Students at Hallmark University benefit from exceptional affordability that makes higher education accessible to families across income levels, particularly first-generation and low-income students.
The university provides earnings beyond expectations compared with similar institutions, though overall outcomes remain modest relative to larger research universities.
Hallmark University is a small private nonprofit institution in San Antonio, Texas, that focuses on career-oriented education with strong affordability for low-income students. The university serves a diverse student body, with nearly 50% receiving Pell Grants and 46% being first-generation college students, reflecting its commitment to providing educational access to underserved populations.
The institution operates as what mobility researchers classify as an "Under-Resourced Institution," meaning it provides broad access but faces challenges in delivering the strongest long-term earnings outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $40,183 ten years after enrollment, which places the university in the lower tier nationally for earnings outcomes. However, the university does provide earnings beyond expectations of about $4,520 compared with similar students at other institutions.
Hallmark University's strength lies in its affordability rather than earnings outcomes. Low-income students pay just $9,387 annually, well below national averages, while middle-income families see costs around $11,096. The university's small size and focused program offerings in computer support and business administration provide direct pathways to employment, though earnings potential remains more modest than at larger research universities.
Hallmark University's program portfolio centers on practical, career-oriented fields that provide direct pathways to employment. The Computer Support Specialist program represents the university's strongest offering, graduating 73 students annually with median earnings of $45,500 ten years after graduation. This program combines substantial enrollment with the institution's highest earnings outcomes, making it the cornerstone of Hallmark's academic mission.
Business Administration and Management serves as the university's largest program, graduating 57 students with median earnings of $37,748. While earnings are more modest than the computer support program, business administration provides broad foundational skills that serve graduates across multiple industries. The general nature of this degree reflects the university's focus on accessible education rather than specialized high-earning tracks.
The concentration in these two fields reflects Hallmark University's mission as a career-focused institution serving the San Antonio region. Both programs align with local workforce needs and provide graduates with immediately applicable skills, though earning potential remains more limited than programs at larger research universities with broader academic offerings and stronger industry connections.
Graduates of Hallmark University see modest long-term earnings outcomes, with a median of $40,183 ten years after enrollment. While this places the institution in the lower tier nationally for earnings, graduates do earn about $4,520 more than similar students at comparable institutions, indicating the university provides some earnings beyond expectations. The university's return on investment reflects its focus on immediate workforce preparation rather than high-earning career tracks.
The strongest financial outcomes come from the Computer Support Specialist program, which graduates 73 students annually with median earnings of $45,500 ten years out. This represents the university's highest aggregate return program, combining solid enrollment with above-average pay for the institution. Business Administration and Management, the largest program with 57 graduates, shows more modest outcomes with median earnings of $37,748, reflecting the broad nature of general business degrees.
While earnings are below those seen at major research universities, Hallmark University's focused program portfolio serves students seeking direct entry into stable career fields. The concentration in computer support and business administration aligns with regional workforce needs in San Antonio, providing graduates with practical skills for immediate employment even if long-term earning potential remains more limited than at institutions with broader academic offerings.
Affordability represents Hallmark University's strongest value proposition, particularly for low-income students who pay just $9,387 annually in net costs. This places the university well below national averages and makes it accessible to families who might otherwise struggle to afford higher education. Middle-income families see annual costs around $11,096, while even high-income students pay only $14,922, creating predictable and manageable pricing across income levels.
The university's private nonprofit status allows it to offer substantial financial aid that keeps costs low despite higher sticker prices. This pricing structure particularly benefits first-generation and Pell-eligible students, who represent nearly half the student body and often have limited family resources for college expenses. The transparent, income-based pricing helps families plan financially without unexpected cost increases.
Debt levels remain reasonable given the university's focus on affordability. Students typically graduate with about $25,438 in federal loan debt, which is manageable relative to the institution's emphasis on keeping upfront costs low. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,161, a modest level that reflects the university's success in controlling overall family financial burden through strong grant aid and reasonable net pricing.
Hallmark University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
