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.
