As I'm looking into alternative high school options like Penn Foster, I'm curious if employers accept diplomas from there as valid. Has anyone had experience with this impacting their job search?
In most cases, yes, a high school diploma from Penn Foster should be recognized by employers as a legitimate credential. This is because Penn Foster is both regionally and nationally accredited, which means it's recognized as providing a quality education that meets certain standards. This accreditation includes recognition by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools, and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, amongst others.
However, it's important to remember that acceptance can vary depending on the employer. Some employers, particularly those in more competitive sectors, may place a higher value on a traditional high school diploma or a diploma from a well-known brick-and-mortar institution due to their familiarity with these types of education paths. But many employers primarily want to see that you have completed your high school education, regardless of where it was obtained.
Additionally, what really matters most to employers is often the skills you have and your ability to apply them effectively. So alongside gaining your high school diploma, it's crucial to develop relevant hard and soft skills for the field you're interested in, and to be able to demonstrate those skills and your experience in interviews and on your resume. Remember as well, that while your high school diploma is certainly important, further education and work experience will often carry more weight with potential employers.
So, in short, while a Penn Foster High School diploma is technically accepted at many places, it's always a good idea to explore further educational pursuits and focusing on skill-building to enhance your employability.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.