Frequently Asked Tuition & Payment Questions (2024)

Can I claim Penn Foster on my taxes?

No, students shouldn’t claim their Penn Foster tuition payments on their federal or state tax returns. Because we do not participate in the United States Department of Education student aid programs, we are not an eligible institution for students to claim or qualify for various tax credits. With this in mind, we do not send students or graduates 1098 forms or any other paperwork needed for filing your yearly return.

Why are your programs so inexpensive?

Since Penn Foster does not have a brick and mortar campus that students need to attend, we are able to save money on operation costs and pass those savings on to our students. Penn Foster believes that every person has a right to get an education. Finances should not create a barrier between our students and their goals.

Is financial aid available for Penn Foster High School?

Penn Foster does not accept financial aid for our high school program, and neither do any other high schools nationwide. We do have a number of convenient payment options available to assist students, including payment plans with 0% interest, student discounts and promotions, and overall low program costs.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Don't panic if you happen to miss a payment — Penn Foster's Student Services is available Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm (Eastern time) to help you with any payment questions. Students who miss a payment also have a grace period.

What if I want to pay off my tuition within the next several months? Will I get the pay-in-full savings?

In order to receive the pay-in-full savings, the program would have to be paid in full at the time of enrollment. The difference between the payment options is the dollar amount the credit will cost you for selecting a monthly payment plan versus paying in full. You can increase your tuition savings by enrolling in our automatic payment plan.

If I finish my semester but I still owe money, will my payment go up?

That depends on how much money you owe from your previous semester in the degree program, as well as the cost of the next semester, which is different for each degree program based on the number of credits required for each semester.

Can the minimum monthly payment be set higher when enrolling, if I request to make the payments higher?

Yes, but keep in mind when you enroll that it is better to put more money into your initial payment up front, in order to lower your monthly payments with 0% interest right from the start.

Do I get textbooks for my program?

While the majority of coursework, including study guides and exams, is completed online, some courses include physical textbooks to complement your online classes. You can verify whether or not the course you’re interested in would include textbooks by checking the “program details” page and clicking on the listed classes. Any textbooks included are listed under the class they would come with.

If your program does include physical textbooks, that cost is covered in your tuition and you do not need to purchase the books or pay an additional fee for them.

Some programs have the option to choose either physical textbooks or e-books. When enrolling, make sure you select the option you would prefer if it’s available or contact an Admissions Specialist to help you through the enrollment process.

If I have textbooks with my program, when do I receive them?

If textbooks are included with your program, you will receive the books throughout your course as you need them. Generally, they are shipped so you receive them when you’re ready to start the class you need them for. You can see when a shipment is sent and track the delivery through your Student Portal.

If your program includes e-books, your book will be available when you reach the class you need it for. Simply follow the link in your class and you’ll have immediate access to the book.

Frequently Asked Tuition & Payment Questions (2024)

FAQs

What are the frequently asked questions about paying for college? ›

FAQ
  • How much is tuition? Tuition is the price colleges charge for classes. ...
  • What other expenses will I have? In addition to tuition and fees, there are costs for housing, food, books and supplies, and transportation. ...
  • Can I get help paying for college? Yes. ...
  • What will college really cost me? ...
  • Is college worth the cost?

What questions to ask about free tuition? ›

Five Questions for Any Free College Plan
  • Does the plan leverage improvements in high school academic preparation and college selection or is it only focused on financial aid?
  • Does the plan cover both two-year and four-year public colleges or does it channel students into one public sector over the other?
Nov 15, 2017

How do you negotiate tuition assistance? ›

Negotiating Tuition Reimbursement with Your Employer
  1. Step 1: Research your Company's Policies. ...
  2. Step 2: Prepare your Pitch. ...
  3. Step 3: Anticipate Objections. ...
  4. Step 4: Present your Proposal. ...
  5. Step 5: Follow Up. ...
  6. Explore Alternative Funding Options if Tuition Reimbursement is Unavailable.
Oct 11, 2023

What questions do you have about attending college paying for college or anything else related? ›

Financial Aid Questions to Ask Your College
  • What are the full costs associated with attending your college? ...
  • What type of payment plans do you offer? ...
  • What financial aid options does your college provide? ...
  • How do I apply for your college's financial aid options?
  • Are there any deadlines I should be aware of?

What are the biggest concerns about paying for college? ›

There are long, complicated forms to fill out. There are unfamiliar financial terms, like “unsubsidized loans” and “interest capitalization.” There are different prices that different students pay because of financial aid and discounts — sometimes called merit aid — offered by the schools.

What questions to ask about the cost of college? ›

What's the average total cost of attendance (tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, travel, and other personal expenses)? Do any of these costs vary by program? What are the ranges of costs for the different housing options and meal plans?

What do you say when asking for tuition assistance? ›

Be direct about what the letter is for (financial aid) Briefly talk about why the school is a great fit for you and why you need the money in a straightforward and respectful way. Provide concise details regarding your specific financial situation, even if you gave these details in your original application.

What are the cons of free tuition? ›

The “cons” include: overcrowding, wasted opportunities, and money.

What are good educational questions to ask? ›

Let's teach for mastery – not for scores
  • Which subjects do you think are going to be useful for your future?
  • What do like and what do you dislike about homework assignments?
  • Do you think homework assignments are necessary for effective learning?
  • Do students need to be tested?
  • What can you do to learn more effectively?

How can I maximize my tuition assistance? ›

How to Get the Most Financial Aid? 7 Tips to Maximize College Funding
  1. File forms as early as possible. ...
  2. Minimize student assets. ...
  3. Understand and utilize FAFSA strategies. ...
  4. Fill out FAFSA regardless of income. ...
  5. Prepare for merit-based aid possibilities. ...
  6. Consider even top-rated schools as options.
Jan 4, 2024

How to ask for lower tuition? ›

You can call, but you may get a better response by sending a polite, well-worded letter or email. When contacting the school to ask for a discount on tuition, fees or other costs, be prepared to make a strong case for why they should cut you a break.

How do I ask for more tuition money? ›

Contact the financial aid office for more aid if it's a needs-based appeal. If it's a merit-based appeal, contact the enrollment or admissions office. Explain that you want to initiate a professional judgment review (or “special circumstances review,” as some schools call it).

What are 3 ways you pay for college if you do not have any money? ›

7 Options if You Didn't Receive Enough Financial Aid
  • Apply for scholarships.
  • Request an aid adjustment.
  • Explore additional needs-based programs.
  • Find part-time work.
  • Ask about tuition payment plans.
  • Request additional federal student loans.
  • Research private or alternative loans.

Will colleges give you more money if you ask? ›

You can ask but if your financial aid is on a need basis, you most likely will not get more. Scholarships (money that does not need to be paid back) are inducements for students to come to a particular college. You would need to offer something special to be able to negotiate more money. You certainly can ask.

What is the most common way students pay for college? ›

Continue the search for grants and scholarships

The College Ave survey found that the No. 1 way families pay for college is through merit aid grants and scholarships.

What is everything you have to pay for in college? ›

Along with tuition, you'll probably have to pay some other fees to enroll in and attend a college. Tuition and fees vary from college to college. Other college costs include room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. Just like tuition, these costs vary from college to college.

What are 3 costs to consider when thinking about college? ›

Tuition and fees. Housing and meal plan. Books, transportation, and other indirect expenses, which are the costs of being a student not paid directly to the college.

What are the three types of money you should use when paying for college? ›

Types of Financial Aid: Loans, Grants, and Work-Study Programs.

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