People Are Taking Notice of Iona University

Iona University is a school on the rise, and more people than ever are taking notice.

For starters—for the first time ever—Iona made The Princeton Review’s highly influential list of “The Best 389 Colleges,” signifying it is one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduates.

Based in part on an 85-question survey of 165,000 students across the country, The Princeton Review analyzed insights into academics, professors, student life, campus culture, clubs, dorms, extracurricular activities and much more. Only about 15 percent of America’s 2,600 four-year colleges are profiled
in the publication.

Separately, just a few weeks later, Iona received more great news.

The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse released its revamped list of the “2024 Best Colleges in America”—ranking Iona at #66 in the nation.

The WSJ’s new methodology put special emphasis on student outcomes and graduate salaries, particularly focusing on the impact a college had on boosting the earning power of its graduates beyond what would be expected.

The WSJ also highlighted Iona as the #8 Catholic school in the nation, including #1 in New York for student experience. Iona also tied Yale University as the #4 most highly recommended college by students in the Northeast, rounding out the top five along with MIT, Williams College and Princeton University.

The WSJ ranking included one of the largest-ever independent surveys of verified college students in the United States. Over 60,000 undergraduates and recent undergraduate alumni were questioned on their college experience, capturing a range of perspectives on student life including perceptions of learning opportunities, career preparation, dining halls and sports facilities, and thoughts on diversity.

“We are honored to be recognized in these national rankings, especially since they directly reflect how our students feel about their overall Iona experience and the impact Iona has had on the lives of our graduates,” said Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “In keeping with Iona’s mission, our students have reported a rigorous and rewarding academic culture that also promotes an exciting and engaging world beyond the classroom; a world that inspires them to reach for their fullest potential and supports them along the way.”

A Transformative Experience

These rankings and others continue to reinforce the transformative power of an Iona education and the value it provides for its graduates.

After graduating in May with a degree in Media & Strategic Communications, Joseph Ferrer ’23 is now pursuing his master’s in marketing at Iona. Following in his footsteps, Ferrer’s younger brother, Jonathan, just started his freshman year at Iona.

“Iona, for me, has been such a transformative experience,” Ferrer said.

“I am not the same person I was when I came in four years ago. And everything that I’m taking with me—from my academics to my friendships—I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

Prior to graduating in May, Iona alumnus Aidan Connolly ’23 had already secured a full-time financial analyst position at Citi in New York City. He said Iona not only prepared him academically for the position, but it was also instrumental in providing the professional networking, interviewing and other skills that were critical to his success.

“When it was time for me to specialize in an academic field, I knew I would be doing myself an injustice if I didn’t choose a career path in business because of the incredible opportunities that the LaPenta School of Business has
to offer its students,” said Connolly, an economics and entrepreneurship double major who also served as president of the Student Government Association. “I can attest after four short years that I made one of the best decisions in my educational career.”