About University of the Incarnate Word
The University of the Incarnate Word serves 4,545 students in San Antonio's urban landscape. This Catholic institution has built its reputation around health sciences, particularly pharmacy and nursing programs that feed into Texas's growing medical sector. The university emphasizes community service as part of its mission, reflecting its Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word heritage dating back to 1881. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for many families. While sticker price reaches $49,656, the average student pays just $20,498 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $56,733 ten years out, making the typical $27,000 debt load manageable with monthly payments around $286. The university accepts 94% of applicants, making it accessible to students with SAT scores around 1022.
UIW's student body is 66% Hispanic and 94% in-state, creating a distinctly Texan campus culture. The Cardinals compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 19 sports with over $13 million in athletic scholarships. However, the 52% graduation rate suggests students need strong motivation to succeed. About 43% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation college students.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for many families. While sticker price reaches $49,656, the average student pays just $20,498 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $56,733 ten years out, making the typical $27,000 debt load manageable with monthly payments around $286. The university accepts 94% of applicants, making it accessible to students with SAT scores around 1022.
UIW's student body is 66% Hispanic and 94% in-state, creating a distinctly Texan campus culture. The Cardinals compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 19 sports with over $13 million in athletic scholarships. However, the 52% graduation rate suggests students need strong motivation to succeed. About 43% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation college students.
Academics & Faculty
This Catholic university has built a strong reputation in health sciences, particularly pharmacy and nursing programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes and more personalized attention from professors. However, the 52% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to complete their degrees. The school's education programs also draw students who want to teach in San Antonio's diverse communities. With 65.96% Hispanic enrollment, UIW serves as an important pathway for first-generation college students in South Texas. The Catholic mission emphasizes service learning, connecting classroom theory to real-world community needs through required volunteer work.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 50.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.8%
- Retention Rate
- 72.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,733
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $131,177 |
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $96,345 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $84,653 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,296 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,576 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,253 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $58,673 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,496 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $56,415 |
| Education, General. | Master | $49,436 |
Campus Life
The University of the Incarnate Word sits on a tree-lined campus in San Antonio's Broadway Cultural Corridor, just minutes from downtown's River Walk and music scene. With housing for only 1,217 students out of 4,545 total enrollment, about 27% live on campus, creating a commuter-friendly atmosphere where many students drive in from across the city. San Antonio's subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and rarely a heavy coat, with temperatures averaging in the 80s and 90s during the long academic year.
Women make up 64% of the student body, and the campus reflects its strong Catholic identity through service learning requirements and campus ministry programs. With 65.96% Hispanic enrollment, UIW serves as a bridge between cultures in one of America's most diverse major cities. Students often spend weekends exploring San Antonio's food scene, attending Spurs games, or participating in the university's 19 Division I sports programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate class discussions, while the city setting offers internships and job opportunities that contribute to the 91.2% employment rate after graduation.
Women make up 64% of the student body, and the campus reflects its strong Catholic identity through service learning requirements and campus ministry programs. With 65.96% Hispanic enrollment, UIW serves as a bridge between cultures in one of America's most diverse major cities. Students often spend weekends exploring San Antonio's food scene, attending Spurs games, or participating in the university's 19 Division I sports programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate class discussions, while the city setting offers internships and job opportunities that contribute to the 91.2% employment rate after graduation.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,217 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1881
Campus Safety (2023)
51 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Burglary | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 40°–63°F
- July Avg
- 74°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 34.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.1"
Student Demographics
Nearly two-thirds of students are women, reflecting the university's strength in nursing, education, and pharmacy programs that traditionally attract female students. Hispanic students make up 66% of enrollment, making this one of the most diverse Catholic universities in Texas. The student body draws heavily from San Antonio and surrounding areas, with 94% coming from in-state. Over 40% receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to serving working-class families in the region. This demographic mix aligns with UIW's Catholic mission of educational accessibility and community service.
- Men
- 35.9%
- Women
- 64.1%
- White
- 15.2%
- Black
- 7.4%
- Hispanic
- 66.0%
- Asian
- 2.4%
- In-State Students
- 94.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 42.9%
Location
University of the Incarnate Word sits in San Antonio, Texas, the seventh-largest city in the United States with over 1.5 million residents. The campus occupies 154 acres in the Alamo Heights area, just minutes from downtown San Antonio's famous River Walk and historic missions. Students experience true big-city living with access to major league sports, diverse neighborhoods, and a thriving job market driven by healthcare, military, and technology sectors. The warm climate and rich Hispanic culture define daily life here. Nearly 95% of students come from within Texas, reflecting the university's strong regional draw. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare University of the Incarnate Word with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- San Antonio, Texas 78209
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,733
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,329
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of the Incarnate Word?
University of the Incarnate Word accepts 94.2% of applicants, making it very accessible to students. The average SAT score is 1022, reflecting the school's commitment to serving a diverse range of students in San Antonio's large Hispanic community.
How much does University of the Incarnate Word cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $20,498 despite a sticker price of $49,656 total cost of attendance. Nearly 43% of students receive Pell Grants, and the school provides substantial institutional grants averaging $24,805 to help make this Catholic education affordable.
What academic programs is University of the Incarnate Word known for?
The university excels in pharmacy, nursing, and education programs with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. This Catholic institution emphasizes community service alongside academics, preparing students for careers that serve others in the San Antonio community.
What are the graduation outcomes at University of the Incarnate Word?
The six-year graduation rate is 51.8%, and graduates earn a median salary of $56,733 ten years after enrollment. With an employment rate of 91.2%, the university successfully connects students to career opportunities despite the moderate graduation timeline.
Where do University of the Incarnate Word students live?
Campus housing accommodates 1,217 students out of 4,545 total enrollment, creating a close-knit residential community. The university serves primarily Texas students, with 94.25% coming from in-state, fostering strong local connections.
Does University of the Incarnate Word compete in Division I athletics?
The Cardinals compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Southland Conference with 19 varsity sports. The university awards $13.2 million in athletic scholarships to 501 student-athletes, demonstrating significant investment in competitive sports programs.
