Penn Foster Career School

Review: I told them not to continue my studies and they reenrolled me in another semester for 2,000 some dollars and I told them I couldn't do it because I was out of work.Desired Settlement: I do not want to continue at Penn foster therefor am not paying the amount of 2,000 some when I have nothing in return for it! Waste of money!

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I have been having issues with this school since I enrolled in July 2014 for their online Medical Billing and Coding Career Diploma Program. Currently I am an RN who wanted to get my Medical Coding Credentials to enhance my nursing career. I have called Student Services on NUMEROUS occasions to have my transcripts sent to Penn Foster (as they advertise) from the College I attended to obtain my Nursing Degree so that Penn Foster would give me credit for the Business English portion of their program. One person would tell me one thing and the next time I would call to follow up I was told something completely different. I asked several times to speak to the Dean of Academic Affairs, and each and every time I am told that they are not available, and it is never known when they will be available. So, this evening, while completing one of my quizzes, I had a question for one of the instructors, so I called to speak to an instructor. When I got through, I asked my question and voiced my concern about a contradiction in the material (lessons) they provided and one of the quiz questions. The call got disconnected and the instructor made no effort to call me back. I called back again to speak to an instructor. This time, I went over my concerns again and needed guidance on this particular question. It became evident very quickly that she had no knowledge of Medical Coding. I asked her if she was a Certified Coder and she said no, but she was a medical assistant with an associate degree and some coding knowledge. She was not able to answer my question at any point of the 20 to 25 minute long conversation. She seemed perplexed and disorganized as well as simply not knowledgeable about coding at all. My concern is that this school is hiring instructors that are not credentialed or qualified. This is an absolute disgrace! I had to explain to her myself about what a stroke was and that once a patient has a stroke, it is always seen on CT scans and present for life, whether they suffered any residual side effects from it or not. This instructor had no basic knowledge of this and could not interpret the question on the quiz at all. She was trying to tell me that the question was worded incorrectly, but that still did not answer my original question of how to code a specific scenario. I am writing to you because Penn Foster portrays themselves to have instructional support for its students, and with that, I would think that would mean QUALIFIED instructors. I fully expected to speak to a knowledgeable professional who knew the business and art of Medical Coding who had their credentials and Coding Certification. This is wrong on so many levels. I then asked her to speak to a supervisor, and she told me that they left at 5 tonight. I am highly concerned (as I stated) about the integrity of this school and the quality of the education I paid to receive. I am concerned about who is grading my assignments as well. A medical assistant should not be grading my Medical Coding assignments. A Certified Coder should be doing that. When an assignment is graded and handed back via the computer, there is no direction as to what you did wrong or what code you missed. The instructor who graded the assignment is not listed on the feedback form either. This makes me wonder what credentials these instructors for this specific program have, and that is alarming to me as a student who paid for the program in full.Desired Settlement: I would like a personal phone call from the Dean of Academic Affairs to discuss my very serious concerns regarding the integrity of this program. I would like to have my concerns addressed and questions answered. I am highly concerned that each time I ask to speak to the Dean of Academic Affairs, I am promptly deferred and told they are not available. I feel that my questions and concerns regarding the "instructors" they claim to have actually are not qualified or credentialed to answer my specific Medical Coding questions. It is both misleading and fraudulent.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Absolutely horrible. I paid in full for the medical and billing program... Once you pay the student services dosent care. I was struggling with program. Paid extension. I then tried to switch to another program and instead of helping me they canceled my student account. So they canceled my student account so I can't finish my program. This place should be shut down. They should teach a lesson on ethics. I feel cheated out of money with nothing to show for it. You are better off checking out books in library. I didn't receive text books that I paid for. There is no management obviously. Horribly run. They were only helpful and nice when I was paying for the program.

Review: On the 16th of November, I called to inquire about

a program. I agreed to try the course for 5 days, in which I can cancel

without a fee. on the 19th of November, my account was charged 160.50

I cancelled on the 22 of Nov, and the merchant if refusing to credit me for the 160.50Desired Settlement: I want a full credit back to my savings account in the amount of 160.50

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 Medical Coding and Billing on November 16, 2013 by submitting a down payment.

On November 22, 2013, **. [redacted] called to cancel his account. Since he cancelled on the seventh day after he enrolled, he owes for the liability on his account since exams were taken. If a student takes an exam it is considered intent to enroll.

As a courtesy, I have cancelled **. [redacted]’s account with no further financial liability. **. [redacted] will receive a letter in ten business days confirming this.

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

Sincerely,

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: I contacted [redacted] requesting to cancel, within the five fays allo, and he didn't

Fulfill my request. Therefore I an requesting a full credit

Review: We were told upon enrolling my son that as long as we had our payments set up on auto debit that he would receive his diploma. He has completed the program and they are now refusing to give him his diploma or even certified transcripts so he can enlist in the army. They very rudely told him ALL schools require payment in full before a diploma will be given, however that is inaccurate and the point of student loans!! We would at he very least like his certified transcripts so he can enlist, like the recruiter we spoke to told us would happen when he signed up!!Desired Settlement: We would like his diploma or certified transcripts as we were promised!!

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: Penn Foster College refuses to provide me with an Official Transcript indicating all the classes that I have taken. Student Services Center personnel explained to me that it is illegal for Penn Foster College to provide an Official Transcript if I do not complete all required classes for the semester I enrolled. They cannot provide anything for any previous classes that I have already taken until I complete all the classes in the semester.

As of today, I completed the following:

All required Semester I classes

One Semester II class

One Semester IV class.

Penn Foster provided me with an unofficial letter (Transfer Credit Evaluation) indicating the classes taken and credits received. Student Services claims that they will not provide the Official Transcript because I have not earned all the required credits for the semester, it does not matter the number of classes that I have taken.

The reason I need the transcript is because I received a job offer and my future employer only accepts Official Transcripts; they do not accept the unofficial letter.

I can provide documents received from Penn Foster College if necessary.Desired Settlement: Receive an Official Transcript indicating ALL the classes taken (8 classes = 20 credits).

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: I AM CURRENTLY A STUDENT AT PENN FOSTER CAREER SCHOOL. I AM IN THE MEDICAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAM AND ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO I HAD AGREED TO PAY THE TUITION IN FULL. I WAS ALSO TOLD I COULD SIGN A WAIVER TO HAVE ALL OF MY BOOKS SHIPPED TO ME WITHOUT CHARGE AND I COMPLETED THAT AS WELL. I CALLED A FEW TIMES AND I WAS TOLD I CANNOT RECEIVE A REFUND BECAUSE I SIGNED THE WAIVER FOR BOOKS BUT THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP WOULD NOT LET ME OFFER AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY I WOULD LIKE I REFUND. I AM DISABLED AND DURING THE PAST MONTH MY HEALTH HAS BEEN DETERIORATING, I AM SEEING A DOCTOR BUT I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE ON WHEN MY ILLNESS WILL GET ANY BETTER. I DO NOT HAVE THE MENTAL OR PHYSICAL CAPACITY TO COMPLETE THIS PROGRAM AT ALL. I ASKED THEM IF I COULD TRANSFER TO ANOTHER PROGRAM THAT WAS LESS INTENSIVE AND I WAS DENIED BECAUSE I HAD ALREADY HAD ONE PREVIOUS TRANSFER. I WOULD JUST LIKE THIS MATTER RESOLVED. I WOULD LIKE A FULL REFUND FOR THE PROGRAM. I CANNOT HELP THE FACT THAT I AM DISABLED AND MY HEALTH HAS BEEN DETERIORATING. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME WITH THIS SITUATION, THANK YOU.Desired Settlement: TO RECEIVE A FULL REFUND TO MY CHECKING ACCOUNT.

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]

Review: In January of 2013 I signed my granddaughter up for online classes to finish her high school years. She was a tenth grader. They told me what it would cause for her to get her high school diploma. My granddaughter was having social issues in high school because of her shyness so she asked to be home-schooled. After several visits to the doctor at which time the doctor told me her illnesses were due to stress I decided to try Penn Foster. The course would be 800.00 and I was to pay 49.00 down and 49.00 per month beginning in February 2013. She did not receive any lessons until late February. I sent them her high school transcripts so that they could see the classes that would gear her towards her high school diploma. Two things that I was concerned about which I expressed to them is whether this high school diploma is a GED or a regular diploma. They said a regular diploma. I also asked if there credits were transferable in the event that this does not work out and she returns to regular high school. They assured me it was. They said based on her high school transcripts she was ahead of the game, enough credits for an eleventh grader. But the lessons that she was receiving did not appear to be that for even 10th grades. Classes such as Reading and Human Relations, and Math 1 and 2, basic math. She came from a Theme school in Middle School and a Careerpath Environmental Science High School. I felt that she was not doing her work that great but they kept sending things saying that she is doing good. To me she was not studying enough. I am big on Education. I am in school myself as well as a Substitute teacher and I did not like her study habits. So after the school semester ended I decided, based on what I was viewing, to put her back in school but in a program called Open Campus. Its a school setting with very small classes made up of only about 160 students. She was excited about that. I would have done that earlier but you had to be 16 and she did not turn 16 until April of this year. So I notified Penn Foster to let them know of my decision to put her back in public school. They said fine but in order for me to receive her transcript I would have to pay 177.00. So I paid it July 30th, 2013 and they sent me a non-sealed transcript so I could give it to the school so that they could know how to place her. She is back in the 10th grade. The High School her in GA states that none of what she took was what she needed nor was it transferable. That was 6 months waste and she has to take double classes in order to try and graduate on time. They said they did not understand why Penn Foster had her taking Reading classes instead of English and Human Relations classes. I feel gypped and I want my money back. I have material of theirs that they can have back. unopened. It came after I decided to stop the classes this summer. I am glad I did. They really misinformed me. I would have made another decision, not have her take classes for nothing and spend money for nothing. I am on Social Security Disability and do not have money to throw away. Apparently they have advisers that are not good ones, whoever decided on what classes she needed. Very, Very angry. They owe me 571.00. The look and hurt on my granddaughter face yesterday when I went to register her for school was worth more than that. I feel they misled me and deceived me. If I had even a small inkling that this could happen, I would have never signed her up. But I put my trust in their hands. I called the school a few times and they said the credits are only transferable if the school accepts them. I also asked why they put her in classes, like reading that she did not need in high school.

Thank you

[redacted]Desired Settlement: Just want my money back. The damage is done. The school I just enrolled her in, the counselor said she has to work very, very hard the next two years in order to graduate on time and she has no room for errors now.

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] is not a student with Penn Foster, her granddaughter, [redacted] is. **. [redacted] is enrolled in our High School Diploma Program on February 06, 2013 by submitting a down payment and a signed enrollment agreement. **. [redacted] also signed the enrollment agreement as the guarantor for **. [redacted].

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.

Any student who wants their transcripts evaluated for possible credit with us needs to submit their official transcripts for evaluation. We also advise any student who wants to know if our credits will transfer to another school that they need to check with that school to see if they would accept our credits. We cannot say what can transfer to an outside school as they all vary.

Students who complete more than ten percent and up to twenty-five percent of their exams owe twenty-five percent of the tuition including the registration, administration and shipping fees. This is stated on **. [redacted]’ signed enrollment agreement. **. [redacted] completed over eighteen percent of her exams; therefore, she owes twenty-five percent of the tuition including the fees previously mentioned. Our records reflect that **. [redacted] called June 10, 2013 to cancel the account in which we advised her of the cancellation terms. **. [redacted] is not entitled for a refund as she has paid for what she completed with us.

Our records reflect that **. [redacted] called on June 30, 2013 to pay her liability and to receive a transcript. At that time, we emailed a grade report to **. [redacted]. It does not appear that an official transcript was ordered. According to our policy, we have a $10.00 fee for official transcripts. As a courtesy, I ordered an official transcript to be mailed to the address on file at no charge. I will also have them expedited and **. [redacted] will have the official transcript by Tuesday, August 20, 2013. I apologize for the miscommunication.

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

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 was told by the collection agency that this debt was for a Wedding consultant Program and the balance was from 2009. I told the agent that this is impossible because, I never went to Penn Foster and at that time that I was in school getting my MBA. I was also told that the school had a $93 cancellation fee that could have been paid anytime to cancel the program. I again told the agent that this is some type of mistake. I asked for information on the individual classes and grades made in the program. I was then told that no classes were ever taken or started. I received some old collection letter a week after I spoke with the representative. The letter was sent to my relatives house and not mines.

Some type of red flag should have went off when someone registered for a class and didn't actually start one single class!! Do your school even have advisors? Did the advisor interact with this student??!!

I am tried of making telephone calls and getting the run around. From, the year 2005-2010 I was a full-time student working on my bachelor's and MBA with another traditional school. I don't like weddings and have no interest in weddings. I am requesting that this account balance and my personal information be removed from your system and removed from all three major credit agencies immediately!!

The account number that shows on my credit report is [redacted], I am not sure who's account number this is.

Recently, my employer pulled my credit report during a random check and questioned me about this account.Desired Settlement: I have 30 days to follow up with my employer about this matter. If I am punished or fired, I will be taking legal action against you and the collection agency. I will be seeking compensation for any lost wages. This includes present or future earnings and emotional pain and suffering. All I am asking is that this account balance and my personal information be removed from your system and removed from all three major credit agencies immediately!!

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 Professional Bridal Consultant Career Diploma on May 5, 2009 by submitting a down payment and signed enrollment agreement.

**. [redacted]’s signed enrollment agreement states that students who cancel after seven days and have not submitted an exam they would owe the registration, technology, credit set-up and shipping fees. According to our records, **. [redacted] never contacted us in regards to cancelling her account or we would have advised her of this policy.

As a courtesy, I have cancelled **. [redacted]’s account with no further financial obligations. **. [redacted]’s credit report will be amended within thirty days.

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

Business

Response:

Date Sent: 12/20/2013 2:54:22 PM

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 Professional Bridal Consultant Career Diploma on May 5, 2009 by submitting a down payment and signed enrollment agreement.

**. [redacted]’s signed enrollment agreement states that students who cancel after seven days and have not submitted an exam they would owe the registration, technology, credit set-up and shipping fees. According to our records, **. [redacted] never contacted us in regards to cancelling her account or we would have advised her of this policy.

As a courtesy, I have cancelled **. [redacted]’s account with no further financial obligations. **. [redacted]’s credit report will be amended within thirty days.

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 signed up for the Private Investigations program at Penn Foster In July. I specifically chose them because the program was in writing, I would get hard copies in the mail. when I was about one-third of the way through with the program I was informed that most of the rest of my materials would be available on their website only. There are 7 modules that are about 75 pages long that I will now have to read online. Furthermore, I will not physically own a copy of the material, which is what I paid for. I suffer chronic migraines and the flashing lights of the computer screen is a huge problem for me. When I contacted them about it, they said they would only refund me about one-third of what I paid because that is their drop out policy. I would not be dropping out because I just don't feel like finishing the program. I would be dropping out because they are not delivering what I paid for. If I leave now, I would have to start over at a new school and pay for a whole new class. I would have wasted all that time. All so they could save money on printing costs. Very unehtical...Desired Settlement: I would like a full refund or I will file a claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act!

Business

Response:

Revdex.com Case Number: [redacted]