Is Penn Foster a degree mill?

Penn Foster College is often flagged as a potential degree mill due to several factors: It's primarily an online institution with a flexible, self-paced structure, it offers a wide variety of programs, and it's been the subject of some negative reviews regarding the quality of education. These are characteristics sometimes associated with diploma mills.

However, it's not definitively classified as a degree mill. It's regionally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. This accreditation lends a degree of legitimacy.

The key distinction is that while it's accredited, its reputation and the quality of education provided are debatable. Many employers may not view a Penn Foster degree as equivalent to a degree from a more traditionally respected institution. The self-paced nature and lack of rigorous, in-person interaction can also affect the learning experience.

In short: Penn Foster is accredited, but its reputation and the value of its degrees are subjects of ongoing discussion and are not universally held in high regard. Whether or not it's a "degree mill" is a matter of interpretation, but concerns about its quality and perceived value are valid. Prospective students should carefully weigh the pros and cons and research employer acceptance rates before enrolling.