Penn Foster Career School

Review: I signed up to take classes with Penn Foster I signed for a school to learn so I could get a job. After starting school I was not able to get a hold of any teachers that new anything about my course. It took me almost a month to find someone to help me with my homework question. Then it took them 6 weeks to get me my books for my next class how can I learn if they have teachers that can't help or get me my books in time. I asked them to stop taking money out of my bank acct the lady said okay. Well I had to change my acct because they would not stop taking money out of it I did not have the money in the bank the last time and had to pay a over draft fee.Desired Settlement: I don't think I should have to pay Penn Foster they did not even help me they where very late on getting me my books. I needed to stop that school and find one that was really going to help me learn.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: er my enrollment conversation, on your recorded lines, with your representative, I was informed that there was a possibility that I could receive in-school loan deferment while attending your Interior Design program.

After initial enrollment and following the school's procedure for requesting a deferment (also noted on your recorded lines); it was determined by the government that the program was ineligible. This process took approx 2-3 days longer than the permitted 10 day period for withdrawing from the program. So because I needed to withdraw from this unapproved program, I was then penalized with a fine of approximately $400 for taking the placement exams, as required to be completed for requesting the deferment letter.

This practice is 100% unethical, which is why I am working with legal counsel, and filing an official complaint with the Revdex.com to resolve this matter. This "collection account" contacts me multiple times a day for over 4 months now.

I was misled all for the purpose of securing my enrollment into the institution. I was also informed (on a recorded line) that, if enrolled, "we do not report to any credit bureaus, and do not impact your credit in any way with our payment systems in place." But, the issue is not that I did not pay my initial enrollment fee, it was that I did not adhere to the $400(+) fine of not withdrawing within 10 days. Which they immediately turn over to collection agencies who then report on your credit. This scenario has negatively impacted my financial future for unwarranted/unjust causes.

This for-profit educational institution clearly says whatever is necessary to secure student enrollment and reduce the likelihood of students not enrolling for their non-traditional, and unethical, practices.Desired Settlement: Reversal of $400(+) fine for withdrawing after 12 days.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Student Name: [redacted]

Student Number: [redacted]

To Whom It May Concern:

I welcome the opportunity to address [redacted]’s’ concerns. [redacted] enrolled in our A.S. Degree Interior Design on September 10, 2014 by submitting a down payment and a signed enrollment agreement.

As stated in the signed contract, “if you cancel within five (5) days after midnight of the day you sign the Enrollment Form, you will receive a refund of all monies paid to Penn Foster. If you cancel after five (5) days, but before submitting a completed assignment, you will receive a refund of all monies paid less a non-refundable registration fee of 20% of your program tuition or $200.00, whichever is less, and if applicable, the non-refundable admissions and shipping and handling fees.”

[redacted] completed two exams so she is liable for 10% of her tuition plus the non-refundable registration fee, and the non-refundable admissions and shipping and handling fees plus any late fees that were accrued.

[redacted] stated in her complaint that one of our representatives advised her that “there was a possibility that she can receive in school loan deferment while attending our Interior Design Program.” This information is correct. If [redacted] provides us with documentation from her loan provider requesting proof of her enrolment for deferment we will fill out the paper work and send it back to the loan company. It is going to be up to the loan company if they want to provide [redacted] with any assistance. We do require a privacy release form on file in order for us to send any information to a third party, and in this case the loan company would be the third party.

In order to resolve this dispute filed by [redacted], Penn Foster has withdrawn her account from the collection agency and closed it out with a zero balance.

Penn Foster is devoted to the educational advancement and satisfaction of all our students. If you have any further questions, please contact me at ###-###-####.

Sincerely,

Thomas B[redacted]

Student Care

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because:

Review: I enrolled in a career program at penn foster. I have since incurred massive medical bills leaving me unable to pay my program cost. I called to cancel; the program and was advised that there was a 190 dollar cancellation fee. That to me is absurd. That is half of what the program cost. I cannot pay this 190 dollars because as I said I have massive medical bills that I am now paying for out of pocket.Desired Settlement: Its not really a refund Im just looking to cancel my program without any cancellation fees.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: On August 11th 2014, I signed up with Penn Foster College for the medical assisting program. I decided to cancel on the 5th day however the 5th day was not a business day. It was a Saturday. Our local postal service had already closed for the day so I could not send a physical letter by mail. When I attempted to call student services, their office was closed and the automated system stated that they were only available Monday Through Friday. The only email address that the school has is a generic email address that goes to the admissions department and NOT directly to student services so it would be pointless to email a department that has nothing to do with canceling my account. I waited until Monday which was the next business day to speak directly to Student Services. They promptly canceled my account and told me that I would still have a bill of $532.50. I disputed that amount and asked to speak to a supervisor. I was then hung up on. Then I called back and they told me someone would call me back in 48 hours. So then I called back the next day and spoke with a supervisor. She told me that I could have mailed in my request and that they would have seen the date the letter was mailed. Well, my post office was already closed. She then said I could have emailed my request. I told her Student Services does not have a direct email. The supervisor refused to credit my account so I am now filing a complaint.Desired Settlement: I would like the school to credit my billing account the $532.50 as it was not possible to speak with them nor email them nor send a letter when the 5th day to cancel fell on the weekend.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I enrolled in Penn Foster on July 1, 2013 and I cancelled on September 26th 2013 and when I cancelled they want me to pay a huge amount of money which is $705.00 and now I have to pay $588.50 more and I stopped paying for 3 months and they sent me a letter telling me that if I don't pay they will report it to an independent collection agency and ruin my credit history. I have to be paying every month just for cancelling and I needed that money but these people are taking it. I agreed to go and study but I didn't see any written contract saying that if I quit I have to pay $705. I did not agreed to that if something happened I will have to pay extra, and I didn't see a contract saying I will have to pay a cancellation fee of $705. How can I be paying so much money when I didn't sign a contract for that and I feel like I'm being scammed. I want an investigation on all of this because how can they still charge me if I'm not even doing anything any more in that school.Desired Settlement: To stop charging me for quitting and not collect anymore money from me because I'm not enrolled in that school anymore and I should not have to keep paying them.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I register with the company in order to complete a Phisical Therapy Aid Program that was faulty from the beginning. I received a password or I'd number in order to access my classes that never worked. Despite the numerous calls and complaint to the company I never received my money back nor the opportunity to take the class again.

I Register for classes as a Physical Therapy Aid and was never provided with the services that the school offer.

I try to settle the case for over two years now and I am tired. I just spoke to another rep. Today! Who told me that the program is old and I need to start all over again. Period!

When I told her I will be contacting the Revdex.com I was instantly given $250.00 credit for my previous $700+ payments previously paid to the company.

I am not asking for a "hand-out" I need the amount that I paid to the company to be credited to my account or acces to their new program.

Deceptive and ambiiguous promises or fine print in their contracts that are usually overlooked or misunderstood must STOP! Why would the rep. offer me a $250.00 credit when the school currently have a discount to the program in the amount $268.00 if you enroll prior to 12/30/2013.

In other words, I am not getting absolutely any credit!. Hello! This is the offer that they currently have.

It see** that the school is into the business of making money only. Not into the business of expanding and trying to educate the minority.

Please Help!

[redacted]Desired Settlement: All I need is to receive credit for the amount previously paid or access to the new program in which the amount that I previously paid will be credited.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I have been a student of Penn foster since 2012. I recently switched programs and every time a class starts my books have gotten lost in the mail and every time I would contact customer service they would state that once the books leave the facality the school is not responsble if the books are lost and am given a different time frame of when my books should arrive every time. Recently my Ref number stated my books were at my local post office and 4 days later here I sit with no delivery of those books. I went to the post office with that reference # and they have no record of that order and are unable to find that package for me. I shouldnt have to delay my education because of books getting lost and having to wait another 7-10 or 10-15 business days for my books to be sent out. again every class this semester my books have gotten lost and had to be resent. I shouldnt have to stay on top of things like this while trying to finish my education

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: Upon my initial separation from the military I enrolled in Penn Foster College with the intention of pursuing a Veterinary Technician Associates degree, which I paid in full. Shortly following my enrollment I became unable to continue taking the online classes; Penn Foster has a six year window of allotted time to complete an associates degree.

Recently I contacted Penn Foster regarding interest in completing the Veterinary Technician Degree program and was told that my account was still valid and that it was paid in full; I would only need to acquire a new student number and would be able to continue on with my education. I was informed that that there were 2 years left on the 6 year time clock to complete an Associates Degree. When I received my new student number I also received a bill, with a notice that my enrollment had been placed on hold. When I contacted the Student Services office I was informed that although my account was paid in full and I had 2 years remaining on the clock to finish the Veterinary Technicians Associates degree, that I would be required enroll in as a new student and would need to pay the full tuition again minus the transfer credits. No money from the previous degree would be refunded to me or credited towards a new enrollment, and I would not be able to take classes under my old student number until the end of the six year window. They refused to discuss any options to reconcile this situation. According to this if I have not completed 50% of the coursework they should not have charged me the full tuition cost of the program.

The Penn Foster website states that a student is only liable for the amount of course work that they finish up to 50% of the program at which they would be required to pay the full tuition. "The programs are prorated, so once 50% or more of the coursework 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." http://www.pennfoster.edu/why-penn-foster/learning/faq.Desired Settlement: My desired outcomes are listed below:

1. Because the initial account has been paid in full but less than 25% of the courses were completed; I would like a refund of money for the classes that were not completed. According to the Penn Foster website the programs are prorated, so once 50% or more of the coursework is completed, the student is responsible for paying for the entire program.

2. Allow me to continue taking classes under the old student number in order to attempt to complete my degree; the policy indicates that a student has 6 years to complete an associates degree (remaining time allotted 2 years) under the account which is marked paid in full without any additional charges, at the end of which I would pay for any classes that had not been completed during the remaining 2 year time period.

3. Credit the money that was overpaid under the old student number, as well as the Penn Foster courses and other transfer credits to a new student number and allow me to finish the degree.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

I have not been able to reach anybody at any numbers provided. I get the automated system who fails to recognize me or transfer me. If I do get transferred its to a *full* voicemail box.
I have lost a job opportunity in law enforcement due to not being able to supply my diploma and transcripts. My last time the automated system said “nobody was available due to a staff meeting”. What kind of school closes the phones down for a staff meeting.

Review: I enrolled several years ago in Penn Foster online courses that were to also have materials and learning guides sent to my address. At the time of enrolling I was told I would also need to supply my diploma via postal mail to complete my enrollment. I complied and sent a copy of my diploma to the address provided. they were to send my materials and activate my enrollment so I could get started. The online portion of the course was indeed activated; however I did not receive the materials in the mail. To make a long story short I notified them that I had not received all of my materials and therefore could not take the course until I received the materials. I waited again on materials to arrive. Again the materials did not arrive but I began to receive advertisements to enroll in a course today with PENN FOSTER! When I called again to resolve the issue I was told that I needed to enroll again. I had already paid 300+ dollars for the start of the course.... This made no sense. I told them I did not want to take the course any longer and to remove me from their promotions and future mailings and to refund my payment. Months went by with no refund. I continued to call weekly. Finally after a dozen or so calls and hours wasted on hold I was told that my enrollment was terminated but I would not be receiving a refund since I had started the course online but would not be billed for any other materials, online courses etc. I didn't hear any more about it and just figured I had lost my money. At the time I was just happy to be done with them. Now several years later they have turned it into a collection agency... I am not a student! I have not been a student for years, I barely started the course and didn't even receive the materials needed to take the course in the first place. this has greatly damaged my credit. As of 6-20-14 Penn Foster turned the bogus enrollment over to [redacted] for the amount of 1415.00 according to my credit report. I have not received anything from [redacted] to date nor do I have their contact information.Desired Settlement: I want Penn Foster to honor the termination of my enrollment from years ago. I would also like them to remove the collection of a debt they are trying to collect on through [redacted]. Since I did not receive materials to take the course I should not be charged for it. Especially years later. I also want this collection removed from my credit report immediately and a letter of apology from Penn Foster with proof that I will not be charged for a course again in the future that I did not take. I also want a letter from Penn Foster that they will request this be removed from my credit report.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: When my daughter was enrolled in this program after having some proble** at her traditional high school I was told that the program could be cancelled at anytime if she chose to go back to school. I was also told that the diploma obtained through this program was accepted at most colleges and universities. After spending several months calling colleges and speaking with administrators at my daughters former high school I found out that my daughter would be lucky to get into a community college with the diploma offered by this study at your own pace, no instruction, no formal direction program. Once we realized the limited options with a diploma, from this program my daughter decided to return to high school. When I called to cancel the program I was giving a hard time, and after much debate the customer service representative agreed to cancel the program for us and stop the direct debit related to the program. Today one week after cancelling the program I received at bill in the mail for $812.00. When I called and once again spoke with an argumentative representative I was told that since my daughter completed more than half of the online program we were responsible for the full balance of tuition. I explained to the representative that my daughter would not be finishing the program or receiving the diploma from their institution because she is returning to high school, I was basically told that it doesn't matter we still had to pay since she completed more than 50% of the program. I refuse to pay one more cent to a program with misleading advertising. Leading parents and children on by telling them they will be accepted at most colleges and universities with a diploma from this program when this is far from the truth. According to administrators at my daughters high school this program is not better than the typical GED. I refuse to pay another penny to a program that gives no direction, no instruction and misleads parents and children. This program should not be allowed to offer high school educations to American's youth, with little or no promise for a future beyond their lack luster, joke of a high school curriculum.

Program for [redacted] ID # [redacted]Desired Settlement: To owe no further money or payments for this program

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Complainant Name: [redacted]

Student Name: [redacted]

Student Number: [redacted]

To Whom It May Concern:

I welcome the opportunity to address **. [redacted]’s concerns. **. [redacted]’s daughter, [redacted] enrolled in our High School Diploma Program on August 30, 2013 by submitting a down payment and a signed enrollment agreement.

The Distance Education and Training Council located in Washington D.C. nationally accredits Penn Foster High School. In addition Penn Foster High School is regionally accredited by The Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools. Penn Foster High School is licensed by The Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools. Penn Foster High School must adhere to the regulations for our accreditations and our licensing.

Students completing more than fifty percent of their exams owe the full tuition balance, which is stated on **. [redacted]’s signed enrollment agreement. **. [redacted] completed one-hundred percent of her exams; therefore, she owes the full tuition balance.

As a courtesy, we have cancelled **. [redacted]’s account with no further financial liability and ordered the official transcripts to be mailed to the address on file. Upon receiving the envelope with the official transcripts, do not open them as they will no longer be official. If any additional transcripts will be needed, there will be a $10.00 charge. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Penn Foster is devoted to the educational advancement and satisfaction of all our students. If you have any further questions, please contact me at ###-###-####.

Sincerely,

Student Care

Review: I am being billed for enrollment, when 1) I NEVER signed the enrollment form, and 2) I never attended classes, nor did I take the 2 assessments they require. I was being billed $49/mo for this, and when I went to cancel my account, they say I owe $252. When I called to see about getting it taken care of, the first time they hung up on me when trying to transfer me to student services, and when I called back, they said I hung up, which I did not, and then I was told to just "ride it out" and I when I told them I was never enrolled I was put on hold again, then I was told everyone was in a meeting. I don't feel like I owe them anything since I never attended or even signed anything intending to attend.Desired Settlement: I would like a refund of the few months they billed me, however, at this point, I will settle for them to just cancel my account entirely, and for me to not owe anything. They're threatening to send me to collections.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I called the school before enrolling to find out if my [redacted] G.I. bill would pay for the course. I clearly stated that was the only way I could afford to take the course. The representative on the phone assured me it would. Just enroll, pay the down payment and maybe the first payment and they would take care of the rest. So I did all the way up until I got a bill for the second payment due. After several phone calls with different answers. I finally was told I had to pay for the complete course and the VA might reimburse me for some of it. I then cancelled my enrollment. Now they are reporting on my credit and wanting more money.Desired Settlement: Removed from my credit reports. I feel they lied and misrepresented the policy. Just to get me to sign up. And they are just trying to get more money($259.00)

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I received a letter from a collection agency called [redacted] saying I owe Penn Foster $962 but will give me half off if I pay within 30 days. This is the first time I recall ever getting a letter regarding any money owed to the school. I acknowledge that I was a student there at one time but I thought I was paid up. I have never seen this on my credit report either. The letter says my account is extremely delinquent. Shouldn't it show up on my credit report if that is correct? I ran a report in January and this was not listed, but I received the letter after I ran it. I have not been a student there for some time and I do not recall getting a letter or phone call to collect this debt before sending it to a collection agency. Is this claim legit?Desired Settlement: I would like to get this off my credit report , if it has appeared on it. I ran a report in January prior to receiving this notice. I would like my account balance to be $0 since I do not believe I owe any money.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: recieved letter from collection agency from a school I never attendedDesired Settlement: Taken off my credit report and do not owe any money to collection agency therefore I did not attend this school.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: Have applied for the Floral Certificate program at Penn Foster months ago. Sent application to The [redacted] Band of [redacted] Indians Education Department, because they paid the cost of this program for me. Last time I talked to them wondering what was going on, they informed me that they sent the payment to Penn Foster months ago. I haven't from Penn Foster again in this regard. I have tried on numerous occasions to contact Penn Foster (including just now) and always get referred to an answering machine, and to date, they never returned any of those calls.Desired Settlement: Would appreciate somebody letting me know if they recieved the payment from the [redacted] Band of [redacted] Indian Education, and if so, why am I not enrolled in this program yet?

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: A few months ago, I was trying to get a job in Bookkeeping. I worked as a Manager a few years ago and I needed a brush up course. So I emailed Penn Foster that was advertising in my email account. That email was [redacted]. I spoke to someone from that school and I signed up for $1.00. I was so excited to start taking a class for something I really wanted to do. But I tried to get through to start for two days, and the system wouldn't let me. So I called you, the Revdex.com, and reported that and someone there said we have a few complaints from Penn Foster that is still open. That was the second day, and I tried to cancel through the email that the persons in charge sent me and it came back as a mail demand. So, the third day I went to may Bank and cancelled my credit card payments to let them know that this most be fraud. So the Bank cancelled the $1.00 and it was refunded to my card. Penn Foster is trying to charge me a penalty for this cancellation. I never was able to do anything on there site, so I feel like they are trying to get money for no service what so ever. I really need your help on this. They are calling my phone constantly and I keep telling them the story about I never was able to get in there system. When I first signed up the person I spoke to said if I cancelled before the fifth day it wouldn't be any questions asked.Desired Settlement: Penn Foster need to say I do not old them any money for cancellation of the service I never received and they need to take it off my credit report

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I have noticed there was a collection on my credit report from Penn Foster. I have added a dispute online through Credit Report and also contacted the collection agency. The collection agency is looking into this matter. They told me I also needed to call Penn Foster to get them to take it off or fix it. My wife called them and she was told that they DID NOT have an account under my SSN. I must add also that my son is named after me but with a II at the end of his name. They have his name and my address for he was living with me at that time. They DO NOT however have any SSN listed for me or my son. If they do not have a SSN listed for either of us why am I getting this on my credit report? I do know that he also has listed my address on his credit report or did at one time so that can't be the answer. Either way how can that be done? They don't know if I've moved or anything else. How can they just add this to my account and NOT have my SSN on file or anything else? Either way they WILL NOT do anything about it until my son calls them etc. He does not live with me nor do I know where he lives. Why can they not fix this problem?Desired Settlement: I would like an apology from them for this problem, this bill taken off my credit report and also better ways of adding bills,collections to peoples credit reports in place for the one that they have is not working.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I been going to Penn Foster since February of this because the first high school diploma I got was a scam, I don't have a job, nor any money, my mother was helping me out with the payments then we begin to think, Why do I have to pay for a piece of paper switch it should be free. I don't have thousands of dollars to pay this because I have bills to pay. I don't think I should be the one paying for this diploma because the other diploma was fake, I refuse to pay that much. I think it should be free for everybody who is struggling and have fake dilpomas.Desired Settlement: I want my entire 1,208 dollar balance paid by the school that gave me the fake high school diploma and the name of the school is [redacted] High School and [redacted] High School, If this is not settled by then I will be forced to take this situation to court and settle it like that .

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: My Mom signed me up for Penn Foster. She paid the enrollment fee and 3 months tuition. I never signed ant enrollment forms or logged into my student account. I decided this wasn't what I wanted to do at this time. My Mom called and told them I was not going to participate in this program. They said that I owed them 183.00 dollars to cancel. My Mom paid the enrollment fee when she signed my up. The fees they say are due are as follows:

Registration fee 200.00

Shipping/handling fee 65.00

Admissions fee 75.00

I paid a total of 157.00

They are saying I still owe them 183.00 We were never informed of any addition fees. We never received any information of the additional charges if I did not want to begin the courses.Desired Settlement: I paid the agreed enrollment fee. I never logged into my student account or signed any enrollment contract. They never said anything about a 200.00 enrollment fee in addition to the 59.00 enrollment fee originally paid.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]