complaint with the BBB please contact them directly at this number andCorinne ****** or ***** ***** would be happy to help you. I tried calling that number and it doesnt even ring, just a message saying No one is available to answer your call. Leave a message.

  Penn Foster

  Date: 09/08/2025

  Hello *****,

  Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. I do regret to learn about your less than satisfactory experience and apologize for any inconvenience or misinformation. According to the response from our shipping team, the textbook mentioned is no longer in print. One of the Learner Success Advocate supervisors will be reaching out shortly to provide a digital access code for you to view the digital version of the book.

  Best of luck with your studies!

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Review fromTamara L

  Date: 07/30/2025

  2 stars
  I started Penn Foster in May paying 55$ a month to attend and now that I’m done they want 1,500 to give my diploma I haven’t even received a copy of it which is crazy and help on what to do

  Penn Foster

  Date: 07/31/2025

  Hello ******,

  Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Congratulations on completing the academic requirements of your program. That is such a wonderful milestone to achieve. To be considered graduated, students must complete all academic requirements and all outstanding financial requirements in ordinance with their signed enrollment agreement. Once you have met all outstanding financial requirements, you will be considered graduated and will receive your diploma.

  Feel free to reach out to our ****************** team for payment assistance and submission at ************.

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Review fromCharatesa L

  Date: 07/26/2025

  5 stars
  If ******* ****** is any indication of how this establishment will operate then Im certainly all in. This professional and kind lady went over and beyond to make certain I have the best experience possible. Most individuals are focused on just their job others are the very blueprint to excellence!

  Penn Foster

  Date: 07/28/2025

  Dear Charatesa,

  Thank you so much for your thoughtful and uplifting review! We're thrilled to hear that your experience with our admission specialist was so positive. Her dedication to going above and beyond truly reflects the values we strive to uphold every day. Ive shared your kind words with her and the team. Were honored to have you with us and look forward to supporting you every step of the way!

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Review fromCandice D

  Date: 07/15/2025

  1 star
  One horrible experience! I paid in full for my sons high school graduation class of 2025! My son not only finished in time but made a 3.7 GPA! No communication to me the payor, also his parent! We went to register, my son the student and our family to attend his graduation says the registration is full; deadline is July 17th we tried top of last week! What mother or student after all of that work wouldnt want to walk across the stage, one representative told me theres always next year! If it wasnt for the fact my son received his education I would request a complete refund!!! I still havent been contacted! A concerned mother! ******* *********

  Penn Foster

  Date: 07/17/2025

  Hello Ms. ********************** you for taking the time to leave us a review. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, as our graduation ceremony sold out before the deadline date due to the overwhelming number of students registering attend. I have asked our Graduation support team to reach out and touch base to discuss further.

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Review fromKari W

  Date: 06/30/2025

  2 stars
  I have been trying to get access to an E Book for 6, almost 7 months now. I have talked to support who have submitted tickets on my behalf, my instructor has submitted one, I have submitted half a dozen or more on my own. This issue has not been resolved, and im unable to do anything at this point.

• Review fromMia M

  Date: 06/30/2025

  1 star
  This school is terrible, I put my daughter in this program with great hope. I do NOT understand how they are creditable. Every conversation I have had regarding my daughters grading or not hearing back on her completed assignments has been with a call center NEVER one department person or actual instructor. ONE PAPER has been returned 4 times with zero information just some generic paper that keeps being attached. She rewrote her assignment 4 times!!! NOW WILL BE 5, she was supposed to graduate once this assignment was complete 4 ALMOST 5 months later NOTHING!! They are holding her degree hostage !!! I paid for this she completed every assignment she should be completed with DEGREE IN HAND . Its disappointing and UNACCEPTABLE . I am starting to believe this school should be inspected by someone for competence. I have numerous emails and put in tons of calls. I get NO resolutions !! NONE !!