Penn Foster Career School

Review: I WAS A STUDENT OF PEEN FOSTER IN 2008. I ENROLLED IN THE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM THEY OFFER PAYING THEM THE COMPLETE FEE REQUIRED. I COMPLETED ALL MY MEAN COURSES. ONCE I GOT TO THE ELECTIVES I CONTACTED THEM BECAUSE I HAD CREDITS FROM HIGH SCHOOL THAT ONE OF THE STUDENT SERVICES PERSONAL TOLD ME I COULD USE. THEY TOLD ME TO GO TO THE HIGH SCHOOL AND GET A COPY OF MY TRANSCRIPTS FROM THE SCHOOL, THEY HAD TO BE MAILED IN IN A SEALED ENVELOPED GIVEN TO ME JUST AS THE SCHOOL GAVE THEM TO ME. I COULD NOT OPEN IT NOR LOOK THEM OVER. I SENT THEM VIA CERTIFIED MAIL. A FEW DAYS LATER I GOT THE CERTIFIED MAIL RECEIPT RETURN BACK THAT THEY RECEIVED THEM. I CALLED THEM AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEM. I TOLD THEM I WAS HOLDING IN MY HAND THE PROF OF RECEIVED AT WHICH POINT THEY TOLD ME TO FAX THEM IN. THE LAST PERSON I HAD SPOKE TO TOLD ME THEY DO NOT ACCEPT THEM VIA FAX, SO I WAS CONFUSED AS TO WHY THIS STUDENT SERVICE PERSON WAS HAVING ME FAX THEM. I QUESTIONED HER ABOUT IT. SHE SAID ITS OK BEING THAT YOU HAVE BEEN HAVING A HARD TIME WITH ALL THIS I WILL MAKE AN EXCEPTION. THAT PERSONS NAME WAS [redacted] IS WAS IN 2008. BECAUSE OF WHAT SHE TOLD ME I NEVER COMPLETED MY ELECTIVES. I WENT BACK TO MY HIGH SCHOOL AND GOT ANOTHER COPY OF THE TRANSCRIPTS FAXED THEM TO THE NUMBER [redacted] GAVE ME. NEVER HEARD BACK FROM THEM. I CALLED AGAIN SAME THING THE PERSON GAVE ME THE RUN AROUND. TELLING THEY DON'T HAVE ANY NOTES IN THE ACCOUNT OF ME CALLING. MY ACCOUNT EXPIRED IN 2009 I WAS STILL CALLING. I SPOKE TO [redacted] A SUPERVISOR WHO TOLD ME THAT SHE WOULD REVIEW MY CASE. NEVER CALLED ME BACK. I CALLED ASKING FOR HER THEY TOLD ME THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY SUPERVISOR BY THAT NAME. I PAID THE SCHOOL OVER $1,000 AND THEY HAVE NOT SENT ME MY DIPLOMA. I HAVE CALLED MANY TIME AND THEY SAY I HAVE TO PAY MORE MONEY FOR THEM TO CONSIDER MY CASE. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 3 KIDS. I HAVE PAID THEM MONEY THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO GET MY HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FOR THEM TO JUST TAKE MY MONEY LIKE THIS. I CALLED AND SPOKE TO ANDREW ANOTHER SUPERVISOR WHO BASICALLY TOLD ME TO GO TO HELL THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY MORE MONEY TO START ALL OVER AGAIN. I COMPLETED 85% OF THE PROGRAM AND PAID IT IN FULL. THEY ARE JUST TAKING PEOPLES MONEY. ALL I WANT IS FOR THEM TO REINSTATE MY PROGRAM SO I COULD FINISH THE 20% THAT'S MISSING OR TO HAVE THEM REVIEW MY TRANSCRIPTS AND APPLY MY CREDITS. I AM NOT ASKING FOR MY MONEY BACK.

SOME OF THE PEOPLE I HAVE SPOKEN TO HAVE BEEN. [redacted], [redacted], [redacted], [redacted], [redacted], ANDREW, I REQUESTED TO SPEAK TO ANDREWS SUPERVISOR AND I AM STILL WAITING FOR THE CALL BACK.Desired Settlement: ALL I WANT IS FOR THEM TO LET ME COMPLETE THE PROGRAM WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY MORE MONEY. IF THE STUDENT SERVICE AGENT ([redacted]) WOULD NOT HAVE TOLD ME WHEN I CALLED ABOUT THE TRANSCRIPTS THAT THEY HONOR THEM I WOULD HAVE FINISHED MY PROGRAM. ON THE WEB SITE IT ALSO SAYS THAT YOU COULD SENT YOUR TRANSCRIPTS TO HAVE THEM REVIEW FOR CREDITS TO BE APPLIED. I SENT THEM AND THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN ME THE RUN AROUND FORE YRS NOW. NOW THEY SAY THEY HAVE NOT RECORDS OF ME CALLING ONLY IN 2010 WHEN MY PROGRAM EXPIRED IN 2009. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE 2008 WHEN I FIRST STARTED CONTACTING THEM. PLEASE HELP ME!!!! I AM TRYING TO BETTER MY SELF TO BE BETTER FOR MY KIDS AND ALL THEY DID WAS TAKE MY MONEY. I HAD TIMES WHEN I DID NOT HAVE MONEY TO EAT BECAUSE I WAS PAYING THE SCHOOL.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I use [redacted] and received an inquiry about three days ago saying I have a failure of payment to the Penn Foster school. This is a fraudulent balance as I never signed up for anything with their school. A few years back I shopped around for the proper online education for myself and Penn Foster was one of the schools I investigated. However, I never agreed to any payments and any claims opposing this are a lie and a scam. I request this record be taken off of my credit report immediately or I will take legal action and inform future prospects of the company's true colors; and after a quick [redacted] search, it doesn't seem like they need any more negative reviews.Desired Settlement: Get off my credit report and leave me alone. I'm trying to build my credit up to get a house for my two children and I don't need this nonsense. Please, just leave me alone!

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: In June of 1992 I completed the course program for my High School Diploma from [redacted], now Penn Foster. I have made several attempts at contacting Penn Foster for my high school transcripts. My phone calls have been forwarded to various people who can not help. I have had my name and phone number taken and told that it would be given to the proper department for help in getting my transcripts. This too has failed. I need my transcripts to get into college! All I have is a letter and diploma, this does not satisfy the college.Desired Settlement: I need my transcripts! Someone there has to know where they are and how to get them! I hope I did not spend time and money on something that was no legitimate. I am trying to further my education and you Penn Foster are holding me back!

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I signed up for Dental Assisting class with Penn Foster . When I a spoke with the girl from Penn Foster she told me I would have the classes I needed and would complete the program as a CDA . I did the Intraduction to the program ..where you learn what to expect and how to find information on the student website and how to complete assignments and exa**. Then I began reading the first lesson . This is where I learned that when I completed the program I would only be eligible for GC (General Chairside Assistant ).

An in order to set for any other exam I would have to have 2 years at a job and 3200 working hours. I called to cancel my program because this mis leading information . The lady I spoke with told me I was going to be charged 300.00 for the portion of the program I completed ! The whole program was only going to be 899.00. The only part of the program I did anything with was the 6 question test about understanding how and where to find information on the student web page. I didn't complete or begin to complete any exa** over dental . I had just began to read the first lesson .Desired Settlement: To not me charged anymore than the down payment of 39.00 that I made when signing up for the program .I do not feel that I should be charged for something I didn't complete. Also feel that they should be held accountable for miss leading advertisement of their progra** .

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: On October 15, 2013 I enrolled in a program with Penn Foster Medical Administrative Assistant. After learning that their school would not qualify me to take the CMMA certification I decided not to take the course. I had five days in which I could cancel. Because I enrolled on a Tuesday the fifth day would had been Sunday. I was not aware that they were closed on the weekends. When I called and explain this to them on Monday the sixth day they told me that their was other ways to get in contact with them, I could had emailed them. First of all why is the cancellation policy five days and not five business day. When I tried to call on Saturday their recording should have had instructions for cancellations, and suggested that I send a email. The cancellation policy states that 1) If you cancel within five days after midnight of the day you sign the Enrollment agreement, you will receive a refund of all monies paid to Penn Foster.Desired Settlement: Refund. I also feel that they should change the five day cancellation policy and let it be know either on the contract and on the school recording as to how to cancel when they are closed. Most companies policy is five business days

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: Well I have a real hard time getting through to the instructors I do not feel I'm getting what they promised it feels like a scamDesired Settlement: Well I would like them to honer what they said they would do and wave late fees and be a better school

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I had enrolled to take my GED. I made initial payment and began receiving the products. I then stopped receiving the product. I then proceeded to stop paying them. I called numerous times and asked what the problem was. They responded that I has stopped receiving the product because of nonpayment. I told them that I stopped paying because I had not received the products. Now I have been forwarded to a collection agency. I don' t think that I owe for a service/product that I never received. I am willing to settle under the following conditions: 1. I am re-enrolled with credit from my past payments.

2. I actually receive the material that I am entitled to.

3. The past "debt" is considered either paid in full or nonexistent.Desired Settlement: I am willing to settle under the following conditions:

1. I am re-enrolled with credit from my past payments.

2. I actually receive the material that I am entitled to.

3. The past "debt" is considered either paid in full or nonexistent.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I sent the enclosed letter to your institution on August 21, 2013 and October 29, 2013. I have had telephonic contact with [redacted] in your VA office She has relayed to me my full refund has not nor will not be authorized for the total monies your institution was overpaid by the Department of Veterans Affairs, as my “claim” was not approved for the total amount. I have tried to gain contact with a member of your supervisory or executive staff to no avail. My student account now reflects an overpayment of $468.49. I must reiterate to you the amounts owed me by your institution as stated in my previous correspondence. The amount due is $1233.49 plus he $285.25 in additional fees. As stated in the August 21, 2013 letter, I had repaid all amounts ow3ed up to that date back to the VA. More over-payments were discovered in the mean time. Your institution has not put my credit history, work income, income tax returns and possible liens and seizure of my home in jeopardy. I just completed my proctored exam for the completion of my second semester with your college. I am not going to enroll in the third semester of my program until we resolve this issue. I feel it would be inappropriate to make another claim with the VA with subsequent payment from the VA, when your institution currently holds monies belonging to me.Desired Settlement: I urge you to satisfy your debt and pay all monies due to me within the time frame prescribed in my October 29, 2013 letter. I find it rather appalling an institution which, by design is a tool to strengthen my earnings, build financial security and secure “The American Dream” of college graduation and home ownership, is now solely responsible for the possible destruction of my financial life. I look forward to your extremely timely response

Business

Response:

To Whom it May Concern,

The student concern was resolved financially on November 6, 2013. On that date, a total refund in the amount of $1824.77 was issued to the student. This refund was issued in the form of two checks that were sent to the student via overnight mail and subsequently cashed on 11/07/2013. In working with the VA directly, we were able to determine that the student was indeed due a refund and therefore issued one to her.

No additional monies have been paid to Penn Foster since 11/06/2013 and no additional money is held on her account for overpayment.

Business

Response:

Complaint number: [redacted]

Student name: [redacted]

Student number: [redacted]

To Whom it May Concern,

Review: Orgin for Complaint to Revdex.com:

On May 28, 2014, I received a copy of my credit report indicating I have not paid on a debt from Penn Foster School. This erroneous data caused me to be placed into a "high risk" category. Due to this reporting I reached out to Penn Foster on 05-29-2014 at 11:40 a.m. and spoke to a [redacted] whom in which advised there was an account balance listed and turned over to a collection agency. [redacted] did not have enough information to give me nor did she have any notes listed under my name etc . ( I find this puzzling). During this phone call, I was advised of my student number #[redacted] and instructed to call ###-###-#### and try asking to pay just the liability portion only. I asked [redacted] if she knew what that amount was and she indicated she was uncertain but based on the amount for my course it may be a little over $100.00. I dialed-up the ###-###-#### number around 11:46 a.m. and spoke to a [redacted]. I explained to [redacted] that I was not sure why I owed the school anything for I called in and cancelled the program within two weeks. I continued to explain during the cancellation, the school representative stopped my auto-draft payments and told me if I would ever like to come back to reach out to them again and she asked why I was not staying. [redacted] advised me Penn Foster reported to his company that I actually finished the semester in May of 2013. (This information was clearly incorrect and fabricated in order for the collection company to obtain monies from- myself.) [redacted] proceeded to tell me their was a balance of $1441.50 due on this account. I asked why would I pay for a semester if I never even started nor completed any classwork. As he was talking, I interrupted him asking for the liability amount that could be paid to clear this debt (at this time I just want this blemish off my report). [redacted] and [redacted] (Accounts Manager) advised, the liability payment was $519.00 and approved my Penn Foster. I asked for the information to be sent in a letter as proof of the amount Penn Foster is seeking to collect from me.

Research/Analysis:

After researching the site and cost of the program to include facts listed on Penn Foster's web-page. I find that based on all evidence and the $70.00 deducted from my account not to mention less that 5% classwork completed I owe nothing. I feel as if this school is willing to go to great lengths to obtain monies from every individual that crosses Penn Foster.

Time Line of Events during enrollment and cancellation:

I enrolled into the Human Resource Program around the 12th or 13th of May 2013. I opted in for auto-draft payment and set the amount to be withdrawn bi-weekly (totaling $60.00 per month)). After tuition was debited from my account on 05-14-2013 in the amount of $40.00 this allowed me to enter into the student portal and log onto their website. During the second week or so after I called to cancel (the only work I managed to complete was the review and question/answer on "How to use the Student Portal" and how to log into the system and take exa** not to mention there was a video presented by either the Dean or President.) When speaking to the lady on the phone, she did advised there was another payment due to come out in the amount of $30.00 and she advised that was still due. On 05-28-2013 my account was indeed debited for the amount of $30.00. I did not ask for any money back from this school for I was under the impression the account was closed, cancelled and I owed not more monies. **I never received any materials for my semester nor did I take any classes or exa** solely for the purpose of completing the Human Resource course. **

1 year later I get sent to collections.Desired Settlement: Based on their own advertisement and site details--the course I signed up for (Human Resources)would have had an initial billing rate as follows (based on semester billing): Pay in Full Total Price With Full Payment $ 1081.00, Monthly Automatic Payments Total Price with Auto Payment $ 1331.00 or Mail-In Payments Total Regular Price $1446.00. I signed up under the auto-payment ter**. So, with this being the case and their statement reading, "If you don't like or finish a program, the program will be prorated. So, once 50% or more of the course work is completed the student is responsible for paying for the entire program. For example, if a student completes 25% of the coursework, they would be responsible for 25%of the program cost. Since, I only reviewed and answered questions on how to utilize the Penn Foster Student portal and listed to the President/Dean talk about the school--this is obviously far less than 25% usage of the program." I am willing to settle the erroneous debt for only $126.10.

Equation:

($1331.00 (since I was signed up for auto payment) - $70.00(.10%) = $126.10

** I would also like an apology for erroneously trying to collect money by stating to the collection company I finished a semester in May of 2013 and for the collection company telling me about some fraudulent liability payment that Penn Foster offers students to pay off their debt--in which the liability amount is $ 519.00.** To be listed as high risk is quit embarrassing.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: took mechanical engineering at their college. only took 75% of their classes then dropped out of school decided not to take this course. told the school I shouldnt have to pay full price for something I didnt even take. they should prorate what classes I took.Desired Settlement: billed for the classes I took not full price

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: Started online classes with them. I was paying $45.00 per month. The reason that I chose this school was because of the ability to work at my own pace however, after starting I learned that I only had a certain amount of time to finish each semester. I started having some personal and finacial proble** and needed to take some time off from school. I work full-time and am a single parent. One of their representatives had spoke to me on the phone and said that since they send you your lesson and book materials as you go, that if I stopped the payments to them they would hold off on mailing my lessons for a while. I then start getting collection notices for around $700. I called again to ask if I could continue with my classes and they will not let me continue my classes. I have called numerous times but no one is ever helpful and they seem to have "no record" of any conversation that I had with one of their representatives.Desired Settlement: My desired outcome would be to be able to continue with my classes. I was in the middle of the first semester of the Veterinary Technician program. If they wont let me continue then I would like them to take off the $700 that they say that I owe them.

Thank you so much for your help.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I enrolled in Penn Fosters CDA Training Certificate program and paid a total of $474.00 to take their classes. Before enrolling I read all of their information they provided me and read everything that they had on their website about the program to make sure I understood what I was getting. After completing my classes and finishing my payments I contacted Penn Foster to see what I needed to do now to receive my certificate, at that time they informed me that they were sending me a diploma in the mail and I needed to fill out an application online to send to Washington to receive my actual CDA. I went to the website they provided me thinking I just had to mail something in and it turned out that on top of the $474 I paid for classes and to what I thought was receive my certificate through them, I had to pay and additional $425 before I could even get my certificate. No where in any of my paperwork that I received or on their website does it say that I would only receive a diploma from them and that I would have to pay additional funds to receive my actual certificate. Their programs title alone says certificate program, I do not have an additional $425 to pay to receive my certificate. I called the school and the man I talked to was not helpful and laughed at me when I told him that their program is falsely advertising their program and that it misleads students to believe they are receiving their certificate and did not state anything about having to pay additional funds afterwards. I then asked to speak to his supervisor and he said they were unavailable and would call me back within 24-48 hours, I never received a call back. I have gone over ever inch of paperwork I have received from them and through the entire websites program and it does not state anywhere that you do not receive your certificate from them and that you have to send in your diploma and pay more money to receive the certificate. This is very misleading and should be taken care of immediately.Desired Settlement: I would like them to change their website and information to make sure it clearly states to future students that you do not receive your certificate from them and that you have to pay additional funds to receive it. I also would like them to refund my money or help pay for me to receive my actual certificate I was supposed to receive.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I went to school there never sent me one bill! they claim they did now they are giving me a problem I am a single mother that cant pay for the school I cancelled but they told me I HAVE to pay it with no income coming in this was back in 2010! they were extremely rude to me and my mother who was trying to figure out what was going onDesired Settlement: an apology and and a bill showing me what I owe

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I am being charged for education I never recieved!!!!!!!!! . Penn Foster has it on my credit report as a fraudulent account for $1672.00 . I NEVER APPLIED FOR ANY CREDIT WITH PENN FOSTER , YES I DID PAY FOR THE INFORMATION WHICH WAS A REFUNDABLE $19.99 BUT I NEVER SENT MY SIGNATURE STATING THAT I WOULD GO AHEAD WITH THE PROGRAM AND PENN FOSTER CALLED ME AND I STATED THAT I WAS NOT SENDING BACK THE SIGNED PAPER BECAUSE I DECIDED NOT TO ENROLL SINCE I FOUND OUT FROM SOMEONE THAT PENN FOSTER IS A FAKE SCHOOL AND THAT NO COMPANY WILL ACCEPT THEIR DEGREES . THEREFORE THERE IS NO REASON WHY I SHOULD BE OBLIGATED TO PAY THE MONEY THEY CLAIM I OWE THEM SINCE I NEVER RECIEVED BOOKS OR SENT BACK THE SIGNED FORM STATING THAT I WOULD AGREE TO THEIR COURSE.Desired Settlement: I would like the $1672.00 be removed from my credit report because I should not be charged for a service I never received , or signed a credit disclosure form . Thank you

Business

Response:

Revdex.com

Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I called Penn Foster with a few questions about the process of enrolling into the school program. The sales guy told me he could send out an enrollment packet and that if I wanted to move forward to send back the enrollment packet completed. I deceived not to move forward with the program and never sent in the enrollment agreement. Penn Foster enrolled me anyway, they charged my credit card that was used to attain an enrollment packet I could review. Now I am getting unauthorized charges from PENN FOSTER to my credit card each month in the amount of $49.00. I never agreed to enroll, I just wanted information and nothing more.Desired Settlement: I want PENN FOSTER to refund all charges made to my credit card. I want PENN FOSTER to also un-enroll me from their program.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: My account with Penn Foster High School I D #[redacted] was behind when a check was sent to them On November 3 from Columbus Ohio and should have been received on November 4 and cleared my fathers bank on the 7th. The account was turned over to [redacted] I received a letter from them on the 7 th of November .

Penn Foster never properly credited the payment of $275.00 I called them on the phone and was told they never received and payment we sent them a copy of the cancelled check my student I D was on the check. No last letter of demand of payment or the account would be turned over to collections was received by me If the the payment of $275.00 had been credited properly would have brought it up to date.

I have not been told to this date if I can still finish my education or if the account was ever properly credit

[redacted] Student I D # [redacted]Desired Settlement: billing Adjustment to be allowed to keep making payments to Penn Foster High School and finish my education

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: My name is [redacted] .I enrolled in the high school program at Penn Foster. And told them I have a learning disability and they will not let me cancel the program at all . Cant finish the class to hard for me.Desired Settlement: I would like them to cancel everything . and nothing own to them .

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I started the Accounting program at the end of 2012, earlier in the year I had a craniotomy(March 2012). I was in the process of going back to work, and decided to start taking this course while I worked, only to find out that I was unable to return to work due to my condition. I contacted said business about my situation, and that I could no longer make payments, and to see if I could be released from my contract due to my medical condition. They showed no mercy. I didnt want a refund of the money I had already paid, I just wanted to be released from my contract. They wouldnt even lower my monthly payment, or let me pay whatever I could each month to pay my balance off. To this day I am still unemployed and unable to collect disability from my state.Desired Settlement: At this point, I would like to be released from my contract with no more money owed. To this day I am still unemployed and unable to collect disability from my state.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: My course is finished therefore I am a graduate and my account is in good standing but this school will not release my DIPLOMA per an instructor, until the account is fullypaid.

How am I to find very good employment if I lack evidence of my very much earn diploma.Desired Settlement: I just want this school to do it's part and send out my Diploma.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I am enrolled in the Jewelry design and repair course through this school and was very much enjoying my class, so I decided to branch out and enroll in some other classes as I have varied career interests and I'm a very studious person. I paid for four more programs with the school and being that it was around the holidays patiently awaiting my confirmation of enrollment. I knew something was wrong when I first received an email saying I had an upcoming exam for one of the classes I enrolled in, yet still had no information or class material nor confirmation of enrollment.

I finally receive three envelopes with forms I was to sign even though I signed for these classes online, and congratulating me on enrollment. Confused, I called a student care agent and was told I had to just sign all the forms and send them in to begin my classes. As I opened them to sign them I noticed one of the classes I signed up for had no form so I got on the website to do a live chat with another agent. I explained my situation, and was finally told that although there was no notification anywhere on the site warning you of this, that you can only be enrolled in two programs at a time!

On top of this, you can only enroll in a second program after three months of payments. I paid almost $100 in down payments to enroll in these programs. Money I wouldn't have even spent at this school had I known about this ridiculous limit. I was unable to make an educated choice in choosing schools because of their lack of disclosure. I feel their tactic and website is misleading, and deceptive. I had quit one of my jobs after enrolling in their programs thinking I was finally going to get an affordable education. I am completely disappointed and shattered, on top of having to wait over a month for separate refund checks for each class.Desired Settlement: I believe this school should be required to post their program limits clearly so that all students who are considering enrolling in their programs are able to make the financial decision I was unable to make. If they truly are dedicated to the satisfaction of their students, then they should have nothing to hide and others should not have to suffer the blow of being swindled of money for a service they won't supply.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]