[Hallmark Institute of Photography]

Financial Aid

Hallmark Institute of Photography offers financial aid to qualified applicants. Financial aid is awarded through the Federal Title IV and Massachusetts State Student Financial Aid Programs. All financial aid is contingent upon completion of all financial aid requirements, full time enrollment, and satisfactory academic progress as defined by the Hallmark Student Handbook & Consumer Information Guide.

Hallmark is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Who's eligible? Most students who...

  • Are a U.S. Citizen or Eligible Non-citizen
  • Have a High School Diploma or G.E.D.
  • Possess a Valid Social Security Number
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards
  • Certify they will use Federal Student Aid for Educational Purposes Only
  • Certify they are not in Default on Federal Student Loans
  • Comply with Selective Service Registration

What can be covered?

  • Tuition
  • Fees
  • Books & Supplies
  • Room & Board
  • Personal Living Expenses
  • Transportation

How to Apply

All potential applicants may apply for financial aid by completing the 2011/2012 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Financial Aid Programs

Hallmark participates in the following Federal and Massachusetts State aid programs: Federal Pell Grant Program, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (SEOG), Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program, Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Loan Program, MASSGrant Program and the Massachusetts No Interest Loan Program.

Federal Title IV Financial Aid Programs

Federal PELL Grant: This Federally funded program provides grants to eligible undergraduate students. Significant financial need is the basis for Pell Grant eligibility. Financial Aid Pell Grant Awards are based on the information provided in the financial aid application.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): Recipients of this Federally and institutionally funded grant are selected by the Office of Financial Aid at Hallmark. Significant financial need is the basis for SEOG eligibility. The Federal maximum SEOG award is based upon Federal allocations and changes annually.

Federal Direct Loans: Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are available through the Office of Financial Aid to all students who meet eligibility requirements. The Federal Government pays the interest on Subsidized Student Loans while an eligible student is in school, for the first six months after a student leaves school and when a borrower is qualified to have payments deferred. Depending upon financial need and aggregate borrowing limits, a student may borrow up to the annual student loan borrowing limit for her/his year in school. 

Unsubsidized Stafford Loan interest is the sole responsibility of the borrower. Unsubsidized Loan borrowers have the option to make interest payments while in school, but are not required to do so. Independent undergraduate students, dependent students whose parents have been denied for a PLUS Parent Loan or dependent students without demonstrated financial need may qualify for an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Yearly borrowing limits do apply.

The Federal Plus Loan is a low interest loan offered to credit worthy parents of dependent undergraduate students. Parents may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus the amount of financial aid awarded to their undergraduate student. Parents may call (413) 863-2478 for an application.

Massachusetts State Aid Programs

Massachusetts Grant: The State of Massachusetts determines MASSGRANT eligibility and award amount. FAFSA application must be completed and submitted by May 1st.

Massachusetts No Interest Loan Program (NIL): The State of Massachusetts determines NIL eligibility based upon the information provided in the financial aid application. The Office of Financial Aid at Hallmark determines the amount of the award based upon need, yearly awarding limits and lifetime borrowing limits. All recipients of Massachusetts State Funds must be residents of the State of Massachusetts for at least twelve months prior to the start of the academic year for which financial aid is awarded. Residency for that year must be for a reason other than academic purposes.

Private Loan Program

A private loan option is available through Sallie Mae to credit-worthy students. Applying with a credit worthy cosigner is highly recommended. Students may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus the amount of financial aid awarded. Once an applicant to Hallmark has enrolled for our 10-month program, then they will speak with the Office of Financial Aid to further explore their Financial Aid options and to discuss Federal and Private loan options. Please do not apply for Private loans prior to speaking with the Office of Financial Aid.

Sallie Mae offers the Smart Option Student Loan to International Students with an eligible U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner.

To search for scholarships, some sites to visit:

For more information on financial aid: