Iona Makes Princeton Review 'Best 389 Colleges' For First Time

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Iona University has been named to The Princeton Review’s national list of "The Best 389 Colleges" for the first time in the school's history.

The honor, announced on Tuesday, marks the first time the Westchester school was named as one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduates. Only about 15 percent of America’s 2,600 four-year colleges are profiled in the book.

The Princeton Review made its selection based in part on an 85-question survey of 165,000 students across the country. The surveys were designed to provide insights into academics, professors, student life, campus culture, clubs, dorms and extracurricular activities. The authors also collected data from 2,000 college administrators about their institutions’ academic offerings.

"We are honored to be recognized as one of The Princeton Review’s top schools nationwide, especially since the list directly highlights how our students feel about their overall Iona experience," Iona President Seamus Carey said in a statement announcing the accolade. "In keeping with Iona’s mission, our students spoke not only of a rigorous and rewarding academic culture, but also of 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."

Carey said the ranking is especially gratifying given the recent efforts that have gone into raising the university's profile and academic standing.

"Today’s recognition reflects all the hard work taking place across campus," he said. "My thanks to the entire Iona community.”

The publication, which includes a profile about Iona in The Princeton Review’s 2024 edition book, is expected to offer guidance for students as they search for their "best-fit" school. While Iona previously ranked as one of the top schools regionally, this is the first time Iona made the national list, according to school officials.

"We salute Iona University for its outstanding academics, and its many other impressive offerings," Princeton Review Editor-in-Chief and lead author of "The Best 389 Colleges" said. "We’re delighted to recommend it as an ideal choice for students searching for their 'best-fit' college."

The news comes as Iona continues to set new student enrollment records and expand opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Since 2019, new student enrollment is up nearly 30 percent at Iona.

Administrators point to the school's rigorous academic focus and a rich campus life, noting that Iona students enjoy choosing from over 80 clubs and leadership organizations as well as a wide range of performing arts opportunities, 13 club sports and 23 NCAA Division I Athletics programs.

"The inclusion of Iona University in The Princeton Review’s Best 389 Colleges confirms what we have known for a long time: that an Iona education is transformative and provides outstanding outcomes for our students," VP of Enrollment and Student Affairs Kevin O'Sullivan said. "With our enrollment growth and acquisition of the Bronxville campus, along with an investment of over $100 million into campus enhancements and facilities to support the student experience both in and out of the classroom, coupled with the launch of new schools, academic programs and student engagement opportunities, Iona is poised to continue accomplishing great results."

On the academic front, students told The Princeton Review that from their first to final year at Iona, they are welcomed into an "inclusive community" that has "the feeling of home." Undergraduates noted that the school has "a lot of resources available" and "a huge network of support that will allow you to pursue your dreams."

Iona students also pointed out 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.

At Iona, "respect and dignity [are] always a priority," students said of the community. Undergraduates spoke highly of their "warm and welcoming” peers."

Students also told The Princeton Review 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 come together to "care about their community and making a difference in the world," according to Tuesday's announcement .

Students also told The Princeton Review that "there is never a boring or dull moment" at Iona. Students cite clubs and programs, everything from rugby to criminal justice, that are not only "exciting and interactive [but that] bring the student body closer together."

The school said Tuesday's news is an example of how the momentum continues to rise at Iona. The institution also changed its status from a college to a university in July 2022. Iona also recently expanded to a new 28-acre campus in Bronxville, located just three miles from its 45-acre campus in New Rochelle.

In addition to adding new athletic facilities and performing arts spaces, the newly opened Bronxville campus is now primarily home to the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences and the state-of-the-art Kelly Center for Health Sciences.

"Iona was founded upon a mission of providing a transformative experience for our students, embodying opportunity, justice and the liberating power of education," Chair Iona's Board of Trustees Michael P. Hegarty said. "Iona students are widely recognized for their ethics, creativity, problem-solving and joy of lifelong learning. The Princeton Review acknowledgement helps to affirm that not only is Iona living up to its mission, but that the best days are still ahead."