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96.4%Acceptance
$45,880Tuition
2,731Students
57%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$73,595Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic
Return on Investment: Good

At $27,951/yr net price, Iona University graduates earn $73,595/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $39,595/yr above the median for high school graduates.

Cost vs. Outcomes

Return on investment data for Iona University
Metric Value
Average Net Price (per year) $27,951
Estimated 4-Year Cost $111,804
Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) $73,595/yr
Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma +$39,595/yr
Estimated Break-Even 2.8 years
Graduation Rate (6-year) 57.4%
Median Debt at Graduation $25,999

What You'll Actually Pay

Average net price by family income

Net price by family income for Iona University
Family Income Estimated Net Price
$0 - $30,000 $25,063/yr
$30,001 - $48,000 $27,463/yr
$48,001 - $75,000 $26,714/yr
$75,001 - $110,000 $28,595/yr
$110,001+ $30,466/yr

Earnings by Major

Top programs ranked by median earnings

Earnings and debt by program at Iona University
Program Level Median Earnings Median Debt
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $70,456 $35,687
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Master $70,176
Accounting and Related Services. Master $67,899 $33,443
Finance and Financial Management Services. Master $66,318 $32,559
Management Information Systems and Services. Bachelor $55,964 $26,661
Finance and Financial Management Services. Bachelor $52,107 $21,250
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $50,270 $25,624
International Business. Bachelor $49,683
Psychology, General. Master $46,087 $42,878
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $41,193 $27,000

The Risk Factor

Completion Risk: Elevated Risk

57.4% of students at Iona University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.

Analysis

Iona University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice and career goals. The $27,951 annual net price produces median earnings of $73,595 after ten years, creating a reasonable payback timeline for most graduates.

Your program selection makes the difference between strong and weak returns. Business Administration leads earnings at over $70,000 annually, though you'll carry $35,687 in debt to get there. Education and Accounting also cross the $67,000 threshold, making them solid financial choices. Finance rounds out the stronger options at $66,318. Management Information Systems lags significantly at $55,964, creating a tougher debt-to-income ratio despite lower borrowing.

The 57% graduation rate presents your biggest financial risk. Nearly half of students who start at Iona never finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 80% first-year retention rate suggests academic struggles often emerge in later years.

Iona works best financially if you're targeting business careers in the New York metro area, where the school's regional connections can boost job prospects. The location premium helps justify the private school cost structure. You should look elsewhere if you're considering lower-earning majors or need a higher graduation rate to feel secure about completing your degree.

With only 26% of students receiving aid, Iona appears selective with financial assistance. Merit scholarships may be available but aren't widespread. Your best cost strategy involves choosing one of the higher-earning business programs and leveraging the school's New York-area network for internships and job placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Iona University worth the cost?

Iona University's graduates earn $73,595 ten years after graduation, which provides decent returns given the $27,951 annual net price. However, the 57% graduation rate means many students don't complete their degrees, making the investment risky.

What are the best paying majors at Iona University?

Business administration and teacher education at Iona University both lead to around $70,000 in earnings, while accounting graduates earn $67,899. Finance and management information systems offer lower returns at $66,318 and $55,964 respectively.

How much debt do Iona University graduates have?

Iona University graduates typically leave with $25,999 in debt, which is manageable given the $73,595 average earnings after ten years. The debt-to-income ratio works out to reasonable monthly payments for most graduates.

Does Iona University have good job placement after graduation?

With a 96% acceptance rate and 1120 average SAT score, Iona University admits most applicants, but only 57% actually graduate. This low completion rate suggests academic support may be insufficient for many students who enroll.