UIW vs. Nelson University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX with Nelson University in Waxahachie, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of the Incarnate Word is larger than Nelson University based on total student enrollment (7,047 students vs. 1,794 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of the Incarnate Word is located in San Antonio, TX (Large City setting); Nelson University is in Waxahachie, TX (Distant Town setting).
• University of the Incarnate Word is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nelson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of the Incarnate Word 12:1; Nelson University 15:1.

UIW vs. Nelson University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UIW or Nelson University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Nelson University than UIW ($22,359 vs. $23,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Nelson University are 32.9% lower than at University of the Incarnate Word ($9,598 vs. $14,296).
• University of the Incarnate Word is 48% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nelson University (about $12,026 more per year; $37,090.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48% higher at UIW than at Nelson University (about $12,026 more per year; $37,090.00 vs. $25,064.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of the Incarnate Word than at Nelson University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of the Incarnate Word students is 110% larger than aid received by Nelson University students ($25,354 vs. $12,075).

UIW vs. Nelson University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UIW or Nelson University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Nelson University and UIW.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of the Incarnate Word (1020) is 30 points higher than at Nelson University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of the Incarnate Word 900/1140; Nelson University 890/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of the Incarnate Word 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UIW - Test-free; Nelson University - Required.
• Accepted freshman UIW students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Nelson University (3.19).
• UIW has a higher acceptance rate (98.1%) than Nelson University (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at UIW vs. 56.8% at Nelson University.

UIW vs. Nelson University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UIW and Nelson University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of the Incarnate Word's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Nelson University's (37%).
• Graduates from University of the Incarnate Word earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than Nelson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $36,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Nelson University graduates have a $929 lower median loan debt than UIW graduates ($26,250 vs. $27,179).
• Among borrowers, Nelson University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UIW graduates ($271 vs. $281).
• More Nelson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UIW students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 48%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.