Iona University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but Iona University offers a mix of automatic merit awards, selective scholarships, and hidden opportunities that can bring the cost down. This guide breaks it all into plain English—so first-gen parents and families know exactly what’s out there and how to qualify. If you’re comparing schools across New York, don’t forget to check our New York state aid guide alongside this page and the full College Scholarships Hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Iona University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits; additional per-credit charge above 18) |
$48,680 | $48,680 |
| Housing & Meals | $19,390 | $19,390 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $600 | $600 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,250 | $1,250 |
| Total (before aid) | $70,920 | $70,920 |
This is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships were applied — loans not included.
FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state rates?
Because Iona is private, tuition is the same for all students regardless of residency.
Are there regional exchange discounts?
No. Iona does not participate in WUE, MSEP, or NEBHE programs.
So how do families save?
Most savings come from automatic merit scholarships, competitive awards, and need-based grants.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Iona University automatically reviews every admitted student for merit-based scholarships. Award names and amounts are updated periodically, but as of 2025–2026, the university highlights scholarships such as the President’s Scholarship, Heritage Scholarship, and Gael Scholarship, with awards generally ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 per year. No separate application is required.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Scholarship | $20,000–$25,000/yr | Top academic record; strongest applicants in GPA and rigor | No | Yes — maintain GPA (typically 3.0+) | High-achieving admits with consistent honors/AP/IB courses* |
| Heritage Scholarship | $18,000–$22,000/yr | Strong GPA and course rigor | No | Yes — maintain GPA | Solid students with steady academics* |
| Gael Scholarship | $15,000–$20,000/yr | Good academic standing; typically mid-range GPAs | No | Yes — maintain GPA | Admitted students meeting baseline merit standards* |
*GPA/test score bands are estimates based on past award ranges and student profiles; actual cutoffs may shift depending on the year’s applicant pool and funding.
FAQ
Do I need to apply separately for these scholarships?
No. All admitted students are automatically considered for merit aid at Iona University.
Does Iona superscore test scores?
Iona is test-optional and does superscore the SAT. For the ACT, students typically submit their single best composite score; no official ACT superscoring is stated.
Can these awards be stacked with need-based aid?
Yes. Merit awards can be combined with federal/state grants, but they cannot exceed the full cost of attendance.
Are scholarships renewable all four years?
Yes, provided the student maintains the required GPA and remains in good academic standing.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (university-level, competitive)
These are the highly selective, university-level competitive scholarships (what we call “flagship scholarships”). They typically require extra steps beyond admission (essays, interviews, portfolios) and have limited slots. Do not include Honors-only or departmental awards here—those appear in their own sections.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|
FAQ (Competitive / Flagship Scholarships)
Does Iona offer a separate flagship or competitive scholarship competition?
Not at this time, based on current public pages. Iona’s main academic awards are admission-based merit scholarships (no separate application). If a competitive, limited-slot university program is announced, we’ll add it here with deadlines and steps.
Are there competitive opportunities elsewhere at Iona?
Yes—primarily in the Honors Program and certain departmental or identity-based funds (covered in Hidden Gems and Honors sections). These can require extra materials and have limited funding, which makes them competitive even if they aren’t labeled “flagship.”
Do test scores matter for competitive consideration?
Iona is test-optional. For merit, strong coursework and grades matter most. Iona superscores the SAT; for the ACT, students typically submit a single best composite (no official ACT superscore stated). Competitive or flagship-style awards—if introduced—would likely weigh overall rigor, leadership, and fit in addition to academics.
Any priority dates to watch?
Submit your admission application by Iona’s earliest deadlines to maximize merit review and access to selective opportunities. Departmental and Honors deadlines—when applicable—will be listed in their sections.
⭐ College Specialty
Iona University may be small compared to big New York campuses, but it has carved out a strong reputation in a few fields that matter nationally and across the state. Families looking for programs with real-world pipelines and recognition will find several standout options here.
- Sports Communication & Media — among the first in the region to offer a dedicated undergraduate degree, leveraging Iona’s proximity to NYC media hubs.
- Nursing — growing statewide recognition, especially with the new Kelly Center for Health Sciences expanding clinical and leadership training (opened 2022).
- Education — long-standing teacher preparation program, ranked highly for placing graduates into New York City and Westchester County schools.
- Criminal Justice — noted regionally for internships with law enforcement and public service agencies in New York.
🎖️ Honors Program at Iona University
Iona’s Honors Program is designed for motivated students who want to push themselves with smaller classes, research opportunities, and closer faculty mentoring. Admission is competitive but automatic for applicants who meet GPA and rigor thresholds — no separate application is required.
High school GPA in the 3.7+ range*, strong AP/IB or honors course load, leadership in service or extracurriculars, and a clear interest in research or advanced study.
- Automatic consideration for top merit awards (President’s and Heritage Scholarships)
- Priority course registration and smaller seminar-style classes
- Dedicated Honors housing options
- Faculty mentoring and support for research or thesis projects
- American Express Grant Fund — competitive grants for study abroad, research, or conference travel
- Six Free Tuition Credits Per Year — lets students explore a double major or extra courses at no added cost
FAQ
Is admission automatic for top applicants?
Yes. Students with strong academic records are automatically reviewed for Honors admission; no separate application is required.
Does the Honors Program add time to a degree?
No. The curriculum fits within a standard four-year plan while offering enhanced courses and opportunities.
Are there scholarships tied to Honors?
While Honors students are often awarded Iona’s top automatic merit scholarships, the program itself provides additional enrichment funding such as the American Express Grant Fund and free tuition credits.
What are the deadlines?
Students should apply to Iona by priority deadlines (typically December–January) to be considered for both Honors and the top merit scholarships.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Paying for Iona University doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. Between automatic merit scholarships, hidden gems like sibling and alumni awards, and selective opportunities in the Honors Program, there are multiple ways to bring down the cost. For first-gen parents especially, knowing that Iona reviews every admitted student for aid and offers extra support through service grants, STEM funding, and enrichment credits can make the path clearer. Use this guide as a roadmap, and remember that your student’s hard work really does open doors here.
✅ Last updated: September 19, 2025