At $27,733/yr net price, Wagner College graduates earn $74,360/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $40,360/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,733 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,932 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $74,360/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$40,360/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,751/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,404/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $28,086/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,550/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,789/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $116,354 | $42,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $106,421 | $49,365 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $95,910 | $25,000 |
| 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 | $27,000 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Bachelor | $39,585 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
68.1% of students at Wagner College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Wagner College delivers solid returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning $74,360 annually against a manageable $25,000 median debt load. The school's location on Staten Island positions graduates well for New York City's competitive job market without Manhattan's crushing living costs.
Your program choice makes or breaks the financial equation here. Allied health professionals command $116,354 annually, making Wagner's specialized healthcare training worth the investment. Nursing graduates earn between $95,910 and $106,421, though some nursing tracks carry debt loads approaching $50,000. Education majors face a tougher reality, with teachers earning around $62,000 to $66,000 annually.
Wagner's biggest financial risk is its 68% graduation rate. Nearly one in three students leave without a degree, making the initial investment a total loss. The 82% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so early, giving you an indicator by sophomore year.
This school works best for students committed to healthcare careers who can handle the academic demands. The nursing and allied health programs justify the costs through strong earning potential. Education majors should carefully consider whether the modest teacher salaries work with their debt levels.
Only 23% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting Wagner attracts families who can afford the full freight. If you need significant financial assistance, the limited aid pool makes Wagner a risky choice. The school's merit scholarship opportunities remain unclear from the available data, so contact financial aid directly about academic scholarships before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wagner College worth the cost?
Wagner College's $27,733 annual net price leads to median earnings of $74,360 after 10 years, which provides reasonable but not exceptional returns. The strong nursing and allied health programs justify costs better than education programs, which show weaker earnings potential.
What are the best paying majors at Wagner College?
Allied health diagnostic programs at Wagner College lead to median earnings of $116,354, while nursing graduates earn around $95,910-$106,421. Education majors earn significantly less at $62,508-$66,029, making program choice critical for ROI.
How much debt do Wagner College graduates have?
Wagner College graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to the national average. This debt level is reasonable given the school's net price and earnings outcomes for most programs.
Does Wagner College have good job placement after graduation?
Wagner College's 68% graduation rate is below the national average for four-year colleges. While nursing and health program graduates see strong earning potential, the lower graduation rate suggests academic or financial challenges for some students.