Complaints

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

close

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.

BBB accredited

Near

Country

USUnited States

Please enter a valid location.

Filter

• 

  Penn Foster

  200 Hickory St Scranton, PA 18505-1135

  
• 

  Penn Foster College

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

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/09/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I started Penn Foster on January 22nd 2025. I did all of my work everyday and finished in February 9th 2025. On June 6th 2025 I finished paying off my Penn Foster High School Tuition. I kept asking when the date on my diploma would be and they told me multiple times that it would be the date that I finished my academically and not financially. However on June 6th 2025 I asked once more and the employee told me that it would be todays date. I was very confused because why are different employees saying different things. I asked to speak to a supervisor on June 6th 2025 and none called me back. I called again today ( June 9th 2025) and asked to speak to a supervisor again. However they said that it hasnt been more than 48 hours since I asked to speak to one so I wouldnt be able to since none were available. A couple hours later I got a email stating that they sent me my digital diploma and to view it and download it. I was excited because I thought my prayers were being answered, just to see the date say June 6th 2025. I have spent over $1,000 on Penn Foster just for the date on my diploma to be wrong and I feel like they are ignoring the situation. I am confused on how something to easy to fix is taking forever to get in contact with a supervisor. I graduated with a 4.0 and 24/21 credits exceeding the average and I just want my date to reflect when I finished academically and not finically like many Penn Foster Workers promised.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/11/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Ms. ************ concerns. I do apologize for any frustration, confusion, or inconvenience caused by this situation. Students are considered "Graduated" once they have met all academic and financial requirements. Ms. ********** completed all academic and financial requirements as of 6/6/25, which is considered their official graduation date. This date cannot be changed or altered. Again, I do apologize for any inconvenience but am happy to celebrate Ms. ************ graduation!

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/13/2025

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: 23447380
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I was told by multiple different people that the date on my diploma would say February 9th 2025. Now that I have paid off all of my tuition all of a sudden they wont be able to change the date. This company has lied to many others like myself and I know they have every ability to change the date because the women whom I was on the phone with on Wednesday told me that they did in the past. Its unfair that I have to lose out on 50K worth of scholarships because of what a date on my diploma says. This company has no empathy whatsoever towards their students and only sees them as a money machine. I graduated with a 4.0 and recently took my SAT this past Saturday. Im becoming a young adult and need finical assistance with college that I wont be able to use because your company (Penn Foster) said on multiple different occasions that the date on my diploma would say February 9th. Penn Foster is very inconsistent because I have spoke to others and they said that they finished paying it off on one date but it had the date they completed it academically on it. This is so unfair to me because I stayed up a majority of the night reading the textbooks to get the grade that I deserve just for them to say I graduated June 6th when I truthfully did not. Please do the right thing because your employees spread false information towards me and not Im going to lose out on 50K worth of scholarships.
  
  
  Regards,
  
  ****** **********
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/24/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  Following a thorough review of Ms. *********** account and records, it has been confirmed that she was provided with accurate information regarding the graduation date. Specifically, graduation status is conferred only upon the successful completion of all academic and financial requirements. We sincerely regret any confusion, frustration, or inconvenience this situation may have caused.  We wish Ms. ********** the best in all of her future endeavors. 

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/09/2025

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Dear Better Business Bureau,I am filing a complaint against Penn Foster regarding a career course I enrolled in, for which I paid nearly $1,200. I enrolled with the expectation of timely progress and course support, but I have been unable to move forward due to delays beyond my control. On May 17, 2025, I completed the required initial course assignment, which should have triggered the shipment of the next textbook. I was told the book was ordered that same day. A week passed with no update, so I contacted Penn Foster and was told the book was ordered on 05/17 and would be shipped soon. The following week, I called again and was told the order would be marked urgent and I would receive a tracking number in a few days. However, no tracking information was provided. I have followed up twice more over the past two weeks, only to be told to call again next week. As of today, I still have not received the book or any credible update. This delay has prevented me from progressing in the course, which is time-sensitive. It is unacceptable to invest over a thousand dollars in a program and then be left without the necessary materials or support. Given that I have paid in full and cannot complete the course as promised, I am requesting a partial or full refund, or an extension of my course access without penalty, and immediate delivery of the required materials. I enrolled in this course to help secure employment with health insurance, as I urgently need both medication and income. The delays have caused unnecessary stress and disrupted my career plans. I originally discovered this program through an Instagram ad, which emphasized flexible, self-paced learning and career readiness. Based on this, I believed I would be able to complete the course efficiently and begin working soon. The delay in receiving materials contradicts those expectations. I respectfully ask for assistance in resolving this issue promptly.Sincerely, **** ********** ************

  Business Response

  Date: 06/12/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Arin's concerns. We sincerely regret any inconvenience or delay they have faced during their time enrolled with us. I was able to connect with our shipping team and confirm a delivery date of 6/7/25. I have shared the tracking and delivery information with Arin for their records and asked that they reach out with any further questions or concerns. 

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/07/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Taking school classes at Penn Foster now that I have lost everything they want to sue me for not paying after I stopped the schooling online closed the account spoke to a *** said no problem now they want to sent it to collections ....not right it's looking like a scam place need this settled I get only ssi 279 a month

  Business Response

  Date: 06/11/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Mr. ******** concerns. We have reached out to Mr. ****** directly to provide a copy of their ledger card detailing payments and charges, as well as a copy of their signed enrollment agreement. I look forward to assisting and answering any further questions Mr. ****** may have. We are committed to the overall satisfaction of our learners. 

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/13/2025

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: 23439235
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  If they cared about the learners they wouldn't go after them when 1 has called in and canceled deal told them I can no longer afford to pay  and to take the schooling I guess they rejected it months after call and now coming after me not fair and is 100 percent wrong . 
  
  Regards,
  
  ****** ******
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/04/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This school is fraudulent, lies and should be shutdown. We spent 6 months trying to get my sons transcripts moved in. Whole time school lied never processed paperwork etc. After 6 months he might as well finish, but the school is so incompetent they can't update a payment method, but its not incompetence its intentional so they can try charging a few and lock the student out for a week while it processes. They don't want them to ever finish. When my son finishes Im going to recover damages. You can't *** wasting a year of my sons life by not moving in the transcripts.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/05/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Mr. ********* concerns. We have reached out to the email address associated with the account to offer support and discuss any further questions or concerns. We are committed to supporting our students on their academic journey. 

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/29/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My Child attended Penn Foster from January 2024 to October 2024 because of money issues he was taken from the school. Now I am trying to enroll him in homeschool with K12 or any SC School that is homeschool, with not take him because Penn Foster refuses to give the school is current grade level or attendance. I paid for an official transcript and it does not have any of that information they don't issue report cards or anything so now my child is not able to enroll in any of the schools but yet Penn Foster say that they are accredited. I need something done because this is withholding my child from receiving an Education because they don't issue none of the above criteria mentioned. But still yet you call and harass me about the money that is owed or past due because I currently withdrew him. You want me to give you $458.00 for classes that were not correct, he does not have a grade level or anything, besides the classes he was taking had absolutely nothing to do with a ninth grade level.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/05/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Ms. ******* concerns. We have reached to the email address associated with the account to discuss any outstanding questions or concerns they may have. We are committed to the overall satisfaction of our learners.

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/06/2025

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: 23391748
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I asked several times for a transcript that shows a grade level and every attempt was unsuccessful. But still yet want me to pay a balance that was left on the account for classes that was given to him that did not pertain to what needed to be taken. So therefore he was removed from the school. Penn Foster was a waste of time and money.

  
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* *****
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/13/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  We reached out to Ms. ***** via email on 6/9/25 to provide the following information: It is important to note that our program is self-paced, and we do not take attendance; therefore, we are unable to provide attendance records. Our program encompasses all coursework required to meet the graduation requirements of the Penn Foster High School diploma and does not include the standard specification of a student's year of study. 
  
  I have attached a copy of our accreditation letter to be provided to the school in question. If they have any outstanding questions or concerns, please have them reach out directly, and we would be happy to discuss further. 
  
  Thank you,
  *******
  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/28/2025

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I completed an exam over 4 months ago and it will not allow me to move to the next course. I have called several times only to be informed the same thing, that someone will reach out to me and I never receive a call back, just the same tired email that states the problem has been fixed and to log into my accounts and it takes me back to the same issue. I put in a request for a supervisor call back and Ive havent spoke to a supervisor yet.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/30/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Mr. *********** concerns. A supervisor reached out to Mr. ********* today by phone and email to respond and assist with their outstanding questions and concerns. Mr. ********* now has a direct line of communication to the supervisor via email if he has any further questions or concerns. We are committed to the overall satisfaction of our learners and look forward to continuing to support Mr. ********* on his learning journey.

   

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/25/2025

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am writing to formally file a complaint against Penn Foster. I am currently enrolled as a fully paid student with no outstanding tuition balance. Despite my consistent efforts and full compliance with their academic process, I have been unfairly failed on multiple examsthree separate times, for the same subjectwith no valid explanation.Each time I completed an exam, I ensured that my responses were well-prepared and met the required standards. In fact, to confirm this, I went through three different independent teachers for second opinions, all of whom found no issues with my exam submissions. Despite this, Penn Foster continues to fail me without providing specific feedback or justification.Additionally, I believe there may be bias involved, potentially related to my political views, which I have openly expressed during discussions. I find this deeply concerning and unacceptable in an educational institution that should support diverse viewpoints.When I try to contact Penn Foster for clarification or support, I am repeatedly met with obstacles. My calls are either ignored, rerouted to automated surveys, or abruptly disconnected after being told someone will return my call. This lack of communication has made it impossible to resolve my concerns or get the support I need to continue my *********************** reiterate, I have met all my financial obligations, and I am simply seeking fair academic treatment, clear communication, and transparency in grading. The current situation feels discriminatory and dismissive, and it is seriously affecting my educational progress and mental well-being.I am requesting that the BBB assist in holding Penn Foster accountable for their actions, and that the institution conduct a full review of my grades and communication history.Thank you for your attention to this matter.Sincerely,

  Business Response

  Date: 05/30/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Mr. ********** concerns. We regret the experience Mr. ******** has expressed, as this is not the experience we aim to set for our learners. Our Academic Manager will be reaching out to Mr. ******** to discuss all outstanding questions and concerns related to previous, current, and future assignments. We are committed to the overall satisfaction of our learners. 

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/25/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I signed up for this "school" less than a month ago. The courses are extremely off and about the time I signed up for this, I lost my job due to lay offs. I tried to contact the phone number to explain the situation and figured, since I had only just signed up and it was less than 30 days, I could withdraw and not have to pay. They advised me I would have to pay a withdraw fee of $386. It has been less than 30 days and I am now at a point of not having the money to deal with this mess. I fully believe this so called school is just a scam. I just want to be withdrawn without needing to pay anything.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/29/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Ms. ******* concerns. We have reached out to Ms. ***** directly to discuss her outstanding liability. I look forward to coming to a resolution with Ms. ****** We are committed to the overall satisfaction of our learners. 

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/24/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I finished my college online with Penn Foster and as of May 8th (two weeks after finishing my schooling) I noticed it said "requirements NOT met for graduation". I reached out via email to find out the situation. They said YES, I indeed, finished all necessary requirements to graduate and they will forward a ticket to the IT department to fix it. They said it will take 3-5 business days. Again ,that was May 8th. I have every week since reported the issue after checking the status and have been told the SAME thing. That it was going to be forwarded to IT to update. NO RESOLUTION

  Business Response

  Date: 05/30/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Ms. ****** concerns. Our team has reached out to Ms. **** to discuss her outstanding graduation requirements. We look forward to continuing assisting Ms. **** as she draws closer to the graduation finish line. 

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/20/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  The Final Issue occured when we exhausted all avenues with the school, including with the academic advisor and they were not willing to discuss the situation and one person hung up on us. Attached is a better description of the issue.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/22/2025

  To whom it may concern,

  Our team has reached out to Ms. ***** via email to further discuss her questions and concerns. We look forward to assisting and continuing to offer support on their learning journey. We are committed to the overall satisfaction of our learners. 

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist