Iona is a Catholic university founded by the Christian Brothers, with two campuses about 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. The main campus is in New Rochelle. The Bronxville campus is home to the nursing and health sciences school, run in partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian. It’s a mid-sized school where almost everyone gets merit money. The real question for most families isn’t “will we get a scholarship?” but “how big is the gap after it?”
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Iona University (Read This First)
One merit award, period. Your student gets one of four freshman awards (President’s, Heritage, Gael or Iona Merit), never two. Iona doesn’t publish which one is bigger or what GPA each takes.
There’s no scholarship application. Merit is decided when the acceptance letter is written. Iona’s own admissions FAQ says applying earlier can help with scholarships. For fall 2027 the admission dates are Early Decision (binding) Dec 1, Early Action I Dec 15, Early Action II Jan 15 and Regular Decision Feb 15.
Test-optional really means test-optional here. Iona says a complete application is considered for merit with or without SAT/ACT scores. Only send scores if they help.
Iona quotes two different merit ranges. The scholarship page says $15,000–$25,000 a year; the Cost & Aid page says $23,000–$27,500. Go by the number on your award letter, and ask which range applies to your student’s class.
The FAFSA date that matters is April 15. Need-based Founders Grant money and New York TAP both hinge on filing.
Winter and Summer I aren’t covered. Iona scholarships don’t apply to those sessions, except for Honors students and some athletes.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes, for admission. Iona University is test-optional for admission.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 24-29; SAT: 1110-1300.
Average net price? About $29,978/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No. It is a private school, so everyone pays the same rate.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Iona University: 2026–2027 Rates
Figures verified against official sources in October 2026.
📅 Planning for 2027–2028? These are the 2026–2027 rates, the newest Iona University has published. Colleges usually release next year's costs in the spring, and we update this page when they do.
Budgeting tip: costs typically rise 2% to 5% a year. For 2027–2028, plan on roughly $1,400 to $3,500 more than the total below.
✔ Same price for every student, no matter which state you live in.
All students: billed cost per year
$70,166
Tuition, fees, housing, and meals for two semesters
Tuition & mandatory fees
$50,170
Housing & meals (typical)
$19,996
Total billed cost
$70,166
Average federal net price: $29,978 per year.
This is what first-time, full-time students who received grant aid paid after grants and scholarships, based on the most recent federal data. It counts books and living costs, so it can run higher than the billed total above. Families who got no grants are not in this average, so many middle-income families pay more. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Same Price From Every State
Iona is private, so a student from Ohio pays the same tuition as a student from Westchester. There’s no regional tuition deal to chase. The levers that actually move the price are Iona’s merit award, the need-based Founders Grant, federal Pell and, for New York residents, state TAP and NY AIMS scholarships.
FAQ: Cost of Attendance at Iona University
What does Iona actually bill me for?
For 2026–27, tuition is $47,960 and required fees are $2,210, so $50,170 for the year. The $19,996 housing and meals figure is Iona’s living-expense estimate for students on campus, not a single dorm price. Books, transportation and personal costs (about $2,850 more) are estimates and aren’t billed.
Is there a health insurance charge I should know about?
Yes, and it surprises people. Full-time undergrads are billed for student health insurance ($1,952 in fall and $2,705 in spring for 2026–27) unless you waive it with proof of comparable coverage. If your student is on your plan, do the waiver.
Do nursing students pay more?
Yes. Iona adds a Nursing Program Fee of $1,150 each fall and spring semester in junior and senior years. That’s $4,600 over two years that won’t show up in the freshman-year estimate.
Is the average net price really around $29,978?
That’s the most recent federal figure, from 2023–24 data, for students who got grants or scholarships. It already reflects Iona’s discounting, which reaches nearly every freshman. Run Iona’s Net Price Calculator for your own number.
Can New York families get state money at a private school like Iona?
Yes. TAP is based on New York taxable income and works at private New York colleges. You’ll get a prompt to fill out the TAP application after you file the FAFSA. Students must have lived in New York for 12 months before enrolling.
If our costs are higher than Iona’s estimate, can we appeal?
You can file a Cost of Attendance appeal for things like higher rent or dependent care. But Iona says plainly that an approved appeal only raises loan eligibility. It does not increase Iona grants or scholarships.
Fall of senior year: Apply. Merit is decided when your student is admitted, so earlier applications get their number earlier.
By April 15: FAFSA filed (school code 002737) for need-based aid and New York TAP.
May 1: Deposit deadline. Compare your award letters before this date.
Parent rule of thumb: the merit award shows up with the acceptance. Everything that can grow the package after that runs through the FAFSA.
Automatic Merit Scholarships: Iona University
Every complete application is automatically considered. No essay, no form, and no test scores required. Freshmen receive one of four awards in a published range of $15,000–$25,000 per year. Transfer students receive one of two awards in the $13,000–$19,000 range.
Find your student's tier
Enter the numbers you have. We'll highlight the automatic award your student would actually get and tuck the rest out of the way. Leave it blank to browse everything.
Residency
Based on published cutoffs for entering freshmen. Always verify with the college before finalizing plans.
Start with your state. The awards in this first group come from the state, not the college. They are decided by residency and the FAFSA, and they stack on top of whatever automatic merit award the college gives below. If you live out of state, use the toggle above and these will step aside.
State AidAutomaticstate residencyneed based
Tuition Assistance Program
📅 Deadline: FAFSA and TAP application; final cutoff June 30 after the aid year ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$1,000–$5,665/yr
✔ Stackable
NY resident for 12 months; NYS net taxable income $125,000 or less for dependent students; full time at an approved NY college; FAFSA plus a separate TAP application every year
✚
Stacking & Combining
New York's main need grant, $1,000 to $5,665 a year on a sliding income scale, and it travels to private NY colleges. Stacks with Pell and with the college's own aid. Two forms every year: the FAFSA and the TAP application.
💡
Strategic Detail
State program, not a Iona University award. Rules and amounts are set by the state and can change with each budget. Full details on the CollegeReadyParent NY page.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Families under $125,000 who finished the separate TAP application after the FAFSA. The TAP form is its own step on the HESC site, and the students who show up with Pell but no TAP are almost always the ones who stopped at the FAFSA confirmation screen.
State AidApp Requiredstate residency
NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence
📅 Deadline: High school nomination; deadline set by the school ✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$500–$1,500/yr
✔ Stackable
Nominated by the high school based on Regents exam scores; no application; must enroll the fall right after graduation; public or private NY college
✚
Stacking & Combining
$500 or $1,500 a year for four years, awarded by Regents scores and nominated by the high school. Small but automatic and renewable at a C average. Stacks with TAP, Excelsior, and college aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
State program, not a Iona University award. Rules and amounts are set by the state and can change with each budget. Full details on the CollegeReadyParent NY page.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top Regents scorers whose high school submitted the nomination. There is nothing for a family to do except confirm with the guidance office that the nomination went in, and that is exactly the step nobody takes.
One award, not a pile. Colleges apply your student's single best automatic award. Automatic scholarships almost never stack with each other, though some stack with housing, departmental, or outside money. The stacking notes on each card tell you which.
Automatic
President's Scholarship
📅 Deadline: No separate scholarship deadline. Awarded with the admission decision. File the FAFSA by April 15 for full aid consideration. ✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$15,000–$25,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Every complete freshman application is automatically considered. Iona decides the award at the time of acceptance based on the high school record. Test scores are optional for admission and for merit consideration. No essay, interview or scholarship form.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students receive only one Iona merit scholarship. It combines with federal Pell, New York TAP, NY state scholarships and outside scholarships up to the cost of attendance. It cannot be combined with Yellow Ribbon or Tuition Exchange, which replace other Iona aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
Iona lists the President's, Heritage, Gael and Iona Merit awards together under one published range of $15,000-$25,000 per year on its Scholarships and Awards page. Iona's Cost & Financial Aid page quotes a different range ($23,000-$27,500) for the same four awards. Iona does not publish which award is larger or what GPA each one requires. Renews for up to 8 semesters of full-time study with a 2.0 cumulative GPA and good academic standing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted first-year students with solid high school records. Iona says 99% of first-year students receive scholarship aid, so most admitted freshmen land somewhere in this range.
Automatic
Heritage Scholarship
📅 Deadline: No separate scholarship deadline. Awarded with the admission decision. File the FAFSA by April 15 for full aid consideration. ✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$15,000–$25,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Every complete freshman application is automatically considered. Iona decides the award at the time of acceptance based on the high school record. Test scores are optional for admission and for merit consideration. No essay, interview or scholarship form.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students receive only one Iona merit scholarship. It combines with federal Pell, New York TAP, NY state scholarships and outside scholarships up to the cost of attendance. It cannot be combined with Yellow Ribbon or Tuition Exchange, which replace other Iona aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
Iona lists the President's, Heritage, Gael and Iona Merit awards together under one published range of $15,000-$25,000 per year on its Scholarships and Awards page. Iona's Cost & Financial Aid page quotes a different range ($23,000-$27,500) for the same four awards. Iona does not publish which award is larger or what GPA each one requires. Renews for up to 8 semesters of full-time study with a 2.0 cumulative GPA and good academic standing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted first-year students with solid high school records. Iona says 99% of first-year students receive scholarship aid, so most admitted freshmen land somewhere in this range.
Automatic
Gael Scholarship
📅 Deadline: No separate scholarship deadline. Awarded with the admission decision. File the FAFSA by April 15 for full aid consideration. ✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$15,000–$25,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Every complete freshman application is automatically considered. Iona decides the award at the time of acceptance based on the high school record. Test scores are optional for admission and for merit consideration. No essay, interview or scholarship form.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students receive only one Iona merit scholarship. It combines with federal Pell, New York TAP, NY state scholarships and outside scholarships up to the cost of attendance. It cannot be combined with Yellow Ribbon or Tuition Exchange, which replace other Iona aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
Iona lists the President's, Heritage, Gael and Iona Merit awards together under one published range of $15,000-$25,000 per year on its Scholarships and Awards page. Iona's Cost & Financial Aid page quotes a different range ($23,000-$27,500) for the same four awards. Iona does not publish which award is larger or what GPA each one requires. Renews for up to 8 semesters of full-time study with a 2.0 cumulative GPA and good academic standing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted first-year students with solid high school records. Iona says 99% of first-year students receive scholarship aid, so most admitted freshmen land somewhere in this range.
Automatic
Iona Merit Award
📅 Deadline: No separate scholarship deadline. Awarded with the admission decision. File the FAFSA by April 15 for full aid consideration. ✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$15,000–$25,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Every complete freshman application is automatically considered. Iona decides the award at the time of acceptance based on the high school record. Test scores are optional for admission and for merit consideration. No essay, interview or scholarship form.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Students receive only one Iona merit scholarship. It combines with federal Pell, New York TAP, NY state scholarships and outside scholarships up to the cost of attendance. It cannot be combined with Yellow Ribbon or Tuition Exchange, which replace other Iona aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
Iona lists the President's, Heritage, Gael and Iona Merit awards together under one published range of $15,000-$25,000 per year on its Scholarships and Awards page. Iona's Cost & Financial Aid page quotes a different range ($23,000-$27,500) for the same four awards. Iona does not publish which award is larger or what GPA each one requires. Renews for up to 8 semesters of full-time study with a 2.0 cumulative GPA and good academic standing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admitted first-year students with solid high school records. Iona says 99% of first-year students receive scholarship aid, so most admitted freshmen land somewhere in this range.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Onlytransfer
Iona Celtic Scholarship
📅 Deadline: No separate scholarship deadline. Awarded with the transfer admission decision. File the FAFSA within 30 days of admission. ✓ Renews (2 GPA)
$13,000–$19,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Transfer students only
🎓 TransferTransfer applicants are automatically considered based on their college transcript. No separate application.
✚
Stacking & Combining
One Iona merit scholarship per student. Combines with Pell, New York TAP and outside scholarships up to the cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Iona lists the Transfer Scholarship and Iona Celtic Scholarship together at $13,000-$19,000 per year on its Scholarships and Awards page. The Cost & Financial Aid page quotes $10,000-$18,000. Iona does not publish which award is larger. Renews with a 2.0 cumulative GPA and good academic standing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students with solid college grades. Iona reviews the college record rather than the high school record.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Onlytransfer
Transfer Scholarship
📅 Deadline: No separate scholarship deadline. Awarded with the transfer admission decision. File the FAFSA within 30 days of admission. ✓ Renews (2 GPA)
$13,000–$19,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Transfer students only
🎓 TransferTransfer applicants are automatically considered based on their college transcript. No separate application.
✚
Stacking & Combining
One Iona merit scholarship per student. Combines with Pell, New York TAP and outside scholarships up to the cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Iona lists the Transfer Scholarship and Iona Celtic Scholarship together at $13,000-$19,000 per year on its Scholarships and Awards page. The Cost & Financial Aid page quotes $10,000-$18,000. Iona does not publish which award is larger. Renews with a 2.0 cumulative GPA and good academic standing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students with solid college grades. Iona reviews the college record rather than the high school record.
Automaticmajor
Health Professions Scholarship
📅 Deadline: No separate scholarship deadline. Awarded when admitted to the Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing program. ✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
$3,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Accelerated second-degree nursing (ABSN) students only
For students admitted to Iona's Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing program (for people who already hold a bachelor's degree). Freshmen in the traditional four-year nursing program are considered for the regular freshman merit awards instead.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Replaces the standard merit awards for accelerated nursing students. Outside scholarships and any federal aid the student qualifies for still apply.
💡
Strategic Detail
$3,000 per academic year; Iona notes the amount may vary by cohort. Renews with a 2.0 cumulative GPA. The accelerated program has its own tuition schedule, and Iona notes aid eligibility differs from first-bachelor's students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Career changers with a prior bachelor's degree entering Iona's 16-month accelerated nursing program.
Data last verified Jun 30, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Note: Iona lists the four freshman awards together and doesn’t publish GPA cutoffs or which award is larger. Its Cost & Aid page shows a higher range ($23,000–$27,500) than its scholarship page. Your acceptance letter is the only number that counts.
Automatic Merit: FAQs (Iona University)
What’s the difference between the President’s, Heritage, Gael and Iona Merit awards?
For families, mostly the name. Iona publishes one combined range for all four and assigns one at acceptance based on the high school record. Iona doesn’t publish which is larger, so compare the dollar figure on the letter, not the title.
Will sending SAT or ACT scores get us more money?
Not necessarily. Iona says merit consideration is the same whether or not scores are submitted. Send them only if they’re stronger than the transcript suggests.
How hard is it to keep the award?
Easier than most schools. Freshman merit renews for up to eight semesters of full-time study with a 2.0 cumulative GPA and good academic standing.
Can my student get two of these awards?
No. Iona allows one merit scholarship per student. It does combine with Pell, New York TAP, New York State scholarships and outside scholarships, up to the full cost of attendance.
My student wants to be a nurse. Do they get the Health Professions Scholarship?
Probably not. That $3,000 award is for Iona’s accelerated second-degree nursing program, which is for people who already have a bachelor’s degree. Freshmen entering the regular four-year nursing program are considered for the same four merit awards as everyone else.
What about transfer students?
Transfers are automatically reviewed for the Transfer Scholarship or Iona Celtic Scholarship, based on their college grades. Iona’s scholarship page lists $13,000–$19,000 a year. File the FAFSA within 30 days of admission.
Iona doesn’t run a big essay-and-interview scholarship competition for incoming freshmen. Most of the money is handed out automatically at acceptance. The competitive dollars that do exist fall into three buckets:
Tuition Exchange, for children of employees at member colleges
Division I athletic awards
The top-end merit awards Iona says it reviews for Honors Program candidates
✅ Can You Stack Scholarships at Iona?
Aid Type
Stacks with Merit?
Iona Parent Translation
Iona Merit Awards
N/A
One per student. You won’t get two.
Tuition Exchange
No, replaces
Covers up to full tuition after federal and state aid, but your student gives up all other Iona aid.
Yellow Ribbon (GI Bill)
No, replaces
Can’t be combined with any other Iona-funded award.
Athletic Awards
It depends
Iona warns that an athletic award can affect merit or need-based grants. Ask the coach and Student Financial Services to show you the full package side by side.
Family & Service Awards
Yes
Sibling, alumni-parent and Gael Service Grant money sits on top of merit.
Pell, TAP & Founders Grant
Yes
Need-based money fills in after merit. File the FAFSA by April 15.
If your student is a strong student hunting for a full ride through a scholarship competition, Iona isn’t built that way. Its pitch is a broad discount that reaches almost everyone. The best “competitive” move for a high achiever is landing an Honors Program invitation, which Iona says puts them in line for its most prestigious awards.
App Required
Tuition Exchange Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Apply in the fall of senior year (admission plus sponsorship through the parent's employer). · 📢 Results: Usually by April 1; respond by May 1. ✓ Renews (2 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Children of employees at Tuition Exchange member colleges
👥 ~3+ new awards per year winners/yrParent must be an eligible employee of one of 600+ Tuition Exchange member institutions, and that institution must certify the student.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Replaces all other Iona aid, including merit, need-based and athletic awards. Federal and state aid are applied first.
📄
How to Apply
Contact the Tuition Exchange liaison at the college where your parent works. If that college sponsors you, its liaison sends the certification to Iona. Apply to Iona for admission in the fall and file the FAFSA.
💡
Strategic Detail
Up to Iona's annual tuition minus federal and state aid, for up to 8 semesters of full-time undergraduate study. Excludes study abroad, winter and summer sessions, part-time and second degrees. Iona awards at least 3 new Tuition Exchange scholarships each year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Children of employees at a Tuition Exchange member college whose employer sponsors them. If more qualify than Iona can fund, Iona picks by its academic index.
Data last verified Oct 1, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs
How does Tuition Exchange work at Iona?
If a parent works at one of the 600+ Tuition Exchange member colleges, your student can be sponsored through that college’s TE liaison. Iona awards at least three new Tuition Exchange scholarships each year, chosen by academic strength if more students qualify than there are spots.
When do we hear about Tuition Exchange?
Apply for admission and sponsorship in the fall of senior year. Iona usually notifies families by April 1, with a reply due by May 1.
Is Tuition Exchange always the better deal?
Usually, but run the math. It replaces all Iona aid, and it doesn’t cover study abroad, winter or summer sessions. For a student with a large merit award plus Pell and TAP, compare both packages before choosing.
Does Iona offer athletic scholarships?
Yes. Iona competes in Division I and awards athletic scholarships competitively, with terms set by the athletic contract and coaches. Iona notes that an athletic award can change eligibility for merit or need-based grants, so get everything in writing.
Is there a separate application for Iona’s top scholarships?
No. Iona says all Honors Program candidates are evaluated for its most prestigious scholarships as part of the regular admission review, though it doesn’t publish their names or amounts.
A lot of Iona’s smaller money depends on facts the admission application doesn’t always capture. Before you accept the award letter, make sure Student Financial Services knows about these:
A parent who graduated from Iona (Brother Daly Alumni Award, $1,000).
A brother or sister enrolled full time at the same time ($1,500 Sibling Award).
Interest in the Gael Service Grant ($1,000 freshman year for 30 hours of service).
A parent with Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits that could transfer (Yellow Ribbon).
Parent translation: these won’t make or break the decision, but $2,500 to $3,500 a year in “small” awards is real money. Ask for each one by name.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These awards aren’t part of the automatic merit offer. Some depend on your family situation, some on financial need, and a couple are federally funded programs for specific STEM majors.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Sibling Award
📅 Deadline: None (processed at enrollment when siblings are registered full time). ✓ Renews (2 GPA)
$1,500/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Typically stacks with institutional merit and need-based aid while siblings are enrolled concurrently, up to the cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award continues only while siblings remain concurrently enrolled as full-time students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Families with two or more siblings enrolled full time at Iona in the same academic year.
App Required
Gael Service Grant
📅 Deadline: Service hours: at least 15 by December 1 and 15 by May 1 of freshman year. Non-Renewable
$1,000
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with Iona merit scholarships and other institutional aid because it is a small, one-time grant.
📄
How to Apply
Iona does not publish the sign-up steps. Ask Student Financial Services or the Office of Mission & Ministry how to join a Gael Service Grant cohort before fall classes start.
💡
Strategic Detail
$1,000 for freshman year only, paid $500 per semester. Recipients join a social-justice-themed service cohort. Missing the 15 fall hours cancels the spring payment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-year students who enroll in the program and complete 30 hours of Iona-approved community service during their freshman year.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Brother Daly Alumni Award
📅 Deadline: None (processed with admission once alumni status is verified). ✓ Renews (2 GPA)
$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with Iona merit scholarships and other institutional aid up to the cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Iona lists this as a $1,000 award for students with a parent who graduated from Iona, renewable with a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Iona's page does not say "per year" outright.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with a parent who graduated from Iona.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Founders Grant
📅 Deadline: April 15 FAFSA priority for maximum consideration ✓ Renews
Varies
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with Iona merit scholarships and external grants, but total aid cannot exceed cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Need-based grant set each year from the FAFSA (Student Aid Index) and the student's cost of attendance (on campus vs. commuting). Renewal is not guaranteed; eligibility is recalculated every year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students from lower- and middle-income families who demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
NSF Noyce INSTRUCT Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Rolling. First Friday of August for a fall award; first Friday of January for a spring award. ✓ Renews (2 yrs)
$10,000–$20,000/yr
✔ Stackable
⚠ Future STEM teachers in 4+1 programs; teaching commitment required
🎓 UpperclassmenU.S. citizens, nationals or permanent residents. Selection is mainly academic merit with consideration of financial need. Prior K-12 teachers are not eligible.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed to combine with other scholarships and grants, with a goal of covering up to full tuition and fees in each award year.
📄
How to Apply
Enroll in (or apply to) a biology, chemistry or math 4+1 BS/MST or BA/MST program, file the FAFSA (code 002737), then submit the Noyce INSTRUCT application on Iona's site.
💡
Strategic Detail
Funded by NSF award #2243413. $10,000-$20,000 per year for the final two undergraduate years, plus up to $15,000 for the graduate (MST) year. Recipients commit to teach full time for 2 years in a qualifying district for each year of support, within 8 years of graduating.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Rising juniors and seniors (current Iona students or incoming transfers) in the biology, chemistry or math teacher-prep 4+1 programs who want to teach.
App Requiredmajor specificneed basedpipeline
NSF S-STEM Program
📅 Deadline: Most recently published deadline was April 15, 2025 for the Fall 2025 cohort. Confirm whether a 2027 cohort is funded with Iona Admissions. ✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✔ Stackable
⚠ Pell-eligible biology, biochemistry, chemistry, math or computer science majors
👥 ~Limited number of NSF-funded scholarships each year, subject to grant funding. winners/yrIncoming freshmen who commit to a biology, biochemistry, chemistry, mathematics or computer science major, have at least an 80 out of 100 average in high school math and science, are Pell Grant eligible, and are U.S. citizens, permanent residents or eligible non-citizens. Renewal requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA, staying in the major, cohort participation and filing the FAFSA each year.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Built to work alongside federal, state and Iona aid; Student Financial Services coordinates the package.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the NSF S-STEM scholarship application through Iona’s STEM program by the stated April 15 deadline and meet academic, major, and financial-need criteria.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes academic talent in STEM, financial need, and commitment to an eligible STEM major.
💡
Strategic Detail
Funded by the National Science Foundation. Iona describes the award as a combination of scholarships and grants covering a significant portion of tuition and program fees for four years. Iona's page currently references only the Fall 2025 cohort.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Academically strong, financially needy students majoring in eligible STEM fields with a demonstrated commitment to STEM studies.
Data last verified Oct 1, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Money the college does not control. Federal programs, city promise funds, foundations, and employers. The college may help you apply, but someone else writes the check, and these almost always stack with the college's own awards.
Outside MoneyFull TuitionApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Onlyidentity
Yellow Ribbon Education Enhancement Program
📅 Deadline: No fixed date. Applications are first-come, first-served for 50 slots; submit Iona's Yellow Ribbon interest application as early as possible. ✓ Renews (3 GPA)
Full Tuition
tuition
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Max-benefit Post-9/11 GI Bill holders or eligible dependents; 50 slots
👥 ~Up to 50 veterans winners/yr🎓 All UndergradFor veterans entitled to the maximum Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit, or their dependents who received a transfer of that benefit. Renewal requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with any other Iona-funded scholarship or grant. Outside scholarships and federal aid can still apply.
📄
How to Apply
First, verify your Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Then contact Iona's Student Financial Services and the VA Certifying Officials to be assigned a Yellow Ribbon slot — coordination happens through the financial aid office, not the admissions application.
💡
Strategic Detail
Iona covers 50 percent of tuition remaining after the GI Bill base benefit, and the VA matches it, so qualifying students can attend with tuition fully covered. Iona offers this to 50 qualifying students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Veterans at the 100 percent Post-9/11 GI Bill level, or their eligible dependents, who apply early enough to claim one of the 50 slots.
Data last verified Jun 30, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
❓ Hidden Gems FAQ
Do the sibling and alumni awards stack with merit?
Yes. Both sit on top of your student’s merit scholarship. Each renews with a 2.0 GPA, and the Sibling Award lasts only while both students are enrolled full time.
What is the Founders Grant?
It’s Iona’s own need-based grant, calculated every year from the FAFSA and whether your student lives on campus or commutes. There’s no application beyond the FAFSA, but renewal isn’t guaranteed. It’s recalculated each year.
How does the Gael Service Grant work?
Freshmen who join get $1,000 ($500 a semester) for 30 hours of service, with 15 due by December 1 and 15 by May 1. Miss the fall hours and the spring half goes away. It’s freshman year only.
My student is a STEM major from a lower-income family. Is there anything special?
Possibly. The NSF S-STEM program has covered a large share of tuition for Pell-eligible biology, biochemistry, chemistry, math and computer science majors. Iona’s page currently only describes the Fall 2025 group, so ask Admissions directly whether a 2027 group is funded.
What if my student wants to teach science or math?
Look at the NSF Noyce INSTRUCT Scholarship. It’s $10,000–$20,000 a year in junior and senior year for students in Iona’s five-year biology, chemistry or math teaching programs. Recipients agree to teach two years in a high-need district for each year of support.
Iona has an Honors Program, not a separate Honors College. Your student doesn’t fill out a separate application. Invitations come out of the regular admission review, based on the transcript, the rigor of their classes and the SAT if they sent one. For families chasing the biggest Iona awards, this is the door that matters, because Iona says every Honors candidate is evaluated for its most prestigious scholarships.
Typical invitee: GPA of 3.5 or higher, and an SAT above 1260 or ACT of 26 if scores are submitted
How to be considered: Apply to Iona by one of the regular admission deadlines
Separate Honors application: None required
Honors Scholarships & Perks
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Honors Program Summer & Winter Tuition Benefit
📅 Deadline: No separate deadline. Honors invitations are tied to the regular admission application. ✓ Renews
Varies
✔ Stackable
⚠ Honors Program members only
🎓 All UndergradBy invitation based on the admission application. Invitations weigh the high school record, rigor of coursework and SAT if submitted.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Sits on top of the student's regular Iona merit award. Honors students are one of the few groups that can receive Iona aid for winter and summer sessions.
💡
Strategic Detail
Iona's Honors Program page says tuition is covered for one eligible course in a summer or winter session each academic year. Iona's college counselor page describes it as 24 free tuition credits over four years for summer, winter or study abroad. Confirm the current allowance with the Honors Program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students invited into the Honors Program, typically with a 3.5+ GPA and, if submitted, an SAT above 1260 or ACT of 26.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
American Express Honors Grant Fund
📅 Deadline: Two application rounds each year; dates are set by the Honors Program. Non-Renewable
Varies
✔ Stackable
⚠ Honors Program members only
🎓 All UndergradHonors Program members apply for specific projects or experiences.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Funds academic experiences on top of tuition aid, so it does not reduce merit awards.
💡
Strategic Detail
Awarded twice a year to Honors applicants for study abroad, research and conference or workshop attendance and presentations. Iona does not publish award amounts.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students with a specific plan for study abroad, research, or presenting at a conference or workshop.
Data last verified Oct 1, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Iona describes the summer and winter tuition perk two ways: one free course per year on its Honors page, and 24 free credits over four years on its college counselor page. Ask the Honors Program which applies to your student’s class.
Why This Perk Matters: Iona scholarships normally don’t apply to Winter Session or Summer Session I. Honors students are one of the few exceptions. That makes it cheaper to catch up, get ahead, or graduate on time without paying out of pocket.
What Else Comes With Honors
Priority course registration
An all-Honors floor in a residence hall, with an Honors resident assistant
An Honors Center in the Arrigoni Library with dedicated seminar rooms
A senior Honors thesis with a faculty adviser
Honors Program: FAQs (Iona University)
Does my student need to apply separately for Honors?
No. Invitations are based on the regular application. If your student’s record fits the typical profile, the best thing they can do is apply on time with a strong transcript.
Does Honors guarantee a bigger scholarship?
No guarantee, but Iona says Honors candidates are reviewed for its most prestigious scholarships. In practice, Honors invitees are the students most likely to land at the top of the merit range.
What is the American Express Grant Fund?
Honors students can apply twice a year for funding for study abroad, research or presenting at a conference. Iona doesn’t publish amounts, so ask about them once your student is in the program.
Can test-optional students get into Honors?
Yes. Iona lists test scores as “if submitted,” so a strong transcript and rigorous coursework can carry the invitation on their own.
Iona’s big selling point is career access. Your student gets a small-school setting with a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, but New York City is a short train ride away for internships and jobs. Its strongest programs line up with careers that hire right out of college: business, finance, accounting, nursing and health sciences, and teaching.
Nationally Known Program: LaPenta School of Business: AACSB-accredited, a seal only about six percent of business schools worldwide hold. Students train on a dedicated trading floor and visit places like the New York Fed and Morgan Stanley. The alumni list includes a former CEO of Visa and the CEO of Heineken USA. Finance and accounting are the standout tracks.
Nursing & Health Sciences: The NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences on the Bronxville campus offers a four-year nursing degree with clinical experience tied to the NewYork-Presbyterian hospital system.
Speech-Language Pathology: Iona’s communication sciences and disorders program has an on-campus speech and hearing clinic where students work with real clients, plus a master’s pathway.
Teaching: Five-year bachelor’s plus master’s programs let future teachers finish with a degree and New York initial certification in five years. Science and math tracks can qualify for Noyce funding.
Entrepreneurship: The Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation gives students a place to test business ideas, even outside the business school.
🔗 Official Iona University Links
Use Iona’s official pages below to double-check scholarships, costs, and program details. Always go by these pages for final dates and award terms.
Here’s Iona in a sentence: almost everybody gets a scholarship, and almost nobody gets a free ride. The merit award arrives with the acceptance letter, test scores optional, and it’s easy to keep with a 2.0 GPA. That makes Iona one of the more predictable private schools to budget for. The work for parents is closing the gap that’s left: file the FAFSA by April 15, claim every family award you qualify for, and if you’re a New York family, don’t leave TAP on the table.
Where Iona really earns its price is location. A student in finance, accounting, nursing or teaching gets small classes and real New York City connections without paying Manhattan rents. If your student is aiming for the top of the merit range, the Honors Program is the path. If your family has a Tuition Exchange or GI Bill connection, run those numbers first, because they can beat everything else on this page.
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