Frequently Asked Questions

Are you accredited?
Yes. Blackstone Career Institute is an accredited member of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), a nationally recognized accrediting agency for distance learning schools, and is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools. Because of this our curriculum, faculty, administrative procedures, and polices are frequently reviewed to ensure that we meet the accrediting agencies' exceptionally high standards of quality.

How can I get "free" information on one of your courses?
There are two paths you may pursue to obtain free information. You may click on the Request Info image to the left and fill out the required fields or you may call our school at 1-800-826-9228 and ask one of our staff for the desired materials.

Why are your tuition costs in general, so inexpensive?
We feel that we offer comprehensive programs for the tuition we charge. We're not sure why some of the other schools are so expensive, nor do we understand why students would pay that much for a similar result.

Is your program online?
Yes, all of our Blackstone programs are available online. We offer online testing with instant results, online access to lessons, student account information, school discussion boards, additional resources and chat rooms.

How soon can I complete one of your programs?
One of the biggest advantages in taking Blackstone distance education programs is that you are able to work at your own pace. Some students finish in as little as eight months, but you have two years to complete your studies. Program completion is linked to the payment plan selected and the student's desire to put in adequate study time.

What is the success rate of your graduates in finding a job?
We receive hundreds of letters, calls and emails from our student graduates telling us their success stories after completing their Blackstone Career Institute program. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for an entry level position in your field of choice.

Does Blackstone Career Institute provide placement service?
Since we are strictly a distance learning school, we are unable to provide job placement. We do feel confident that our programs provide the necessary education needed in seeking new employment. Our new Career Center will assist students and graduates in their search for successful employment.

When and how will I receive my program materials?
Once your Enrollment Agreement and down payment have been received and processed, your first set of materials will be sent. Please allow at least 7 to 10 business days for the material to arrive via U.S. Mail. Subsequent shipments will be sent upon receipt of your monthly payments, depending on the payment plan selected. You will have access to your lessons online the day your payment is processed.

What should I do if I receive the wrong shipment?
You can either contact the school at 1-800-826-9228 or contact us online at info@blackstone.edu.

Your course requires students to have a high school diploma or GED. Do I need to provide a copy to the school?
Your signature on the Enrollment Agreement verifies that you meet the school's educational requirement. If it becomes known that you falsified your educational information, your diploma will be voided.

What if I misplace my answer sheet?
Please contact the school at 1-800-826-9228 and we will be happy to send you a new answer sheet.

May I submit more than one exam per week?
Yes, more than one exam may be submitted per week and multiple exams can be sent in one envelope.

What happens if I fail an exam?
Students are allowed one re-test of a failed exam. The highest grade a student can score on a re-test is 70 percent. If the student should fail the re-test, the highest score of the two failed exams will be reflected on the student transcript.

How and where do I send my monthly payments?
You will receive an invoice on a monthly basis. Monthly payments should be sent to Blackstone Career Institute, P.O. Box 3717, Allentown, PA 18106-3717. If you prefer, you may select our auto-pay option and we will charge your credit card on a monthly basis. You may also call the school at any time to make a payment.

How can I change my student information?
You can contact the school with any changes or submit your information through the Online Student Center. You can also e-mail your change(s) to info@blackstone.edu.

Whom do I call with a billing or payment question?
You may contact our Finance Department by phone at 1-800-826-9228 ext. 216 or send an e-mail to info@blackstone.edu.

What if I have a problem with my studies, whom do I call?
You may contact our Education Department by phone at 1-800-826-9228 ext. 212 or send an e-mail to info@blackstone.edu.

What do I do if I need time off from my studies?
We will provide you with a leave of absence of up to three months for a good cause. A request should be made in writing to the Student Services Department. A leave of absence does not extend the required time for completion of the program and does not suspend required monthly payments.

Can I request a copy of my transcript at any time?
Upon graduation, you will receive a diploma and an official transcript of grades. Additional transcripts and diplomas are available for a nominal fee. At your request, transcripts can be sent to other schools. You may print an unofficial transcript from the Online Student Center at any time.

Will other schools accept my diploma?
While some schools may accept credits from Blackstone, it is at that school's discretion and you need to check with the school you are interested in attending regarding their admissions policy.

What happens if I do not complete my studies in two years?
Blackstone Career Institute will grant a study extension to students who are unable to complete their studies in the required two years. There is a fee for this extension. Courtesy extensions are usually granted to those students with only one or two lessons remaining at the end of their program.