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Find a Location

Penn Foster has 2 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

    Country
    Please enter a valid location.

    Business ProfileforPenn Foster

    Correspondence Schools
    HeadquartersMulti Location Business
    BBB accredited business
    The Complaints and Reviews shown on this HQ profile may have been submitted against either the HQ itself or one of the corporate-owned locations found under "Find Locations".

    Additional business information

    Additional Info:
    The Center for Degree Studies program began in 1974. This program offers college-level courses leading to an Associate in Specialized Business and Associate in Specialized Technology degrees. Although some colleges and universities accept transfers for CDS courses, others may not. Consumers are advised to check the admissions practice of the college in which they plan to enroll before signing up for CDS courses.

    The high school program began in 1972. They award a diploma upon completion of the course. This course was approved by the PA State Board of Private Licensed Schools. Consumers should check with their state to verify acceptance.

    Consumers should read and understand any contract they sign, understand their cancellation rights, and contact the school directly to answer questions regarding policies or courses.
    See all additional business information

    At-a-glance

    Customer Reviews

    2.02/5stars

    Average of 60 Customer Reviews

    Customer Complaints

    135 complaints closed in last 3 years

    45 complaints closed in last 12 months

    BBB Rating & Accreditation

    Accredited Since: 8/2/1962

    Years in Business: 127

    Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating

    Overview of BBB Rating

    Overview

    Penn Foster offers distance education courses at both the secondary and post secondary level. Penn Foster Career School offers degree and vocational programs while Penn Foster High School administers the High School Program.

    Business Details

    This is a multi-location business.

    Find a Location

    Penn Foster has 2 locations, listed below.

    *This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

      Country
      Please enter a valid location.
      Headquarters
      925 Oak St, Scranton, PA 18515-0999
      BBB File Opened:
      1/1/1962
      Years in Business:
      127
      Business Started:
      1/1/1897
      Business Started Locally:
      1/1/1897
      Business Incorporated:
      8/23/1985
      Accredited Since:
      8/2/1962
      Licensing Information:
      This business is in an industry that may require professional licensing, bonding or registration. BBB encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
      BBB records show a license number of AUN 419355759 for this business, issued by Department of Education-PA

      These agencies may include:

      Department of Education-PA

      333 Market Street

      Harrisburg PA 17126-0333

      (717) 783-8228

      http://www.education.state.pa.us

      • Penn Foster is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools and accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council in Washington, DC (202-234-5100) (www.detc.org).
      Type of Entity:
      Corporation
      Alternate Business Name
      • Penn Foster Career School
      • Thomson Education Direct
      • Penn Foster High School
      • Penn Foster College
      Business Management
      • Mr. Thomas Blesso, CFO
      • Mr. Bill Okun, CEO
      Contact Information

      Principal

      • Mr. Thomas Blesso, CFO

      Customer Contact

      • Mr. Andrew Kachurak, Customer Relations Specialist
      Additional Contact Information

      Fax Numbers

      • (570) 961-4888
        Other Fax

      Phone Numbers

      Customer Complaints

      135 Customer Complaints

      Need to file a complaint? BBB is here to help. We'll guide you through the process. How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews

      File a Complaint

      Most Recent Customer Complaint

      05/19/2023

      Complaint Type:
      Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      I have never utilized any services provided by Penn Foster. They keep sending an account to collections and I have never signed up for an account with them. I am currently enrolled in university and would never need their services. I have never taken a course yet my account is in collections. I need this account closed and removed
      Read More

      Customer Reviews

      60 Customer Reviews

      What do you think? Share your review.

      How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews

      Start a Review

      Most Recent Customer Review

      Jean S

      1 star

      04/12/2024

      Penn Foster can not be cancelled. Don't do it. If your student decides to go the G.E.D. route, they will not cancel. My daughter signed the grandchild up for the program. My daughter can't pay. The minor child got the G.E.D. instead. Now they are trying to suck the money out of a teenager. Terrible company. I do NOT recommend. If your child goes another route, You owe the money.

      Penn Foster Response

      04/15/2024

      Dear ***********************,Thank you for taking the time to provide a review about Penn Foster. We welcome all feedback and use each and every suggestion to improve our students experience. We would like to add that each and every student situation is different, and we would like to treat them independently as Penn Foster is devoted to the educational advancement and satisfaction of all our students. I was unable to locate the account you are referring to with the limited information provided. All students can withdraw from their program. The account would be closed out according to the terms of the signed enrollment agreement. All terms are located directly on the enrollment agreement and can be located on our website at the following link ************************************************************************. Thank You ******************************** Escalation Specialist

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