📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.

Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.

Average Federal Net Price: $21,246 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.

Reciprocity & Regional Programs: UIW is a private university and does not participate in WUE, MSEP, or Texas reciprocal tuition programs. Families instead rely on UIW’s own scholarships and grants to reduce cost.

Some institutional scholarships and need-based aid at UIW may require completing the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA. Check requirements carefully so your student doesn’t miss out.

Cost of Attendance FAQs

Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
At UIW, tuition is the same for Texas and non-Texas residents since it is a private university.

How much do housing and meal plans really cost?
The COA uses an average. Real options range from about $6,000–$9,500 for housing and $1,900–$5,000 for meal plans depending on selections.

Is this what I’ll actually pay?
No—most families pay less once UIW scholarships, federal/state aid, and outside awards are applied. The net price box above shows the typical average after grants.

Sources:
University Cost of Attendance — https://www.uiw.edu/finaid/cost-of-attendance.html
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees — https://www.uiw.edu/busoff/documents/2024-2025-undergraduate-tuition-and-fees.pdf
Financial Aid Office — https://www.uiw.edu/finaid/
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?226757-University-of-the-Incarnate-Word
College Board BigFuture — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-the-incarnate-word/tuition-and-costs

Automatic Merit FAQs

Are standardized tests required? No—UIW is test-blind for admission and GPA merit scholarships. SAT/ACT scores are considered only for class placement, never for merit.

How is eligibility determined? UIW posts a public grid based on unweighted high school GPA; bands may update between cycles. Renewal requires remaining a full-time student in good standing each term.

Can the Catholic High School Scholarship stack with other awards? Yes—it typically stacks with UIW’s merit tiers, but total institutional aid cannot exceed cost of attendance. Confirm stacking rules in your official offer.

Any important deadlines? Rolling admission for merit, but for best results with need-based and institutional aid, submit your FAFSA or TASFA by Texas’s Jan. 15 priority date.

Sources:
UIW New Student Scholarships – https://uiw.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships.html
UIW Catholic HS Scholarship – https://uiw.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships.html
UIW Scholarship FAQ – https://uiw.edu/financialaid/faq/

Flagship (Competitive) Scholarship FAQs

How many awards are available? Three total scholarships are awarded each year across SACHS and IWHS.

Is there a separate application? No, based on class rank (top 10%) plus admission and enrollment for the fall semester. Confirm all eligibility and notification details in your offer letter.

Can this stack with other UIW aid? Stacking rules vary; typically, UIW will not allow total institutional aid to exceed the cost of attendance. Some flagship awards may limit stacking with other institutional scholarships; review your specific award terms for details.

Do test scores or superscoring matter? No; UIW is test-blind for merit awards—academic GPA and class rank are used. Test scores only matter for math placement, not for scholarship eligibility.

Sources:
UIW SACHS & IWHS Flagship Terms – https://uiw.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships.html
UIW Financial Aid & General Scholarship FAQ – https://uiw.edu/financialaid/faq/
SACHS Awards – https://sachs.org/tuition-assistance-awards/
IWHS Scholarship Programs – https://incarnatewordhs.org/scholarships-discounts/

Hidden Gem Scholarship FAQs

Do I need to audition for music awards? Yes. Band and ensemble scholarships require a Department of Music audition or screen. Apply early for best chances and highest awards.

Are study abroad scholarships guaranteed? No. They are competitive. Application deadlines for fall are March 1, for spring October 1, or three weeks before departure. Early, complete applications are essential.

Can these stack with merit? Most hidden gems can stack up to tuition, unless your award letter states otherwise. City Year awards are not stackable with other UIW scholarships.

What matters most? Apply early (and submit FAFSA/TASFA by Jan. 15) to maximize need-based, departmental, and “hidden” awards.

Sources:
UIW Scholarships – https://uiw.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships.html
UIW Music/Ensembles – https://uiw.edu/academics/music/
UIW Study Abroad Scholarships – https://uiw.edu/international/study-abroad/
UIW City Year – https://cityyear.org/university-partners/
UIW S-STEM/Chemistry – https://uiw.edu/academics/science/chemistry/
UIW Financial Aid FAQ – https://uiw.edu/financialaid/faq/

What a Typical UIW Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA around 3.6+ (unweighted), advanced coursework, strong writing samples, and a track record of leadership or service activities.

Honors Perks That Matter:

• Priority registration each semester
• Small seminar-style classes with faculty mentorship
• Honors thesis and research opportunities
• Dedicated Honors community and leadership development

Honors FAQs

Is admission automatic for high grades? No. All students must submit the Honors Program application and essay; selection is holistic and includes leadership/service, not just GPA.

Will Honors add time to my degree? No. The program is structured to fit all majors and integrate with normal time to graduation.

What is the most competitive Honors award? The Carlos & Malú Alvarez Scholars scholarship (up to $4,000/year, renewable) — requires an additional selection after general Honors admission.

What deadlines matter? March 1 is the preferred Honors priority date; applications may be accepted after that if space allows but funding may be limited.

Sources:
UIW Honors Program Overview – https://my.uiw.edu/honors/
UIW Honors Program Admissions & Deadlines – https://my.uiw.edu/honors/eligibility-and-admission.html
UIW Honors Program Requirements – https://my.uiw.edu/honors/requirements.html
UIW Alvarez Scholars Info – https://my.uiw.edu/honors/

Standout Program: The Rosenberg School of Optometry is one of only a handful of optometry schools in the nation and the only one affiliated with a Catholic university. It has earned recognition for expanding access to vision care across Texas and the Southwest.

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