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Defying Higher Education Headwinds, Iona University Builds on the Momentum
As college closures and mergers create uncertainty, Iona stands apart as a university on the rise—grounded in mission, expanding opportunity and investing boldly in the future.
Since 2019, new student enrollment at Iona is up over 40 percent.
New Rochelle & Bronxville, N.Y. – Choosing a college is one of life’s biggest decisions. Yet as more institutions close, a school’s legacy, strength and momentum matter more than ever.
That reality is changing the way students and families approach the college search, paying extra close attention to how schools will be able to support them now and into the future.
For Nate Wales '26, '27MBA, a media and strategic communications major from Jamesville, N.Y., the decision to attend Iona University was sealed after a campus visit. “As soon as I visited campus, I thought, ‘This is the place for me.’ Iona felt like home from day one.”
Since then, Wales has made the most of his time as a Gael. Through Iona’s powerful alumni network, he secured a prestigious summer internship at 5W Public Relations after connecting with the CEO, Matthew Caiola, an alumnus from the Class of 2005.
“The connections with the alumni are extremely impactful,” said Wales, a Division I swimmer who will begin his MBA at Iona this fall. “My time at Iona really helped me grow not just as a student, but as a person.”
Bucking the Trend
Over 90 percent of graduates are employed or in graduate school within a year.
Higher education faces mounting pressures. More than a quarter of private colleges are at risk of closing, according to new projections from The Hechinger Report. When they do, students often pay the highest price. More than half never complete their degrees, and those who transfer lose an average of 43 percent of earned credits, meaning it takes longer and costs more to graduate.
At a time when many institutions are retreating, Iona is growing.
Founded in 1940 in New Rochelle, Iona acquired the former Concordia College campus in Bronxville in 2021. The deal not only expanded Iona’s physical footprint but also enabled the University to grow its academic degrees, extracurricular programs and residential housing. Since 2019, new student enrollment is up over 40 percent.
“Iona continues to invest in what matters most: exceptional opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities and personalized support that empowers every student to thrive,” said Kevin O’Sullivan, senior vice president for Enrollment and Student Affairs. “An Iona education shapes confident leaders, fuels professional success and affirms Iona’s place on the national stage.”
Academics Focused on the Future
Iona is at the forefront of AI in education, integrating artificial intelligence to enhance—rather than replace—the human element.
Iona offers small classes, engaged faculty and diverse programs across the School of Arts & Science, LaPenta School of Business and NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences. The Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation also provides interdisciplinary opportunities and degree programs for all students.
Through the Gabelli Center for Teaching & Learning, Iona is at the forefront of AI in education, integrating artificial intelligence to enhance—rather than replace—the human element. The result is students not only learn how to use artificial intelligence to solve problems, but to use the tool responsibly in support of their future goals.
Iona’s highly accredited academic programs, combined with career development, a strong alumni network and proximity to New York City, give students access to top-tier internships and career pathways. The Gaels Go Further Mentoring program further connects students with alumni for personalized career guidance and networking.
Iona graduates are career ready and the results speak for themselves. Over 90 percent of graduates are employed or in graduate school within a year, with alumni working at organizations such as Goldman Sachs, Citi, Morgan Stanley, PepsiCo, EY, IBM, MLB and NewYork-Presbyterian.
It Pays to Go to Iona
Iona continues to deliver strong outcomes. For 2026, Iona has once again been recognized by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal and Forbes among the nation’s best colleges.
U.S. News & World Report ranks Iona among top schools for social mobility, while Georgetown University places Iona in the top 6 percent nationally for long-term return on investment.
Reflecting the momentum, The Wall Street Journal’s 2026 “Best Colleges in America” ranks Iona #5 among Catholic colleges for student experience.
Energy Across Campus
Through strategic campus enhancements, Iona’s spaces foster community and connection.
Iona’s campuses in New Rochelle and Bronxville—both just 20 miles from Midtown Manhattan—continue to thrive and evolve.
In New Rochelle, a new dining hall in the LaPenta Student Union anchors campus life, complemented by the Murphy Green and the Mehmel Green, opening this summer. These two new open spaces not only beautify campus, but foster community and connection. Plans are also underway for a cutting-edge media center in Spellman Hall to support Iona’s robust television, radio, podcasting, virtual reality, drone and esports programs in the heart of campus.
In Bronxville, the Kelly Center for Health Sciences provides a state-of-the-art learning environment for Iona’s thriving nursing and health sciences programs. Bronxville also features newly renovated athletic facilities, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, performing arts spaces and a new residence hall. Residential upgrades in New Rochelle further enhance the living experience.
Globally, Iona’s campus in County Mayo, Ireland, located on the 400-acre Westport House Estate, offers an immersive study abroad experience in addition to many other service-learning programs worldwide.
Be Part of Gael Nation
As Iona builds on the momentum, the next generation is invited to join a community where faith, opportunity and purpose come together. Learn more and schedule a visit at Iona University.
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 over 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.