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Iona University

New Rochelle, NY

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Certa bonum certamen (Latin)(Fight the good fight)

Wikipedia
1940
Founded
Private university
Type
2,731
Total Students
3,389
Undergrad
652
Graduate
$254M
Endowment
(2025)
$46K
Tuition (In-State)
$46K
Tuition (Out-State)
$28K
Avg Net Price
91%
Acceptance Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
6-year
80%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Seamus Carey

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Iona University

Iona University: A dynamic Catholic institution empowering future leaders in New York.

Iona University, a distinguished private Catholic institution, has been a cornerstone of higher education in New York since its founding in 1940. With its main campus nestled in New Rochelle and an additional campus in Bronxville, Iona offers a vibrant suburban setting that blends tradition with modern academic opportunities. Initially established by the Congregation of Christian Brothers to provide accessible education, Iona has evolved, officially becoming Iona University in 2022, a testament to its expanding academic scope and influence.

Students at Iona benefit from a comprehensive academic experience, choosing from over 60 undergraduate and 45 graduate programs. The university is structured into key professional schools: the School of Arts & Science, the highly regarded LaPenta School of Business, and the innovative NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences. This diverse offering ensures that students can pursue their passions, whether they aspire to excel in business, healthcare, or the humanities. Beyond the classroom, Iona extends its reach with graduate courses in Manhattan and 14 study abroad programs, encouraging a global perspective.

Iona's history is marked by a commitment to accessibility and growth. Founded for the sons of New York's working class, it quickly adapted, welcoming returning World War II veterans and, notably, becoming fully co-educational in 1971. Today, Iona prides itself on a diverse and inclusive student body of over 4,000 undergraduates and postgraduates, representing 35 states and 47 countries. Guided by its motto, "Certa bonum certamen" (Fight the good fight), Iona fosters a supportive environment where students are challenged to achieve academic excellence and develop as ethical, community-minded individuals.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1940 by the Congregation of Christian Brothers with a mission of accessible education.
  • Private Catholic university with campuses in New Rochelle and Bronxville, New York.
  • Offers a robust portfolio of over 60 undergraduate and 45 graduate programs across three schools.
  • Boasts an enrollment of 4,041 students from diverse backgrounds, representing 35 states and 47 countries (Fall 2025 data).
  • Features a significant endowment of $230.9 million as of 2024, supporting institutional growth and student opportunities.
  • Elevated to Iona University in 2022, signifying its expanded academic breadth and impact.
  • Home to the innovative NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, preparing students for critical roles in healthcare.

Timeline

1919
The Iona School acquired an 18-acre parcel of land in New Rochelle.
1940
Iona College was officially founded by the Congregation of Christian Brothers.
1966
The college issued diplomas to its first graduate students.
1971
Iona became fully co-educational, welcoming its first freshmen class that included women.
1989
Elizabeth Seton College merged with Iona, forming the Elizabeth Seton School of Associate Degree Studies.
2011
An internal audit office was established to ensure data integrity after reporting inflated figures.
2021
Iona acquired the Concordia College campus, forming a new Bronxville campus.
2022
The institution officially transitioned from Iona College to Iona University.
🏛️
86 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Iona University

🎭

School of Arts & Science

Offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

💼

LaPenta School of Business

Provides comprehensive business education with diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, including MBAs.

🔬

NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences

An innovative school dedicated to preparing students for careers in the growing healthcare sector.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
President
Tricia Mulligan
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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