Iona University Celebrates National Transfer Student Week

October 23, 2024

Thought Leadership

New Rochelle, N.Y. – Transferring from one college to another can be a unique experience filled with both excitement and uncertainty. With a commitment to academic excellence and a holistic approach to admissions, Iona University supports transfer students throughout their journey.

In honor of National Transfer Student Week, here are three tips to keep in mind if you're considering joining Gael Nation. 

Plus, Meghan Bernardy ’26 shares her inspiring insights as a transfer student to help shed light on the experience.

Top 3 Tips for Transferring to Iona 

1. Reach Out for Personalized Support 

Transferring can feel overwhelming, but students don’t have to navigate the process alone. At Iona, a dedicated transfer admissions counselor is available to guide each student every step of the way. 

With a smooth application process, applicants can expect an admissions decision within just 24 hours.

Additionally, Iona’s transfer partnership agreements allow students with an accredited associate’s degree to enter at junior status. Whether students are international transfer applicants or transitioning from a community college, Iona is committed to supporting them in completing their degrees. 

For any questions, students can reach out to transfer counselor, Kylie Etwaroo, at ketwaroo@iona.edu or (914) 633-2679.

2. Visit Iona’s Vibrant Campus 

Located just 20 minutes from Midtown Manhattan, Iona’s picturesque campuses in Westchester, County, N.Y., offer students the best of both worlds. Its prime location provides students with unparalleled access to internship opportunities and the chance to forge meaningful connections post-graduation. With newly renovated residence halls and an elevated dining hall and student union on the way, Iona is deeply committed to enhancing the student experience. Once on campus, you are sure to feel a sense of Iona’s close-knit, supportive community. 

For more information about in-person or virtual tours, click here to register and learn more! 

3. Get Involved on Campus

Once a Gael, Iona makes it easy to find your community.  There are more than 80 clubs and organizations to choose from, as well as many opportunities in the performing arts, 16 club sports and 24 NCAA Division I Athletics programs.  

From exciting sporting events and pre-game Gael Gates to top-tier speakers and robust service opportunities, there are so many ways to get involved on campus and beyond. 

Iona students also have access to the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program to help navigate both campus life and career opportunities, connecting students with an active network of Iona alumni eager to give back.

Explore student life at Iona here!

Meghan Bernardy ’26 Found Her Fit at Iona

Meghan Bernardy ’26, a speech language pathology and audiology major, transferred to Iona because of its welcoming atmosphere and emphasis on community. The sense of belonging and connection stood out to her as a prospective student. 

“Iona empowers students to step into leadership positions early in their college careers. These opportunities help students develop critical skills such as communication, decision-making, teamwork and problem-solving,” said Bernardy, a resident assistant.  

“When I attended an open house and spoke with current students, I was impressed by the level of involvement. Every student I met showed initiative and genuine care for Iona’s community.”  

Describing her transfer journey as “smooth and supportive,” Bernardy credits her admissions counselor for being there every step of the way. 

“Iona evaluated the credits from my previous school, and I found the process to be straightforward,” she said. 

“I submitted my application and information through the Iona website, including my transcript from my previous institution. Similar to the first-year admission process, Iona uses a holistic approach to admissions, which reflects how warm and welcoming the school truly is. My transfer admissions counselor was incredibly responsive to any questions or concerns I had.” 

When it came to meeting new people and forming new friendships, Bernardy joined the student theatre organization – The Iona Players. From rehearsals to live performances, she quickly formed bonds with her fellow cast members and crew. 

“Joining the Iona Players was definitely one of my best decisions. Our shared passion for theater made it easy to connect on a deeper level and friendships blossomed from there.”

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 more than 50,000 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 is widely recognized in prestigious rankings, including The Princeton Review’s 2025 national list of “The Best 390 Colleges” and The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse’s “2024 Best Colleges in America,” which ranked Iona at #66 in the nation overall and #8 in the nation among Catholic schools. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just six percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review recognized Iona’s on-campus MBA program as a “Best Business School for 2023.” Iona also offers a fully online MBA program for even greater flexibility. 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 NewYork-Presbyterian. Connecting to its Irish heritage, the University also recently announced it is expanding abroad with a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland. 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.