Iona University Honored as 2023-2024 College of Distinction for Commitment to Student Success
Colleges of Distinction recognized Iona for its excellence in hands-on learning, equity and inclusion efforts and dedication to career preparation for its students
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. & BRONXVILLE, N.Y. — Iona University has been named a College of Distinction for the 2023-2024 academic year, marking its commitment to providing a high-quality education focused on hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, vibrant campus life and successful outcomes. The recognition comes from Colleges of Distinction, a trusted resource for over two decades that serves over five million students, parents and guidance counselors.
Being named a College of Distinction builds upon the momentum at Iona as it continues to introduce new academic programs and degrees while also expanding opportunities for students to “Learn Outside the Lines” of the classroom. Recent opportunities range from partnering with the City of New Rochelle to deliver recommendations on how to better engage businesses to competing in nationally renowned singing competitions and much more. Iona also recently announced that the Class of 2027 is its largest freshman class in five years.
Colleges of Distinction’s selection process includes in-depth research and detailed interviews with the schools, accepting only those that adhere to their four distinctions: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.
“We believe that engaged students are successful students,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer of Colleges of Distinction. “Iona’s dedication to experiential learning shows us that each of its students has the opportunity to play an active role in their education.”
To be named a College of Distinction, the University demonstrated excellence in undergraduate education in such factors as student engagement, teaching excellence, outcomes-based learning and community involvement.
Iona also received specialized recognitions for programs in its LaPenta School of Business and Education Department, as well as the Equity & Inclusion College of Distinction accolade, presented for resources and programs that provide additional support to underserved communities at the student, faculty and staff level.
In addition, the University also received the Career Development award, confirming that its career services go above and beyond the norm, supporting students with comprehensive four-year plans, personalized advising, and more.
Notably, Colleges of Distinction also chose Iona as one of the best Catholic colleges in the United States.
“Thank you to Colleges of Distinction for this acknowledgement,” said Kevin O'Sullivan, senior vice president for Enrollment and Student Affairs. “It is through the tremendous effort of our faculty and staff that Iona continues to build upon its commitment to student success inside and outside the classroom and produces outstanding graduates prepared to tackle the challenges of their chosen profession. It’s very rewarding to see those efforts reflected in these recognitions.”
To view Iona’s profile or to find more information about the programs it offers, visit www.collegesofdistinction.com/school/iona-university.
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 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 5 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 recognized Iona’s on-campus MBA program as a “Best Business School for 2024.” 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 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.