University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, Texas
The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, is a private, Catholic university that grants bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
With over 90 undergraduate degrees to choose from, an 11-to-1 student to faculty ratio and $150 million in financial aid awarded annually to admitted students, UIW strives to provide students with numerous opportunities to reach their academic goals and make a positive change in the world in a multitude of ways, including community service. (The Class of 2020 alone performed 45,151 hours of community service!)
UIW Cardinals are located around the world. UIW has locations throughout the beautiful city of San Antonio, in South and Central Texas, and has two campuses in Mexico and a European Study Center in Strasbourg, France.
Get to know University of the Incarnate Word
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Concert band
- Dance
- Drama/theatre
- International Student Organization
- Jazz band
- Literary magazine
- Marching band
- Music ensembles
- Pep band
- Radio station
- Student government
- Student newspaper
- Symphony orchestra
- Television station
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Common Intellectual Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practicums
Campus Resources
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Library Services
- Faculty Mentors
- Disability Services
- Health Services
- Academic Tutors
- Financial Aid Advisors
- Student Success Initiative
- Veteran Services
- Peer Mentors
- Counseling
College Highlights
“One of the reasons why I love UIW is because they incorporate faith-based opportunities into the curriculum. Another reason why I love UIW is because of the smaller classes. Students and faculty know you by your name, creating an engaged environment since freshman year.” — Hannah Martinez, Biochemistry major
FIRST-YEAR ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
The First-Year Engagement Office is dedicated to promoting the success of every UIW freshman, helping them locate and utilize campus resources that will support them throughout their education. Students begin to understand that they are the stewards of their education and thus adopt habits of self-responsibility and awareness. And, with the friendly guidance of academic advisors, they develop time management and study skills, make a confident major selection, and connect with a peer mentor.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
A tradition since 2008, Incarnate Word’s Research Week invites students to participate in a week-long celebration of academic scholarship. Faculty, staff and students are all encouraged to give presentations, demonstrations and lectures in the following categories: posters, podium presentations, performing arts presentations, visual arts presentations and service-learning presentations.
STUDY ABROAD
UIW encourages all students to take advantage of study abroad opportunities. Whether through a faculty-led trip or a semester at one of the university’s 100 sister schools, students reap the benefits of experiential learning, career advancement, and exposure to different people and cultures.
TRiO
The Student Support Services at UIW is a federally funded TRiO program, which provides academic support and leadership development at no cost to students. The program is designed to give particularly helpful service and support to first-generation or low-income students as they work toward graduation.
CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 336 | 10-19: 453 | 20-29: 343
30-39: 42 | 40-49: 21 | 50-99: 18 | 100+: 0
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident aliens: 4%
Hispanic/Latino: 57%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 7%
White, non-Hispanic: 19%
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 2%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 8%
“At UIW, we are very fortunate that we have beautiful buildings, but it’s not these beautiful buildings that makes the UIW experience. What makes the experience is the people, and those people are available to you whether it’s online or face-to-face.” — Dr. Trey Guinn, Communication Arts Program Director
With over 90 majors, minors and concentrations, the University’s academics are comprehensive and diverse. All passions are welcome to thrive.
CORE CURRICULUM
At the center of the undergraduate educational experience is the Core Curriculum, an integrated and sequenced course of study founded on the principles of a liberal arts education. Students study rhetoric, philosophy, theology, literature, arts, mathematics, history, and the natural and social sciences. UIW strives to educate the whole person—body, mind, emotions, and spirit—an effort best achieved through such a comprehensive core curriculum.
WRITING-INTENSIVE COURSES
UIW students have big ideas worth sharing. That’s why all students are prepared to enter the workforce and beyond as effective communicators. The University believes that students must learn how to think critically and communicate effectively. With that in mind, the Core Curriculum emphasizes writing ability with mandatory rhetoric and composition courses.
SERVICE-LEARNING
Students are encouraged to further exemplify the University’s values by participating in service-learning opportunities. Rooted in the value of service to others, these opportunities allow students to learn while giving back to the surrounding communities. One example of perspective-enhancing service includes the Honors Program’s social justice trips to McAllen and El Paso, which steep students in the issues at the U.S.-Mexico border.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Exchange student program (domestic)
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
“On any given day at UIW, there is always something going on around campus, whether it’s student organizations tabling in the circle, activities and crafts, or free food and music. There are countless places on campus for students to hang out, study, socialize and make memories. You can feel the family atmosphere everywhere you go on the UIW campus.” — Maddie Slaughter, UIW Campus Visit Coordinator
Located in the dynamic, bustling city of San Antonio, Texas, the University of the Incarnate Word invites students to make a home on its beautiful campus. UIW’s community is engaging, inclusive and fun.
LEARNING COMMUNITIES
In a Learning Community, students enroll in two or more classes together to create a community of learners. These communities foster meaningful relationships among students and impart valuable team-building and leadership skills.
CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT
Campus Engagement provides cultural, social and recreational programs for students. There’s always something happening on campus to help students make memories, cultivate meaningful relationships and develop leadership skills.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
UIW is made unique by the contributions of each student. Their individuality is reflected in the many student organizations that make campus a fun and inspiring place to be. Students can choose from academic, honorary, professional, special interest or university sponsored organizations, and make lasting friendships and gain valuable experience.
GREEK LIFE
The Greek community at UIW is committed to upholding the University’s mission of academic excellence, service, and brotherhood and sisterhood.
SCHOOL LOCATION
The University of the Incarnate Word has been seated in the front row to witness San Antonio’s fast-paced, inspiring evolution over the years. Today, the city has grown to be the second largest city in Texas with the fastest-growing economy in the nation. Students learn and grow in a city known for its unparalleled diversity, cultural richness and economic prosperity.
ATHLETICS
Driven, talented athletes participate in UIW’s NCAA Division I sports in the Southland Conference. Men’s sports include football, baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, fencing, tennis, swimming and diving. Women’s sports include golf, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and track and field. Go Cardinals!
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 42%
Undergraduates: 18%
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Men’s dorms
Women’s dorms
Special housing for disabled students
Special housing for international students
“UIW was the first institution to offer higher education to women in Central and South Texas. We consistently rank among the top universities serving our nation’s veterans. UIW is ranked number one nationally among faith-based universities graduating Hispanic students with bachelor’s degrees.”
STUDENT SUCCESS SERVICES
Rooted in the Incarnate Word traditions of service, academic excellence, and development of the whole person, Student Success Services is committed to helping students at every stage of their academic career.
UNIVERSITY ADVISING CENTER
As its name suggests, the University Advising Center (UAC) is designed to help students make the most of their education at the University of the Incarnate Word. UAC can aid in anything from academic major selection to GPA calculation.
CAREER SERVICES
The Office of Career Services is there to help students and alumni in their career exploration and development. Available services include career counseling, personality and career assessment, résumé and cover letter review, and programs to assist with post graduation success. Students also enjoy connections to regional employers to enhance internship and job opportunities.
Admission
The University of the Incarnate Word Office of Admissions supports students as they start their academic journey. Admissions counselors will walk you through campus or talk to you through a virtual tour. They guide students through the application steps, financial aid award letters and are there through orientation and the first days of class. Whether in-person, on the phone or online, UIW is available for one-on-one assistance.
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Academic GPA | Standardized test scores
Important
Class rank
Considered
Application Essay | Recommendation(s) | Interview | Extracurricular activities
Talent/ability | Character/personal qualities | First generation | Alumni/ae relation
Volunteer work | Work experience | Level of applicant’s interest
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 480 | 75th Percentile: 580
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 470 | 75th Percentile: 560
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 16 | 75th Percentile: 22
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 16 | 75th Percentile: 22
ACT English
25th Percentile: 15 | 75th Percentile: 22
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $29,900
Fees: $2,676
Room: $7,520
Board: $5,304
Aid
UIW strives to make its world-class education as accessible and affordable as possible. Every completed application is considered for scholarships. In the 2019-2020 academic year, 98% of students received financial assistance and the average amount of need-based scholarships and grants awarded to full-time, first-time freshman students was $21,610.
What Others are Saying
Contact University of the Incarnate Word
Contact Admissions
uiw.edu/admissions
(210) 829-6005
admis@uiwtx.edu
Campus Location
4301 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 829-6000