Wagner College Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the University Scholarships hub • See New York state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarship tiers and renewal rules
- Named scholarships and how awards stack with state/federal aid
- How to plan application timing and maximize awards
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~83%
- Middle 50% SAT (submitted): ~1150–1320
- Typical High School GPA: ~3.6
- Testing Policy: Test-optional — SAT/ACT not required
Source: Wagner College admissions page, Niche, and Common App listings.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Wagner at a Glance
Last verified: October 23, 2025
Wagner College automatically considers all admitted students for merit scholarships, typically in the $20k–$30k per year range. Combined with New York State grants and federal aid, families often see net costs significantly below the sticker price. While Wagner doesn’t advertise a general full-ride, its institutional aid and location in Staten Island make it a solid value among private universities.
Use this guide to understand Wagner’s scholarship structure, confirm deadlines, and plan how to stack institutional merit with TAP, Excelsior, and federal aid for maximum savings.
FAQ
Is Wagner College test-optional?
Yes. SAT/ACT scores are optional and only reviewed if submitted.
What is the middle 50% SAT/ACT?
SAT ~1150–1320; ACT ~23–27 among students who submit scores.
What’s the average net price?
About $28,109 after grants and scholarships (IPEDS/NCES 2022–23).
Are there full-tuition or full-ride scholarships?
Not broadly offered; most aid comes through merit and need-based programs.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Wagner College
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (annual) | $54,796 | $54,796 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus) | $16,580 | $16,580 |
| Total (before aid) | $71,376 | $71,376 |
FAQs about Reciprocity & State Aid
Who qualifies?
New York residents who file both the FAFSA and TAP application through HESC.
How much can families save?
TAP awards vary by income but can cover up to $5,665 each year toward tuition.
Is it automatic?
No — students must complete both the FAFSA and the TAP application to receive the grant.
https://wagner.edu/student-accounts/tuition-and-fees/
https://wagner.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/wagner-college/tuition-and-costs
https://datausa.io/profile/university/wagner-college
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?197197-Wagner-College
https://www.niche.com/colleges/wagner-college/cost/
https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/apply-for-financial-aid/nys-tap.html
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Merit Scholarship | $5,000–$20,000/year (toward tuition) | First-year applicants with strong academic records and rigor; test-optional | No | Yes — up to 4 years (full-time, maintain academic progress) | High GPA, honors/AP/IB coursework, strong transcripts; SAT/ACT if submitted help but not required | Nov 15 (Early Action); Mar 15 (Regular Decision) |
| Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship (Transfers) | $4,000/year | Transfers who are PTK members, full-time, no previous bachelor’s | Proof of PTK | Yes | Strong two-year college transfers with society membership | July 15 (Fall transfer) |
Disclaimer: Wagner does not publish fixed dollar tiers; the $5,000–$20,000/year range is based on institutional reporting and student data. Merit is reviewed with each admission round.
Automatic Merit FAQs
How do I get considered? Merit is reviewed automatically when you apply for admission — no separate scholarship application is needed.
Is Wagner test-optional? Yes. Submit strong transcripts; SAT/ACT scores help but are not required for merit eligibility.
Do merit awards stack with state/outside aid? Yes, up to your tuition costs (direct costs). Full details appear in your financial aid offer.
Are there priority deadlines? Apply by Early Action (Nov 15) or Regular Decision (Mar 15) for full consideration.
Wagner Scholarships Overview – https://wagner.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
Admissions & Scholarships – https://wagner.edu/admissions/apply/
🏆 Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships
These scholarships go beyond Wagner’s standard admission-based merit awards. They’re competitive, limited in number, and often require outstanding academics plus extra steps like an interview or demonstrated financial need.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustees’ Scholarship (International) | Full tuition (one student per year; plus $3,000 housing grant) | International first-year applicant with exceptional academic record and significant demonstrated financial need | No — considered automatically with admission | Yes — renewable for up to 4 years if standards maintained | Top international applicants with strong GPA, rigor, leadership, and need; only one receives the award | Jan 15 (priority international application deadline) |
Flagship Scholarship FAQs
Why are these called flagship or competitive? Because they are Wagner’s top award—very few students receive them, and they require exceptional academic and personal profiles.
Do U.S. students have flagship scholarships at Wagner? No university-wide full-ride or full-tuition scholarships are currently published for domestic first-year students. Top merit awards for domestic students are partial tuition (see the Academic Merit section), not full.
What’s the difference between flagship scholarships and automatic merit? Automatic merit is awarded at admission to many students based on GPA and rigor. Flagship (competitive) scholarships are rare, selective, and can cover much larger amounts such as full tuition for international recipients.
How do I apply? International students are considered automatically when they apply for admission and submit all required financial documentation and the CSS/Financial Aid Profile. No separate application is listed for the Trustees’ Scholarship, but strong academics, leadership, and demonstrated need are critical.
Wagner Trustees’ Scholarship – https://wagner.edu/admissions/apply/
International Aid & Scholarships – https://wagner.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
Student Experience (perspective) – https://borderless.so/how-i-became-the-only-international-student/
🎖️ Honors College
Wagner’s Honors Program is designed for motivated students who want small, discussion-based classes and the chance to complete a major senior project. Admission can be by invitation for top new admits, or by application once enrolled at Wagner (minimum GPA 3.5 required).
• High school GPA around 3.5 or higher
• Strong course rigor (AP/IB or honors courses)
• Intellectual curiosity and readiness for seminar-style classes
• Leadership or community involvement that shows initiative
• Priority registration each semester
• Small, writing-intensive Honors seminars across the core curriculum
• Senior Honors Project with faculty mentorship
• Access to special events and early networking opportunities
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic? Some students are invited at admission, others apply after their first semester. To apply directly, you’ll need a 3.5 GPA, two faculty endorsements, and a short essay.
What’s the application timing? Applications are accepted through the end of sophomore year, but for priority registration submit by September 15 or February 15 (fall/spring cycles).
Does Honors add extra time to my degree? No—the program is integrated with the Wagner Plan and can be completed in four years alongside any major.
Are there scholarships for Honors students? Wagner does not publish separate, dedicated Honors-specific scholarships. Honors students are eligible for the college’s academic or need-based awards and can apply for external or departmental scholarships.
Honors Program Overview – https://wagner.edu/honors-program/
Honors Application Requirements – https://wagner.edu/honors-program/application/
Requirements & FAQ – https://wagner.edu/honors-program/requirements/
⭐ What Wagner College is Known For
**Physician Assistant Program** — Wagner’s PA bachelor’s degree ranks **#122 nationally** (College Factual) and **#13 in New York State**, with strong PANCE/NCCPA pass rates: for recent classes, first-time pass rates have ranged from ~85-100% and overall pass at or near 100%.
- Theater / Performing Arts: Wagner is consistently recognized; The Princeton Review ranked it **#2** among colleges in 2025 for its theater programs.
- Registered Nursing & Health Professions: among the most awarded majors at Wagner; nursing has a solid reputation and is often ranked in the “top tier” regionally or nationally in health-related program surveys.
- Value & Social Mobility: Wagner has been ranked “Top 50 Best Value School” and climbed in “Top Performers on Social Mobility.” For example, its ranking among Regional Universities North is #60 (2024) in value.
- Performing Arts / Visual & Drama: Among its highly awarded majors and distinctive profile: Drama & Theater Arts is one of the most common majors at Wagner, and its performing arts offerings are well-regarded.