Iona University
Iona University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Iona University at a Glance
Iona University is a private Catholic university with a main campus in New Rochelle, New York, United States. It was founded in 1940 by the Congregation of Christian Brothers and occupies a campus of 45 acres (0.18 km2) in New Rochelle and a campus of 28 acres (0.11 km2) in Bronxville, New York.
1940
86 years old
$254M
$253.9 million (2025)
4,041
3,389 undergrad · 652 grad
45 acres
Identity
Is Iona University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, Iona University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $73,595 — 37% above average — while paying $29,188/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 57% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Iona University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Iona University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #62 of 94 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #5 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #6 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #62 | Iona University | 36 | $29,188 | $73,595 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Iona University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 9 in NY.
Best Programs at Iona University
The highest-earning program at Iona University is Finance and Financial Management Services at $50,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $27,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Finance and Financial Management Services graduate from Iona University earns $50,600, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $27,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Finance and Financial Management Services graduates carry $23,715 in median debt vs. $26,116 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $29,188/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $50,600 | $50,600 | $23,715 |
| Marketing | $38,000 | $38,000 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,700 | $36,700 | $23,875 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $34,500 | $34,500 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $29,900 | $29,900 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $27,300 | $27,300 | $26,116 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- New Rochelle, NY
- Student Body
- 2,951 students
- Admission Rate
- 87%
- Graduation Rate
- 57%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $29,188
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $73,595
- Median Student Debt
- $25,999