From Classroom to Career, Iona University Never Stops Building on the Momentum
Iona keeps growing, innovating and expanding student opportunities on campus and beyond
Westchester County, N.Y. – In the world of higher education, Iona University offers something rare: a caring, close-knit community that never stops building on the momentum. From new academic programs and world-class facilities to a vibrant campus life and nationally ranked student outcomes, Iona is redefining what a modern, faith-based education can be.
Rooted in the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers, Iona has always believed that education is a path to liberation. Today, that Catholic tradition meets a bold culture of innovation—where the aim is not only to prepare graduates who are ready for their first big job, but to inspire them to create lives of meaning and purpose.
“Iona continues to invest in the things that matter most, including state-of-the-art facilities, extraordinary faculty and staff, and the personalized support that empowers every student to succeed,” said Kevin O’Sullivan, senior vice president for Enrollment and Student Affairs. “An Iona education is truly transformative in shaping confident leaders, fueling professional success and proving that Iona deserves its place on the national stage.”
Students and families ready to take the next step in their college journey are invited to learn more and apply at iona.edu today!
Academics Focused on the Future
From nursing and the health sciences to business and the humanities, Iona continues to add academic programs in high demand at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of programs across three schools: the School of Arts & Science, the LaPenta School of Business, and the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences. The Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation also offers dynamic degree programs and is available to all students across academic disciplines.
Highly accredited, Iona’s academic programs deliver results. In fact, over 90 percent of students are employed or enrolled in graduate school within a year of graduation. Moreover, 100 percent of Iona’s May 2025 undergraduate nursing graduates were employed within a year – with a 91 percent first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This not only exceeds the national average but also reflects the school’s rigorous preparation and strong clinical partnerships.
Iona faculty, meanwhile, have a wealth of professional experience that keeps Iona’s programs on the cutting edge. These connections—plus Iona’s extensive alumni network and proximity to New York City—offer unparalleled access to internship and career opportunities. The Gabelli Center for Teaching & Learning further positions Iona at the forefront of AI-aware education, encouraging faculty across disciplines to integrate artificial intelligence in ways that deepen, rather than replace, the human element in teaching and learning.
These strong outcomes are complemented by the Gaels Go Further Mentoring program, bringing the “classroom to career” promise to life as students connect with alumni mentors for personalized career guidance, networking and support. Students have gone on to work for organizations like Goldman Sachs, Google, P&G, Deloitte and Morgan Stanley, among others.
“The advice I received from my mentor helped me better understand my career goals and the steps I need to take to achieve them,” said Victoria Curreri ’26, a finance major who earned a coveted summer analyst role at Goldman Sachs Ayco. “Gaels Go Further was a big part of my journey to get there.”
Facilities that Build Community
Iona’s physical campuses in New Rochelle and Bronxville, both just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, continue to be transformed to ignite the spirit of the community.
In New Rochelle, a completely reimagined, 20,000-square-foot dining hall and lounge in the LaPenta Student Union now serves as the heart of campus, offering a vibrant hub of connection, collaboration and community. Complementing the Murphy Green in the center of campus, Iona this spring will also open the Upper Green, a contemplative, device-free outdoor space intentionally designed for presence and reflection.
Campus housing has also undergone impressive upgrades. Iona’s Bronxville campus—home to the state-of-the-art Kelly Center for Health Sciences—now also includes Bohm Hall, a newly renovated residence hall offering spacious living and modern amenities. Updated residence halls in New Rochelle further reflect Iona’s commitment to a welcoming residential experience.
Meanwhile, Iona’s global footprint also continues to grow. The University’s campus in County Mayo, Ireland—located on the historic 400-acre Westport House Estate—invites students to immerse themselves in living overseas, building on Iona’s robust study abroad and service-learning trips around the world. Students return from these trips not only with broadened horizons, but with deeper empathy and a clearer sense of purpose.
“These trips will change you in every way possible,” said Alina Denaut ’26, a campus minister who has traveled with Iona to Peru, Ireland, Barcelona and Texas.
Energy You Can Feel Across Campus
Iona’s momentum is reflected in its growing student body, which brings energy to every corner of campus.
Boasting over 100 clubs and leadership organizations, students can explore interests ranging from cultural and service organizations to Greek life, business societies, performing arts and more. Iona’s robust club sports program—with 20 teams and counting—includes a MAAC-championship esports team as well as popular programs such as rugby, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball and new opportunities in sports like tennis, weightlifting and flag football.
On the NCAA Division I stage, Iona’s roster includes 26 varsity programs, including the launch of men’s and women’s tennis next year and the elevation of acrobatics & tumbling to NCAA championship sport status. Indoor and outdoor tennis courts on the Bronxville campus will soon host both DI and club competitions, strengthening Iona’s already vibrant athletics culture.
The spirit and performing arts programs are also on the rise, fueling the atmosphere on game days and taking students to national stages. Groups such as dance, cheer, the NightinGaels acappella and Gold Line dance are traveling to marquee destinations such as the Kennedy Center and Radio City Music Hall for performances and Walt Disney World for competitions.
For Tommy Spillane ’26, the Iona University Pipe Band wasn’t just an activity. It became a community that shaped his entire college experience.
“The Pipe Band has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. It has surrounded me with amazing people ranging from current students to alumni and even long-time bagpipe lovers,” he said. “The most enjoyable time of the year is March; the band travels across the tri-state area and marches in eight or more parades, each in a different city.”
It Pays to Go to Iona
Amid all this excitement, Iona remains focused on what matters to students and families: results.
For 2026, Iona has once again been named by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others as one of the nation’s best colleges. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of the top schools in the country for social mobility, while Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce ranked an Iona degree in the top 6 percent nationally for long-term return on investment—underscoring the earning power and career outcomes that Iona graduates achieve. Reflecting the energy across campus, The Wall Street Journal’s 2026 “Best Colleges in America” ranked Iona at #5 among Catholic colleges nationwide for student experience.
For Wally Olusanya ’25, choosing Iona wasn’t just about picking a school—it was a strategic step toward a career in accounting. After graduation, he earned a full-time offer at EY, one of the Big Four accounting firms, saying one of Iona’s key advantages is the opportunity to gain practical experience within a supportive, close-knit community.
“At Iona, I gained self-confidence and the ability to form bonds from a single conversation,” he said. “I am well prepared for this opportunity at EY because I got the chance to practice amongst my peers during my time as a student.”
Be Part of Gael Nation
As Iona University continues to build on the momentum, the next generation is invited to join a community where faith, opportunity and purpose come together.
Learn more about Iona University, schedule a visit and see how you can begin your next chapter as part of Gael Nation.
ABOUT IONA
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of nearly 4,000 students and an alumni base of 55,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona also continues to be recognized in prestigious national rankings. Most recently for 2025, Iona has been named one of the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of top for social mobility in the country, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranked an Iona degree in the top 6 percent nationally for long-term return on investment. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business, meanwhile, is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just 6 percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review once again named Iona to its “Best Business Schools for 2025,” recognizing both its on-campus and online MBA programs. Connecting to its Irish heritage, Iona also opened a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland, located on the historic 400-acre Westport House Estate. A school on the rise, Iona officially changed its status from College to University on July 1, 2022, reflecting the growth of its academic programs and the prestige of an Iona education.