Penn Foster Reviews 

1,614
TrustScore 4 out of 5

4.1

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 198 reviews, reviewers had a great experience with this company, consistently praising the supportive environment. Customers truly love the flexibility of the self-paced programs, making it wonderfully easy to balance their studies with busy work and home responsibilities. People also find the course materials well structured, clear, and very simple to navigate for a successful learning journey. However, some customers also noted issues regarding customer service responsiveness and occasional difficulties when trying to reach out for assistance. A few other people also felt that certain quizzes or assignment grading systems were a bit rigid and frustrating to deal with.

What people talk about most

User experience

Customers report positive experiences with user experience, highlighting the convenience of flexible and... See more

Staff

Reviewers mention ambiguous feedback about staff, with opinions sharply divided regarding customer service... See more

Customer service

People report ambiguous experiences with customer service, reflecting a stark divide in how consumers view... See more

Service

Users describe ambiguous interactions with service, reflecting sharply contrasting experiences. While some... See more

Product

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of product, showing mixed feelings about their educational materials... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The self-paced structure allows me to study n my own schedule without the pressure of ridgid, traditional classroom. Being able to move quickly through subjects you already know and slow down on har... See more

Company replied

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

My experience at the start was just a bit complicated so at first, when I made the payment I still couldn't access my course. There was some issue with the login and I emailed but the issue was only f... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My experience was amazing from beginning to end. I am about to be done with my course and graduate and so happy with everything. I made my husband a promise to follow thru and finish while he was i... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Honestly the best for online learning. I’ve finished high-school on here, and currently doing a college program. It’s all very organized, and I’m rarely in need of assistance. Love that it’s all self... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. #2 of 2 best companies in College
  2. #5 of 6 best companies in High School
  3. #1 of 2 best companies in Technical School

Written by the company

In 1890, Thomas J. Foster founded what would eventually become Penn Foster Education to help local miners pursue education that could offer them more career opportunities. 127 years later, we continue to embrace our sole mission: to enhance the lives of our students through the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and credentials that can help them work toward their goals of advancing in their chosen field, starting a new career, or pursuing lifelong learning.


Contact info

4.1

Great

TrustScore 4 out of 5

2K reviews

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Asks customers to review

This company invites their customers to review, whether positive or negative

Replied to 97% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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4.1

All reviews

(1,614)

185 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I had bad experience with this school

I had bad experience with this school, regret studying with them I stool have taken my time to do my research though back then a few colleges were offering online education. Imagine having a license revolked because the college you studied with is reluctant to provided a certified copy of transcript and diploma. The agents act like robots, very slow the attend and repetitive in their procedures, a robots is better, I have P260BW that around US$20 trying to give an agent information and respond to my request. For vain nothing fruitful and got cut. My business was closed because I don't have a valid permit now I have to scramble for money to make calls , I will have to pay fines that have accumulated for the whole year since suspension. Office lease is still counting the rentals. Surely I have to sue this company for the damages. Even after the call the will not attend to the matter. Next time I call again same thing will repeat again and the keep quite. After this review leanerconcerns will respond with an apologetic message to blind those who might fall in the same trap once they choose to register with them.

When you ate applying they will make countless calls until you are convinced to register thinking they are caring and responsible. Once you commit your money you are on your own. Once you complete that your business. These people are arrogant, my next move is to request it through legal route with cost.

On my last review learnersconcerns attached this number 888-427-1500. This number directs to a robot then online review then it cuts. Am writting this review soon after the call. Most of the time you are left hanging and the person on the other side is not interactive they just go mute with in̈forming or keeping conversation live and active. You would wonder if they are robots or real people helping.
I have a year of making calls just for certified copies.

August 24, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Penn Foster

We're sorry to hear about your experience and understand how frustrating this situation has been, especially given the impact you've described on your business and licensing requirements. We understand your frustration and appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. This is not the experience we aim to provide. We take all service feedback seriously and we'd like the opportunity to review your case further. To help us investigate, we will be sending you a request for additional information. Once we have more details we will escalate to our teams for review. Thank you!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great opportunity

Great opportunity to enhance skills and further knowledge. Never too late to learn.

August 17, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you so much for the review! You’re absolutely right, it is never too late to learn and grow. We’re honored to be part of your journey as you gain new skills and expand your knowledge!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Everything has been good regarding my…

Everything has been good regarding my experience with Penn Foster.

August 19, 2026
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Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review! We're so pleased to hear that you've had a positive experience with Penn Foster so far. Knowing our students are supported and satisfied is always our top priority, and we’re glad to be a part of your educational journey!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My experience with Penn Foster has been…

My experience with Penn Foster has been a good one during the time I have been enrolled with them. The course material has been understandable and thorough. I especially appreciate the text messages sent to me once or twice a week to encourage me to continue my path.

August 19, 2026
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Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you so much for the thoughtful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you're enjoying your course material and finding it both thorough and easy to follow. We also love knowing those weekly text check-ins are keeping you motivated!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thank you guys so much for being so…

Thank you guys so much for being so patient with me and giving me a chance at graduating again 😭❤️

July 19, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you so much for sharing this! We believe everyone deserves the chance to reach their educational goals, no matter where their path starts. We are proud to have you as a student!

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Let's Make Asking Questions Easier

Honestly- the instructions were missing a section and I should have been able to simply email someone and get a solution but my ticket was closed before I had a chance to respond and I had to end up scheduling a call with my teacher- which I hated to have to bother her and take up her time. There is no longer a student forum in the portal to ask questions amoung peers so getting support is not easy. This may cause students to just guess when they have a question. I'd love to see an interactive communication forum/board in the student portal- the teachers use this type of system now for announcements/assignments- can this be made to allow students to post assignment questions? Thank you so much!

August 13, 2026
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Reply from Penn Foster

Hi Barbara, thank you for the detailed feedback. We sincerely apologize that your ticket was closed prematurely and for the missing instructions in your lesson. While our instructors are always happy to help, we’re sharing your input directly with our portal team to help improve student communication. Thank you for helping us do better!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

the work assignments were easy to…

the work assignments were easy to follow and cover everything.The resources listed with each assignment proved to be valuable.Well Done!

August 16, 2026
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Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you found the assignments easy to follow and that the extra resources were valuable to your learning!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The email encouragements are a great idea.

The course plan is though out well in an order that is memorable to the student, wherein the student can take notes. You will learn something that you have not learn before. Penn Foster is really a great college to attend and receive a degree from. My goal is to finish within the timeframe.

August 16, 2026
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Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you so much for the thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that the structure of your program is making note-taking and learning so effective for you. We are confident you will be able to meet your goal and we are cheering you on!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Penn Foster is a great place to learn…

Penn Foster is a great place to learn online study for High School Diploma from any part of the entire world.

August 16, 2026
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Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re proud to offer a flexible High School Diploma program that empowers students to learn from anywhere!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Currently a HVAC student and so far…

Currently a HVAC student and so far everything has went pretty smoothly.

August 15, 2026
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Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that your HVAC program is off to a smooth start. Getting practical, flexible training is key in the trades, and our team is right here to support you every step of the way!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I have been enjoying my learning

I have been enjoying my learning. A little longer then I expected to finish the program. I'm not finish yet but still work on getting my high-school diploma. I will say that I have learned alot. After completing this program I'm looking forward to attend Santa Fe Community college.

August 15, 2026
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Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you so much for sharing your journey! While taking extra time is completely normal with self-paced learning, we’re thrilled to hear how much you’re learning along the way and we are cheering you on for your Sante Fe college application!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The experience that I had with Penn…

The experience that I had with Penn Foster high school was amazing, They helped encouraging me through every stage of my endeavor. Each course was carefully taught. Never have I learned so much. I will never forget what Penn Foster did for me and I will be eternally grateful.

July 23, 2026
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Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you for your amazing feedback! We’re so touched to hear how much you gained from your high school courses and support team. It was a privilege to cheer you on, and we are so proud to celebrate your success!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

i loved how helpful and amazing penn…

i loved how helpful and amazing penn foster was. everytime i asked for help it was always there. i loved penn foster and would recommend it to ANYONE.

August 7, 2026
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Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you so much for the incredible review! We’re thrilled to hear that our support team was always there when you needed help. Knowing you loved your experience and would recommend us to others means the absolute world to us!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

PennFoster has helped me out alot with…

PennFoster has helped me out alot with my education. Studying at my pace and time was a plus because of my day job I needed to pursue my education online to complete it and PennFoster was there for support with my studies even being miles and miles away. I truely recommend Pennfoster School to my family and friends or to anyone seeking to further their education either high school or college. A BIGG THANK YOU PENNFOSTER PROGRAM TEAM!!

August 16, 2026
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Reply from Penn Foster

Your review made our day! It’s wonderful to know that our flexible learning schedule allowed you to balance your work and studies seamlessly. Thank you so much for the kind words, the shoutout to our team, and for recommending Penn Foster to others!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I loved being able to work at my own…

I loved being able to work at my own pace and not have a schedule of when assignments are due

August 15, 2026
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Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you so much for the review! Flexibility is at the heart of what we do, so we’re thrilled to hear that learning at your own pace and setting your own schedule made such a positive difference for you. We appreciate you choosing Penn Foster!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I'm able to work on a flexible…

I'm able to work on a flexible schedule, easy to understand modules, helpful feedback.

August 15, 2026
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Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you for sharing your experience! We love hearing that our flexible structure, easy-to-follow content, and instructor feedback are making a positive impact on your learning!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Learning a lot!

I’ve been having a great learning experience with Penn Foster that really fits my schedule. I’ve been learning a lot throughout the vet tech program! I can’t wait to see what lies ahead of me as I continue my studies and working my way towards being an LVT!

August 15, 2026
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Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you so much for sharing your story! We’re thrilled to hear how well the program fits your schedule and that you’re enjoying the journey toward becoming an LVT. Veterinary technicians play such a vital role in animal care, and we can't wait to see all the great things ahead for you as you keep pushing toward your dream!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Penn Foster makes it easier for me to…

Penn Foster makes it easier for me to go to school.

August 15, 2026
Penn Foster logo

Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you so much for sharing your story! We’re thrilled to hear how well the program fits your schedule and that you’re enjoying the journey toward becoming an LVT. Veterinary technicians play such a vital role in animal care, and we can't wait to see all the great things ahead for you as you keep pushing toward your dream

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

They have been so great

They have been so great. My daughter has some mental health issues and they have worked with us so well.

August 15, 2026
Penn Foster logo

Reply from Penn Foster

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience. Supporting our students through every circumstance is top priority for our team, and we’re so glad we could work together to provide a positive, accommodating environment for your daughter. We appreciate your review!

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