University of the Incarnate Word logo

University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX Private ยท Urban www.uiw.edu
Accept Rate
93.36%
Grad Rate
52.5%
Enrollment
4,545
Avg SAT
1042
Tuition
$35,660
Median Salary
$56,733
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C+
Aid

The Vibe Check

UIW offers a warm, faith-based community that feels like a family, with a strong emphasis on personal growth and service. The campus is vibrant and diverse, blending modern facilities with a welcoming, intimate atmosphere that makes it easy to connect with peers and professors.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

93.36%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 104275th Pctl
9001140
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2075th Pctl
1724
1122436

Admissions Tips

["Highlight your commitment to service and leadership in your application essay, as UIW values community engagement and its mission.","Given the high acceptance rate, ensure your application is complete and submitted early, and consider applying for the honors program if your academic profile is strong.","With an average SAT score of 1042, aim to meet or exceed this benchmark to strengthen your application for merit-based scholarships."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1042
40080012001600
School range: 900โ€“1140

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UIW's academic strengths lie in its highly-regarded programs in health professions, business, and biology, offering robust hands-on learning and clinical opportunities. The university provides personalized attention with a low student-to-faculty ratio, fostering strong mentorship and undergraduate research in fields like nursing and pre-med.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
29%
Health Professions
23.8%
Biology & Biomedical
7.6%
Psychology
7.4%
Visual & Performing Arts
5.8%
Criminal Justice
4.2%
Communications
3%
Social Sciences
2.7%
Multidisciplinary Studies
2.1%
Engineering
1.9%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
1.9%
Education
1.8%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

52.5%
Graduation Rate
72.4%
Retention Rate
4,545
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$35,660
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$20,498
After financial aid
Total Cost
$45,850
Cost of attendance/year
42.9%
Receive Pell Grants
74.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in San Antonio

San Antonio offers a vibrant mix of culture, from the famous River Walk and historic Missions to its thriving food scene and festivals like Fiesta. Students enjoy exploring the city's diverse neighborhoods, catching Spurs games, and taking advantage of the sunny Texas weather for outdoor activities.

Local Rent Check

$1,197 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in San Antonio
Explore San Antonio

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$142,640
$0Est. 4 Years: $142,640

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($56,733):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is considered very safe with its own dedicated police department and comprehensive safety programs. The surrounding Alamo Heights neighborhood is generally safe, though students should always practice standard urban safety awareness.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong, hands-on programs in high-demand fields like Nursing, Business, and Pre-Med with direct clinical and internship opportunities.
  • โœ“ A welcoming, faith-based community that fosters personal development and a supportive, family-like atmosphere.
  • โœ“ Prime location in San Antonio provides access to a major city's cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities.

Cons

  • โœ— The 52.5% graduation rate is below the national average, which may be a concern for prospective students.
  • โœ— Tuition is higher than many public universities, requiring careful financial planning and aid navigation.
  • โœ— The urban setting may not appeal to students seeking a traditional, secluded college town experience.

Notable Alumni

James H. Binger
Former CEO of Honeywell and a prominent philanthropist.
John J. O'Connor
Retired Archbishop of San Antonio and a key figure in the university's history.
Dawn M. Smith
Former Deputy Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Frequently Asked Questions

UIW is known for its strong, faith-based educational mission rooted in the Catholic tradition. It is particularly recognized for its excellent programs in health professions, including nursing and pharmacy, as well as its business school and international programs.

No, UIW is not highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 93.36%. This indicates that admissions are accessible for most applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1042, so meeting or exceeding this range strengthens your application.

Campus life is vibrant and community-focused, with a strong sense of family and school spirit. Students can join over 100 student organizations, participate in NCAA Division II athletics, and engage in service projects and campus events that align with the university's mission.

For many students, it can be a worthwhile investment. While tuition is significant, the average net price after aid is $20,498. The value is strongest in high-ROI fields like health professions and business, where graduates see median earnings of $56,733 after 10 years.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Methodist Healthcare System USAA San Antonio Independent School District H-E-B US Army
Smart Start Score
58

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 5,741
  • In-State Tuition $35,660
  • Zip Code 78209

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 35.9% โ™€ 64.1%

The Money Talk

While the sticker price is high at $35,660, the average net price of $20,498 makes it more accessible, especially with a high Pell Grant rate indicating strong financial aid availability. The 10-year median earnings of $56,733 suggest a solid return on investment for graduates, particularly in high-demand fields like healthcare and business.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Oral Roberts University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $35,660
Housing (12 mo) $14,364
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $57,224
With avg financial aid:
$20,498/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.