Wagner College Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 19, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~83%
- Middle 50% ACT: 25
- Middle 50% SAT: 1235
- Average GPA: 3.6
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📌 Wagner College at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Trustees’ Scholarship (International))
Average Net Price
$28,109/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$4,000–$20,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
10 opportunities
2 automatic · 1 competitive · 7 hidden gem
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 15 • FAFSA: Feb 15
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Trustees’ Scholarship (International)
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA Only
Wagner is one of those private schools where the pricing actually starts to make sense once you understand the merit structure. Every admitted student is automatically considered, and the typical range (around $20K–$30K per year) is meaningful—it’s not just a token award.
The key is realizing this is a “stacking” school, not a “full ride” school. Families who do this right combine Wagner merit with FAFSA aid and New York programs like TAP or Excelsior to bring the real cost down. This is a strong fit for students with solid academics who want a smaller campus feel near NYC—and for parents who want a clearer, more predictable financial picture than most private schools offer.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Wagner College is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 25; SAT: 1235.
Average net price? About $28,109/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
No — private school; same rate for all.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Wagner College 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$54,796 |
$54,796 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$16,580 |
$16,580 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$71,376 |
$71,376 |
Average Federal Net Price: $28,109 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
New York State Aid: Wagner participates in the TAP program, which can provide up to
$5,665 for eligible NY residents. Wagner is not part of the Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) program.
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.
Sources:
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
App Required⚠ Transfer Only
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship (Transfers)
📅 Deadline: July 15 (typical fall transfer deadline; students should provide PTK proof by this date)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Unlimited scholarships for eligible PTK members winners/yr🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Scholarship is applicable toward tuition only and may be combined with other aid up to tuition and cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply as a full-time transfer student without a prior bachelor’s degree and submit proof of Phi Theta Kappa membership to Wagner.
Selection criteria: Eligibility-based award recognizing PTK membership and full-time enrollment rather than a competitive scoring process.
💡
Strategic Detail
Wagner states it offers an unlimited number of renewable $4,000-per-year scholarships for PTK members; part-time students and those with previous bachelor’s degrees are ineligible.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Full-time transfer students who are active Phi Theta Kappa members, have not earned a previous bachelor’s degree, and enroll at Wagner.
Automatic
Academic Merit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 15 (Early Action recommended for full merit consideration)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$5,000–$20,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Applies toward tuition only and may be combined with state and outside aid up to tuition; details appear in each student’s financial aid offer.
💡
Strategic Detail
Wagner lists academic scholarships as partial, renewable awards toward tuition; CRP range of $5,000–$20,000 per year reflects typical institutional reporting rather than fixed named tiers.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-year applicants with strong GPAs and rigorous coursework such as honors, AP, or IB; test scores, if submitted, can strengthen eligibility.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
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.
Full TuitionAutomaticpipelinegeographic
Trustees’ Scholarship (International)
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition scholarship with housing grant
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Competitive full‑tuition Wagner scholarship for one or a very small number of international admits each year, sometimes including a modest housing grant but not full room and board.
👥 ~One international student per year winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers full tuition for one international student per year and typically includes an additional housing grant; because it provides full tuition, it replaces other institutional tuition aid, though external or government aid may help with remaining costs within cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Wagner states that thanks to the Board of Trustees it offers one full-tuition scholarship per year to an international student with outstanding merit and significant demonstrated need; CRP HTML also notes an additional $3,000 housing grant.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: One top international first-year applicant each year with outstanding academic credentials, strong leadership and community engagement, and substantial demonstrated financial need.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
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/
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Beyond Wagner’s main merit awards, there are smaller programs and niche scholarships that can make a meaningful difference. These often reward community service, identity, transfer status, or special interests.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Achievement Grant
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$2,000–$6,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with Wagner’s other institutional aid and outside aid, subject to overall cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP table reflects typical $2,000–$6,000 range; public language at Wagner describes achievement-style grants as part of the institutional scholarship portfolio.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming students who show good academic potential but are below the top published merit tiers; awards help bridge gaps for solid applicants.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Bonner Leaders Program
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Cohort size determined by program funding each year winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Bonner Leaders receive institutional scholarship and/or work-study support in addition to other aid, coordinated within cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a Bonner Leaders Program application and complete an interview; accepted students commit to 8–10 hours per week and 300+ hours per year of civic and community-based work.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes commitment to civic engagement, leadership potential, and fit with Bonner program values.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview
💡
Strategic Detail
Program is part of the national Bonner network; Wagner’s Bonner Leaders perform extensive community service each semester in exchange for financial support and leadership training.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with a strong civic-service ethic who are selected into the Bonner Leaders cohort and commit to ongoing community engagement and leadership development.
App Required
DaVinci Society Award
📅 Deadline: April 1
✓ Renews
$1,000–$2,500/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~At least one new DaVinci Scholar per year; sometimes more depending on funds winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award can supplement other Wagner scholarships and grants, particularly for students with financial need, subject to cost-of-attendance rules.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the DaVinci Society, providing documentation of Staten Island residency and Italian-American heritage, plus any required application materials.
Selection criteria: Selection considers heritage, financial need, academic promise, and engagement with Italian-American culture.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
DaVinci Society supports an annual scholarship to at least one incoming student from Staten Island with Italian-American heritage; CRP table summarizes a typical $1,000–$2,500 range based on donor and news reporting.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming students from Staten Island who identify as Italian-American and are selected by the DaVinci Society scholarship committee.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Housing Grant
📅 Deadline: Matches housing deposit and enrollment deadlines for each entering term.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Grant is applied to housing charges and can be combined with other merit, grant, and aid sources subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP cites an approximate $3,000 annual housing grant; Wagner links housing status to aid eligibility but does not consistently publish a fixed grant amount.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who live on campus full time and maintain satisfactory academic progress and residency requirements.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Monterosso Scholarship
📅 Deadline: May 18
✓ Renews
$2,500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Typically one recipient per year winners/yr🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award can be received in addition to other Wagner scholarships and aid, up to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Eligible sophomores and juniors submit an application with an essay, resume, and letters of recommendation describing their interest in and preparation for public service careers.
Selection criteria: Evaluated on commitment to public service, academic standing, and strength of application materials.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Official page notes that the financial award is presented to a Wagner student in junior or senior year who has an interest in a public service career; CRP HTML targets sophomores/juniors as applicants.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Sophomore and junior students at Wagner who demonstrate strong interest in public service careers and receive faculty or staff endorsement.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Need-Based Institutional Grant
📅 Deadline: Jan 15
✓ Renews
$5,000–$20,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Institutional grant is packaged with federal, state, and other institutional aid based on need; amounts can change annually as FAFSA information is updated.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP range of $5,000–$20,000 reflects typical institutional and student-report ranges; exact amounts vary by year and individual need.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming students whose FAFSA and institutional formula show financial need significant enough to qualify for Wagner-funded grant support.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Wagner Plan Grant
📅 Deadline: Feb 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$2,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Grant can be combined with merit scholarships and other institutional or external aid up to cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP summarizes the Wagner Plan Grant as a $2,000–$5,000 renewable institutional grant; Wagner’s public pages describe it broadly as part of the overall aid package.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Full-time students whose academic and enrollment profiles qualify them for additional institutional grant support beyond standard merit awards.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Disclaimer: Exact award amounts for Wagner Plan, Achievement, Housing, and Monterosso Scholarships are guided by available external and campus reporting and may shift each year. Confirm with Financial Aid for current year.
- Music and Theatre performance awards (audition-based; amounts vary by program; deadlines in departmental calendars)
- Education Department awards (for majors in Education; see department site for cycle)
- Other local/donor scholarships, variable by year
Hidden Gem FAQs
Do transfer students have unique awards? Yes. Phi Theta Kappa members (transfers) receive scholarships; deadlines July 15 (fall) and Dec 15 (spring).
Are service-based awards available? Bonner Leaders Program offers multi-year stipends and service leadership for accepted students (apply by Feb 15 priority, rolling after).
Any special awards for identity or community? The DaVinci Society, and other organizations on campus, offer support for Staten Island Italian-Americans, and other identity-based groups. Deadlines are commonly April 1.
Which deadlines matter? FAFSA/aid: Jan 15. Bonner: Feb 15. Monterosso: May 18. Most grants match Wagner’s main deadlines, but check with Financial Aid or specific program for changes.
Sources:
Wagner Scholarships and Aid – https://wagner.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
Bonner Leaders – https://wagner.edu/bonner-leaders/
ROTC @ Fordham – https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/scholarships.html
DaVinci Society – https://wagner.edu/davinci/
🎖️ 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).
What a Typical Wagner Honors Student Looks Like:
• 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
Honors Perks That Matter:
• 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
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
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.
Sources:
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
Top Program Highlight:
**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.
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.
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