Iona University is set to welcome one of its largest and most diverse freshman classes in nearly a decade. The Class of 2028, driven by new academic programs and expanded opportunities for students, represents an increase in enrollment of 16 percent year over year and 42 percent since 2019.

The incoming class, representing 26 states and 11 countries, is also one of Iona’s strongest and most selective groups of students. The class includes 38 high school class presidents and 256 members of the National Honor Society with an overall average GPA of 3.4. Iona’s Honors Program has also expanded to meet the ongoing interest, with an average incoming Honors GPA of 3.96 and an SAT score of 1270 for those who opted to submit.

Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D., said, “Our continued growth is a testament to the value of an Iona education and the success our students have in the world after graduation.”

Building upon its mission of providing transformative education especially for first-generation students, nearly half (47 percent) of incoming students reported they are the first in their families to attend college. Reflecting Iona’s foundation of faith, there was a six percent increase in enrollment from Catholic high schools.

Kevin O'Sullivan, senior vice president for Enrollment and Student Affairs at Iona, stated that the university's commitment to delivering a top-tier college experience is exemplified by the almost 17 percent rise in enrollment.

Iona University continues to gain recognition nationally. The Princeton Review included Iona for the first time ever in its “Best 389 Colleges” nationwide this year. Additionally, The Wall Street Journal ranked Iona as the #66 Best College in America.

According to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, Iona ranks in the top five percent nationwide for highest return on investment both 30 and 40 years after graduation. This is further supported by Iona’s Center for Career Development, which has seen a 94 percent placement rate for the graduating Class of 2023.

Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across three schools: the School of Arts & Science, LaPenta School of Business and the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences.

The university also recently opened a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland, where nursing students are currently gaining international clinical experience in the Irish hospital system.