UIW Receives Accolades from Several National Publications

University Praised for Work in Social Mobility, Emerging Technology and More

San Antonio – September 24, 2024 – The new scholastic year is off to a noteworthy start as the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) has received accolades from several national publications. Long known for its legacy in nursing, education, and liberal arts, UIW is also being praised for its work in social mobility, health professions, emerging technology and online education.

“The wide array of recognitions received is further testament to the exceptional education, student experience, value and innovation offered by the University of the Incarnate Word,” says Dr. Thomas M. Evans, UIW president. “These honors also speak to the dedication of our talented faculty who work every day to provide education that transforms, as well as to the commitment of our staff who strive to serve and support our students along every step of their journeys.”

In the latest college rankings from U.S. News and World Report, UIW is the No. 2 ranked private school in the State of Texas and sixth in the nation among Catholic institutions in the category of Social Mobility. That category measures how well schools graduated students who received federal Pell Grants among other factors. In addition, the UIW Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions was ranked No. 314 in the nation in the category of Undergraduate Nursing.

In the publication’s category of Overall Ranking, UIW ranked No. 6 among private institutions and 18th overall in the State of Texas. In the nation, UIW rose in the ranks to No. 288. Now in its 39th year, the publication assessed nearly 1,500 institutions. More than half of a school’s rank is made up of outcome measures related to how successful an institution is at enrolling and graduating students from different backgrounds with manageable debt and postgraduation success. It is worth noting that this is the sixth year that UIW is ranked among all national universities in the U.S. News and World Report rankings, as opposed to the regional list with many other local universities.

The Wall Street Journal also recently published its “2025 Best Colleges in the U.S.” list. UIW ranked No. 2 in San Antonio, No. 2 Catholic School in Texas and the No. 5 Private School in the state. Overall, the university ranked No. 242 in the entire nation. The publication put a heavy emphasis on Student Outcomes in its rankings, measuring salary impact, years to pay off net price and graduation rate impact. It also measured Learning Environment and Diversity in its findings.

Meanwhile, UIW was also named to the list of “Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs” by Money.com. The national website compiled a list of the country’s top value programs, with a focus on costs, employment rates, typical salaries and online resources. While many universities adapted to online formats during the pandemic, UIW has a long history of an online education presence that goes back more than two decades.

“At the University of the Incarnate Word’s School of Professional Studies, we’ve been providing online education for over 20 years, and we’re incredibly proud of how it has helped so many students reach their goals,” says Dr. Jessica Parra, interim dean of the UIW School of Professional Studies. “Our focus has always been on creating a flexible and supportive environment where students can thrive, no matter where they are. With a variety of fully online programs, from undergraduate to doctoral degrees, and benefits like free textbooks and reduced tuition, we are committed to making education accessible and meaningful. Our faculty bring real-world experience into the virtual classroom, ensuring students are prepared for success in their careers and beyond.”

Finally, The Princeton Review is out with its 2024 list of the “Top Schools for Game Design Programs”” where UIW placed No. 3 in the Southwest and No. 49 in the Nation. This distinction shows how UIW’s dedication to emerging technology is helping to educate the workforce of tomorrow. The list is based on institutional survey data, including quality of lab facilities, faculty credentials, career outcomes and more.

“The video game and 3D film industry continues to be a dynamic space full of incredible challenges and opportunities,” says Dr. Adam Watkins, assistant dean and professor of 3D Animation and Game Design. “Amidst the industries growth and struggles, UIW has been excited to continue to provide students with caring and robust training to help position them for careers in this amazing field.”