Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Wagner College

Wagner's nursing graduates earn substantially more than the typical nursing graduate—$108,746 versus a national median of $74,888—and carry moderate debt relative to those earnings. That 0.25 debt ratio means graduates earn back their entire loan balance in just three months, making this among the strongest financial outcomes in nursing education. The program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally, putting it in elite company.

Within New York, the picture is more nuanced but still favorable. At the 60th percentile statewide, Wagner sits comfortably above the state median of $89,296, though it doesn't quite reach the $115,000+ territory of the top-performing CUNY campuses or specialty schools like Helene Fuld. What you're paying for here is likely location and connections—Staten Island positions graduates for New York City's premium nursing market without the competition of Manhattan-based programs.

The modest earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates lock into strong positions quickly, which is typical in nursing but particularly pronounced here. For a student planning to work in the New York metro area, Wagner offers immediate access to high-paying opportunities with manageable debt. The 83% admission rate makes this accessible strong outcome within reach for most qualified applicants.