Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Hallmark University

Hallmark's networking program produces graduates earning $31,847 in their first year—about $12,000 below Texas's median for similar programs and roughly $6,500 behind even the typical community college graduate in this field. While earnings do jump impressively to $47,836 by year four, that's a long wait for families to see their investment pay off, especially when Austin Community College's graduates start much closer to those numbers right out of the gate.

The $21,874 in debt sits at the median for these programs, but paired with that weak first-year salary, it creates a noticeable financial squeeze early on. Texas has 23 schools offering this degree, and this program ranks in just the 25th percentile statewide—meaning three-quarters of comparable programs produce better initial outcomes. For a competitive admission rate of 98% serving many Pell-eligible students, the value proposition feels thin when stronger alternatives exist across San Antonio and the broader state.

The very small sample size here (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty to these numbers, but even accounting for that variability, the gap between Hallmark and established community college options is substantial. Unless this program offers compelling advantages in scheduling or support services, families would likely see better returns at Dallas College, Houston Community College, or Austin Community College—all producing stronger earnings from day one.