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68.5%Acceptance
$52,000Tuition
1,579Students
68%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$74,360Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Lutheran Church in America

About Wagner College

Wagner College combines liberal arts education with stunning views of New York Harbor from its Staten Island campus. The school enrolls 1,579 students who benefit from small classes and close faculty relationships. Wagner built its reputation on experiential learning through its signature "Learning Communities" program that connects coursework with real-world experiences. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name, not just ID numbers.

Students pay an average net price of $27,733 after financial aid, making this private education more accessible than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $74,360 ten years after graduation, while typical student loan debt sits at $25,000. The monthly loan payment of $265 represents a manageable burden given earning potential. Wagner students typically see strong returns on their educational investment.

The Seahawks compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 595 student-athletes across 23 varsity sports. Women make up 60% of the student body, creating a campus culture that values diverse perspectives. The 69% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing rigorous academics with New York City opportunities just a ferry ride away. Wagner's Lutheran heritage still influences campus values of service and community engagement.

Academics & Faculty

Wagner College operates as a liberal arts institution where students explore broad academic disciplines while developing critical thinking skills across multiple fields. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and provide individualized attention throughout their academic journey. With a 65% four-year graduation rate, most students complete their degrees on schedule with strong faculty support. Wagner's signature programs include nursing, business, and theater arts, with the nursing program particularly well-regarded in the region. The college emphasizes experiential learning through internships and research opportunities. Students benefit from small class sizes that encourage discussion and close mentoring relationships with professors.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
64.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
68.1%
Retention Rate
81.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$74,360
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Master $116,354
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $106,421
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $95,910
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Master $66,029
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $62,508
Accounting and Related Services. Master $61,814
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $58,557
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology. Master $55,151
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $49,019
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. Bachelor $39,585

View all 50 programs →

Campus Life

Wagner's campus sits on a bluff overlooking New York Harbor, giving students Manhattan skyline views just 20 minutes away by ferry. With housing capacity for 1,403 students and total enrollment of 1,579, nearly 90% of undergraduates live on campus in this tight-knit community. Students need winter coats for snowy Northeast winters and can enjoy harbor breezes during mild springs and falls.

The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates small class discussions where professors know your name. Women make up 60% of the student body, creating a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. Weekend options include catching the ferry to Manhattan for Broadway shows or museums, or staying on Staten Island's Grymes Hill for campus traditions and Seahawks Division I games. With 23 varsity sports and 595 total athletes, nearly 40% of students compete athletically. The Lutheran heritage shows in the college's emphasis on service learning and community engagement. Students often gather at the campus center's harbor-view windows or walk the tree-lined paths between Wagner's Gothic Revival buildings.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
1,403 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1883

Campus Safety (2023)

21 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 5 5 0 0
Rape 4 3 0 0
Robbery 1 1 0 0
Stalking 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
27°–39°F
July Avg
70°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
47.1"
Annual Snowfall
24.5"

Student Demographics

Wagner attracts students who value small-class learning with big-city access. Women make up 60% of the student body, reflecting strong programs in nursing, education, and theater arts. About half the students come from New York, drawn by the college's Lutheran heritage and close-knit campus culture. The student body is predominantly white but increasingly diverse, with growing Hispanic and Black enrollment. Many students choose Wagner for its personalized attention and Staten Island location that offers harbor views while staying connected to Manhattan's opportunities.
Men
39.7%
Women
60.4%
White
56.9%
Black
7.1%
Hispanic
15.6%
Asian
4.2%
In-State Students
52.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
22.7%

Location

Wagner College sits on Staten Island, New York, just 20 miles from Manhattan across the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The campus overlooks New York Harbor with direct views of the Manhattan skyline. Staten Island offers a suburban feel within New York City's five boroughs, combining residential neighborhoods with parks and waterfront areas. Students get small-town community vibes while maintaining easy access to one of the world's major metropolitan areas. The island's location provides a quieter alternative to Manhattan's intensity. With 52.67% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with the New York area's opportunities. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Wagner College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Staten Island, New York 10301-4495
The Path at Wagner College Covered in snow
The Path at Wagner College Covered in snow
Winter Dormitory Views at Wagner College
Winter Dormitory Views at Wagner College
Early Morning Dorm View at Wagner College
Early Morning Dorm View at Wagner College

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$74,360
Median Earnings (5 years)
$80,303
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$48,300
Loan Repayment Rate
76.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Wagner College?

Wagner College accepts 68.54% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1190. The Lutheran-affiliated liberal arts college draws students who appreciate its intimate setting overlooking New York Harbor. With just 1,579 students, Wagner offers a more selective admission process than many larger institutions.

How much does Wagner College cost after financial aid?

Wagner College costs $27,733 on average after financial aid, despite a sticker price of $52,000 for tuition. About 22.70% of students receive financial aid, with the average institutional grant reaching $32,926. Students typically graduate with $25,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $265.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Wagner College?

Wagner College maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio with only 1,579 total students. The small liberal arts environment emphasizes close relationships between professors and students. The college's intimate academic setting reflects its commitment to personalized education on Staten Island.

What do Wagner College graduates earn after graduation?

Wagner College graduates earn a median of $74,360 ten years after graduation, with a 96.7% employment rate. The college's 68.10% six-year graduation rate reflects its supportive academic environment. Alumni benefit from Wagner's proximity to New York City's job market while enjoying the college's scenic harbor location.

Where is Wagner College located and what is campus life like?

Wagner College sits on Staten Island with stunning views of New York Harbor, housing 1,403 students on campus. The campus serves 60.35% women and 39.65% men, with 52.67% coming from New York State. Students enjoy Division I athletics as the Seahawks, competing in 23 varsity sports across the Northeast Conference.

Does Wagner College compete in Division I athletics?

Wagner College competes as the Seahawks in NCAA Division I athletics within the Northeast Conference. The college fields 23 varsity sports with 595 total athletes and awards $11,983,381 in athletic scholarships. This Division I status sets Wagner apart from many small liberal arts colleges of similar size.