NYU Robert F. Wagner School
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Wagner students tend to be older than typical graduate students, with an average age in the late twenties and many bringing five or more years of professional experience. This professional orientation shapes campus life, with networking events, career panels, and policy discussions taking precedence over traditional social activities. The Wagner Student Association organizes regular happy hours and cultural events that help build community among busy professionals. Housing in New York City presents a significant challenge for Wagner students, as NYU's limited graduate housing fills quickly and market-rate apartments in Manhattan often exceed $2,500 monthly for a studio. Many students share apartments in Brooklyn, Queens, or New Jersey, commuting to campus for classes and events. The university offers housing assistance resources, but students should budget carefully and begin apartment searches early. Student organizations at Wagner reflect the diverse interests of the policy community. Groups focused on healthcare policy, international development, urban planning, and nonprofit management hold regular events featuring practitioners and policymakers. The Wagner Review, a student-run policy journal, publishes original research and commentary from the student body. Annual events like the Healthcare Conference and Urban Planning Symposium attract professionals from across the region. Diversity is a genuine strength at Wagner, with international students comprising roughly 30% of enrollment and domestic students representing varied racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. LGBTQ+ students find an inclusive environment, and affinity groups provide community for students of color and first-generation graduates. However, some students note that the busy professional culture can make it challenging to build deep friendships during the compressed graduate school timeline.
Location & Surroundings
Wagner's location at Washington Square in Greenwich Village places students at the center of New York City's civic and cultural life. City Hall, the headquarters of major nonprofits, United Nations agencies, and the offices of countless advocacy organizations are all within easy reach by subway. This proximity enables students to pursue internships and part-time employment while attending classes, transforming the entire city into an extended classroom. New York's public transportation system provides excellent connectivity, with multiple subway lines converging at stations near campus. Most students rely entirely on transit, as parking is scarce and expensive throughout Manhattan. The city's extensive bus network and growing bike lane infrastructure offer alternatives for commuting from outer boroughs. The climate features distinct seasons with cold, sometimes snowy winters and humid summers. Spring and fall offer ideal weather for exploring the city's parks and neighborhoods. Students should budget for appropriate clothing, as walking between transit stops and buildings is a daily necessity regardless of weather conditions. Cost of living in New York ranks among the highest in the nation. Beyond housing, students should expect elevated prices for food, entertainment, and everyday goods. However, the city offers countless free cultural institutions, discounted student rates at museums and theaters, and affordable food options for those willing to explore beyond Manhattan. The tradeoff between expense and opportunity draws students who see the city itself as an integral part of their education.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at Wagner runs approximately $58,000 annually for full-time study, placing it among the more expensive public affairs programs in the country. When combined with New York City living expenses of $25,000 to $35,000 annually, the total cost of attendance for a two-year master's degree can exceed $180,000. This substantial investment requires careful financial planning, though the school offers various forms of support. Wagner awards merit scholarships to approximately 80% of admitted students, with awards ranging from partial tuition discounts to full-tuition fellowships for exceptional candidates. Need-based aid supplements merit awards for students demonstrating financial need. Graduate assistantships providing stipends and tuition benefits are available through various NYU offices and research centers. Federal loans remain the primary funding source for many students, though international students face more limited borrowing options. Career outcomes for Wagner graduates justify the significant investment for many students. The school reports that over 90% of graduates secure employment within six months of graduation, with median starting salaries for MPA recipients around $70,000 and health policy graduates often commanding higher figures. Top employers include New York City government agencies, major nonprofit organizations like Robin Hood Foundation and United Way, consulting firms such as Deloitte and McKinsey's public sector practice, and federal agencies including HHS and USAID. The Office of Career Services provides extensive support, including resume review, interview preparation, and access to an alumni network of over 12,000 Wagner graduates working in public service across sectors and around the world. Career fairs specifically targeting government and nonprofit employers connect students with organizations actively recruiting Wagner talent. Many students secure employment through internship-to-hire pathways, making strategic internship selection crucial for career launch.
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