Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When do classes start?
A. You can start immediately. Because you're in a "class of one," there's no need to wait for the next semester - class is in session whenever you're ready to learn.
Q. How long will it take to earn my degree?
A. It's up to you. With Penn Foster College, you set your own pace...complete your studies as quickly or as slowly as you like. You can take up to 12 months to finish each of the 4 semesters of this Associate Degree Program.
Q. I have been out of school for a long time. Will I have trouble?
A. You shouldn't. A Penn Foster College education is unlike attending classes at other institutions. You proceed at your own pace, learning at the most comfortable speed. Lessons are clearly written, and contain detailed diagrams, when necessary, to illustrate important points. However, if you should have a question about anything in your program, just call our toll-free instructional support line or you can contact your instructor by email.
Q. Do I need to buy any extra books or supplies?
A. You don't need anything extra to get started. Your program includes all the learning materials you need to complete your studies. These are included in your tuition. However, you will need to have access to a computer and the Internet.
Q. How can Penn Foster College be so inexpensive?
A. For more than 120 years, the mission of Penn Foster College has been to provide affordable, accessible education to working men and woman. As such, we developed a unique online education model that allows students to complete courses independently. Not having the need for a campus, classrooms, and administrative staff keeps our costs down. However, we do invest in providing exceptional faculty and student support services.
In addition, Penn Foster College, through its partnership with the IAFF, has agreed to offer the membership an exclusive per credit discount. While the standard cost per credit at Penn Foster College is $90 (comparable to a community college), IAFF members pay only $65 per credit throughout their degree studies.
Q. I only want to take one class at a time. Can I do that?
A. Students are enrolled in a full semester of classes at a time (see schedule here). You are working at your own pace– it’s up to you how you want to approach your studies. You can take up to 12 months to finish each of the 4 semesters of this Associate Degree Program.
Q. Do I have to pay for a full semester of classes, or can I pay
by the course?
A. Because you are enrolled in a full semester of classes, payment for the full semester is to be paid during enrollment. Penn Foster students are eligible to receive convenient payment plans and 0% APR financing. Click here to learn more about funding options.
Q. Does Penn Foster accept college credits from other schools
and training programs?
A. Students can receive transfer credit for a total of 75% of the program. This includes both credit earned from a college or university, challenge examinations (in Math, Writing, Computer Applications, and English Composition), and documented training obtained through their employment. All college and university transfer credit is awarded by submitting official transcripts to Penn Foster College. All previous college work must have been completed with a grade of "C" or better. Students can receive prior life/work experience credit for up to six elective credits by submitting acceptable proof of applicable training. The total combined number of credits awarded for challenge examinations and prior learning received through on-the-job training cannot exceed 15 credits. Students seeking credit through life/work experience should contact the faculty to request appropriate forms for submitting their documentation. We will credit your tuition for all transfer credit that is accepted.
Q. Are Penn Foster College credits transferable?
A. The transferability of Penn Foster College credits to another institution is solely at the discretion of the receiving institution. To help students transfer credits, most of Penn Foster College courses have been recommended for college and university credit by ACE/College Credit Recommendation Service. (For more information, visit the ACE CREDIT website at www.acenet.edu.) See the list of over 1,000 participating colleges and universities here.
In addition, Penn Foster College has 100% articulation agreement with the AFL-CIO’s National Labor College for completing your bachelor's degree. You can learn more about the degree programs the NLC offers on their website: http://www.nlc.edu/programs-degrees.html.
Q. Can Canadian members of the IAFF pursue this degree?
A. Yes. Canadian members of the IAFF are certainly welcome to apply and participate in the program. Click here to request free information.
Q. Is Penn Foster a regionally accredited institution?
A. Penn Foster College is nationally accredited. While it is true that not all credits earned at nationally accredited institution are accepted by regionally accredited universities, Penn Foster has overcome much of this problem by having their courses reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE). While transferring college credits to another institution is solely at the discretion of the receiving institution, more than 1,000 colleges and universities accept ACE Credit Recommendations for transferring courses. For a list of these institutions, please visit the www.IAFFeducation.org website under "credit transfer."
In addition, Penn Foster College does have articulation agreement with the AFL-CIO's National Labor College for transferring 100% of Penn Foster credits toward your bachelor's degree.
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