Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is the largest Catholic university in the state and the fourth-largest private university in Texas based on global enrollment. With committed professors, amazing international opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities, UIW is a leader in developing students who are prepared to take on the world. 

At UIW, students can choose from many interesting and challenging majors. Whether in Biology, Business Administration, Nursing, Cyber Security, Photography, Fashion Design, Education, Graphic Design, or just about anything else, UIW can prepare students to meet their dreams. In all, UIW offers over 90 undergraduate, graduate, PhD, and professional programs, including Pharmacy, Optometry, Physical Therapy, Nursing, and Osteopathic Medicine. With a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an average class size of 25, students build relationships that extend beyond the classroom.

UIW admits qualified applicants on a continual, or rolling, basis throughout the year. Students are encouraged to complete their applications in a timely fashion, allowing sufficient time to process financial aid awards. Prospective students may also schedule a visit to tour the campus, meet our students and faculty, and take time to ask the important questions. 

UIW offers direct-admit programs in Nursing, Osteopathic Medicine, Optometry, Pharmacy, and Physical Therapy for highly qualified first-time freshman students. More information regarding specific programs is available on each program’s webpages via uiw.edu.  

Big city, small community
UIW’s private campus is located near downtown San Antonio in the charming Alamo Heights area. Within a few blocks are the San Antonio Zoo, the Witte Museum, Brackenridge Park, quaint shops, and great restaurants. San Antonio is a culturally diverse city with many attractions like the River Walk, the Alamo, SeaWorld, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Events like Fiesta^® San Antonio and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo mean there is plenty to do in this dynamic city.

Student life
Committed to the full development of UIW students, the Division of Student Success welcomes new students and guides them through their educational experience to graduation. Services include peer mentors, first-year engagement, and emerging leaders. Services are free and work to help incoming students make a successful transition to the University. 

UIW students participate in academic, social, and professional organizations, including Greek life, service, special interests, intramurals, and intercollegiate athletics. UIW is a close-knit community where students are encouraged to get involved!

UIW boasts six musical ensembles, including the Marching Cardinals band, as well as majors in Music Performance, Music Education, Music Industry Studies, and Music Therapy.

UIW is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and the Southland Conference. UIW boasts 23 teams in 14 sports.

Eleven student dormitories feature single, double, and triple living accommodations. A new apartment complex was added in 2015. A professional staff of administrators, graduate hall advisors, and resident assistants are available to students 24 hours a day. All campus residences are wired for the internet and provide basic cable and telephone service.

Campus police are available to students around the clock, with emergency phones located throughout campus to ensure each student’s living experience is a safe one. Our goal is to provide all students with the safest and most comfortable living experience possible.

Financial aid
Approximately 95% of UIW first-time freshman students receive financial assistance. In fact, more than $167 million is awarded annually in gift aid, work-study, grants, and loans. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms and scholarship estimators are available online at uiw.edu/finaid.

Study abroad
UIW is committed to offering students a global experience, with a diverse student body representing 70 countries. UIW is a leader in international education, with over 140 “sister schools” in more than 40 countries, including Italy, Mexico, and Germany. In addition, UIW has two European Study Centers: one in Heidelberg, Germany, and one in Strasbourg, France.