At $20,498/yr net price, University of the Incarnate Word graduates earn $56,733/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,733/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,498 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,992 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,733/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,733/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,434/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,203/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,732/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,772/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,584/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $131,177 | $219,290 |
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $96,345 | $238,257 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $84,653 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,296 | $185,973 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,576 | $33,190 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,253 | $36,654 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $58,673 | $49,215 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,496 | $24,643 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $56,415 | $34,843 |
| Education, General. | Master | $49,436 |
The Risk Factor
51.8% of students at University of the Incarnate Word graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of the Incarnate Word delivers strong financial returns if you pursue the right programs, but steer clear of the health professions that require massive debt loads. The $56,733 median earnings at 10 years represent solid value given the $20,498 net price, particularly in San Antonio's cost of living context.
Pharmacy tops the earnings list at $131,177 annually, but you'll graduate with $219,290 in debt that could take decades to pay off. Optometry presents an even worse debt-to-earnings ratio with $238,257 in loans for $96,345 in annual income. These programs trap you in high-debt scenarios that may never deliver positive returns.
Education at $84,653 annually offers the best financial outcome since it typically requires no additional debt beyond the standard $27,000 median. Accounting provides steady returns at $59,576 with manageable debt of $33,190. Both align well with San Antonio's job market and avoid the debt traps of UIW's health programs.
The 51.80% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without degrees but still carry debt. The 72.38% retention rate suggests many students recognize problems early, but transfers mean lost time and credits.
You'll find UIW financially worthwhile if you pursue education, business, or traditional liberal arts programs that keep debt reasonable. The school works best for local students who can minimize housing costs and plan to work in San Antonio after graduation. Skip UIW entirely if you're considering pharmacy or optometry unless you have substantial family financial support that eliminates borrowing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of the Incarnate Word worth the cost?
University of the Incarnate Word's value depends heavily on your program choice. Pharmacy and optometry graduates earn well above the $56,733 average, but most other programs produce earnings that barely justify the $27,000 median debt load.
What programs at University of the Incarnate Word have the best ROI?
Pharmacy ($131,177 median earnings) and optometry ($96,345) offer strong returns at University of the Incarnate Word. Education and rehabilitation programs provide decent outcomes, but most other majors struggle to justify their costs.
How much debt do University of the Incarnate Word graduates typically have?
University of the Incarnate Word graduates carry a median debt of $27,000. With average earnings of $56,733 ten years after graduation, this creates a manageable but not impressive debt-to-income ratio for most students.
Does University of the Incarnate Word have good graduation rates?
University of the Incarnate Word's 51.8% graduation rate is concerning and well below national averages. Nearly half of students who start here don't finish, which significantly increases the financial risk of attending.