Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
University of the Incarnate Word: University of the Incarnate Word (10858079976)
Photo: Nan Palmero from San Antonio, TX, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic college

University of the Incarnate Word

  • LocationSan Antonio, TX
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 7,251 students
  • SponsorSisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word
Official website

The University of the Incarnate Word is a Catholic university in San Antonio sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Mass is celebrated in Our Lady's Chapel at noon every weekday and at 11 a.m. every Sunday, and confession is offered by appointment and at a reconciliation service each semester. The core curriculum requires one religious studies course, one philosophy course, and three more upper-level hours in either field, and all bachelor's students complete 45 hours of community service.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 3

  • Monday–Friday12:00 PMOur Lady's Chapel, Administration Building · On first Wednesdays (Oct.-May, except Jan. and March) the noon Mass is at the Lourdes Grotto.
  • Sunday11:00 AMOur Lady's Chapel, Administration Building · Year-round.
  • Sunday11:00 AMChapel of the Incarnate Word · Second Sunday of the month only.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Mass Times and Sacraments | Prayer and Worshipuiw.edu/ministry/prayer-worship/mass-times.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Daily Mass Our Lady's Chapel Monday-Friday, Noon”
    Daily Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at noon in Our Lady's Chapel.
    “Sunday Masses Our Lady's Chapel Every Sunday, 11 a.m. Mass is celebrated year-round”
    Sunday Mass is celebrated at 11 a.m. in Our Lady's Chapel year-round.
    “Chapel of the Incarnate Word (CIW) Second Sunday, 11 a.m.”
    A Mass is also listed in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word on the second Sunday of the month at 11 a.m.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of University of the Incarnate Word, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miOur Lady’s Chapel: 0.0 mi1Chapel of the Incarnate Word: 0.1 mi2Saint Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church: 0.5 mi3Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church: 1.4 mi4Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church: 1.6 mi5Saint Patrick Catholic Church: 1.9 mi6University Mission and Ministry (Our Lady's Chapel): 0.1 miUniversity of the Incarnate Word (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Our Lady’s Chapel — 0.0 mi
  2. Chapel of the Incarnate Word — 0.1 mi
  3. Saint Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church — 0.5 mi · 111 Barilla Place, San Antonio
  4. Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church — 1.4 mi · 3107 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio
  5. Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church — 1.6 mi · 223 East Summit Avenue, San Antonio
  6. Saint Patrick Catholic Church — 1.9 mi · 1114 Willow Street, San Antonio

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

CSacramental life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

61 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Monday-Friday at noon in Our Lady's Chapel; on first Wednesdays (Oct.-May, except Jan. and March) the noon Mass is listed at the Lourdes Grotto.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times and Sacraments | Prayer and Worshipuiw.edu/ministry/prayer-worship/mass-times.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Daily Mass Our Lady's Chapel Monday-Friday, Noon”
      Daily Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at noon in Our Lady's Chapel.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)One weekend Mass (One weekly Sunday Mass (11 a.m., Our Lady's Chapel, year-round). The schedule also lists an 11 a.m. Mass in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word on the second Sunday of the month only.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times and Sacraments | Prayer and Worshipuiw.edu/ministry/prayer-worship/mass-times.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Sunday Masses Our Lady's Chapel Every Sunday, 11 a.m. Mass is celebrated year-round”
      Sunday Mass is celebrated at 11 a.m. in Our Lady's Chapel year-round.
      “Chapel of the Incarnate Word (CIW) Second Sunday, 11 a.m.”
      A Mass is also listed in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word on the second Sunday of the month at 11 a.m.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Scheduled confession on campusLess than weekly, or by appointment only (Reconciliation by appointment, plus a reconciliation service with individual confession before Advent and during Lent.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times and Sacraments | Prayer and Worshipuiw.edu/ministry/prayer-worship/mass-times.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Reconciliation by Appointment A Catholic reconciliation service (with individual confession) is celebrated in the fall semester, just before the season of Advent, and in the spring semester, during the season of Lent.”
      Confession is by appointment, plus a reconciliation service once each semester.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adorationNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priests serving studentsPart-time or visiting priest (Fr. Benny Kupangula Lipalata (university email address) is named as the contact for Mission and Ministry Bible study groups. Its only chaplain is a Protestant chaplain.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Bible Study | Faith Formationuiw.edu/ministry/faith-service/faith-formation/bible-study.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “For more information, contact Fr. Benny Kupangula Lipalata by email at lipalata@uiwtx.edu.”
      A priest, Fr. Benny Kupangula Lipalata, is the contact for Mission and Ministry Bible study groups.
    2. Meet the Staff | Mission and Ministryuiw.edu/ministry/about/meet-the-staff.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI, is Vice President for Mission and Ministry. She has been with UIW since 1972.”
      A religious sister serves as Vice President for Mission and Ministry; the staff page lists no Catholic priest chaplain.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel open for prayer on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Places of Worship | Prayer and Worshipuiw.edu/ministry/prayer-worship/places-of-worship.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Our campus chapels, including Our Lady's Chapel and the Chapel of the Incarnate Word, offer sacred spaces for worship and quiet contemplation.”
      Campus chapels are available for worship and quiet prayer.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration6 to 11 times a week (7 weekly times documented: 7 Mass, 0 confession, 0 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).
DTheology and core curriculum: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and core curriculum

40 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (Core: one RELS course from the core selections plus 3 upper-level hours from Philosophy or Religious Studies; the minimum theology/religious studies is one course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Cataloguiw.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/academic-programs/undergraduate-core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “9 credit hours from Philosophy and Religious Studies are required. PHIL 1381 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 | RELS | Religious Studies course from RELS core selections | 3 | PHIL/RELS | 3 additional upper-level hours from Philosophy or Religious Studies”
      The core requires PHIL 1381, one RELS core course, and 3 more upper-level hours in philosophy or religious studies.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Catholic theology is one option among several (Core RELS selections include Christian theology courses (e.g., RELS 1305) and a general religion course (RELS 1325 The Religious Quest, drawing on Christianity and other world religions); no core option is titled or described as Catholic theology.)
    Sources (2)
    1. RELS 1325 The Religious Quest | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Cataloguiw.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/course-descriptions/rels-religious-studies/1000/rels-1325 · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Drawing examples from Christianity and other World Religions, this course considers the roles and functions religion plays in human life and in society.”
      RELS 1325 is a general course on religion drawing on Christianity and other world religions.
      “This course fulfills the undergraduate UIW Core Curriculum requirement in Religious Studies.”
      RELS 1325 satisfies the core religious studies requirement.
    2. RELS 1305 Introduction to Theology and Ethics | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Cataloguiw.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/course-descriptions/rels-religious-studies/1000/rels-1305 · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “This course offers an introduction to the basic theological foundations of the Christian faith with special attention to its ethical implications in contemporary society.”
      Another core option, RELS 1305, introduces the theological foundations of the Christian faith.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (PHIL 1381 Introduction to Philosophy; the additional 3 upper-level hours may be philosophy or religious studies.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Cataloguiw.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/academic-programs/undergraduate-core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “9 credit hours from Philosophy and Religious Studies are required. PHIL 1381 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 | RELS | Religious Studies course from RELS core selections | 3 | PHIL/RELS | 3 additional upper-level hours from Philosophy or Religious Studies”
      The core requires PHIL 1381, one RELS core course, and 3 more upper-level hours in philosophy or religious studies.
  • No: the school does not offer this, so it earns no points.
    Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionNo (Strict reading. The university mission statement names the Catholic Intellectual Tradition; that is an institutional statement.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Cataloguiw.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/academic-programs/undergraduate-core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Because its mission, founded in the Catholic tradition, is based on the premise of a sound faith relationship between the creature and the Creator, the University of the Incarnate Word includes in its Core a study of religion.”
      The core description ties the religion requirement to the university's Catholic-founded mission but does not name the Catholic intellectual tradition as a core aim.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Theology or religious studies major offeredYes (Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Religious Studies - Bachelor of Arts | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Cataloguiw.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/academic-programs/chass/bachelors/religious-studies-ba · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies degree program prepares students to understand the implications and expressions of faith”
      A Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies is offered.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
BCampus culture and residence life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture and residence life

77 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Two to four (4 listed: Vice President for Mission and Ministry (Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI), Director of Music Ministries, Liturgy and Music Assistant, and Associate Vice President for Mission & Ministry. Excluded: administrative assistant, Protestant chaplain, Ettling Center director (service), and the School of Osteopathic Medicine's Director of Mission Integration (separate Brooks campus).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Meet the Staff | Mission and Ministryuiw.edu/ministry/about/meet-the-staff.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI, is Vice President for Mission and Ministry. She has been with UIW since 1972.”
      A religious sister serves as Vice President for Mission and Ministry; the staff page lists no Catholic priest chaplain.
      “Lena is the Director of Music Ministries and Coordinator for Liturgy and Media for the University Mission and Ministry.”
      Mission and Ministry has a Director of Music Ministries.
      “Carmen Aguilera is the Liturgy and Music Assistant for Mission and Ministry.”
      Mission and Ministry has a liturgy and music staff member.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Retreats offered to students each yearOne to three (Crossroads Retreat for incoming students is the only student retreat listed on the Retreats page; the Breathe student group also lists retreats among its activities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | Faith Formationuiw.edu/ministry/faith-service/faith-formation/retreats.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Crossroads, a welcoming retreat hosted by UIW University Mission and Ministry, is designed to help incoming students feel at home at UIW”
      Mission and Ministry hosts the Crossroads retreat for incoming students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsThree or more (Breathe (Catholic student group, with men's and women's groups), Bible study groups, and a Catholic Relief Services chapter.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Breathe | Faith Formationuiw.edu/ministry/faith-service/faith-formation/breathe.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Breathe, a UIW Catholic Student Group, builds a better community where individuals can grow in their relationship with Christ.”
      Breathe is a Catholic student group.
    2. Bible Study | Faith Formationuiw.edu/ministry/faith-service/faith-formation/bible-study.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Office of Mission and Ministry invites students, faculty and staff to join or create Bible Study Groups using the Ascension Press Bible in a Year Podcast”
      Mission and Ministry organizes Bible study groups.
    3. Catholic Relief Services | Faith Formationuiw.edu/ministry/faith-service/faith-formation/catholic-relief-services.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Explore the various avenues for giving back, such as joining a Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Chapter or participating in community service initiatives.”
      Students can join a Catholic Relief Services chapter.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Single-sex residence optionsSingle-sex residence halls available (Agnese and Sky View are listed as all-female halls and Clement as an all-male hall; other halls are co-ed with same-sex floors or co-ed by apartment.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Halls & Meal Plan | Residence Life and Housingmy.uiw.edu/housing/apply-to-housing/index1.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “All Male Hall Dry-hall (no alcohol allowed) View Clement Tour Video”
      Clement Hall is an all-male hall.
      “All Female Hall Dry-hall (no alcohol allowed) Built-in Parking Deck View Agnese Tour Video”
      Agnese Hall is an all-female hall.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Overnight guest policy in residence hallsVisitation hours or guest limits apply (2025-2026 Residential Handbook (the edition linked from the housing site): overnight guests allowed up to five nights per semester and no more than two consecutive nights, with registration and roommate permission.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Residential Handbook 2025-2026my.uiw.edu/housing/_docs/_docs/residential_handbook_25-26.pdf · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The University, at its discretion, allows Residents to have overnight guests for a total of five (5) nights per semester. The overnight visit should not exceed two (2) consecutive nights.”
      Overnight guests are limited to five nights per semester and two consecutive nights.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes (Vice President for Mission and Ministry; the office runs employee faith formation, faculty development, new-employee mission orientation, and the University Mission Committee.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Meet the Staff | Mission and Ministryuiw.edu/ministry/about/meet-the-staff.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI, is Vice President for Mission and Ministry. She has been with UIW since 1972.”
      A religious sister serves as Vice President for Mission and Ministry; the staff page lists no Catholic priest chaplain.
    2. Employee Faith and Spirituality Initiatives | Mission and Ministryuiw.edu/ministry/faith-service/office-mission-and-ministry/employee-faith-spirituality-initiatives.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Employee Faith and Spirituality Initiatives at the University of the Incarnate Word offer programs like faculty development, social justice workshops and ethics across the curriculum. We also have a Mission Committee that sets goals for our faith-based initiatives.”
      The Office of the Vice President for Mission and Ministry runs faculty and staff mission formation and the University Mission Committee.
AService and Catholic social teaching: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

91 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or volunteer centerYes (Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability, within the Division of Mission & Ministry.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Undergraduate Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Cataloguiw.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/academic-programs/undergraduate-core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “The Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability is the campus office dedicated to supporting and facilitating the university's community service efforts.”
      The Ettling Center is the campus office for community service.
    2. Meet the Staff | Mission and Ministryuiw.edu/ministry/about/meet-the-staff.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez is the Director of the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership & Sustainability within the Division of Mission & Ministry.”
      The Ettling Center, the service office, sits within the Division of Mission & Ministry.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumRequired of all students (The core curriculum includes a community service component: all bachelor's students complete 45 clock hours of non-credit community service, through volunteering or service-learning courses.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Undergraduate Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Cataloguiw.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/academic-programs/undergraduate-core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “At the University of the Incarnate Word, students pursuing a bachelor's degree must complete 45 clock hours of non-credit community service, while associate degree students are required to complete 22 hours.”
      All bachelor's students must complete 45 hours of community service as part of the core.
      “The Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability is the campus office dedicated to supporting and facilitating the university's community service efforts.”
      The Ettling Center is the campus office for community service.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Offered (course, minor, or center) (RELS 3305 Catholic Social Teachings (elective). The core's Social Justice goal is not framed in terms of Catholic social teaching.)
    Sources (1)
    1. RELS 3305 Catholic Social Teachings | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Cataloguiw.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/course-descriptions/rels-religious-studies/3000/rels-3305 · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “This course examines the historical development and contemporary application of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching”
      A course on Catholic Social Teaching is offered.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)Two or more (Alternative Spring Break, the Center for Refugees Project, community gardens, and the university's Laudato Si' Action Plan.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Peace and Justice Service Initiatives | Mission and Ministryuiw.edu/ministry/faith-service/office-mission-and-ministry/peace-justice-service-initiatives.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Peace and Justice Service Initiatives at the University of the Incarnate Word help our community. We work on projects, such as Alternative Spring Break, Golden Harvest and Center for Refugees Project.”
      Mission and Ministry's Peace and Justice Service Initiatives include Alternative Spring Break and the Center for Refugees Project.
      “The Center for Refugees Project offers faculty and students the chance to connect with recent immigrants to San Antonio”
      The Center for Refugees Project connects students with recently arrived immigrants.
      “Founded in 2012 by UIW students, the Community Garden is a sustainable initiative located behind the Gorman Building.”
      A student-founded Community Garden operates on campus.
    2. The Laudato Si' Action Plan | Mission and Ministryuiw.edu/ministry/about/the-laudato-si-action-plan-at-uiw.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “That same year, we began to explore the possibility of committing to the platform, and on March 1, 2022, UIW President Thomas Evans made our commitment official.”
      UIW committed to the Vatican's Laudato Si' Action Platform in 2022.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes (Peace and Justice Service Initiatives are run by the Office of the Vice President for Mission and Ministry; the Ettling Center's mission is framed 'in the spirit of Christian service'.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Meet the Staff | Mission and Ministryuiw.edu/ministry/about/meet-the-staff.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez is the Director of the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership & Sustainability within the Division of Mission & Ministry.”
      The Ettling Center, the service office, sits within the Division of Mission & Ministry.
    2. Peace and Justice Service Initiatives | Mission and Ministryuiw.edu/ministry/faith-service/office-mission-and-ministry/peace-justice-service-initiatives.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Peace and Justice Service Initiatives at the University of the Incarnate Word help our community. We work on projects, such as Alternative Spring Break, Golden Harvest and Center for Refugees Project.”
      Mission and Ministry's Peace and Justice Service Initiatives include Alternative Spring Break and the Center for Refugees Project.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Mass is celebrated in Our Lady's Chapel at noon every weekday and at 11 a.m. every Sunday, year-round on Sundays.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times and Sacraments | Prayer and Worshipuiw.edu/ministry/prayer-worship/mass-times.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Daily Mass Our Lady's Chapel Monday-Friday, Noon”
      Daily Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at noon in Our Lady's Chapel.
      “Sunday Masses Our Lady's Chapel Every Sunday, 11 a.m. Mass is celebrated year-round”
      Sunday Mass is celebrated at 11 a.m. in Our Lady's Chapel year-round.
  • All bachelor's students complete 45 hours of community service as part of the core, supported by the Ettling Center within the Division of Mission & Ministry.
    Sources (2)
    1. Undergraduate Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Cataloguiw.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/academic-programs/undergraduate-core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “At the University of the Incarnate Word, students pursuing a bachelor's degree must complete 45 clock hours of non-credit community service, while associate degree students are required to complete 22 hours.”
      All bachelor's students must complete 45 hours of community service as part of the core.
      “The Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability is the campus office dedicated to supporting and facilitating the university's community service efforts.”
      The Ettling Center is the campus office for community service.
    2. Meet the Staff | Mission and Ministryuiw.edu/ministry/about/meet-the-staff.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez is the Director of the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership & Sustainability within the Division of Mission & Ministry.”
      The Ettling Center, the service office, sits within the Division of Mission & Ministry.
  • Single-sex residence halls are available: Agnese and Sky View are all-female and Clement is all-male.
    Sources (1)
    1. Halls & Meal Plan | Residence Life and Housingmy.uiw.edu/housing/apply-to-housing/index1.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “All Male Hall Dry-hall (no alcohol allowed) View Clement Tour Video”
      Clement Hall is an all-male hall.
      “All Female Hall Dry-hall (no alcohol allowed) Built-in Parking Deck View Agnese Tour Video”
      Agnese Hall is an all-female hall.
  • A Vice President for Mission and Ministry oversees faculty and staff mission formation and the University Mission Committee.
    Sources (2)
    1. Meet the Staff | Mission and Ministryuiw.edu/ministry/about/meet-the-staff.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI, is Vice President for Mission and Ministry. She has been with UIW since 1972.”
      A religious sister serves as Vice President for Mission and Ministry; the staff page lists no Catholic priest chaplain.
    2. Employee Faith and Spirituality Initiatives | Mission and Ministryuiw.edu/ministry/faith-service/office-mission-and-ministry/employee-faith-spirituality-initiatives.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Employee Faith and Spirituality Initiatives at the University of the Incarnate Word offer programs like faculty development, social justice workshops and ethics across the curriculum. We also have a Mission Committee that sets goals for our faith-based initiatives.”
      The Office of the Vice President for Mission and Ministry runs faculty and staff mission formation and the University Mission Committee.

Concerns

  • Confession is offered by appointment and at one reconciliation service each semester.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mass Times and Sacraments | Prayer and Worshipuiw.edu/ministry/prayer-worship/mass-times.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Reconciliation by Appointment A Catholic reconciliation service (with individual confession) is celebrated in the fall semester, just before the season of Advent, and in the spring semester, during the season of Lent.”
      Confession is by appointment, plus a reconciliation service once each semester.
  • The core requires one religious studies course and one philosophy course, and the religious studies requirement can be met with a general course on religion.
    Sources (2)
    1. Undergraduate Core Curriculum | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Cataloguiw.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/academic-programs/undergraduate-core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “9 credit hours from Philosophy and Religious Studies are required. PHIL 1381 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 | RELS | Religious Studies course from RELS core selections | 3 | PHIL/RELS | 3 additional upper-level hours from Philosophy or Religious Studies”
      The core requires PHIL 1381, one RELS core course, and 3 more upper-level hours in philosophy or religious studies.
    2. RELS 1325 The Religious Quest | 2026-2027 Undergraduate Cataloguiw.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026-2027/undergraduate-catalog/course-descriptions/rels-religious-studies/1000/rels-1325 · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Drawing examples from Christianity and other World Religions, this course considers the roles and functions religion plays in human life and in society.”
      RELS 1325 is a general course on religion drawing on Christianity and other world religions.
      “This course fulfills the undergraduate UIW Core Curriculum requirement in Religious Studies.”
      RELS 1325 satisfies the core religious studies requirement.
  • One student retreat, Crossroads for incoming students, is listed.
    Sources (1)
    1. Retreats | Faith Formationuiw.edu/ministry/faith-service/faith-formation/retreats.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
      “Crossroads, a welcoming retreat hosted by UIW University Mission and Ministry, is designed to help incoming students feel at home at UIW”
      Mission and Ministry hosts the Crossroads retreat for incoming students.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

University Mission and Ministry (Our Lady's Chapel)

  • Address: Administration Building (AD), Room 147, 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel (Our Lady's Chapel, Administration Building first floor)

View on map ↗

Source: uiw.edu, verified Oct. 7, 2026, uiw.edu, verified Oct. 7, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

16 groups and regular activities · 12 on campus, 4 off campus

Retreats 1

  • Crossroads RetreatOff campus
    Retreat hosted by Mission and Ministry to help incoming students feel at home and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
    uiw.edu

Service 6

  • Alternative Spring BreakOff campus
    Spring break
    Outreach programs for underserved communities in San Antonio.
    uiw.edu, uiw.edu
  • Center for Refugees ProjectOff campus
    Students and faculty connect with recently arrived immigrants in San Antonio.
    uiw.edu
  • Meet the MissionOff campus
    Student-faculty teams volunteer at local organizations such as SAMM Ministries and the Food Bank.
    uiw.edu
  • Catholic Relief Services chapterOn campus
    Student chapter of Catholic Relief Services focused on global poverty and service.
    uiw.edu
  • Community GardenOn campus
    Student-founded garden behind the Gorman Building; volunteers earn service hours.
    uiw.edu
  • Golden Harvest food driveOn campus
    Fall semester
    Annual food drive organized by the Student Government Association.
    uiw.edu

Faith formation 3

  • Bible study groupsOn campus
    Groups can form at any time during the year
    Groups for students, faculty, and staff using the Ascension Press Bible in a Year podcast.
    uiw.edu, uiw.edu
  • OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults)On campus
    Classes on Catholic beliefs with preparation for Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.
    uiw.edu
  • Confirmation preparationOn campus
    Seven months beginning each September
    Program for those completing their initiation into the Catholic Church.
    uiw.edu

Clubs and groups 1

  • Breathe (Catholic student group)On campus
    Young adult Catholic ministry with Mass, community nights, women's and men's groups, rosary walks, service projects, social outings, and retreats.
    uiw.edu, uiw.edu

Liturgy and prayer 4

  • Lourdes Grotto MassOn campus
    First Wednesdays, Oct.-May (except Jan. and March), noon
    Noon Mass at the Lourdes Grotto next to the Student Engagement Center.
    uiw.edu
  • Community memorial MassOn campus
    End of each month, Sunday 11 a.m.
    Memorial Mass for departed loved ones of the UIW community within the Sunday liturgy.
    uiw.edu
  • Liturgical and media ministriesOn campus
    Students serve in liturgical ministries and a media ministry.
    uiw.edu
  • All Souls' Day Mass (Dia de los Muertos)On campus
    November
    Annual Mass in Our Lady's Chapel with a memorial altar.
    uiw.edu

Other 1

  • Student peer ministry internsOn campus
    Student interns who work with the Mission and Ministry staff.
    uiw.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (6)
  1. Mass Times and Sacraments | Prayer and Worshipuiw.edu/ministry/prayer-worship/mass-times.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Daily Mass Our Lady's Chapel Monday-Friday, Noon”
    Daily Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at noon in Our Lady's Chapel.
    “Mission and Ministry Administration Building (AD) Room #147 4301 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 Phone: (210) 829-3128 Email: ministry@uiwtx.edu”
    The Mission and Ministry office is in Room 147 of the Administration Building at 4301 Broadway.
  2. Meet the Staff | Mission and Ministryuiw.edu/ministry/about/meet-the-staff.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI, is Vice President for Mission and Ministry. She has been with UIW since 1972.”
    A religious sister serves as Vice President for Mission and Ministry; the staff page lists no Catholic priest chaplain.
    “Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI, is Vice President for Mission and Ministry. She has been with UIW since 1972.”
    A religious sister serves as Vice President for Mission and Ministry; the staff page lists no Catholic priest chaplain.
  3. Breathe | Faith Formationuiw.edu/ministry/faith-service/faith-formation/breathe.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Breathe, a UIW Catholic Student Group, builds a better community where individuals can grow in their relationship with Christ.”
    Breathe is a Catholic student group.
  4. Catholic Relief Services | Faith Formationuiw.edu/ministry/faith-service/faith-formation/catholic-relief-services.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Explore the various avenues for giving back, such as joining a Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Chapter or participating in community service initiatives.”
    Students can join a Catholic Relief Services chapter.
  5. Traditions | Mission and Ministryuiw.edu/ministry/events/traditions.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “the Latin name for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, who sponsor the University.”
    The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word sponsor the university.
  6. Places of Worship | Prayer and Worshipuiw.edu/ministry/prayer-worship/places-of-worship.html · verified Oct. 7, 2026
    “Our Lady’s Chapel Administration Building, First Floor 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209”
    Our Lady's Chapel is on the first floor of the Administration Building on the Broadway campus.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

CAcademic Excellence: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
63 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.51%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.71%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.12 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$11,151

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
4,726
Total students7,251
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$22,775
Cost of attendance (per year)$48,681
Median federal debt at graduation$27,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
51%
First-year retention71%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$56,733
Admission rate98%
Students receiving Pell grants45%

Value index: 42 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Archdiocese of San Antonio

The Most Reverend Gustavo García-Siller, Archbishop of San Antonio

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: archsa.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county, using the diocese’s county list (Wikipedia). Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

  • IPEDS unit ID 225627
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral/professional university
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
  • Report an error or a newer source
  • Respond as this school

Questions families ask

Is University of the Incarnate Word a Catholic college?
Yes. University of the Incarnate Word is a Catholic college in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Its sponsor is Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.
What is University of the Incarnate Word’s Compass Score?
66 out of 100 (grade C). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at University of the Incarnate Word?
Mass is listed at Our Lady's Chapel, Administration Building and Chapel of the Incarnate Word. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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