Wagner College
Wagner College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Wagner College at a Glance
Wagner College is a private college in Staten Island, New York, United States. It was established in 1883 and, as of the 2023–2024 academic year, it enrolled approximately 1,932 students, including 1,592 undergraduates and 340 graduates. Its theatre program was ranked #2 in The Princeton Review's 2025 rankings. Additionally, Wagner offers academic programs in nursing and business. Due to declining enrollment and financial distress, Wagner College since 2026 stopped offering more than a dozen lib…
1883
143 years old
$101M
$100.5 million (2024)
1,932
1,592 undergrad · 340 grad
70
105 acres
Identity
Is Wagner College Worth It?
Wagner College offers moderate value at $28,241/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $74,360, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 67% graduation rate means roughly 33% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Wagner College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NY
Ranked #22 of 69 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #5 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #6 | Valparaiso University | 58 | $18,578 | $63,191 |
| #22 | Wagner College | 44 | $28,241 | $74,360 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Wagner College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in NY.
Best Programs at Wagner College
The highest-earning program at Wagner College is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $90,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $21,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Wagner College earns $90,700, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $21,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $28,241/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $90,700 | $90,700 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,500 | $45,500 | $27,000 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management | $36,200 | $36,200 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $24,500 | $24,500 | $24,874 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $21,400 | $21,400 | $27,000 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Staten Island, NY
- Student Body
- 1,651 students
- Admission Rate
- 88%
- Graduation Rate
- 67%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $28,241
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $74,360
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000