10 Colleges That Accept Penn Foster Diplomas in 2025

If you earned a Penn Foster online high school diploma, you might wonder if it can help you get into your preferred school of higher education. Fortunately, you can find colleges that accept Penn Foster high school diplomas nationwide.

Below is a list of colleges and universities that have accepted Penn Foster diplomas, as reported by the school. Please be aware that updates to admissions requirements may vary by institution, so always contact the college or university directly to verify whether your Penn Foster diploma will be accepted.

What Is a Penn Foster Diploma?

Penn Foster, known for its college and career schools, offers a non-traditional high school for teen and adult learners. The Penn Foster online high school diploma program teaches a full high school curriculum, with 17 core courses and five elective courses. Classes include General Math 1, Earth Science, and U.S. History. Here are some features of this program:

• digital study guides, self-check quizzes, and videos
• 24/7 access to courses on a computer, tablet, or mobile device
• self-paced learning (no due dates, deadlines, or class times)
• high school diploma in as little as six months

Penn Foster High School has regional accreditation from the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The school is also nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and Cognia.

Is a Penn Foster Diploma Accepted by Colleges?

Yes, some colleges accept the Penn Foster high school diploma. When searching for a degree program, consider colleges that accept anyone with an online high school diploma or GED. You can also apply to community colleges and four-year schools with high acceptance rates or open enrollment.

List of Colleges That Accept Penn Foster High School Diplomas

Are you a Penn Foster high school graduate who wants to pursue a college degree? Review schools that have accepted this high school diploma below.

1. Clark College

Clark College, a four-year community college in Washington, offers associate and bachelor's degrees in areas of study, such as business, healthcare, science, and education. Many students who apply as new enrollees are recent high school graduates. However, any learners with no college background can apply.

After being admitted, students who need help paying tuition and fees can apply for federal or state financial aid. Grants, loans, and work-study can all reduce costs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,040 per year (in-state); $11,181 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Penn Foster College

Penn Foster College, which offers online associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and career diplomas, accepts students with a high school diploma or GED. Once enrolled, learners can start programs in criminal justice, business, criminal justice, and more.

Though Penn Foster doesn't accept federal financial aid, students can benefit from payment plans with 0% interest. Learners who pay their tuition in full can save up to 25%.

• Estimated tuition cost: As low as $6,500 in total tuition
• Accreditation: DEAC

3. University of Phoenix

Admission to the University of Phoenix's associate or bachelor's degree programs requires an official high school diploma, a state-sanctioned high school equivalency diploma, or a foreign secondary school equivalent. Students should also submit test scores and show proof that they are U.S. citizens or have a valid visa.

Programs are offered in business, criminal justice, liberal arts, and nursing. Some degrees are competency-based, which is great for students who prefer a self-paced learning format.

• Estimated tuition cost: Starting at $7,200 for undergraduate programs
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Southeastern Louisiana University

Students interested in attending Southeastern Louisiana University can enroll after completing a high school program, earning a GED or a High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) diploma, or finishing a state-approved home schooling program. Once admitted, students can choose from on-campus, online, and hybrid majors. Fields of study include art, graphic design, nursing, and child life.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,372 per year (in-state): $20,848 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University is a public research school with dozens of degree options. Theatre, finance, public health, nursing, and English are a few to choose from.

The college admissions process at MTSU requires students to prove they've graduated from an accredited high school (private schools, home schools, and church-related schools, etc.). A HiSET score of 10 or higher or a GED score of 450 or higher is also acceptable.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,814 per year for 30 credits (in-state); $31,674 per year for 30 credits (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University is home to over 200 programs in math, journalism, physics, social work, and beyond. To apply, first-year students need an official or unofficial high school transcript. Home-schooled students can provide a transcript from an accrediting body that shows high school coursework.

All students who enroll at CMU are considered for merit-based scholarships. Learners who meet FAFSA eligibility can apply for federal aid.

• Estimated tuition cost: Starting at $11,976 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Strayer University

Learners applying to undergraduate programs at Strayer University as first-year students must provide a diploma from an approved high school or its equivalent. A valid, current, government-issued ID is also required.

After gaining admission, students have access to numerous degree programs. Accounting, public health, human resource management, and criminal justice are a few of many fields to choose from.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,525 per course
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

8. Wayne State University

Wayne State University includes over 13 schools and colleges and offers more than 125 bachelor's programs. Fields of study include social work, public relations, urban studies, and accounting. Learners who want to enroll as first-year students must be current high school seniors, high school graduates, or GED holders who have not earned college credits.

• Estimated tuition cost: $15,388 per year (in-state); $32,740 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

9. California Coast University

At California Coast University, students can choose from associate and bachelor's degrees in business marketing, general studies, criminal justice, management, and more. Admission requires submitting a detailed resume with previous work experience (this helps the school award transfer credits). Applicants must also have official transcripts sent from their high school.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,200 to $21,420 in total tuition
• Accreditation: DEAS

10. Maryville University

Students applying to Maryville University for the first time should have completed high school or received a GED. Other qualifications include a minimum 2.5 GPA and an official transcript. No ACT or SAT scores are required.

Once enrolled, learners can choose from over 30 online bachelor's programs. Computer science, marketing, social work, and nursing are a few degree options.

• Estimated tuition cost: $24,766 per year
• Accreditation: HLC

How To Apply to College With a Penn Foster Diploma

The process of applying to college with a Penn Foster high school diploma is the same as for students who have graduated from a standard in-person high school. Learners fill out a college application and may be asked to submit:

• high school transcripts (or GED/HiSET scores)
• essay
• resume
• ACT or SAT
• application fee

FAQs About Applying to College With a Penn Foster Diploma

Do you want to pursue a degree with a Penn Foster diploma? Review the following FAQs before getting started.

Is a Penn Foster Diploma Valid for College?

Yes, Penn Foster's high school diploma is valid at many colleges. To find schools accepting this diploma, research colleges that accept online or other non-traditional diplomas. Once you've picked your preferred schools, confirm that the classes you've taken align with the course requirements for your chosen program.

Do Universities Take a Penn Foster High School Diploma?

Yes, some universities will accept a Penn Foster high school diploma. Wayne State, Maryville, and Strayer are a few examples. As you apply to schools, be sure to confirm that each takes this diploma. Contacting each school's admissions office is a good place to start.

Can I Use My Penn Foster Diploma For Financial Aid?

Many schools that accept Penn Foster diplomas also accept federal and state financial aid, but not all do. For example, instead of federal aid, Penn Foster College offers payment plans and tuition discounts to lower the cost of its online programs. If you want to confirm that you'll be able to use financial aid to pay for your program, contact your schools of interest for more information.

Are There Colleges That Accept Penn Foster High School Diplomas in New York?

Some New York colleges are known for having strict policies regarding online diplomas. For example, the City University of New York (CUNY) doesn't accept diplomas from online or virtual high schools.

Before applying to any New York school, confirm which diplomas it accepts. If your preferred schools don't accept the Penn Foster diploma, consider completing a high school equivalency exam. You could also attend a school that accepts the diploma and transfer to your college of choice later.

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