Can I graduate early with Penn Foster?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to graduate early if that’s what you want! Our classes are self-paced, allowing you to complete your courses and exams around your schedule. The more time you devote to your studies, the quicker you may be able to finish. However, if you’re someone who prefers to take their time, you’ll have 3 years to complete all of your classes so you don’t need to stress about working at a fast pace.

Does Penn Foster online High School accept transfer credits from other schools?

Yes! We do accept transfer credits from other schools. To begin, you’ll need an official, sealed transcript sent from your previous school for evaluation. Your credits will likely transfer if the courses are equivalent to our curriculum and are from a regionally accredited high school. Visit our high school credit transfer page for more details.

What is Penn Foster's online high school curriculum like?

To get your high school diploma from Penn Foster, you will need to complete 16 core credits and 5 elective credits. Your elective requirement gives you the chance to customize your learning experience to support your unique goals. Whether you’re preparing for college or want to get a head start on your career, you’ll select 5 electives ranging from subjects like chemistry and psychology to vocational pathways, like plumbing and veterinary assistant. Our core curriculum includes English, math, social science, science, arts, and humanities, as well as health and physical education courses. If you are transferring credits, your coursework may vary.

Can I take only the classes I need?

Yes! Whether you only need a few credits to graduate from your high school or you want to take summer classes to get ahead, Penn Foster offers a variety of individual classes that can help you reach your goals!

Are online high schools accredited?

While not every online high school has achieved accreditation, Penn Foster High School is both regionally and nationally accredited. One credential to look for is from the Distance Education Accreditation Commission, or DEAC. The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Can I go to college with a Penn Foster diploma?

Yes, though it’s important to note that all colleges have different admissions requirements, so admission isn’t guaranteed. Before enrolling, it’s important to check with colleges and universities you may be interested in to see if they accept Penn Foster. You can view the schools alumni have told us they’ve been accepted to after graduation to get a better idea of what kind of colleges have accepted our students in the past.

Your High School, On Your Terms, 100% Online

At Penn Foster High School, there are no schedules, no deadlines, and no cafeteria drama. Take classes online, set your own pace, and graduate on your timeline.¹ Join the 96% of students say that they’re proud to be at PFHS!*

Independent

Learn your way

Set your own pace

Control your education

Own Your Path

School that fits your life

24/7 tools and resources

Customize your goals

Cost of Program

$1,149

$1,639 Save $490

$55/month, Start for as low as $20

Request Info Enroll Now

1-888-427-6200 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Your Online High School Classes (and How Fast You Can Finish!)

At Penn Foster, you can learn at the pace that works best for you and your life.

You’ll take standard classes like English, math, history, science—and have a chance to take electives that fit your future goals. And, if you’re someone who wants to get a head start on a career while finishing school, you can do that, too!

View Full Curriculum

- 17 core courses
- 5 elective courses
You’ll need to complete 21 credits to graduate! 17 of those credits include your normal high school classes like:
- English 1: Introduction to Language Arts
- General Math 1
- Biology
- US History
And you can choose electives that work for you to round out your last 5 credits!
If you are interested in pursuing post-secondary education within your state, you should check with your state to understand the requirements. States may impose certain requirements. For example, an online High School diploma may not be recognized by some colleges and universities within your state to receive financial aid. We recommend you check with the institution for any specific restrictions. If you are under the age of 18 and reside in Tennessee, you may be assessed using a nationally standardized achievement test in ELA and mathematics. Additionally, if you reside in Tennessee, you will be required to complete 22 credits to graduate, with a minimum of four (4) credits each in ELA and mathematics and three (3) credits each in science and social studies.

View Full Curriculum

Gabriella Chose Her Own Path to Graduation – Now it’s Your Turn!

“[Penn Foster] really helped me enjoy the rest of my teen years... I didn’t feel stressed out and worried about all these different things I had to do.”

Gabriella S.,
2024 Penn Foster High School Graduate

Our Proven High School Learning Model

Penn Foster High School is designed to fit your life and how you learn. Our learning model is meant to help students like you succeed!

Set Your Pace
Flexible
At PFHS, you set the pace.
- Start anytime
- No exam due dates
- Self-paced
Smartphone Friendly
Interactive
It’s not just a ton of reading!
- Digital study guides
- Self-check quizzes
- Educational Videos
Plugged In
Connected
You’re not alone!
- 24/7 access to resources
- Learning Resource Center
- Dedicated Learner Center
Here For You
Supportive
Feeling stuck? We’re here to help!
- Expert faculty
- Dedicated student support
- Robust learning resources

How to Get Started

Ready to start online high school classes? Just follow the steps below!

If you've already completed some high school credits, you may be able to transfer those to Penn Foster. Just have your old school send us your official transcripts in a sealed envelope. When you log into your Learner Center, we’ll remind you how to get that done. If you want an idea of how many credits could potentially transfer in before sending the officials, we do pre-evaluations of unofficial transcripts. This is not an official evaluation and the amount of accepted credits may change once we evaluate the official transcripts.

Teen girl in library with raised hands as she looks at laptop.

How Does it Work?

Got questions about Penn Foster? You’re not the only one—we’ve rounded up the top things students ask before diving in.

Local Public High School vs Penn Foster Online High School:
What's the Difference?

Local Public High School Penn Foster High School

Accredited?

Asynchronous learning on your time?

Start and finish on your timeline?

Help and support?

Something you can be proud of?

What Happens After You Graduate?

Haven't completed High School

$38,376/yr**

High School Graduate

$48,360/yr**

More Money

You can earn more.

The average high school grad can earn almost $10,000 more per year than someone who didn’t graduate.**
More Options

You’ve got options.

Whether that’s a 2-year or 4-year degree or technical school, having your diploma in hand can open more doors!
More Opportunities

You've got opportunities.

Want a better shot at the job you want? A diploma makes a big difference—today, many jobs prefer people with a diploma or GED.

Real Stories from Our PFHS Grads

See what it’s like to really be part of the Penn Foster journey – from our high school grads who’ve lived it! From juggling school with real life struggles to finding success on their own terms, these students made their goals happen. Get inspired by scrolling through and tapping play!

Online High School Diploma Tuition

Tuition for PFHS is meant to be affordable. We’ve got three ways to pay, so you and your family can pick the option that works best for you!

Tuition & Payment Options

Option 1: Pay in full

Cost of Program²

$1,149

$1,639 Save $490

Best price. Best value.
Pay the full cost today
No monthly payments

Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program²

$1,639

Pay $55 per month
Start for $20 down
All major credit and debit cards accepted

Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program²

$1,639

Pay $55 per month
Start for $39 down
Mail your payments

Enroll Now

You could be eligible for help covering your tuition

If you're an Arizona resident and meet eligibility requirements, learn how you could take advantage of Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds to help you pay tuition!

Girl in yellow sweater using silver laptop.

Your Guide to Credit Recovery for High School

woman with glasses wearing green using cellphone on green background.

Going Back to School as an Adult (FAQs)

See More Stories

Not Sure Yet? Check Out These Guides

two women smiling and working on laptop.

Talking to Your Parents about Transferring to Online School

girl using silver laptop on orange background.

What Is Virtual High School, And Is It Right for Me?

Girl in black cap and gown with yellow tassel smiling on orange background.

How to Stay Motivated and Graduate High School Online

Penn Foster High School FAQs

Have more questions? We’ve got quick answers to the questions most students ask before they enroll!

Still have questions?

Yes, though it’s important to note that all colleges have different admissions requirements, so admission isn’t guaranteed . Before enrolling, it’s important to check with colleges and universities you may be interested in to see if they accept Penn Foster.

You can view the schools alumni have told us they’ve been accepted to after graduation to get a better idea of what kind of colleges have accepted our students in the past.

Still have questions?

Are you a Spanish speaker who needs to earn their high school diploma?

Learn more about our High School Diploma + English Language Training

Disclaimers:

¹The Penn Foster High School Diploma is a proprietary program. You are solely responsible for ensuring that the program and program award satisfy the education requirements of potential employers, desired postsecondary institutions, and all other relevant agencies. Neither job placement nor postsecondary admission are guaranteed to graduates upon program completion. Students who attend and complete the program as an adult, age 18 years or older, who wish to further verify their earned award may request a Certificate of Preliminary Education according to the process outlined in the student catalog. If you are under the age of 18 and reside in Tennessee, you may be assessed using a nationally standardized achievement test in ELA and mathematics. Additionally, if you reside in Tennessee, you will be required to complete 22 credits to graduate, with a minimum of four (4) credits each in ELA and mathematics and three (3) credits each in science and social studies.

²Depending on where you live, you may be charged taxes in addition to the total cost of your program.

Sources:

*Based on Penn Foster student responses to the Biannual NPS and Satisfaction Survey in February 2024.

**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Education Pays" Career Outlook Handbook. Accessed November 14, 2024.

***The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from November 2019 - October 2020, excluding withdrawals.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.

	Local Public High School	Penn Foster High School
Accredited?
Asynchronous learning on your time?
Start and finish on your timeline?
Help and support?
Something you can be proud of?

Your High School, On Your Terms, 100% Online

Independent Learn your way Set your own pace Control your education Own Your Path School that fits your life 24/7 tools and resources Customize your goals

Independent

Own Your Path

Your Online High School Classes (and How Fast You Can Finish!)

Gabriella Chose Her Own Path to Graduation – Now it’s Your Turn!

Our Proven High School Learning Model

How to Get Started

How Does it Work?

Local Public High School vs Penn Foster Online High School: What's the Difference?

Local Public High School Penn Foster High School Accredited? Asynchronous learning on your time? Start and finish on your timeline? Help and support? Something you can be proud of? .html-table th {text-align: center;}

What Happens After You Graduate?

Real Stories from Our PFHS Grads

Online High School Diploma Tuition

You could be eligible for help covering your tuition

Not Sure Yet? Check Out These Guides

Penn Foster High School FAQs

Are you a Spanish speaker who needs to earn their high school diploma?

Independent

Learn your way

Set your own pace

Control your education

Own Your Path

School that fits your life

24/7 tools and resources

Customize your goals

Local Public High School vs Penn Foster Online High School:
What's the Difference?

Local Public High School Penn Foster High School

Accredited?

Asynchronous learning on your time?

Start and finish on your timeline?

Help and support?

Something you can be proud of?