The University of Incarnate Word (UIW) is a private Catholic research university located in San Antonio, Texas, ranked #299-391 among National Universities by US News Best Colleges 2025. Founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, UIW enrols over 8,700 students across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programmes.
UIW offers more than 90 undergraduate and 60 graduate programmes taught entirely in English, spanning business, nursing, engineering, pharmacy, and optometry. Indian students find strong pathways through the MS universities in USA track, with Fall and Spring intakes and dedicated international admissions support.
- Ranking: #299-391 US News National Universities 2025
- Acceptance Rate: 94% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- PG Tuition: USD 17,730 to USD 34,260 per year (INR 16.8 to 32.4 lakh)
- Average MS Starting Salary: USD 58,000 (INR 54.8 lakh)
Also Check: MS Universities in USA
UIW extends institutional scholarships to international students, with waiver pathways tied to GPA bands. Indian applicants require an F-1 student visa, and STEM programmes carry 36 months of OPT eligibility. Living costs in San Antonio remain among the lowest for major Texas metros.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). UIW runs rolling admissions with no fixed deadline for most programmes, and the Spring 2027 application window is currently accepting international students. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, is expected to open October 2026 on a rolling basis, with a recommended submission window of at least four months before the programme start. Certain professional programmes (Pharmacy, Optometry, Physical Therapy) follow separate cycles and close earlier.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at University of Incarnate Word 2027
- University of Incarnate Word Admission 2027
- University of Incarnate Word Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- University of Incarnate Word Acceptance Rate 2027
- University of Incarnate Word Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- University of Incarnate Word Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- University of Incarnate Word Scholarships 2027
- University of Incarnate Word Rankings 2026
- University of Incarnate Word Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- University of Incarnate Word vs Peer Universities
- University of Incarnate Word FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at University of Incarnate Word 2027
University of Incarnate Word charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, with most graduate programmes requiring 30 to 36 credits and undergraduate degrees requiring 120 credits. Total programme fees vary by school, with professional programmes such as Pharmacy and Optometry priced substantially higher than business or nursing masters.
Top PG Programmes at University of Incarnate Word
The following masters programmes span 12 to 24 months, with per-credit rates multiplied by total credits for total tuition. Rosenberg School of Optometry and Feik School of Pharmacy carry higher professional fee schedules.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | USD 34,260 | 32.4 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Nursing | USD 27,900 | 26.4 lakh | BSc Nursing with 60% (recommended) |
| MS Information Systems | USD 24,900 | 23.5 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Applied Data Science | USD 22,140 | 20.9 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| MA Communication Arts | USD 20,340 | 19.2 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Kinesiology | USD 20,340 | 19.2 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MA Education | USD 18,540 | 17.5 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Organizational Development | USD 17,730 | 16.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| PharmD | USD 172,320 | 162.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% + prerequisites (recommended) |
| OD Optometry | USD 168,480 | 159.2 lakh | Bachelor’s with 60% + OAT (recommended) |
Top UG Programmes at University of Incarnate Word
Undergraduate programmes run 4 years at a flat annual tuition of USD 34,700, with total costs reaching roughly USD 138,800 over the degree.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBA Business Administration | USD 138,800 | 131.2 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Nursing (BSN) | USD 138,800 | 131.2 lakh | Class 12 with 75% + PCB (recommended) |
| BS Computer Information Systems | USD 138,800 | 131.2 lakh | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
| BS Biology | USD 138,800 | 131.2 lakh | Class 12 with 70% + PCB (recommended) |
| BA Communication Arts | USD 138,800 | 131.2 lakh | Class 12 with 65% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian students at UIW gravitate heavily toward MS Applied Data Science and MBA, since both qualify for STEM OPT extensions and match sector demand in Texas.
Read More: Universities in USA
University of Incarnate Word Admission 2027
University of Incarnate Word admission for Indian students runs on rolling review, with Fall and Spring intakes for most programmes. The primary intake for Indian applicants is Fall (August), while Spring (January) suits those needing an extra preparation cycle.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 rolling deadline | Open, review continues until seats fill | Apply by Expected November 2026 for full processing |
| Fall 2027 application opens | Expected October 2026 (based on prior cycle) | Rolling admissions with no fixed close date |
| Fall 2027 recommended submission | Expected April 2027 | Earliest possible for scholarship consideration |
| Credential verification (WES) | Start 8 to 10 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course evaluation required for most programmes |
| Programme start (Fall 2027) | Expected August 2027 | Orientation typically the week before classes |
Planning note: Indian applicants should apply at least 4 months before intake, since F-1 visa slot booking at US consulates in Mumbai and Delhi can add 6 to 8 weeks.
Read More: Study MBA in USA Guide
University of Incarnate Word Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Indian applicants need a recognised bachelor’s or Class 12 qualification, verified English proficiency, and financial documentation as the key requirement set.
PG Requirements at University of Incarnate Word
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); professional programmes need 60% or CGPA 6.0/10
- English test: TOEFL iBT 71 or IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo English Test 105 or PTE Academic 53
- Credential verification: WES course-by-course evaluation, delivered directly to UIW
- Additional: GRE optional for most masters; MBA requires 2 years of work experience preferred
UG Requirements at University of Incarnate Word
- Academic: Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) from CBSE, ICSE, or state board
- English test: TOEFL iBT 61 or IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo English Test 95
- SAT: Optional; recommended score 1080 for merit scholarship consideration
Key insight: Indian applicants with 15 years of education (3-year bachelor’s) are accepted directly at UIW without a bridge year, which many US schools require.
University of Incarnate Word Acceptance Rate 2027
University of Incarnate Word maintains an acceptance rate of 94% (estimated), placing it among the most accessible private US universities for Indian applicants. The high acceptance figure reflects UIW’s mission-driven open-access policy rather than low applicant quality.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 94% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2024 | 93% (estimated) | Stable |
| 2023 | 91% (estimated) | Slight rise |
UIW does not publish a separate international acceptance rate, so Indian applicants can plan against the overall figure. Meeting the academic and English thresholds gives a strong probability of admission.
Reality check: A 94% acceptance rate does not mean automatic admission for Indian students. WES equivalency, English scores, and financial proof still decide the final offer.
Read More: MS in USA Universities
University of Incarnate Word Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian student at University of Incarnate Word ranges from USD 33,000 to USD 50,000 (INR 31.2 to 47.3 lakh), combining tuition and living expenses in San Antonio.
UIW Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Fees vary by school and level, with professional programmes charged at higher per-credit rates.
| Programme Level | Annual Fee (USD) | Annual Fee (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| UG range | USD 34,700 | 32.8 lakh |
| PG range | USD 17,730 to 34,260 | 16.8 to 32.4 lakh |
| Professional (PharmD, OD) | USD 42,120 to 43,080 | 39.8 to 40.7 lakh |
Monthly Cost of Living in San Antonio for Indian Students
San Antonio remains one of the more affordable major US metros, with rent significantly lower than Austin, Dallas, or Houston.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR lakh) | Annual (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared) | USD 700 | 0.66 lakh | 7.9 lakh |
| Food | USD 350 | 0.33 lakh | 4.0 lakh |
| Transportation | USD 100 | 0.09 lakh | 1.1 lakh |
| Books and supplies | USD 80 | 0.08 lakh | 0.9 lakh |
| Personal | USD 200 | 0.19 lakh | 2.3 lakh |
| Total | USD 1,430 | 1.35 lakh | 16.2 lakh |
[Source: UIW official cost of attendance estimate 2025-26]
Insider note: Indian students often cluster in shared apartments near Broadway and Loop 410, where rent falls to USD 500 per person when 3 share a 2BHK.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
University of Incarnate Word Campus, Facilities and Student Life
University of Incarnate Word’s main campus sits on 154 acres along Broadway in central San Antonio, five minutes from the historic Alamo. The campus mixes original 19th-century convent buildings with modern academic facilities.
- Location: Central San Antonio, 15-minute drive from downtown, VIA bus route access
- Housing: On-campus dorms cost USD 6,700 to USD 9,400 per academic year; guaranteed for all admitted freshmen
- Facilities: Rosenberg School of Optometry, Feik School of Pharmacy, McDermott Convocation Center, JE and LE Mabee Library
- Indian community: Active Indian Student Association hosting Diwali, Holi, and cricket tournaments; Hindu temple 12 minutes from campus
What Indian students say: Faculty are approachable and small class sizes make it easy to build recommendation letters. San Antonio’s low cost of living helps stretch scholarship dollars further than in coastal cities.
University of Incarnate Word Scholarships 2027
University of Incarnate Word offers multiple scholarships to international students, with two named awards specifically targeting Indian and international applicants.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Merit Scholarship | Merit | USD 8,000 to 15,000 per year | UG applicants, GPA 3.0+ | Rolling |
| UIW Presidential Award | Merit | USD 20,000 per year | Top applicants, GPA 3.5+ | Rolling |
| Graduate Assistantship | Merit + Work | Tuition waiver + stipend | PG students, department-based | Verify at official page |
| Alumni Legacy Grant | Merit | USD 2,000 per year | Family member is UIW alum | Rolling |
| Athletic Scholarship | Talent | Partial to full tuition | Recruited student-athletes | Coach-nominated |
[Source: UIW Office of Financial Assistance]
Planning note: Indian applicants securing an International Merit Scholarship of USD 12,000 effectively bring UG tuition down to USD 22,700, changing the affordability calculus versus larger public universities.
Read More: MS Scholarships in USA
University of Incarnate Word Rankings 2026
University of Incarnate Word’s strongest ranking sits in the US News National Universities category, where it ranks #299-391 in the 2025 edition. UIW is not ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| THE World | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked | 2023: Not ranked |
| US News National Universities | 2025: #299-391 | 2024: #299-391 | 2023: #299-391 |
[Source: US News, QS, THE]
UIW’s US News National Universities placement reflects steady undergraduate outcomes and moderate research activity. Its professional schools (Optometry, Pharmacy) hold separate professional rankings not covered in general league tables.
Key insight: Indian applicants should weigh US News National Universities standing over global rankings, since US employers and licensing bodies use domestic listings for recruitment and credential recognition.
Read More: USA Universities Rankings
University of Incarnate Word Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
University of Incarnate Word reports strong post-graduation outcomes, particularly for nursing, pharmacy, and optometry graduates. The Career Services office runs employer connect events with San Antonio and Austin recruiters.
- Employment within 6 months: 88% for undergraduate cohorts (official)
- Median starting salary: USD 58,000 (INR 54.8 lakh) for MS graduates (market median)
- Top sectors: Healthcare, education, financial services, technology, government
- Career support: Handshake portal access, CPT and OPT advising, alumni mentorship network
- MBA median: USD 65,000 (INR 61.4 lakh) starting salary (market median)
Insider note: Indian STEM masters graduates leverage the 36-month OPT window to secure H-1B sponsorship with San Antonio’s healthcare and defense contractors.
University of Incarnate Word vs Peer Universities
Compared against similar mid-size private US universities offering strong Indian student support, UIW sits favourably on affordability and admissions accessibility.
| University | US News National 2025 | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD / INR) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Incarnate Word | #299-391 | USD 24,900 / 23.5 lakh | Lowest COL Texas metro |
| St. Mary’s University | #299-391 | USD 28,500 / 26.9 lakh | Small class sizes, Jesuit heritage |
| Trinity University | #1 Regional West | USD 48,000 / 45.4 lakh | Higher selectivity, liberal arts |
| University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg | Professional | USD 42,000 / 39.7 lakh | Optometry specialisation |
| Our Lady of the Lake University | #299-391 | USD 22,800 / 21.5 lakh | Hispanic-serving institution |
UIW combines low San Antonio living costs with generous merit scholarships. Its professional schools give access to careers unavailable at similarly-priced peers.
Indian applicants seeking a US degree with STEM OPT eligibility at manageable total cost find UIW a strong practical choice. The university’s rolling admissions and 94% acceptance rate reduce application-cycle risk, and its total 2-year MS investment of INR 47.3 lakh against a median MS starting salary of INR 54.8 lakh produces a workable ROI. San Antonio’s cost of living and the 36-month STEM OPT window let graduates recover tuition quickly after employment.
UIW is not the right choice for applicants targeting global brand names or research-heavy PhD pathways, since it does not appear in QS or THE global rankings. Applicants prioritising international recognition should compare against larger US public universities like Arizona State or University of Texas Arlington.
University of Incarnate Word FAQs
Ques. What English test scores does University of Incarnate Word accept?
Ans. UIW accepts TOEFL iBT 71, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo English Test 105, or PTE Academic 53 for graduate admissions. For undergraduate admissions, minimums drop to TOEFL 61, IELTS 6.0, or Duolingo 95. Indian applicants from English-medium bachelor’s programmes can request a waiver by submitting a medium-of-instruction letter from their previous university, subject to admissions committee review.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at UIW?
Ans. Yes, F-1 visa holders at University of Incarnate Word may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during semesters and 40 hours during breaks. On-campus roles include library assistant, teaching assistant, and dining services, typically paying USD 10 to USD 14 per hour. Off-campus work requires CPT or OPT authorisation, available after completing one academic year and tied to your programme of study.
Ques. Does UIW require GRE for masters admission?
Ans. Most UIW masters programmes have made GRE optional, including MS Applied Data Science, MS Information Systems, MBA, and MA Education. Submitting a GRE score of 300+ can strengthen scholarship consideration for merit-based awards. Professional programmes like PharmD require PCAT, while OD Optometry requires OAT, and MS Nursing requires no standardised test but expects clinical experience documented in the SOP.
Ques. What is the application fee for UIW?
Ans. University of Incarnate Word charges a USD 50 application fee for international students, payable online by credit card. UIW frequently offers application fee waivers for early applicants and those attending virtual information sessions or open house events. Waiver codes are typically shared through the Office of International Admissions email newsletter and during education fairs held across major Indian cities.
Ques. Which Indian banks offer education loans for UIW?
Ans. UIW is recognised by major Indian public and private lenders including SBI, HDFC Credila, ICICI, Axis Bank, and Avanse. Loan amounts up to INR 1.5 crore are available with property collateral, while non-collateral loans up to INR 40 lakh work for MS programmes. Interest rates range from 9.5% to 12% depending on lender and applicant profile, with moratorium covering study period plus six months.
Ques. Can dependents accompany students on F-1 visas to UIW?
Ans. Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany University of Incarnate Word students on F-2 dependent visas. UIW issues a separate I-20 for each dependent after showing additional financial proof of USD 6,000 per spouse and USD 4,000 per child per year. F-2 dependents cannot work in the US but children can enrol in K-12 schools, and spouses may pursue full-time study by converting to F-1 status.
Ques. How does UIW handle credential verification for Indian applicants?
Ans. UIW requires a WES course-by-course evaluation for graduate applicants and a document-by-document evaluation for undergraduates. Indian applicants must send attested transcripts and marksheets directly to WES, which typically takes 10 to 15 business days after receiving documents. UIW also accepts ECE evaluations as an alternative, and evaluation costs range from USD 200 to USD 300 payable directly to the evaluator.
Ques. What is UIW’s policy on conditional admission?
Ans. University of Incarnate Word offers conditional admission to Indian applicants who meet academic requirements but fall short on English proficiency. Conditional students enrol in UIW’s English Language Institute (ELI) for one to three semesters before starting the main programme. Conditional offers also cover applicants awaiting final transcripts, provided all other documents are complete, with the condition removed once official transcripts are received.
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University of Incarnate Word Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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University of Incarnate Word Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.uiw.edu/admissions/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
University of Incarnate Word Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
University of Incarnate Word Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11885 | 4766 | 7119 | 29 |


















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