Wagner College
Acceptance rate
88.0%
2025
Peer median 77.9%
Tuition per year
$53,200
$69,685 with room and board
Peer median $34,392
Undergraduates
1,666
Student-faculty ratio 11:1
Peer median 13 : 1
Graduation rate
56.8%
4-year; 6-year rate 60.5%
Peer median 44.6%
“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Wagner College, located on Staten Island, New York, is renowned for its strong liberal arts curriculum and commitment to experiential learning. Nestled on a picturesque campus overlooking the New York Harbor, the college offers an intimate learning environment with a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship for students. Wagner's distinctive approach to education emphasizes the importance of combining academic theory with practical application. This is illustrated through the college's signature "Experiential Learning" program, which encourages students to engage in internships, community service, and research projects, fostering a strong sense of civic responsibility and real-world readiness.
The college is also known for its vibrant campus culture, which is enriched by a diverse student body and a wide range of extracurricular activities. With over 70 student organizations, including various cultural clubs, academic societies, and recreational sports teams, students have ample opportunities to develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships. The college's commitment to the arts is evident in its strong performing arts programs, including theatre and music, which regularly showcase student talent. Furthermore, Wagner College's location provides students with easy access to the cultural and professional resources of New York City, enhancing their educational experience and broadening their career prospects upon graduation. With a focus on holistic development, Wagner College prepares its students not only academically but also as socially responsible leaders in their communities.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Wagner College
Wagner College has shown notable trends in tuition and graduation rates over the years. The tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has steadily increased from $39,220 in 2014 to $52,000 in 2024, which represents a significant rise of approximately 32% over a decade. This increase in cost can be a concern for potential students and their families, particularly as student debt continues to rise nationally. The financial burden could deter some students from pursuing higher education at institutions like Wagner, especially when considering the overall economic climate.
Graduation rates have also fluctuated during this period. While the on-time graduation rate saw a peak at 70% in 2022, it slightly declined to around 66.9% in 2023. Such variations can reflect changes in student support services, academic rigor, or external factors affecting students' ability to complete their degrees on time. Additionally, the 150% graduation rate, which accounts for students graduating within six years, shows a more stable upward trend, reaching about 72.6% in 2023. This metric indicates that while the on-time rates may be concerning, many students do ultimately complete their degrees, albeit later than expected.
Retention rates, which measure the percentage of students who continue their studies at Wagner from year to year, have remained relatively stable, hovering around the 80% mark. This suggests that once students enroll, they are generally satisfied with their experience and choose to continue their education.
Lastly, the gender ratio among undergraduates indicates a predominance of female students, with nearly 63% being women in 2023. This trend is consistent with broader patterns in higher education, where female enrollment has surpassed male enrollment in many institutions across the country.
Overall, Wagner College's increasing tuition costs, fluctuating graduation rates, stable retention, and gender demographic trends provide important insights into the institution's evolving landscape and highlight factors that prospective students should consider.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- New York, about 9 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), about 7 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Lutheran Church in America
- President
- Jeff Doggett (President)
- Phone
- 7183903100
- City
- Staten Island, New York
- Address
- One Campus Rd, Staten Island, NY 10301-4495
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 66.3%, women 73.0%.
Data insights
Analysis of Wagner College Admission Trends
Wagner College has exhibited notable fluctuations in its admission rates and enrollment figures over the years from 2009 to 2023. The male admission rate started at approximately 56.4% in 2009, peaking at around 79.3% in 2022. This significant increase in acceptance rates reflects a broader trend in higher education where institutions are becoming more inclusive, possibly in response to changing demographics and competition among colleges.
On the other hand, the female admission rate has consistently remained higher than that of males, starting at about 63.6% in 2009 and reaching a high of 84.6% in 2023. This trend may indicate an increasing focus on gender diversity, as colleges strive to balance their student populations and attract more female students.
Enrollment numbers have shown variability, with the highest number of new students recorded at 519 in 2010, while the lowest was 357 in 2022. This decline in enrollment in recent years could be attributed to various external factors, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college attendance and changing perceptions towards higher education.
Furthermore, the number of applicants denied admission has remained relatively high, particularly in the earlier years, which could signal a competitive admissions environment at Wagner College. The deferment numbers also suggest that many students are opting to delay their enrollment, which could be a reaction to uncertainties in the current educational landscape.
Overall, the data indicates that Wagner College is navigating a complex admission landscape, reflecting broader trends in higher education, including gender considerations and the effects of recent global events.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 14% submitted SAT, 6% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Trends in Wagner College Admission Scores and Applicant Statistics
The admission data for Wagner College reveals significant trends in student performance and applicant statistics over the years. Notably, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, peaking at 88% in 2010 and dropping to as low as 24% in 2023. This decline may reflect a broader trend in higher education where standardized testing requirements are being reevaluated, leading to more institutions adopting test-optional policies.
Regarding the SAT reading and mathematics scores, there has been relative stability in the 25th and 75th percentiles over the years, with a slight improvement observed in 2023, where the 25th percentile for reading has risen to 550, while the 75th percentile remains at 640. This indicates that although fewer students are submitting test scores, those who do tend to have competitive scores, suggesting a more selective applicant pool.
Moreover, the number of applicants has significantly decreased from 456 in 2007 to just 96 in 2023, which could raise concerns about the college's appeal and accessibility. The drop in applicants may also correlate with broader demographic trends and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on college enrollment.
Overall, Wagner College's evolving admission landscape reflects larger shifts in the higher education sector, including changing attitudes towards standardized testing and the challenges institutions face in attracting a diverse and robust applicant pool. As colleges reassess their admissions strategies, it will be crucial for Wagner College to adapt to these changes to maintain its competitive edge.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 9 in 10
2,566 applicants in 2025, 88.0% admitted
2,258 admitted 308 not admitted Yield 20.1%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Nursing Science · Master's43 (0% international)
- Physician Assistant · Master's23 (0% international)
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's17 (24% international)
- Secondary Education and Teaching · Master's13 (0% international)
- Nursing Practice · Doctoral9 (0% international)
- Marketing/Marketing Management, General · Master's8 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Wagner College 2023
The graduation data from Wagner College in 2023 reveals several interesting trends across various fields of study. Notably, the Registered Nursing program boasts the highest number of bachelor's degree graduates at 115, underscoring the strong demand for healthcare professionals, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend aligns with national statistics indicating a significant shortage of nurses in the healthcare sector, driving institutions to prioritize nursing programs.
Moreover, the Physician Assistant program has shown a distinct focus on master's level education, with 40 graduates, highlighting the increasing importance of advanced training in medical fields. This reflects a broader trend in healthcare education, where advanced practitioners are becoming essential in providing quality patient care.
The arts programs also exhibit a notable presence, with degrees awarded in various disciplines such as Drama, Music, and Fine Arts. For instance, the Drama and Dramatics program had 40 bachelor graduates, while the Music Performance program had 0 graduates, suggesting a shift in student interest or program viability.
Another significant observation is the presence of international students, particularly in the bachelor's degree programs. The percentage of international graduates in psychology and sociology demonstrates Wagner College’s appeal to a global audience, which is crucial in fostering a diverse educational environment.
In conclusion, the 2023 graduation data from Wagner College reflects the evolving landscape of higher education, with a clear emphasis on healthcare and a growing appreciation for the arts. As the college continues to adapt to these trends, it will be essential to monitor how these changes impact future enrollment and program offerings.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Physician Assistant. | $134,463 | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $115,762-$128,500 | |||
| Nursing Science. | $115,762-$128,500 | |||
| Nursing Practice. | $115,762-$128,500 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $63,268-$64,411 | |||
| Finance, General. | - | |||
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $66,784 | |||
| Secondary Education and Teaching. | $66,784 | |||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | $66,784 | |||
| Music Teacher Education. | - | |||
| Drama and Dance Teacher Education. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | $24,750 | |||
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | - | |||
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - | |||
| Music Performance, General. | - | |||
| Voice and Opera. | - | |||
| Theatre/Theatre Arts Management. | $41,503 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport and Fitness Administration/Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | - | |||
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Relations and Affairs. | - | |||
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | |||
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biopsychology. | - | |||
| Behavioral Sciences. | - | |||
| Mathematical Economics. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - | |||
| Physics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Microbiology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
Students
2,001 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 39:61 · Freshman retention 83.4%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,001
- First-year undergraduates 454
- Graduate students 335
- Transfers and others 211
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,666)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Wagner College in 2023
In 2023, Wagner College presents a diverse student body, with a total of 1,934 students distributed across various categories such as first-year undergraduates, continuing undergraduates, transfer students, and graduate students. The demographic distribution reflects a notable gender disparity, particularly among graduate students, where only 22.6% are male, indicating a strong female representation at 77.4%. This contrasts with first-year undergraduates, where males make up 42.3% of the population, suggesting that gender dynamics may shift as students progress through their academic careers.
Racially, the student demographics show a predominance of white students, making up a significant portion of the first-year and continuing undergraduate categories. For first-year students, 241 out of 407 identify as white, which translates to approximately 59.2%. The diversity landscape includes Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islander, and African American students, though their numbers appear to be smaller comparatively. Notably, the representation of international students is also present, contributing to the multicultural environment of the college.
Overall, the data indicates a substantial female majority across nearly all categories, which may influence campus culture and academic engagement. The predominance of white students highlights ongoing discussions about diversity and inclusion within higher education, as institutions seek to attract a more varied student population. The trends observed at Wagner College are reflective of broader societal changes, where educational institutions grapple with the essential goal of fostering an inclusive environment for all students.
Age Demographics at Wagner College in 2023
The student age composition at Wagner College in 2023 reveals interesting insights into the demographic landscape of the institution. The largest group is composed of students aged 20-21, with 243 male undergraduates and 416 female undergraduates, indicating a vibrant and active young adult population. This aligns with broader trends in higher education where traditional college-age students dominate enrollment figures, reflecting the typical age range for undergraduate education.
Interestingly, there is a notable presence of graduate students in the 22-24 age bracket, where the number of male graduates is 42, and female graduates is 59. This suggests that Wagner College not only attracts traditional undergraduates but also serves as a stepping stone for further academic pursuits, which is a growing trend in higher education as more students seek advanced degrees.
The presence of older students, particularly in the 25-29 age range, indicates an increasing trend towards non-traditional students returning to education later in life, with 25 male undergraduates and a considerable 138 female graduates. This shift may reflect broader societal changes, such as the need for upskilling in a rapidly changing job market.
Furthermore, the data indicates that as students age, particularly beyond 30, the numbers dwindle significantly, suggesting that Wagner College may still be predominantly appealing to younger demographics. Overall, the age distribution highlights the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that caters to both traditional and non-traditional students, which is essential for a comprehensive educational experience in today’s diverse society.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
137 in 2025 · 3.2% in 2016
13 in 2025 · 2.0% in 2016
Data insights
International Student Trends at Wagner College
The data on international students at Wagner College reveals a notable trend in the enrollment of both undergraduate and graduate students over the years. From 2005 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduate students has gradually increased, peaking at 6.90% in 2023. This growth indicates a growing appeal of Wagner College to international students, possibly due to its academic offerings, supportive environment, and location in New York City.
Interestingly, while the percentage of international undergraduates has seen a consistent rise, the representation of international graduate students presents a more fluctuating trend. The proportion of international graduate students reached its highest point of 4.40% in 2018, before experiencing a decline in subsequent years. This inconsistency may reflect various factors, including changes in visa policies, global economic conditions, and the college's recruitment strategies.
The COVID-19 pandemic also likely played a role in these trends, impacting international enrollment across many institutions. As the world gradually recovers and borders reopen, it will be crucial for Wagner College to adapt its strategies to attract and retain international students.
In conclusion, while Wagner College has successfully increased its international undergraduate representation, the challenges faced in graduate enrollment suggest the need for targeted initiatives to enhance its attractiveness to this demographic. As higher education continues to globalize, institutions must remain agile in their approaches to meet the evolving needs of international students.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$69,685
- Undergraduate tuition
- $53,200
- Room and board
- $16,485
- Graduate tuition
- $24,610
Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 25% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 27%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$83.7M
Expenses$87.5M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Northeast Conference
Northeast Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country
| NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 110 | 83 |
| Football | 167 | - |
| Lacrosse | 50 | 30 |
| Baseball | 48 | - |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | 26 | 22 |
| Water Polo | 22 | 25 |
| Tennis | 21 | 10 |
| Soccer | - | 29 |
| Softball | - | 29 |
| Fencing | 15 | 13 |
| Basketball | 13 | 14 |
| Field Hockey | - | 27 |
| Golf | 9 | 9 |
| Bowling | - | 7 |
| Other Sports | - | 6 |
| NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 96 | 84 |
| Football | 131 | - |
| Lacrosse | 48 | 29 |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | 26 | 22 |
| Water Polo | 23 | 24 |
| Baseball | 42 | - |
| Field Hockey | - | 31 |
| Soccer | - | 29 |
| Basketball | 13 | 15 |
| Fencing | 10 | 12 |
| Golf | 12 | 7 |
| Softball | - | 19 |
| Tennis | 9 | 8 |
| Bowling | - | 8 |
| Other Sports | - | 6 |
| NCAA Division I-FCS | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 82 | 81 |
| Football | 138 | - |
| Lacrosse | 45 | 28 |
| Water Polo | 25 | 20 |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | 21 | 23 |
| Baseball | 39 | - |
| Field Hockey | - | 31 |
| Soccer | - | 29 |
| Basketball | 13 | 13 |
| Golf | 13 | 8 |
| Tennis | 14 | 6 |
| Softball | - | 17 |
| Fencing | - | 9 |
| Other Sports | - | 8 |
| Bowling | - | 8 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
New York UniversityNew York · 9.3 mi
U.S. News #31
-
Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken · 9.6 mi
U.S. News #59
-
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York · 15.0 mi
U.S. News #12
-
Barnard CollegeNew York · 15.1 mi
Liberal Arts #19
-
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick · 20.2 mi
U.S. News #44
-
Princeton UniversityPrinceton · 35.0 mi
U.S. News #2
-
The United States Military Academy at West PointWest Point · 53.9 mi
Liberal Arts #9
-
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook · 54.9 mi
U.S. News #59
-
Lafayette CollegeEaston · 58.8 mi
Liberal Arts #30
Data insights
Here are some notable institutions surrounding Wagner College:
-
Columbia University in the City of New York - Ranked 12th in the 2024 US News rankings, Columbia University is one of the Ivy League schools and is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty.
-
New York University - With a rank of 35, NYU is a prominent global university located in the heart of New York City, known for its diverse academic offerings and vibrant campus life.
-
Princeton University - Holding the top rank of 1, Princeton is another Ivy League university famous for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and a notable alumni network.
-
Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Ranked 40th, this public research university is the largest in New Jersey and offers a wide range of programs and a rich campus culture.
-
Stevens Institute of Technology - At rank 76, Stevens specializes in engineering, technology, and management, preparing students for leadership in the tech-driven world.
-
Barnard College - This prestigious women's college ranks 11th and is affiliated with Columbia University, offering a liberal arts education in a supportive environment.
These institutions contribute to the rich academic landscape of the area surrounding Wagner College.
Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Wagner College
Wagner College has shown a significant decline in its crime rates over the past decade, particularly from 2013 to 2022. In 2013, the average number of infractions and crimes per 1,000 students was 24.94, which indicates a relatively high level of campus crime. However, by 2022, this rate had fallen to just 3.58, demonstrating a remarkable decrease in campus safety issues.
The breakdown of specific offenses reveals that arrests related to gun possession and drug-related incidents have been particularly concerning in earlier years, but these have also seen a notable reduction. For example, the number of drug-related arrests has decreased significantly from previous highs, reflecting perhaps a combination of improved campus security measures and increased awareness and prevention programs.
Moreover, the data for 2023 indicates a slight uptick in crime rates to 6.46 per 1,000 students, suggesting that while the trends have been positive overall, there may be fluctuations that warrant attention. This could be indicative of broader societal trends or specific incidents that need further investigation.
In light of national discussions around campus safety and crime prevention, Wagner College’s efforts to reduce crime rates may serve as a case study for other institutions aiming to enhance student safety. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures are essential to maintain and further improve the current trends.
For more information on how to calculate crime rates, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Notable Alumni
All 24Notable alumni of Wagner College include Fran Drescher (Actress, star and creator of The Nanny), Robert Loggia (Actor, Oscar nominee for Jagged Edge) and Peter L. Berger (Austrian-born sociologist and Protestant theologian).
-
Fran Drescher 1957–
Actress, star and creator of The Nanny
-
Robert Loggia 1930–2015
Actor, Oscar nominee for Jagged Edge
-
Peter L. Berger 1929–2017
Austrian-born sociologist and Protestant theologian
-
Jim Carroll 1949–2009
Author, poet and punk musician
-
Carmine Giovinazzo 1973–
Actor, played Danny Messer in CSI: NY
-
Nicole Malliotakis 1980–
US representative for New York's 11th district
-
Gerard Malanga 1943–
Poet and photographer, Andy Warhol collaborator
-
Regina Askia-Williams 1967–
Nigerian-born actress, model and nurse practitioner
-
Molly Burnett 1988–
Actress, three-time Daytime Emmy nominee
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.