Penn Foster review: Concern regarding plumbing program enrollment and cancellation

Dear Penn Foster Team,

My name is Joshua Wilson, and I recently enrolled in the Plumbing program with your institution. As a licensed plumber, I quickly realized that much of the material—though well-structured—was content I had already mastered through my professional training and experience. My primary interest was in blueprint reading and writing, and I misunderstood the scope of the program. Recognizing this mistake, I attempted to cancel shortly after enrolling.

At that point, I was informed of a cancellation fee of over $200, despite not having actively used the program. While I understand that this may be outlined in the contract, I believe situations such as mine present an opportunity for flexibility and fairness. Penn Foster had already collected $130, which I was willing to forgo as a reasonable cost of my error. However, I was still asked to pay an additional $100 simply because I had started a single course. With respect, I found that particular course—covering basic construction—to be of disappointing quality, which left me feeling as though I was paying for something I neither used nor found valuable. This has left me with the impression of a “bait-and-switch” experience, which is deeply concerning.

Unfortunately, my experience gave me the impression that policy enforcement was prioritized over student support. I attempted to escalate my concerns but found very limited opportunities to engage with someone who could address them meaningfully. This lack of accessibility added to my frustration and disappointment.

As someone who values education and often shares resources with colleagues in my professional network, I had initially hoped to recommend Penn Foster as a reputable institution. However, based on this experience, I am hesitant to do so. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool in education, and I believe that practices emphasizing student care, fairness, and flexibility would not only resolve situations like mine but also enhance Penn Foster’s long-term reputation.

I share this feedback constructively, not out of anger. Policies are important, but so is the human element—and sometimes, making an exception can leave a far greater and more positive impact than strict adherence to policy alone.

Sincerely,
Joshua Wilson