University of the Incarnate Word
University of the Incarnate Word — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of the Incarnate Word at a Glance
The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is a private Catholic university with its main campus in San Antonio and Alamo Heights, Texas, United States. Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the university's main campus is located on 154 acres (0.6 km2). It is the largest Catholic university in Texas.
1881
145 years old
$188M
$188 million (2024)
9,188
6,646 undergrad · 2,542 grad
154 acres
Identity
Is University of the Incarnate Word Worth It?
At a value score of 32/100, University of the Incarnate Word is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $56,733 — 5% above average — while paying $22,775/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 51% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 98% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of the Incarnate Word has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of the Incarnate Word compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TX
Ranked #26 of 53 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #2 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #3 | Valparaiso University | 58 | $18,578 | $63,191 |
| #4 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | 54 | $15,404 | $57,273 |
| #5 | University of St Thomas | 53 | $19,359 | $59,224 |
| #6 | La Salle University | 50 | $19,409 | $67,416 |
| #26 | University of the Incarnate Word | 32 | $22,775 | $56,733 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of the Incarnate Word's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in TX.
Best Programs at University of the Incarnate Word
The highest-earning program at University of the Incarnate Word is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $58,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $18,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of the Incarnate Word earns $58,700, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $18,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $26,751 in median debt vs. $31,250 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,775/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $58,700 | $58,700 | $26,751 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $45,500 | $45,500 | $31,038 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,300 | $42,300 | $28,750 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,100 | $41,100 | $34,506 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $40,800 | $40,800 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $33,100 | $33,100 | $33,500 |
| Psychology, General | $30,500 | $30,500 | $31,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $24,900 | $24,900 | $33,956 |
| Biology, General | $24,300 | $24,300 | $27,250 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $22,700 | $22,700 | $28,375 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $18,500 | $18,500 | $31,250 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- San Antonio, TX
- Student Body
- 4,440 students
- Admission Rate
- 98%
- Graduation Rate
- 51%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,775
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $56,733
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000