The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), requires colleges and universities that participate in federal student financial aid programs to disclose certain information to current and prospective students, and to university employees.
To promote access to information that will allow consumers to make informed decisions about postsecondary education, Hardin-Simmons University has developed this webpage to provide these disclosures in one location. Click on the links below for information on each topic. For additional questions, please contact the appropriate office.
* Indicates this data is included in HSU’s Federal Compliance and Student Consumer Notification, emailed to each enrolled student and current HSU Faculty/Staff each fall/spring semester. A copy is available at the end of this webpage.
1. Availability of Institutional Financial Aid Information
A link to financial information is sent to enrolled students from the HSU Business Office with payment reminders sent out before the first bill and on past due emails after the monthly bill has been sent.
Consumers may find other financial aid information by clicking the links below:
Students & Employees may reach out to the following staff or offices for Consumer Information. Tera Gibson, Director of Human Resources at Tera.Gibson@mblayst.com; Stacey Martin, VP for Student Life at smartin@mblayst.com; or the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@mblayst.com.
2. Student Financial Assistance
Did you know that more than 97% of students at Hardin-Simmons University receive some type of financial aid? Visit our Financial Aid Home page to learn more about important dates, types of available aid, and more. It’s important to apply for aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) for students that are classified as a Texas Resident who cannot apply for federal financial aid.
*Study Abroad – Hardin-Simmons University’s International Studies program is meant to provide students access to international academic programs that foster an understanding of the global community. There are many instances in which financial aid is applicable to and education abroad. It is always best to speak to a Financial Aid Advisor for more information when planning to study abroad.
Notice of Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations – Beginning with the 2021-2022 award year, having a drug conviction will no longer impact a student’s federal financial aid eligibility. However, students who are awarded State aid are still required to certify annually, prior to the disbursement of funds, that they have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance.
Direct Loans Online Exit Counseling
Federal Direct Loan student borrowers who are graduating or dropping below half-time enrollment must complete this online counseling. This session helps borrowers understand their rights, responsibilities in repayment, and options for a repayment plan. This includes students with Direct Loans, Grad PLUS loans, and Federal Consolidated loans
Visit the Federal Student Aid website, log in with your federal PIN or FSA ID, and select the “Complete Counseling” link, then “Exit Counseling” to begin.
Cost of attendance (COA) is a school’s total estimated expenses for one year. Upfront components of a cost of attendance may including tuition/fees, books, course materials, and equipment, living expenses (housing and meals), transportation, miscellaneous personal expenses, loan fees, and professional licensure, certification, or a first professional credential.
Other cost of attendance components such as costs for dependent care, disability related expenses, study abroad expenses, cooperative education costs, online/study by correspondence, confined or incarcerated students, less than half-time, or those living in in military housing may be adjusted as appropriate.
Net Price Calculator – The HSU Net Price Calculator is designed to help you estimate your 2023-24 financial aid options. It takes just 3-5 minutes to complete. If you have not filed your 2023-24 FAFSA, you will need to reference financial information found on your family’s 2021 income tax forms.
Payment Plan Calculator – The HSU Payment Plan Calculator helps you determine a payment plan to fit you budget. Actual amounts may vary due to processing and/or origination fees.
Return of Title IV Aid – The federal government mandates that students who withdraw or fail to complete all classes within a term of enrollment may only keep the financial aid they have “earned” up to the time of withdrawal. Any unearned aid must be returned even if it has already been disbursed.
Textbook Information – Information on where and how to purchase textbooks. Information regarding required and recommended textbooks and supplemental material for courses may be found in a couple of ways.
Required materials may be found on specific course syllabi provided by a student’s instructors.
Required textbooks and materials can be found online through the student’s self-service, detailing into student planning and their specific courses.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program and Student Handbook policies, Section 2. The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) requires institutions of higher education to establish policies that address unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs. Click the links above to learn more.
Security Report (Including Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures) Timely Warnings, and Crime Log – For HSU’s Emergency Notifications, students will need to set up an account in HSU Central and make sure their phone number is correct. It is also helpful if students downloaded the HSU Central application. For more information on Emergency Notification students may reach out to University Marketing at (325) 670-1862 or via e-mail at marketing@mblayst.com.
Fire Safety Report and Fire Log – All enrolled students, campus employees, prospective students, and prospective employees are entitled to request a copy of the Hardin-Simmons University Annual Fire Safety and Security Report. This year’s report is available on the HSU website under Campus Safety. Printed copies may also be requested via e-mail to hsupolice@mblayst.com or in person from the HSU Police Department and by calling 325-670-1461.
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1092(f), as amended (the “Clery Act”) is a federal law requiring all institutions of higher education receiving federal financial assistance under the programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to disclose certain timely and annual information about campus crime and security policies.
Voter Registration Forms – The Texas Secretary of State website answers many questions about voting and allows one to request an application for a voter registration form. The HSU President’s Office also notifies the HSU community via HSU email about election days and forms.
HSU honors Constitution Day on September 17, each year. Learn more at Constitution Day at HSU.
9. Disclosure Requirements Relating to Education Loans
(L-3) National Student Loan Data System – Learn more about loan data submitted to National Student Loan Data System that will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions who are authorized users of the data system.
(L-4) Entrance Counseling for Student Borrowers – Get student loan entrance counseling information from the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid that includes terms and conditions of the loan and borrower’s responsibilities.
L-5) Exit Counseling for Student Borrowers – Get student loan exit counseling information from the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid including repayment amounts, terms and conditions, and debt management strategies.
L-8) Preferred Lender Lists – Hardin-Simmons University does not use a preferred lender list, but has elected to provide students a loan resource page via ELM Resources, the software provider of ELMSelect.
L-9) Preferred Lender Arrangements – Hardin-Simmons University does not use a preferred lender list or have any arrangements with educational loan lenders. Students are directed to a loan resource page via ELMSelect. Elm Select is an independent platform that is not affiliated with the school or partner. No particular lenders or loans are endorsed.
10. Title IX
Title IX Information – HSU does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in any of its education or employment programs and activities, and it does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex or gender.
Hardin-Simmons University is committed to complying with the applicable regulations and providing honest, and reliable disclosure and student consumer information. Students or other persons having questions about the disclosures or consumer information posted on this page may contact the Financial Aid Compliance Coordinator at financialaid@mblayst.com.