The Princeton Review Names Iona University One of the Nation’s Best Colleges for 2026
Inclusion in this highly influential publication reflects ongoing momentum as Iona continues to expand academic offerings and elevate the student experience across its two main campuses in New Rochelle and Bronxville, N.Y.
Only about 15 percent of America’s 2,400 four-year colleges are profiled
New Rochelle & Bronxville, N.Y. – Iona University is proud to announce it has once again been included in The Princeton Review’s highly influential national publication of “The Best 391 Colleges,” signifying it is one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduates.
Released today, only about 15 percent of America’s 2,400 four-year colleges are profiled in the 2026 publication. The Princeton Review made its selection based in part on a survey of 170,000 students across the country, providing insights into academics, professors, student life, campus culture, clubs, extracurricular activities and much more. It also surveyed 2,000 college administrators about their institution’s academic offerings.
“We are proud to once again be recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the nation’s top colleges, a distinction that reflects the positive experiences our students are having both in our classrooms and beyond,” said Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “Iona is deeply committed to providing a transformative educational experience with a strong return on investment while nurturing a caring, close-knit academic community. This recognition affirms we are delivering on that promise.”
FIND YOUR FIT AT IONA
Each year, The Princeton Review aims to offer invaluable guidance for students as they search for their “best-fit” school. The company profiles Iona University in its 2026 printed edition of its annual college guide as well as on its website. The Princeton Review does not rank the schools in “The Best 391 Colleges” hierarchically from 1 to 391.
Rob Franek, The Princeton Review's editor-in-chief and lead author of “The Best 391 Colleges,” said, “Iona University has outstanding academic programs and the feedback we received about Iona University from its students we surveyed was very impressive. We are delighted to name Iona University one of our Best Colleges for 2026 and to recommend it to students searching for their ‘best-fit’ college.”
Read Iona University’s profile in “The Best 391 Colleges” here!
ACADEMICS
According to The Princeton Review, Iona students say that from their first year to their last, they are welcomed into an "inclusive community" that some say has "the feeling of home."
Undergraduates appreciate that the school has "a lot of resources available" and "a huge network of support that will allow you to pursue your dreams." They also note that there are "opportunities for internships and job offers since the school works so hard to have companies come in and talk with the students," and that being "so close to the city" helps.
When it comes to academics, undergrads are quick to note that "Iona is renowned for their business school," which gets students early access to real-world companies, doing things like creating "an integrated marketing communication plan [which allows] us to take what we learn in the classroom and apply it to the real world."
Students further say that no matter the class, “professors here are passionate about the subject material they are teaching.” Additionally, they “do an excellent job at preparing students for their intended field of study and providing a meaningful learning experience.” Perhaps most importantly, it’s evident that they “want to see you succeed at Iona.”
STUDENT BODY
At Iona, "respect and dignity are always a priority," so it is no surprise that undergrads speak very highly of their "warm and welcoming" peers. They see each other as "passionate, involved" individuals who are quick to "flash you a smile or hold open the door for you."
One student elaborates by saying, "I've met some of my best friends through asking a friendly face for help in many different areas at Iona. As another puts it, "The second I walked onto campus everyone made me feel like I belonged."
Enrollees also note that the Catholic university attracts a "diverse range of students from different religious backgrounds" and "a lot of people from all over the world. [It] is nice to know that I can always learn something new about a different country."
To those at Iona, the most important factor is how they join together to "care about their community and making a difference in the world." Beliefs like that are what lead some students to say their already impressive peers "are going to go far beyond what they expected."
CAMPUS LIFE
On both the academic and recreational side, students say that Iona looks to make sure “there is never a boring or dull moment here.”
The Princeton Review says students might see this play out in study spaces like the library's Harry Potter-esque room or the school's daily activity hour, a dedicated time during the noon to 1 p.m. period that "allows students to take a break from schoolwork, meet new people, and join in on an extracurricular activity."
In general, student engagement services offer many clubs and programs that are not only "exciting and interactive [but that] bring the student body closer together." For those professionally motivated, students say, "I love how they create opportunities...to network with alumni and participate in interesting career chats."
Of course, even with all these activities, students sometimes need a change of scenery. That's where they can capitalize on the university's "proximity to NYC to spend time in Manhattan to experience the Big Apple nightlife and cultural outlets."
THE MOMENTUM CONTINUES
Iona is a school on the rise and the momentum continues as it focuses on expanding its academic offerings and elevating the student experience.
A master’s-granting Catholic institution founded in 1940, Iona is inspired by the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers, grounded in a mission of faith, service, opportunity and the transformative power of education. The University’s two picturesque campuses – in New Rochelle and Bronxville, N.Y. – are both just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. Connecting to its Irish legacy, Iona also opened a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland, located on the historic 400-acre Westport House Estate.
Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across three schools: the School of Arts & Science, LaPenta School of Business and the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences. In addition, the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation offers dynamic degree programs and is available to all students across academic disciplines.
At Iona, students not only obtain a robust liberal arts education, but also gain unparalleled access to top-tier internship opportunities throughout the New York-metropolitan area and beyond. These internships are a great way for students to build confidence, explore their career interests and gain an inside look into their chosen industries.
In addition, Iona’s 4+1 programs empower students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in just five years, reducing time and tuition costs. Students in the dual degree programs still receive all the benefits of an Iona education, but at an accelerated pace to begin a promising career sooner. Explore all five-year programs today!
Outside of the classroom, meanwhile, Iona boasts 24 NCAA Division I varsity sports, including its newest teams – men's lacrosse, women’s acrobatics and tumbling, women’s golf and even more to be announced this fall.
Iona students also enjoy over 100 student clubs and leadership organizations spanning an array of interests, including active fraternities and sororities. Iona has a robust club sports program – including a championship esports team – as well as a thriving performing arts program and wide range of service opportunities through the Office of Mission & Ministry.
Continuing to elevate the student experience, Iona this fall is opening a brand-new dining hall and student union experience in the heart of its 45-acre New Rochelle campus. The 20,000-square-foot, two-story transformation of the LaPenta Student Union reflects a vibrant vision for campus life, one rooted in community, connection and student leadership. In Bronxville, meanwhile, Iona will also cut the ribbon on a new residence hall, Bohm Hall, which further strengthens student life on Iona’s new 28-acre campus.
"From our small class sizes and dedicated faculty to our vibrant campus life, modern facilities and easy access to New York City, Iona offers an environment where students can discover who they are and where they want to go in life,” said Kevin O’Sullivan, senior vice president for Enrollment and Student Affairs. “It is gratifying to see that national publications are recognizing what we’ve known for a long time – that Iona is a top-choice destination for students to achieve meaningful and transformative success. We are thrilled to once again be included among The Princeton Review’s ‘Best 391 Colleges.’”
Learn more about Iona University or apply today!
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 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. In July 2021, Iona announced the establishment of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, which is now principally located on Iona’s Bronxville campus in collaboration with one of the nation’s top hospitals. 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.