Understanding Tuition and Financial Aid at the University of the Incarnate Word

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) offers a variety of tuition options, discounts, and financial aid opportunities to help students manage the cost of their education. This article provides a comprehensive overview of tuition rates, available discounts, payment plans, and financial aid resources at UIW.

Tuition Rates

The rates listed below are for courses taken from the 2025 Summer I term through the 2026 Spring II term. UIW's tuition is $38,650. Compared with the national average cost of tuition of $47,097, University of the Incarnate Word is cheaper. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources and campus health centers. As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At University of the Incarnate Word, the total cost is $55,828.

Military Discounts

UIW provides tuition discounts for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and civilian Department of Defense employees. These discounts apply to all programs at the university.

Active Duty Military: Applies to active duty within the United States military services for undergraduate or graduate tuition. Military service member is currently serving in a branch of the United States military and includes the National Guard or Reserve members placed on active duty and using Tuition Assistance. Rates listed and the absence of fees will be true for active-duty military students using TA or self-pay through SPS. Rates listed and free textbooks do not apply toward doctoral degrees. Active-duty military students who wish to take classes in the traditional main-campus program, not utilizing Tuition Assistance, will receive a 15% discount on the published main-campus tuition rates.
Retired/Veteran Military: A discount is available for retired and veteran military personnel (excluding dependents).
Eligibility: The Business Office and Office of Financial Assistance determine eligibility for military discounts. Military students are required to present their valid identification or current military identification along with any Tuition Assistance Forms to the Business Office within the specified date as published by the University course schedule.
Important Note: The military discount provided by SPS does not apply to active-duty military enrolled in a main campus degree program. Military discount rates are applied after the 100% drop date.

The discount will be applied to tuition only and any other fees associated with enrollment will be the responsibility of the student. Discounts are not applicable to students for whom 100% tuition is paid by any third-party payor. Discounts may be reversed if payment is received after discount(s) are applied.

Employee Tuition Remission

UIW employees (faculty, administrators, and staff) at the University of the Incarnate Word, Incarnate Word High School, or St. Anthony Catholic High School on a regular, full-time employment agreement (for at least 75% of the time) are eligible for tuition remission for undergraduate and graduate classes taken at UIW. Employee tuition waiver forms are available through the Human Resources Office. According to the Administrative/Staff Guidelines, the deadline for submission of Employee Tuition Waiver forms is 14 calendar days after the last day to add a course for the term. For further information, please contact the Human Resources Office at 829-6019.

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The discount will be applied to tuition only and any other fees associated with enrollment will be the responsibility of the student.

General Discount Policies

It is the responsibility of the student to apply for tuition discounts each semester.
The student and his/her family must apply using the appropriate application form(s) and provide all necessary information to complete each application (i.e., valid identification(s), tuition assistance form(s)) to receive consideration for these discounts.
Applications for these tuition discounts should be submitted to the respective departments or the Business Office according to the deadlines posted in each respective Semester Schedule of Classes.
No discounts will be applied after the deadline indicated in the Semester Schedule of Classes.
All discounts will be evaluated and assessed to the student account after the last day to add and drop a course for the respective term or within the stated deadline outlined in the published Schedule of Classes.
In order to continue receiving the discount, the student is responsible for submitting a new application and required information to complete the application each session (fall, spring, summer).
*Any student pursuing a doctorate (PhD) is not eligible for these discounts, regardless if enrolled in a graduate level course.
Your student financial aid award may be adjusted without notice due to receiving such discount(s).

Payment Options

UIW offers several payment options to accommodate students' financial situations.

Secured Web Payments

Secured web payments for tuition and fees are accepted online. Please log in to Cardinal Apps and click on ePaymentCenter.

Deferred Payment Plan

Students may choose to pay their bill in monthly installments by enrolling in the deferred payment plan online in their ePayment center. Once enrolled in the payment plan, installments are due the 1st of each month. Installments not paid in full by the 10th of each month will be considered late, and are subject to a $75 late validation fee. The University offers students a Tuition Payment Plan. The student can divide their charges into installments. It is the responsibility of the student to enroll in a payment plan each semester. Failure to remit these payments may result in withholding of credits, transcripts, diplomas, and a late payment fee each month for not submitting tuition payments as agreed. However, this will not exempt students from liability for those charges. Enrollment into this plan includes an application fee.

Other Payment Policies

Registration for an academic term is not complete until full payment for the current and/or prior terms has been made, or until a student has entered into a payment plan with the University (see above for enrollment information).
Payment arrangements must be finalized by the fifth calendar day from the first class day to the semester.
All international students are required to pay the full semester’s tuition and fees upon registering each semester.
Students must pay their financial obligation in full to the University to have diplomas and transcripts released.
The student agrees to assume liability for any debt incurred during his/her attendance at the University.

ACH Electronic Check Transfer

ACH Electronic Check Transfer, which requires a bank account and routing number.

Understanding Financial Aid

Financial aid can significantly reduce the net price of attending UIW. Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Net Price

Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price. The average net price is $21,246 per year.

Financial Aid Statistics

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 55.76%
Average Aid Package: $28,930
Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid: 99.64%

Types of Financial Aid

Need-Based Scholarships and Grants: Scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at University of the Incarnate Word was $27,538. Additionally, 84% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in fall 2023.
Need-Based Loans: Loans must be paid back. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $3,352.
Non-Need-Based Aid: The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at University of the Incarnate Word - excluding any athletic scholarships, if applicable - was $13,976. Merit-based aid, also called non-need-based aid, is awarded for a specific talent or academic achievement.
Work-Study Jobs: Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time. Some institutions match students with work-study positions, while others require them apply to the positions, like they would for any other job. Begin your job search by checking whether your college has in-person or online job boards.

Financial Aid Dates

Application Due: Not available. The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.
Priority Application Due: Not available. Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.
Notification Date: Not available. When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.
Response Due: Not available. The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.

Student Loan Debt

How much student loan debt you accumulate can affect your financial life long after college ends. Ideally, your total student loan debt should fall below your anticipated starting salary once you graduate. At University of the Incarnate Word, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $27,000. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $286. Additionally, 10% of graduating students at University of the Incarnate Word took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of $35,416 in private loan debt at graduation. Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class$30,055. Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2024) 62%.

Additional Financial Aid Resources

G.I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program: Institution is G.I. Bill certified: Yes. Institution participates in Yellow Ribbon Program: Yes.
Health Insurance: *All students must have health insurance.*Note: College profiles are based primarily on information supplied by the colleges themselves through participation in College Board's BigFuture College Profiles higher education data collection portal, with some data provided via federal and state agencies.

Scholarships

Scholarships are a type of funding that you don’t need to pay back. Need-based scholarships take a student’s financial status into account. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students for academic or athletic achievement. You might also qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation. Some students receive enough in scholarship money to cover their tuition and living expenses.

Scholarships for Physical Therapy Students

Students attending the University of the Incarnate Word School of Rehabilitation Sciences DPT program are encouraged to visit the Office of Financial Assistance webpage to find various types of financial assistance. A limited number of scholarships funded through the School of Rehabilitation Sciences are available on an annual basis to current and incoming students.

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Here are some specific scholarships available to students of physical therapy:

SRS Dean’s Scholarship: This scholarship invests in students who demonstrate a shared pursuit of UIW’s core tenants: Communication of Truth, Thoughtful Innovation, Care of the Environment, Community Service, and Social Justice. To be considered, students must complete the most current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a short essay.
APTA Geriatrics Outstanding PT and PTA Student Awards: These awards recognize a student physical therapist (SPT) and student physical therapist assistant (SPTA) with exceptional scholastic ability and potential for contribution to geriatric physical therapy. The purpose of the award is to provide the means for one exceptional student PT and one exceptional student PTA to attend and participate in the annual CSM meeting with the intention that this exposure will encourage future involvement in APTA Geriatrics activities. The awards also aim to promote APTA Geriatrics and encourage active student and new graduate participation in the Academy.
AMBUCS Scholars Scholarships: This award is open to physical and occupational therapy students pursuing a doctoral degree. FAFSA information and a personal statement are required to apply. You do not have to be affiliated with an AMBUCS chapter to qualify for this scholarship. Award amounts range from $500-$1,500.
Minority Scholarship Award for Physical Therapy Students: Funded by the Physical Therapy Fund, this award is open to minority PT students who are APTA members. The amount varies, and multiple awards are given each year to deserving students.
Outstanding PT/PTA Student Award: To identify a student physical therapist and student physical therapist assistant member with exceptional overall accomplishments and contributions to APTA, the Student Assembly, and the physical therapy profession. The outstanding student physical therapist will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Brightlife Direct Scholarship: The $1,000 annual Brightlife Direct Scholarship is open to PT and PTA students. To qualify, you must be a full-time student who has completed at least one year of PT education. Also required is a letter of recommendation and a minimum of 3.0 GPA.
HIE Help Center Scholarship: Each year, the HIE Help Center awards $1,000 to a student pursuing a physical or occupational therapy career. This is open to graduate-level students and can be awarded to someone currently in a PT program or planning to enroll in one. Applicants must submit an essay detailing what drew them to the field.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF): Founded in 1975, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) was designed to assist Hispanic American students to complete their college education. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 are made on a competitive basis to two-year and four-year college students and graduate students of Hispanic heritage. citizen or legal permanent resident, cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, enrolled in an accredited college/university as a full-time student. Selection is based on academic achievement, financial need, letters of recommendation and personal statement.
Indian Health Service (IHS) Scholarship: Created by the Indian Health Service (IHS), the Health Professions Scholarship Program provides tuition assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate or graduate students who are currently enrolled full-time in an eligible health professional degree program, including physical therapy. citizens, be members of a federally recognized tribe or village, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and sign a minimum two-year service commitment to practice at an Indian health facility.
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Scholarship: If you are planning to become a strength and conditioning coach, consider applying for this scholarship. As the requirements outline, this award has "the specific purpose of providing tuition assistance to students planning careers as strength coaches and majoring in a related field." Physical therapy does qualify as a related field per NSCA guidelines. The amount awarded is $2,000.
The Stanley Paris & Catherine Patla Physical Therapy Scholarship: For students within 12 months of completing all requirements for graduation. The $5,000 award intends to recognize those students who exhibit the superior scholastic ability and potential for future professional contribution.
Pat Tillman Scholarship: Armed Forces, including the National Guard, who have served in both pre- and post-9/11 eras, or current spouses of veteran or active service members, including surviving spouses. Our scholars have a proven track record of dedication and perseverance. They believe their best years of service are still ahead of them. Tillman Scholars are committed to strengthening communities at home and around the world.
Allied Health Scholarship Program: The purpose of the scholarship program is to recognize outstanding students in the allied health professions who are achieving excellence in their academic programs and have significant potential to assume future leadership roles in the allied health professions. The selected student will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Any PT or PTA student in his/her final year of training is eligible to apply. GPA, leadership, community engagement and financial need will be considered.
SADA Foundation Scholarship: SADA will award 35 individual scholarships for $2,000 each. For an applicant to be considered for a scholarship, they must be an employee, dependent of an employee or a spouse of an employee currently working for a dealership who is a member in good standing with SADA. Executive-level staff members (GSM's and above) and/or their dependents are not eligible. This application must be completed in detail. The applicant must enroll as a full-time student (minimum 12 hours) in undergraduate or graduate studies and have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
Folds of Honor Scholarship: The Foundation offers scholarships to students who are surviving spouse or child of a fallen active-duty service member or fallen veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States.

Additional Notes for DPT Students

Due to the rigorous nature of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, outside employment is not encouraged. A limited number of student employment positions may be offered based on available funding. These positions are usually 5 to 10 hours per week. The hourly wage varies depending on the duties.

Auditing Courses

*Audit courses follow the Last day for 100% Refund for any Undergraduate and Graduate courses. Full-time students may audit one lecture course (3-4 hours) per session (fall, spring, summer) at no cost. Students are allowed to combine their total number of hours within a respective session to determine their full-time status. Undergraduates on the Main Campus are considered full-time with 12 + enrolled hours, a Graduate and Doctoral student on the Main Campus is considered full-time status at 9 + hours. Full-time doctoral status changes when doctoral student is in dissertation writing phase and/or enrolled 3 + hours. *Students enrolled in our classroom format in SPS will be allowed to audit courses within that course. *Auditing courses are available to non-student, part-time or full-time students.

Additional Expenses

The information below details a student’s typical annual expenses for the academic year. It does not reflect any financial aid or scholarship discounts. If you apply and qualify for financial assistance, you can reduce net price and overall costs.

Books and Supplies: $250 per year
Personal Expenses: $2,240 per year
Transportation: $1,952 per year

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