Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at University of the Incarnate Word

University of the Incarnate Word's associate program in health services sits comfortably above average, with first-year earnings of $40,386 placing graduates in the 74th percentile nationally and 60th percentile statewide. That's $7,700 more than the typical Texas graduate in this field and $5,500 more than what you'd see at similar programs across the country. The $11,000 in median debt is reasonable, though slightly above the Texas average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27—low enough that most graduates should handle repayment without stress.

The value proposition here is straightforward: accessible admission (93% acceptance rate), serving a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients, and delivering earnings outcomes that consistently outperform peers. While this isn't the lowest-debt option in Texas—several community colleges come in cheaper—the earnings premium appears to justify the additional borrowing. The moderate sample size suggests reliable data without outlier concerns.

For families weighing cost versus outcomes, this program threads a practical needle. Your child would likely earn enough in their first year to make meaningful progress on a manageable debt load, and the program's above-average performance suggests UIW has established decent clinical partnerships or credential preparation in the San Antonio healthcare market. It's a solid choice for students seeking healthcare careers without pursuing a bachelor's degree immediately.