Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Staten Island, New York
83.5% Acceptance Rate
Wagner College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
83.5%Acceptance Rate
3.5Avg GPA
1234Avg SAT
25Avg ACT
$63,007Annual Cost
$74,360Grad Salary
22.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
83.5%
Avg GPA
3.5
Avg SAT
1234
Avg ACT
25
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1150–1320
ACT Middle 50%
23–27
Need-Based Aid
22.7% receive Pell
Wagner College, founded in 1883 on Staten Island, New York, is a private liberal arts college ranked among the top regional universities in the North by U.S. News. Wagner is renowned for its 'Wagner Plan' curriculum that combines traditional liberal arts with experiential learning through internships, research, and community engagement. The college's 105-acre hilltop campus offers stunning views of New York Harbor and features Gothic architecture alongside modern facilities like the Spiro Sports Center and the new Horrmann Library. Wagner offers 40+ majors with particular strengths in business, nursing, and theater through its acclaimed Performing Arts Department.
Wagner's location provides easy access to Manhattan's professional and cultural opportunities while maintaining a traditional residential campus experience. The college's Seahawks compete in NCAA Division I athletics in the Northeast Conference. Wagner's arts programs benefit from partnerships with New York City theaters and media companies, while its nursing students gain clinical experience at top hospitals. The campus is home to unique programs like the Nicolais School of Business and the Evelyn L. Spiro School of Nursing, offering students personalized attention with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Wagner College Acceptance Rate
Wagner College maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 83.5%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 83.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.05
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Wagner College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Wagner College is 3.5. Wagner College is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.70-3.90 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.20 and 3.5, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Wagner College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Wagner College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.5, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.10 – 3.29
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.09
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At Wagner College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Wagner College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Wagner College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Wagner College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Wagner College Without SAT or ACT?
Wagner College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Wagner College Average SAT Score: 1234
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Wagner College is 1234 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1234 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1234 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1320 SAT or 27 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Wagner College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1150, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Wagner College. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 610 | 570 | 650 |
| SAT Reading | 625 | 580 | 670 |
| SAT Composite | 1234 | 1150 | 1320 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1150 then you are below most of the admitted students at Wagner College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1320 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1250
Can I get into Wagner College with a 1300 SAT?
With a 1300 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Wagner College are good but the admission staff at Wagner College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Wagner College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Wagner College is 25.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 25 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Wagner College slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 25 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 24 | 20 | 27 |
| ACT English | 25 | 22 | 27 |
| ACT Composite | 25 | 23 | 27 |
Can I get into Wagner College with a 27 ACT?
A 27 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Wagner College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Wagner College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Wagner College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Wagner College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 27 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Wagner College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Wagner College is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Consistency over Perfection
Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.
Placement Validation
Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.
Practical Leadership
Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.
FAFSA & Deadlines
At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.
Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at Wagner College to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.
Wagner College Profile
Full Name
Wagner College
City
Staten Island
State
New York
ZIP Code
10301-4495
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Wagner College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Wagner College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Wagner College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Wagner College is $80,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.95%.
How much does a degree from Wagner College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Wagner College is $63,007. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Wagner College is much less than this.
22.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 55.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Wagner College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Wagner College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Wagner College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Wagner College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $74,360. An average Wagner College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Wagner College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Wagner College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| University of Redlands | Redlands, CA | 1231 | 28 |
| University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 1235 | 27 |
| Oglethorpe University | Atlanta, GA | 1230 | 27 |
| Bradley University | Peoria, IL | 1237 | 28 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Wagner College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
Degree Programs at Wagner College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Wagner College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Wagner College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $74,360 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $63,007 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
22.7% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Wagner College is 83.5% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.5. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.2, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.2, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.1 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.5, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Wagner College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1234 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1150–1320.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.