Admissions

Parents' Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to one of the most exciting and challenging times of your child’s life. We commend you for your commitment to your son/daughter’s development and well-being. Preparing your child for college, choosing the right school, and keeping in touch once he/she is here, can be very challenging. Many parents feel some anxiety during this time in their child’s life. We hope that this page will help reduce some of that anxiety by answering many of the questions that you may have about UIW.

We hope you join us during Open House and Orientation, where you will have the opportunity to speak with the faculty, administrators, and staff who will have an impact on your child’s life. Again, we welcome you and your son or daughter as the newest members of our Incarnate Word family, and hope that you will contact us with any questions or concerns.

Financial Aid
How much is tuition?
What additional fees will a full-time student incur?
Are payment plans available?
How do students apply for financial assistance?
What percentage of students receives financial aid?
What qualifications must students meet to qualify for an academic scholarship?

Campus Life
Are freshmen required to live on campus?
How much does it cost to live on campus?
Are students living on campus required to purchase a meal plan?
Are the dormitories co-ed?
Is alcohol allowed in the residence halls?
Do students who live on campus need a car?
How safe is the campus?

Admissions
What are the admission requirements?
Do you accept ACT or SAT scores?
Do you accept advanced placement or CLEP scores?
Is there an essay component on the application?
Do you accept the Texas Common Application?
When is the deadline to apply for admission?
How can I schedule a visit to the campus?
Where can I stay while visiting San Antonio?

Academic
How many Students attend University of the Incarnate Word?
What is the student to faculty ratio?
What is the average class size?
What are your most popular majors or programs?
How long will it take my son/daughter to finish his/her degree?
Are tutoring services available?
Are disability services available?
Are career services available?
Do you have a core curriculum?
Are students required to participate in on-campus worship?

Laptop
Is the Laptop program mandatory?
How much does the laptop cost?
When can my son/daughter get the laptop?
Will my child get an email account and/or internet access?
Can my child keep the laptop after graduating?
What if the laptop breaks or is infected with a virus?
What if the laptop is lost or stolen?
What if my son/daughter has a laptop already?

Student Health
 Does the university offer health services to students?
Are students required to have health insurance?
Will I need to submit any health forms before my son/daughter enrolls?

Athletics
What athletic opportunities does the University of the Incarnate Word afford students?
How can my son or daughter find out more information about a particular sport?

Important Contacts

Financial Aid

How much is tuition?

Banded undergraduate tuition for the 2007-2008 academic year costs $9,200* per semester, which equates to $18,400 annually. Full-time students who take between 12 and 18 credit hours qualify for the banded tuition rate. Students completing less than 12 or more than 18 credit hours per semester must pay the hourly tuition rate of $605* per credit hour.
*Tuition rates subject to change.

What additional fees will a full-time student incur?

The following provides a general list of fees* that apply to most students:

*Fees subject to change.

Are payment plans available?

The business office allows students to arrange a payment plan, which divides the cost of tuition and fees into multiple installments. Please contact the business office at (210) 829-6043 to discuss a payment plan that works for you.

How do students apply for financial assistance?

Parents and students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Incarnate Word Student Information Form to initiate the financial aid process. Upon receipt of these forms, the financial assistance office will determine an award package, which may include grants, loans, and a work-study program. Students will receive formal notification of their award package by mail. To complete the FAFSA online, go to the following web address: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

What percentage of students receives financial aid?

Over 80% of Incarnate Word students receive some form of financial assistance. More than $37 million dollars is awarded annually through scholarships, loans, work-study programs, and grants. In addition, nearly 60% of first-time freshmen qualify for an academic scholarship.

What qualifications must students meet to qualify for an academic scholarship?

The following depicts the minimum requirements* for an academic grant:

Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

Minimum18 ACT or 870 SAT

Qualified students will automatically receive an academic grant or scholarship – no separate application is needed.

*Requirements subject to change.

Campus Life

Are freshmen required to live on campus?

The University of the Incarnate Word does not require students to live on campus, though it is recommended for full time undergraduate students.

How much does it cost to live on campus?

Depending on the residence hall and number of roommates, living on campus costs between $1,645 and $2,405* per semester. On campus apartments, dormitory suites, and community style living offer students a multitude of housing options. In addition, students can choose to reside in a private room or share a dormitory with 1 or 2 other roommates. For more information on residence life, please go to the following web address: http://www.uiw.edu/housing
*Residence fees subject to change.

Are students living on campus required to purchase a meal plan?

Students residing on campus must purchase a meal plan, which can be used at any dining facility on campus. Students residing in on-campus apartments with kitchens may choose the $800 meal plan*, all other on-campus students must purchase the $1,350 meal plan*.

*Meal plans subject to change.

Are the dormitories co-ed?

Students may choose to reside in either a co-ed or same sex residence hall. Co-ed dormitories consist of both men and women residing in the same hall, but never the same room. Freshmen generally reside in same sex residence halls while upper classmen usually opt for the co-ed atmosphere.

Is alcohol allowed in the residence halls?

Some of the upper classmen dormitories are wet halls, which allow students of legal drinking age to possess alcohol. All other dormitories on campus remain dry halls, which prohibit alcohol to all residents regardless of age or classification.

Do students who live on campus need a car?

For all practical reasons, students who live on campus do not need a car. In fact, because parking space is limited, having a vehicle can sometimes be an inconvenience. Residents will enjoy a short walk to the grocery store and several nearby restaurants. Students may take the campus shuttle to the Alamo Quarry Market and North Star Mall. In addition, residents may use the public transportation system, namely the VIA buses. Please visit the following website for more information on public transportation: http://www.viainfo.net/Ride/Default.aspx

How safe is the campus?

Incarnate Word police monitor the university 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students residing in the dormitories will enjoy the security benefits of a closed campus. University police close all entrances at approximately 11:00 PM every night, allowing only residents to enter after presenting a valid student ID. In addition, residents must notify police of any late night visitors arriving on campus (visitors must also present identification).

Admissions

What are the admission requirements?

First-time freshmen must submit the following materials for admission consideration:
· Completed undergraduate application
· Application fee ($20 dollars)
· SAT or ACT score
· Letter(s) of recommendation
· High school transcript

Do you accept ACT or SAT scores?

The admissions office accepts board scores from both the ACT and SAT. First-time freshmen must submit at least one score from either of these testing agencies. The highest combined test score is used in the decision making process.

Do you accept advanced placement or CLEP scores?

Students must score a minimum of 3 on advanced placement exams to receive college credit. CLEP exams generally require a minimum score of 50. For more information, please refer to page 64 of the undergraduate bulletin or contact the testing center at (210) 829-3876.

Is there an essay component on the application?

Unless unusual circumstances constitute an explanation, the admissions office does not require students to submit an essay for consideration.

Do you accept the Texas Common Application?

Private institutions like Incarnate Word do not accept the common application. Only public schools in the state of Texas accept this application. Students interested in applying to Incarnate Word will need to complete an application from our university. To request a paper application, contact the admissions office at (210) 829-6005. To complete the on-line undergraduate application, please go to the following web address: http://www.uiw.edu/admissions/apply.html

When is the deadline to apply for admission?

Because Incarnate Word operates on a rolling admissions policy, students will not encounter application deadlines. However, students should apply several months in advance due to a limited number of space. For instance, students should apply two semesters prior to their intended term of entry.

How can I schedule a visit to the campus?

Parents and prospective students may schedule a campus visit by contacting the admissions office at (210) 829-6005 or 1-800-749-WORD. Please view our events calendar.

Where can I stay while visiting San Antonio?

The following hotels offer special rates to Incarnate Word (when making reservations ask for the University of the Incarnate Word rate):

AmeriSuites
San Antonio Airport
7615 Jones Maltsberger Road
(210) 930-2333

Hyatt Regency San Antonio
On the Riverwalk at Paseo del Alamo
123 Losoya
(210) 222-1234

La Quinta Inn & Suites
San Antonio Airport
805 Halm
(210) 342-3738

Red Roof Inn
San Antonio Airport
333 Wolfe Road
(210) 340-4055

Woodfield Suites San Antonio
100 W. Durango
San Antonio, TX 78204
(210) 212-5400

Academics

How many Students attend University of the Incarnate Word?

Approximately 5,200 students attend UIW. About 4,300 of them are Undergraduates, and almost 600 are first time freshmen.

What is the student to faculty ratio?

The student to faculty ratio is 14:1. In addition, your teen will be taught by professors with degrees in their field, not by graduate assistants.

What is the average class size?

The average class size is 25 students. In addition, students will typically have many of the same students in the classes in their major, and can build relationships with their fellow students over their four years here.

What are your most popular majors or programs?

Our most popular programs are Business, Nursing, Education, Psychology, Communication Arts, and Biology. Many of our Biology and Chemistry majors are participating in the Pre-med or Pre-Pharmacy advising tracks. Unique offerings such as Fashion Design and Merchandising, Computer Graphic Arts, Meteorology, and Engineering Management generate much interest as well.

How long will it take my son/daughter to finish his/her degree?

Most degree plans at UIW are designed to be completed in four years if a student maintains continuous enrollment and takes a 15 credit courseload each term. Some degrees such as Engineering Management may require students to attend summer classes in order to graduate in four years.

Are tutoring services available?

Yes, tutoring services are available, free of charge, at the Learning Assistance Center. In addition, our faculty are extremely helpful, and each instructor will have office hours in which students can visit and get help. http://www.uiw.edu/lac/

Are disability services available?

Yes, UIW offers assistance to students with disabilities. Contact Student Disability Services at (210) 805-5813 http://www.uiw.edu/sds

Are career services available?

Yes, the Career Services Office can assist students with finding internships and volunteer opportunities, as well as jobs after graduation. They also offer assistance in preparing resumes, practicing interview skills, and many other aspects of career placement. http://www.uiw.edu/career/

Do you have a core curriculum?

Yes, our core curriculum gives students a broad base of knowledge to assist them in whatever field they choose. The requirements include 6 hours of Composition and Rhetoric, 6 hours of Literature and Art, 7 hours of Science and Math, 6 hours of History and Behavioral Science, 9 hours of Philosophy and Religion, 6 hours of Foreign Language, 3 hours of Wellness and Physical Education, 9-10 hours of core electives, and students must pass the computer literacy requirement. For more information on the core curriculum, visit http://www.uiw.edu/registrar/corecurriculum.htm

Are students required to participate in on-campus worship?

Students are not required to worship on campus. Other than the 9 core hours of Philosophy or Religion, students are not required to study religion. The University of the Incarnate Word welcomes students from all religions and backgrounds.

Laptop

For information on the laptop program click here.

Student Health

Does the university offer health services to students?

Yes, the University has a Campus Health Center which provides basic health services focusing on preventative care, health education and counseling, emergency care, and maintenance of health records and health insurance. A doctor is available on campus Tuesdays, 8:30-10:30am, and the Health Center is open Weekdays from 8am-5pm.

Are students required to have health insurance?

Yes, all full-time undergraduate students are required to participate in the student accident and sickness insurance plan, unless proof of existing personal coverage is presented and a waiver is signed and presented to the Business office. The student accident and sickness insurance plan protects students 24 hours a day, whether at home, school, while traveling, and during interim vacation periods, and is also available for dependents.

Will I need to submit any health forms before my son/daughter enrolls?

Yes, all full-time undergraduates must provide a health history and immunization records to the Health Services Office upon enrollment.

Athletics

What athletic opportunities does the University of the Incarnate Word afford students?

The University of the Incarnate Word belongs to the NCAA Division II and competes as a charter member of the Heartland Conference. Women may choose from nine different sports to participate in while men possess five different athletic opportunities. UIW offers athletic scholarships in a number of men and women’s sports. UIW adheres to NCAA eligibility guidelines and scholarship offers are given at the discretion of the head coach. For more information about athletics, please visit http://www.uiw.edu/athletics

How can my son or daughter find out more information about a particular sport?

If your son or daughter would like to participate in a UIW athletic program, contact the Athletic Office at (210) 829-6050.

Important Contacts

Academic Advising 210-805-5814
Admissions 210-829-6005
Assessment Testing 210-829-3876
Athletic Department 210-829-6050
Bookstore 210-829-6056
Business Office 210-829-6043
Campus Ministry 210-829-3128
Campus Police 210-829-6030
Career Services 210-829-3931
Computer Help Desk 210-829-2721
Counseling Services 210-829-3126
Disability Services 210-829-5813
Financial Aid 210-829-6008
Health Services 210-829-6017
Learning Assistance Center 210-829-3870
Library 210-829-6010
Project A.S.S.I.S.T. 210-805-5812
Registrar 210-829-6006
Residence Life 210-829-6034
Student Government Assoc. 210-829-3833
Switchboard 210-829-6000
Wellness Center 210-805-5872