University of the Incarnate Word Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Private schools like UIW can look pricey on paper, but most families don’t pay the sticker. This guide breaks down what UIW really costs, the merit awards that come with admission, and the selective or “hidden gem” scholarships that can stack and bring the net price down. If you’re in Texas, don’t forget to layer state aid—start with our plain-English Texas financial aid guide and come back here to compare UIW’s options.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of the Incarnate Word
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12–18 credits) | $38,570 | $38,570 |
| Housing & Meals (typical plan) | $12,070 | $12,070 |
| Books, Travel, Personal (allowance) | $4,442 | $4,442 |
| Total (before aid) | ≈ $55,082 | ≈ $55,082 |
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 choices.
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.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman Academic Scholarships | $7,000–$20,000/yr (2025–26) | Automatic with admission; based on high school GPA (test scores not required). | No | Yes — up to 4 years; maintain satisfactory progress per offer letter. | *Estimates*: ~3.9–4.0+ → top tier; 3.6–3.8 → mid-high; 3.2–3.5 → lower tiers. We’ll replace with UIW’s 2025–26 grid if posted mid-cycle. |
| Catholic High School Scholarship | +$2,000/yr | Graduate of a Catholic high school; awarded automatically when admitted. | No | Yes — typically up to 4 years while enrolled full-time. | Graduates of Catholic high schools (stacks with academic merit; confirm on award letter). |
Note on ranges: UIW’s site shows $7k–$20k for 2025–26. UIW also publishes named tiers of $9k–$22k for students entering Summer/Fall 2026; those are shown here only for context while we await the 2025–26 public grid.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do they superscore the SAT/ACT? UIW is test optional/test blind for admission and scholarships — scores (if submitted) are used for placement only, so superscoring does not apply for merit.
Is a separate scholarship application required? No. Freshman academic scholarships and the Catholic High School Scholarship are automatic with admission.
Can these stack with other awards? The Catholic High School Scholarship typically stacks with academic merit. Overall aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance; partner/external awards may have their own stacking rules — check your award letter.
Any priority dates? Complete your admission file early for best consideration. For need-based aid layering, submit FAFSA/TASFA by Texas’s priority date (Jan 15) and complete any CSS Profile steps if requested by UIW.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (highly competitive, limited awards)
These are UIW’s selective, university-level awards with extra competitiveness signals (few recipients, narrow eligibility). They function like classic competitive scholarships: limited slots and clear academic bar.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SACHS & IWHS Top 10% Flagship Awards | $25,000/yr (4 years) • 3 scholarships total | For seniors graduating in the top 10% of their class at St. Anthony Catholic High School (SACHS) or Incarnate Word High School (IWHS) who are admitted to and enroll at UIW in the fall immediately after graduation. | No — awarded to eligible admits/enrollees (confirm on award letter) | Yes — up to 8 semesters; maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress (see award terms) | Top-10% graduates from SACHS or IWHS who complete UIW admission and enroll on time; awards are limited and merit-based. |
Flagship (Competitive) Scholarship FAQs
How many awards are available? Three total scholarships across SACHS and IWHS each year.
Is there a separate application? No separate application is indicated; eligibility is based on class rank (top 10%), admission to UIW, and fall enrollment. Always verify details on your offer letter.
Can this stack with other UIW aid? Institutional stacking policies vary by year and award. Typically, UIW packages aid up to the cost of attendance; some flagship awards may limit stacking with other institutional scholarships. Read your award terms.
Do test scores or superscoring matter? UIW is test-optional; scores (if submitted) are considered for placement and may be superscored, but eligibility here centers on class rank (top 10%) plus admission and enrollment.
⭐ College Specialty
UIW is best known for its strength in health professions and service-focused education. As a Catholic private university in San Antonio, it has built an impressive network of professional schools and clinical partnerships that create pipelines into high-demand fields.
- Osteopathic Medicine (SOM): UIW’s School of Osteopathic Medicine is among the newest in Texas and emphasizes training physicians for underserved communities.
- Pharmacy: The Feik School of Pharmacy is noted for its focus on serving Hispanic and medically underserved populations in South Texas.
- Nursing & Health Professions: The Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing & Health Professions consistently ranks among the top nursing programs in Texas for producing BSN and graduate-prepared nurses.
- Chemistry: The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry holds continued ACS approval (2025), a national marker of curriculum rigor and lab quality.
🎖️ Honors College
The University of the Incarnate Word’s Honors Program is designed for high-achieving, service-minded students who want smaller classes, a supportive cohort, and extra academic challenge. Admission is by application, and selection looks at GPA, rigor, essays, and leadership potential rather than just test scores.
High school GPA around 3.6+ (unweighted), advanced coursework, strong writing samples, and a track record of leadership or service activities.
- Priority registration each semester
- Small seminar-style classes with faculty mentorship
- Honors thesis and research opportunities
- Dedicated Honors community and leadership development
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos & Malú Alvarez Scholars | Up to $4,000/yr (4 years) | Incoming freshmen admitted to the UIW Honors Program; selection based on academic excellence, service, and financial need | Yes — Honors Program application; competitive cohort (≈10 students) | Yes — maintain Honors standing and good academic progress | High-achieving, service-minded students with strong leadership and GPA ~3.6+ who stand out in the Honors applicant pool |
Note: The Alvarez Scholars award is one of the few Honors-specific scholarships at UIW. Cohort size is small (≈10 students per year), so it should be viewed as highly competitive.
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic if I have high grades? No. Students must apply to the Honors Program and submit essays; decisions are holistic.
Does joining Honors add time to my degree? No. The Honors curriculum is designed to integrate into your existing major requirements.
Are there extra scholarships? The Honors Program itself does not provide broad automatic awards, but select students may be invited to the Carlos & Malú Alvarez Scholars cohort, which carries up to $4,000/year in additional support.
When should I apply? Students are encouraged to apply early in the admission cycle to secure a spot; deadlines are posted each year by the Honors office.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
For families looking at the University of the Incarnate Word, the numbers can feel big at first glance — but the reality is that few students pay the full sticker price. With automatic merit awards, niche hidden-gem scholarships, and strong programs in health and the arts, UIW can be a competitive private option in Texas. The key is applying early, understanding stacking rules, and keeping an eye on extras like Honors and study abroad that can add both value and cost. With some planning, parents can make UIW an affordable choice that still opens doors in high-demand fields.
✅ Last updated: September 25, 2025