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:04/30/2025

  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.

  I ordered transcripts and they did not show the date I completed everything I requested that the transcripts be update and they told me I will have to order another transcript which I have to keep coming out of pocket for not guaranteed the correction

  Business Response

  Date: 05/05/2025

  To whom it may concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Ms. ****** concerns. I have reached out to Ms. ****** via email to answer any outstanding questions or concerns she may have and to assist further. We are committed to the overall satisfaction of our learners. 

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/25/2025

  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.

  I am 1 credit short and I cant get a hold of my professor to find a solution to complete the last credit and now since the course is paid off I feel ripped off!

  Business Response

  Date: 04/30/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to answer Ms. ********* concerns. We do apologize for any inconvenience or frustration this situation may have caused. Our education team has spoken to Ms. ******** over the phone and also schedule additional one on one time for support. The education instructor advised Ms. ******* that she would help her to the finish line. We look forward to continuing offering support to Ms. ******* on her academic journey. 

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/19/2025

  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.

  Signed up in November 2024 and switched in December 2024. **** initially signed me up for a comp *** course because I had been in a car accident and needed to make money from home as I sustained serious injuries both to my brain and body and was in panic mode trying to support my child without a car or ability to physically leave the house to work due to both the injuries and no car. They knew full and well that I was desperate and they took advantage of that. Instead of helping, they threw me to the sharks with a course called career step which I wasn't aware was an entirely different entity due to my lack of compression in crisis and them ******* me through with friendly acting sales tactics and vague information of what I was actually getting into. Career step told me I was withdrawn only to find myself 5k in the hole and counting every month in 4 short months. They're destroying my life and that of my child and my brother who's a disabled Veteran and a dependent of mine as well. We are *** k while I fight this and I've never utilized or logged into any program because I wasn't thinking straight when I did. They refuse to let it go so I'll pay to save my credit but I'm also planning in filing a lawsuit. I have a group of other victims who are working with me and a few attorneys who are friends of mine to start a class action against all of them for this ponzi scheme. They WILL PAY. ****************** is also in the line of fire. We're going to the news with this too if not settled!

  Business Response

  Date: 04/25/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Ms. ********** concerns. Our team has connected with Ms. ********** via phone call to discuss her concerns and come to a resolution. An automatic confirmation email with the resolution has been sent to Ms. ******** for her records. We sincerely regret the frustration and inconvenience this situation has caused but are pleased to have this issue resolved. We wish Ms. ******** the best in all of her future endeavors. We are committed to the overall satisfaction of our learners. 

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/17/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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 just trying to get them to allow me to purchase my high school transcript. Dealing with Penn Foster has been a nightmare. I tried to go through Parchment to purchase it. I called Parchment directly. They said I had to contact Penn Foster directly as Penn Foster has their set-up with Parchment as such. I did that. Went into Penn Fosters site. Tried the link. ****. Got on their chat. That person gave me a phone number to call. I called. That person, after telling them all this, called me a liar. Said that Parchment did not tell me that. Then wanted to give me yet another number for something called a ******************** I hung up. Called yet another number. Left a detailed message. That was Monday. Still nothing back from them. I need my transcript. Please help.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/24/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Ms. ********* concerns. We sincerely apologize for the confusion of the transcript process but am happy to share a quick resolution. Our transcript team has confirmed a copy of Ms. ********* transcript has been sent to the email address and mailing address on file. We regret the inconvenience and frustration this situation has caused Ms. ******* and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. 

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/24/2025

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* *******
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/14/2025

  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.

  After paying in full for a medical billing and coding class I was sent logon instructions to a system that doesnt seem to connect to their home computer. I have been taking classes taking tests doing their online activities none of which seem to be registering with their home office. Ive made 25 calls to the IT department, but apparently a school that functions primarily online throughout the entire country doesnt have an IT department for me to talk to. I have to gp through liaisons who dont know anything about computers. I have begged cried and begged again for help. They open cases and nobody ever calls me. Nobody ever helps to fix them. They just walkaway from the problem. Ive tried contacting the recruiter that I originally signed on with and he never responds to me. I cant find anybody at the school to talk to about getting my money back. They just took my money and then ignore me. I have cried. I have begged. I have done everything I can to get help but apparently an online school that specializes in computers cant help me figure out the connection issue or wont help me figure out what the problem is. they just keep telling me oh you need to go buy some time with a course instructor. I dont need an instructor for the course material. I already understand the course material. I need to understand the connection issue between their school and my computer, but they do not seem to care about helping me with that which makes me wonder if this is a fraud case are they really an online school or do they just take money for people and then walk away? I am beyond frustrated. I feel duped. I have wasted six months studying for a class that they apparently have zero intention of giving me a certificate for and Im hoping that somebody can step in a logic complaint against them.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/16/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Ms. ******* concerns. We have reached out to Ms. ***** directly via the email associated with the account to answer her questions and provide additional assistance. We are committed to the overall satisfaction of our learners.

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/12/2025

  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 have paid in full the amount owed on December 2 2024 which amounted to $1469.18 after canceling the program. On Feb *******, random charges were applied to my account even though I have no been on the account due to no longer being in the program. I contacted support and they admitted that the charge was in error. I just got another email about the same thing with them trying to randomly charge me for the same things as Feb ****** but again, I have no been on this account since the first time they tried to fraudulently charge me. I have screenshots and proof of everything

  Business Response

  Date: 04/16/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Ms. *********** concerns. I do sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have Ms. ********** I am pleased to inform you that our team voided and reversed the charge mentioned on 3/10/25. As of today, 4/16/25, I have removed all cards on file for Ms. *********** account and her account balance is at $0. No further charges or fees will be incurred as the account is in a cancelled status. We are committed to the overall satisfaction of our learners. 

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/03/2025

  Type:Product 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.

  Hello, my name is ******** ******. I have been patiently trying to reach out to Penn Foster for a little over 5 months about a refund that was issued to me. I have called numerous times at different times. I have been told by multiple people that my check has been sent, or it has been issued, and I am still waiting. Ive been checking my mail every day and nothing. I was on hold for over 3 hours when calling to try and get a response. The reply that Im receiving is that I will be receiving the check soon. As soon as 30 days, not two weeks, 60 days, 45 days and nothing. I was also told that I had already been issued a refund of 65 dollars. But as I told the customer service representatives, my card has been inactivated for almost a year. So I dont know where it has been issued. The 65 dollars is not the total amount. All Im seeking is my complete refund and to be able to be enrolled back into my classes. Without any more loops of when. I also want an email confirmation that actually shows that my refund is being sent. So I can be restated in to my classes. Thank you.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/16/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,

  I welcome the opportunity to address Ms. ******** concerns. I am pleased to advise that our Financial Team has confirmed check number 20003050 has been processed and mailed to Ms. ****** as of 4/10/25. I do apologize for any inconvenience or frustration this situation has caused. We wish Ms. ****** the best in all of her future endeavors.

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/01/2025

  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.

  In 2021 I signed up with ******** college, I ordered my transcript 3 seperate times and a final 4th time just recently. They kept saying they did not get them. They were sent directly from my government ministry of education in *********. I was never given access at all but because they had my credit card they kept billing me and taking payments over ******* for the whole year two semesters 850 is left owing which of course they are wanting me to pay. No ****** way will I be taken for another 850 USD when they are still claiming that no transcript was recieved. I have proof of a couple of these orders as well as several chat transcripts 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and multiple open tickets that have gone un answered until they close them, then I open another one. Now they discontinued my course saying I have to take it at another school. I just want the first semester access I paid for, then second semester we can continue with payment plan. I've never been given any books, supplies nothing. I will file in court for interest I was charged on my card and per day as court allows if my complaint is not resolved. I thought this was an accredited school with a good reputation not a cash grab. Students are not cattle, being sent to a sausage factory once you have a cards were S@L to bad so sad. I finally had my card expired and got new number and blocked the school from continued theft of my money without reason for the breach. I provided proof transcript had been ordered processed and sent, I was told by the collection department I was in a contract and not eligible for refund . Why not the issue is on your end not mine. Your in breach not I. What I want I stated above , I have my practicum placement at two separate licensed vet clinics, all I need is the education I paid for. I will not give another dime until I'm given some education as per my contract, I will not pay extended fee, as this is a school problem not me issue. There are so many complaints like mine

  Business Response

  Date: 04/08/2025

  To whom it may concern, 

  I welcome the opportunity to address Ms. ********* concerns. We have reached out directly to Ms. ******* via the email associated with her account to further discuss her outstanding questions and concerns and to meet a resolution that is satisfactory for all parties involved. We are committed to the overall satisfaction of our learners.

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/01/2025

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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 enrolled in their High School Diploma program in 2019 and was not able to continue with my courses due to personal reasons. During the time I was active, I was able to pay off my tuition in full to the school (About $590). I emailed the school on October 11th of 2024 to completely cancel my enrollment after finding out that I am able to be refunded back my money since I did not finish getting my diploma with them. After emailing the school, I did reach out by phone to let them know the situation and that I emailed them about receiving a refund. I did hear back from the school via email on October 16th, 2024 stating that my enrollment has been officially canceled and I will be receiving my refund via paper check in the mail, of $583.00 between 4 to 6 weeks by someone named ***** ****** who works in student solutions. Weeks went by and I never received the check. Ive called numerous times trying to figure out why the check is taking so long. I was able to speak to a man who transferred me to a woman who works in the financial department. She told me that I need to confirm each card number associated with my payments to receive the refund back to the original payments, and that I needed written statements from the bank confirming these cards. But I was told BY EMAIL, that I was receiving my refund via check in a certain amount of time. It is now April of 2025, and I still have not received anything. I have emails to prove each payment that was made to the school as well as the last 4 digits of each card that was used. I will just like my paper check that was promised to me months ago to resolve this issue.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/10/2025

  To whom it may concern, 

  I welcome the opportunity to address Ms. ********* concerns. Our Financial team confirmed the check was originally mailed to Ms. ******* on October 24, 2024, however, it was not cashed. They have issued a new check that has been mailed today, April 10, 2025. I do apologize for any inconvenience or frustration this situation has caused Ms. ******* and I am pleased to have this resolved for her.

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodation Specialist

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/11/2025

  [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ******** *******
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/27/2025

  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 on for their grooming program. Phone records would prove my lengthy conversations in regards to the program. Upon completing just a couple sections, I realized how this program was nothing like what they had spoken with me about. Much of the content is out of date. This particular program appears to be thrown together rather quickly. The exact content could have been gained just by googling. My daughter took there vet tech program but had a completely different experience. It was professional and laid out beautifully well worth the price. The grooming program was a put together quick way to make money. I called them to discuss this many times and had no luck. They could clearly see that I did not go far. Enough into the program to justify such a large cancellation fee. I tried and tried to come up with a resolution, but was met with nothing but unprofessionalism.I spoke with someone just a few weeks ago, requesting that a supervisor would call me back for a resolution. This never happened, so I called back again. Unfortunately was met with nothing but blanket statements that sounded rehearsed.And now, yesterday I just opened my mail to find that they have sent my account to a collection agency for ******

  Business Response

  Date: 04/01/2025

  To whom it may concern,
  
  I welcome the opportunity to address Ms. ****** concerns. Upon reviewing Ms. ***** account, I have honored her request to drop the outstanding liability.

  I do regret the inconvenience and frustration this situation has caused Ms. ****** and we do wish her all the best in all of her future endeavors. We greatly value the feedback and overall satisfaction of our learners.

  Thank you,

  *******

  Learner Success Accommodations Specialist