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
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~98%
- Middle 50% ACT: 18–24
- Middle 50% SAT: 900–1140
- Average GPA (HS): ~3.5
Source: UIW Admissions/BigFuture & third-party summaries (latest available). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UIW at a Glance
Intro FAQs
Is UIW test-optional or test-blind, and do scores matter for scholarships?
UIW is test-blind for both admission and scholarships—ACT/SAT scores are not used for admission or merit decisions (they’re accepted for math placement only).
What are the automatic freshman merit ranges and what are they based on?
First-time freshmen are automatically considered for GPA-based academic scholarships ranging from $9,000 to $22,000 per year, renewable for up to four years.
Are there any full-tuition or full-ride awards?
There is no general full-ride program. A very limited full-tuition scholarship exists for the SACHS Valedictorian Scholarship (specific eligibility and stacking restrictions apply).
How do I apply to Honors—separate application?
Honors is competitive. You indicate interest and apply through the Honors section of UIW’s main undergraduate application; accepted Honors students gain seminar-style classes, an LLC option, and access to internal Honors scholarships.
What deadlines matter most?
Admission is rolling. For financial aid, plan for a FAFSA/TASFA priority date of Jan 15. Apply and file early to maximize scholarships and need-based aid.
Do out-of-state students get reciprocity or tuition-matching?
No. UIW is a private university, so state reciprocity programs (WUE/MSEP/ACM) don’t apply.
University Admissions — https://www.uiw.edu/admissions/
Undergraduate Scholarships — https://www.uiw.edu/admissions/scholarships.html
Honors Program — https://www.uiw.edu/honors/
Tuition & Fees — https://www.uiw.edu/busoff/documents/2024-2025-undergraduate-tuition-and-fees.pdf
College Board BigFuture — https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-the-incarnate-word
College Scorecard — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?226757-University-of-the-Incarnate-Word
CollegeData — https://www.collegedata.com/college/University-of-the-Incarnate-Word
CollegeSimply — https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/texas/university-of-the-incarnate-word/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of the Incarnate Word
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $38,570 | $38,570 |
| Housing & Meals (standard plan) | $12,070 | $12,070 |
| Total Direct Costs (Before Aid) | $50,640 | $50,640 |
Note: Books & Supplies ($1,200), Transportation ($1,650), and Personal/Miscellaneous Expenses ($1,600) are not included in the table above because they are not billed directly by UIW. These are indirect costs used for financial aid budgeting and may vary by student.
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.
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 Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman Academic Scholarship | $7,000–$20,000 | Automatic with admission; based entirely on unweighted high school GPA (test scores not used or required) | No | Yes — up to 4 years; maintain satisfactory progress | ~3.9–4.0+ GPA = top; 3.6–3.8 = mid-high; 3.2–3.5 = lower tiers (verified with current UIW grid) | Rolling; FAFSA/TASFA by Jan. 15 for priority aid |
| Catholic High School Scholarship | +$2,000 | Graduation from a Catholic high school; awarded automatically to eligible admits | No | Yes — up to 4 years with full-time enrollment | Graduates of Catholic high schools (usually stacks with merit awards, confirm in offer letter) | Rolling admission; Jan. 15 for layered aid |
Note: UIW is test-blind for admission and merit scholarships—only your unweighted GPA is used to determine awards. Award levels and eligibility are updated each cycle; always review your specific offer letter and the current UIW scholarship web page for official policy.
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.
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 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 | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SACHS & IWHS Top 10% Flagship Awards | $25,000 per year (4 years; 3 awards total) | Top 10% of graduating class at St. Anthony Catholic HS (SACHS) or Incarnate Word HS (IWHS), must enroll at UIW in the fall after graduation | No — automatic for eligible admits; awarded upon enrollment and transcript verification | Yes — up to 8 semesters; continuous full-time UIW enrollment required, minimum 2.0 GPA, renewal as long as progress is met | Top-10% graduates from SACHS or IWHS who enroll on time; awards limited and strictly merit-based per UIW guidelines | Rolling admission; early fall after graduation |
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.
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/
🎖️ 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos & Malú Alvarez Scholars | Up to $4,000 per year (renewable 4 yrs) | Incoming freshmen admitted to the Honors Program; selection based on academic excellence, service, leadership, and financial need | Yes — UIW Honors Program application (competitive cohort) | Yes — maintain Honors standing and GPA progression (3.25–3.5 by Jr. year) | Top students in each Honors applicant pool (~10 yearly); admit GPA ~3.6+, leadership, and strong essays/service noted | March 1 priority; final May 1 if space allows |
Note: The Alvarez Scholars is the primary Honors-specific scholarship, by competitive selection. Entry is limited to a small cohort and requires both academic and service leadership. General Honors application is due by March 1; space may be available through May 1 for additional admits. Renewal requires annual GPA and Honors standing checks.
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.
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/
⭐ 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.