Financial Aid and Tuition Information

Our commitment to changing education does not end at innovative programs and student experience. We are committed to making education affordable by offering programs at a competitive tuition cost with a unique value proposition – spend less time in school, and more time making money.

Less Time, More Money

Our fast-paced model allows students to go through our bachelor level programs in just 29 months. This is two times faster than the national average for bachelor degree completions in 58+ months. Studies have shown that on average, every year spent at a university can cost over $68,000 in lost wages and tuition – that’s nearly $175,000 in savings at Hallmark University.

Hallmark University encourages students to take advantage of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Every student who could benefit from financial assistance should fill out this free application to determine eligibility for government financial aid programs. Every student who would like help with college costs should apply. Do not assume you are not eligible for financial aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Hallmark University’ School Code is 010509

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) asks for basic information to determine your eligibility for all the financial aid programs sponsored by the Federal Government.

To be eligible for federal financial aid, you must meet the requirements for each of the below:

• Enroll as a degree-seeking student
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Not be in default on a federal educational loan
• Not owe a refund on a federal educational grant or loan
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent

Determine if You Need to Include Your Parent’s Information When Applying

For financial aid purposes, the federal government must determine if you are required to include your parent’s information when you apply for financial aid. The Department of Education will determine your dependency based upon responses entered on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are considered a dependent student, you will be required to enter your parent(s) information on the FAFSA. If you are considered an independent student, you will be required to enter your information on your FAFSA and information for your spouse, if applicable.

Federal Student Aid ID

If you are filing the online FAFSA, you can sign the form electronically by using your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. Students and parents who have not previously applied for a FSA ID are able to apply for one within the FAFSA application.

If you filed a FAFSA in a previous year and have forgotten your FSA ID, you can select “Forgot My Username” to recover your account.

Completing the FAFSA

To complete your FAFSA online, visit: the FAFSA website. Hallmark University’s school code is 010509.

After completing your FAFSA, print the FAFSA Confirmation Page for your records. If you have already completed a FAFSA for another school, click on “Make a Correction to a Processed FAFSA” and add Hallmark University’s school code. You will need your previous year’s tax information to fill out the current year’s FAFSA.

For more information on the Steps for Applying for Financial Aid click HERE.

If, on the basis of an approved needs analysis, the student and/or family is unable to provide for all educational expenses, our trained Student Financial Planning officers will help to determine the combination of grants and/or loans that would best meet the student’s needs. Applications for and information about financial aid assistance availability may be obtained through the university’s financial planning offices.

Tuition and fees are normally payable in advance. Monthly payment plans may be individually approved. The following student financial aid programs are available to qualified students depending upon fund availability:
Federal Pell Grant
Federal SEOG Grant
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan

The programs are funded annually by the Federal and State Government agencies. Funding levels may vary from year to year. Interest rates on the Federal Direct Loans are variable and established each July 1st by the Department of Education. Please check with the university’s financial planning office for current rates.

Federal Pell Grant

A program for students with documented financial needs as determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Pell Grant is money that the student does not need to repay. The student must be making satisfactory academic progress and must also meet the additional eligibility requirements outlined in the Eligibility Requirements section. Applicants with the equivalent of a Bachelor’s Degree from anywhere in the world are not eligible for this grant. The enrollment status of the student will have a proportional effect on the amount of money the student may receive.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

A program designed for students showing exceptional need and Federal Pell Grant eligibility. This is also a program that does not have to be repaid. Awards average $500. Funds are awarded to eligible students on a first-come, first-serve basis until funds are exhausted. Applicants with the equivalent of a Bachelor’s Degree are not eligible for this grant.

Direct Federal Stafford Loans

Hallmark University participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program designed to assist both students with demonstrated financial need and students with no financial need. The loan may contain an interest subsidized portion (for needy students) and/or an unsubsidized portion (for non-needy students). Students must meet the minimum criteria outlined in the financial aid Eligibility Requirements section. Eligible parents may also qualify for Parent Loans (Federal Direct PLUS Loans). Federal Stafford Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. If you have borrowed student loans and would like to view your loan status, loan amounts (individual and cumulative), please link to this website: National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) – Student Access.

Types Of Loans

A Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. The federal government pays the interest on the loan until the student begins repayment or during periods of deferment.

A Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is not based on financial need. Interest is accrued from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Students can choose to pay the interest while they are in school or allow it to accumulate until repayment. Students that do not pay the interest while attending school will pay more over the life of the loan.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan is a program available to parents of dependent students wishing to borrow on behalf of that student in order to meet the cost of attendance. The student’s parents must be a United States Citizen or eligible noncitizen and must pass a required credit check in order to be eligible. The repayment period for Direct PLUS Loans begins on the date of the last disbursement of the loan.

Repayment Of Your Loan

No payment of the principal is required while the student is enrolled in school at least half-time or during their grace period. Students begin repayment of Stafford Loans six months after they graduate, withdraw from school or drop below half-time status. The following terms will apply once in repayment.

Minimum payment of at least $50.00 per month (this monthly payment may be more depending on the amount of loans borrowed) for Direct Loans.
Standard repayment term of 10 years, unless other terms are granted by the lender
Borrowers may have their payments temporarily postponed under certain conditions (deferment and forbearance)
No penalty for early repayment

Step 1: Create a New FSA ID

An FSA ID gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature. It allows you to electronically sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), check its status online, and access your account information. Your FSA ID also can be used to sign loan contracts and to access certain information online.
Only create an FSA ID using your own personal information and for your own exclusive use. You are not authorized to create an FSA ID on behalf of someone else, including a family member. Misrepresentation of your identity to the federal government could result in criminal or civil penalties. Getting your FSA ID is the first necessary step to apply for financial aid. Getting an FSA ID before you begin the FAFSA could prevent processing delays, and it only takes a few minutes to apply. To create your own personal FSA ID, click here:

Step 2: Complete your FAFSA

Federal Pell Grants are the foundation of federal student financial aid and are generally awarded only to undergraduate students – those who haven’t earned a bachelor’s degree. Filling out the FAFSA® can be a straightforward and easy process.

You’ll need an FSA ID, a username, and a password combination that allows you to sign your FAFSA electronically. You can get your FSA ID as you fill out the FAFSA, but you also have the option to get it ahead of time. (See Step 1)

The online FAFSA will guide you through the application; click on the “Start A New FAFSA” button on the home page and just follow the directions on the screen. Hallmark University’s School code is 010509.

To complete your Free Application for Federal Student aid (FAFSA) apply at: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Step 3: Complete Student Loan Entrance Counseling

The U.S. Department of Education requires that all students wishing to borrow under the Federal Stafford Loan program participate in loan entrance counseling before receiving funds. The purpose of this entrance counseling session is to review the types of loans that may be available to you, to make sure you understand the terms of each loan type, and to inform you of your responsibility for repaying the loans.

Here is an overview of the questions we will answer during this session:

• What loans are available and what are your responsibilities?
• What is a Master Promissory Note and how does it affect you?
• What should you do if you withdraw from school?
• How can you review information about your total loan debt?
• What is a typical monthly loan payment for students who receive federal financial aid?
• Who can you contact if you have questions about your loan or your rights and responsibilities as a student borrower?

Once you are finished with this counseling session, you will review the information and take a short quiz. The Entrance Counseling tutorial and quiz are required by the federal government. They must be completed for you to be eligible for loans. Please note, to complete this Entrance Counseling and Exam, you will need your FSA ID to access your loan. To help you satisfy this requirement visit https://studentaid.gov/

Step 4: Sign a Master Promissory Note

Students who need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) will need:

Approximately 30 minutes to complete

MPN must be completed in a single session

The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s); for instance, it will include information on how interest is calculated and what deferment and cancellation provisions are available to you.

To receive your loans without delay, your MPN must be completed as soon as possible. This MPN will be used for all of your loans over multiple academic years. To help you satisfy this requirement visit https://Studentaid.gov

If you have previously completed either a Direct Loan MPN or a Direct PLUS Loan Request, some of this information may be populated for you. You should review all populated information carefully for accuracy.

Military Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

TA funds are a unique, distinct source of financial aid available to eligible Service members.

Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process, and restrictions. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services. Because each branch has its own application process and criteria for eligibility, please contact your duty station’s Education Office to learn more about your available benefits.

For more information, please visit these sites:
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-active-duty/
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-selected-reserve/
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/
https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/

For branch-specific information, please visit these sites:
Army
Navy
Marines
Air Force
Coast Guard

A student of Hallmark University who withdraws as a result of being called to active duty in a military service of the United States or the Texas National Guard the following policies will apply:

If tuition and fees are collected in advance of the withdrawal, a withdrawal calculation will be calculated for any tuition, fees, and other charges paid by the student for the program up to the last day of attendance.  A tuition credit will be applied for the portion of the program the student did not complete following withdrawal. A grade of “WM” withdrawn military will be assigned for the courses the student is currently attending.  If applicable the assignment of an appropriate final grade or credit for the currently enrolled course(s) in the program, but only if the instructor(s) of the program determines that the student has satisfactorily completed at least 90 percent of the required coursework for the course and demonstrated sufficient mastery of the course material to receive credit for completing the course.  This does not apply to the College of Aeronautics, students are required to complete 100% of the hours in the course/program. The student has the right to re-enroll in the program, or a substantially equivalent program if the current program is no longer available, not later than the first anniversary of the date the student is discharged from active military duty without payment of additional tuition, fees, or other charges for the program other than any previously unpaid contract balance.

Tuition Assistance Program Refund Policy:

    This refund policy only applies to the course or courses that the student was enrolled in and had posted attendance for at the time of withdrawal; payment must have been paid or authorized by Tuition Assistance Program Funds.  This policy applies to the Tuition Assistance portion only.  Any refund due of Tuition Assistance Program Funds will be returned directly to the military service, not to the service member.

   The Tuition Assistance Program will receive a refund on the portion of the tuition paid based on the date of official withdrawal and the applicable percentage of a nine (9) week term:

1. 100% prior to the first class day of the Term.
2. 95% during week one (1) of the Term.
3. 75% during week two (2) through week three (3) of the Term.
4. 55% during week four (4) through week five (5) of the Term.
5. 0% during week six (6) through week (9).

What does Net Price mean?

Net Price is the amount that a student pays to attend an institution in a single academic year AFTER subtracting scholarships and grants the student receives. Scholarships and grants are forms of financial aid that a student does not have to pay back.

What is a Net Price Calculator?

Net price calculators are available to allow prospective students to enter information about themselves to find out what students like them paid to attend the institution in the previous year, after taking grants and scholarship aid into account.

Hallmark University Net Price Calculator

What is Ready to Work?

Ready to Work is San Antonio’s premier workforce program that offers high-quality education and training that the better-paying jobs require. For too long, quality education has been out of reach for San Antonio residents.

In 2020, San Antonio voters decided to invest over $200 million to offer scholarships and support services to eligible participants. No other city in the nation is investing in its residents like San Antonio. Ready to Work will pay for training and education programs for over 28,000 eligible adults. Approved courses are aligned with careers that are in high demand and that are well-paid. Types of training include:

• High-school equivalency courses, like a GED
• Industry-recognized credential and certificate programs
• Associate degree programs
• Bachelor’s degree programs

Ready to Work coaches will help you evaluate training, education, and employment options throughout your journey.

Who is eligible for Ready to Work?

Ready to Work is intended to serve San Antonio residents that are unemployed or employed in low paid jobs that don’t make full use of their skills and abilities.

To be eligible for Ready to Work:

You must be:

• At least 18 years old
• A resident of San Antonio or a military-connected resident of Bexar County
• Permitted to work in the United States
• Willing to take assessments related to workforce readiness; and
• Willing to complete training and education aligned with high-demand careers; and
• Your household income cannot exceed 250% of the federal poverty guidelines, which are periodically updated.For example, as of January 2023:
  A household of one (individual) with an annual income of no more than $36,450 would qualify for Ready to Work. An individual within a household of four with an annual income of no more than $75,000 would qualify for Ready to Work.

What are eligibility requirements for military-connected residents?

Effective May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024, Military-connected residents living in Bexar County that
otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may participate. For this purpose, “Military-connected” means:

• Active-duty servicemembers transitioning to civilian life within 12 months of separation;
• Active-duty military spouses and dependents 18 and older (18-26 for dependent children);
• Reservists and National Guard members, spouses, and dependents 18 and older (18-26 for dependent children); and
• Veterans (including disabled veterans), spouses and dependents 18 and older (18-26 for dependent children)
• For military-connected residents, “household income” excludes wages of active-duty servicemembers transitioning to civilian life within 12 months of separation (effective May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024)

What documentation will I need to show?

To verify eligibility, you will need certain documentation, such as the following. Your Ready to Work
coach will help you compile these documents if necessary.

Permitted to work in the US:

• Social Security card
• U.S. Birth Certificate
• U.S. citizen ID card
• Lawful resident citizen ID card, or;
• Native American tribal documentation

Proof of San Antonio Residency:

• Current lease
• Mortgage statement
• Utility bill
• Driver’s License, or;
• State-issued ID card

Proof of Age:

• Birth Certificate
• State-issued ID card or;
• Driver’s License

Income:

• Pay stubs, or;
• Receipt of SNAP, TANF, or similar benefits

Military-connected residents only:

• Valid Military ID
• DEERS enrollment
• DD214
• DD215
• DD256
• National Guard Bureau Form (NGB)
• Hazelwood Act documentation
• Driver’s License with Veterans’ designation or VA-issued ID card