Wagner College Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
If you’re looking at private colleges in New York, Wagner can be a strong option—especially for families who want small classes and a personal feel without hidden costs. On this page, we’ll break down tuition, scholarships, and state aid opportunities so you know what Wagner really costs. For families from New York, don’t forget to check our New York State Aid guide alongside this page for programs like TAP.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Wagner College
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (12–18 credits/semester) | $52,736 | $52,736 |
| Mandatory Fees | $2,060 | $2,060 |
| Housing & Meals | $16,580 | $16,580 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Personal/Misc. | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Total (before aid) | $76,576 | $76,576 |
FAQs about Reciprocity & State Aid
Who qualifies? New York residents who file 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.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Merit Scholarship | Estimated **$5,000-$20,000/year** toward tuition | First-year applicants with exceptional academic records | No | Yes — up to 4 years for full-time students with strong academic performance each year | Students with high GPA, rigorous coursework, and strong academic preparation (test scores helpful if submitted) |
Disclaimer: Wagner does **not publish** fixed dollar tiers or amounts for Academic Merit Scholarships publicly (aside from specific awards like Phi Theta Kappa). The **$5,000-$20,000/year** range is based on reported highest merit awards (e.g. Forbes and other external sources) and typical institutional grant behavior at similar private colleges. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Automatic Merit FAQs
How do I get considered? Just by applying for admission — no separate scholarship application is needed. Academic merit is part of the standard admission review.
Is Wagner test-optional? Yes. You can apply without SAT/ACT scores. Strong GPA and rigorous course load are very important; test scores help if submitted but are not required to be eligible for merit awards.
Can these stack with New York State TAP or outside scholarships? Yes — typically merit scholarships stack with state grants or outside scholarships up to your cost of tuition (“direct costs”). Always check your financial aid offer to understand stacking limits.
Are there priority or early deadlines? Following standard first-year admission deadlines is enough. Applying in Early Action or by earlier published deadlines can help ensure full merit consideration.
🏆 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustees’ Scholarship (International) | Full tuition (one student per year) | International first-year applicant with exceptional academic record and significant demonstrated need |
No — considered with admission | Yes — multi-year if standards maintained | Top international applicants showing both academic excellence and financial need; leadership and service often help |
Flagship Scholarship FAQs
Why are these called flagship or competitive? Because they’re Wagner’s top awards — 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 awards are published for domestic first-years. Most flagship-level funding is reserved for international students or comes through outside/state programs.
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 like full tuition.
How do I apply? International students are considered automatically when they apply for admission. No extra application is listed for the Trustees’ Scholarship, but strong academics, need, and leadership credentials are essential.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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 is competitive but flexible — some students are invited during admission, while others can apply after their first semester at Wagner.
• 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 when admitted to Wagner, but others may apply directly to the Honors Program after their first semester (minimum GPA 3.5 required).
Does Honors add extra time to my degree? No — the program is built into the Wagner Plan and can be completed within four years alongside your major.
Are there scholarships just for Honors students? Wagner does not publish separate Honors-specific dollar awards. Honors students are considered for the same institutional scholarships as their peers.
What deadlines should I know? New students should apply to Honors no later than three weeks before registration for their sophomore year. Transfers can apply after one Wagner term with a 3.5 GPA.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Wagner College is small, personal, and focused on giving students a strong mix of liberal arts and professional preparation. The sticker price can look intimidating, but between automatic merit, hidden institutional grants, and programs like TAP for New Yorkers, most families pay far less than the published total. If your student is interested in health sciences, the arts, or a close-knit campus just a ferry ride from Manhattan, Wagner is worth a serious look.
✅ Last updated: September 20, 2025