Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service (NYU Wagner)
General Information
About Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, commonly known as NYU Wagner, is New York University’s dedicated school for public service, public policy, and urban affairs. Founded originally in 1938, the school has evolved into a globally respected institution preparing leaders to translate ideas into action for the public good. Its mission is grounded in a belief that public service is inherently noble and most rewarding when practiced with integrity, equity, and effectiveness.
Wagner’s curriculum integrates theory, practice, and innovation to address complex challenges in government, nonprofits, urban planning, health systems, and social equity. Students benefit from a deeply interdisciplinary environment, with access to the full resources of NYU and the dynamic context of New York City. The school fosters rigorous analytical skills, management capabilities, and a commitment to ethical leadership, preparing graduates to shape sustainable policies and public programs that positively impact communities locally, nationally, and internationally.
Contact Information
- Address: Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, 105 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003
- Phone Number: (212) 998-7490
- Email Address: admissions@wagner.nyu.edu
School Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 1938 |
| Named After | Robert F. Wagner Jr. (NYC Mayor) in 1989 |
| Dean | Polly Trottenberg (as of 2025) |
| Type | Private Graduate School of Public Service |
| Affiliation | New York University |
| Current Students | ~800+ (graduate) |
| Alumni Network | Over 15,000 global alumni |
Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Rankings
| Ranking Source | Category / Specialty | Rank / Tier |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report | Overall Public Affairs Schools | #11 nationally |
| U.S. News & World Report | Urban Policy | #1 |
| U.S. News & World Report | Health Policy & Management | #3 |
| U.S. News & World Report | Public Finance & Budgeting | #7 |
| U.S. News & World Report | Nonprofit Management | #7 |
| U.S. News & World Report | Global / International Policy | #9 |
| U.S. News & World Report | Social Policy | #10 |
Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Academics
Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Faculties / Departments
- Public & Nonprofit Management & Policy
- Health Policy & Management
- Urban Planning
- Public Policy / Policy Analysis
- Health Law & Strategy (joint with NYU Law)
- Executive Public Administration
- Doctoral Public Administration / Research
Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Courses and Programs / Majors
- Master of Public Administration — Public & Nonprofit Management & Policy
- Master of Public Administration — Health Policy & Management
- Master of Urban Planning (MUP)
- Master of Science in Public Policy (MSPP)
- Master of Science in Health Law & Strategy (joint degree)
- Master of Health Administration (Online)
- Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA)
- PhD in Public Administration
- Advanced Certificates in topics such as public finance, program evaluation, nonprofit leadership
Online Learning
Wagner offers a fully online Master of Health Administration (MHA) option. This allows working professionals to advance their education through a flexible, part-time format, marrying rigorous coursework with practical leadership training in health organizations. The online MHA maintains the same accreditation standards and expectations as its on-campus counterparts, ensuring parity in quality and credential.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Typical Range / Expectation |
|---|---|
| GRE / GMAT | Applicants often submit scores; ranges vary |
| Admission GPA | Graduate applicants often need strong academic records (exact threshold varies) |
| GPA for Graduation | 3.0 cumulative minimum for master’s programs; doctoral students may need 3.3+ |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Wagner maintains rigorous academic standards. Graduate students are required to sustain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above to remain in good standing. Doctoral candidates typically must maintain a 3.3 GPA or higher. While specific retention and completion rates are not publicly published in full, Wagner’s employment outcomes and alumni success reflect a high level of student persistence and program completion.
Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Undergraduate standardized tests (SAT/ACT) are not directly relevant for Wagner admissions, as it is a graduate-level school. Wagner places greater emphasis on prior academic performance, professional experience, letters of recommendation, essays, and holistic review.
Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Acceptance Rate
| Program / Level | Approximate Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| MPA / Master’s programs | Around 30% |
| PhD Program | Very selective — admits 5–8 students annually (~5%) |
Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Application Requirements
Applicants to Wagner’s graduate programs must submit official undergraduate transcripts, résumé or CV, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and often essays (including video or written prompts). Some programs may request GRE or GMAT scores. Professional or volunteer experience is highly valued, especially for executive or health policy tracks. Admissions are conducted through a holistic review that considers academic record, context, leadership potential, values, and fit.
Application Process
- Complete the online Wagner application portal
- Submit all required documents (transcripts, scores, recommendations)
- Provide essays or video responses
- Participate in interviews if required
- Receive admission decision
- Confirm enrollment
Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program Type | Typical Deadline |
|---|---|
| MPA / MUP / MSPP | February 15 |
| Online MHA | Varies by cohort |
| PhD Program | December to January cycles |
| Executive MPA | Varies (often spring) |
Essay Prompt
One common prompt asks applicants to describe their past leadership or policy experience and explain how Wagner’s program will enable them to have greater impact in public service. Other prompts may focus on diversity, resilience, values, or policy goals.
Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Scholarships
Wagner provides merit-based scholarships, need-based awards, and specific fellowships such as the Bloomberg Public Service Fellows program, which offers full-tuition support for select students committed to public service careers.
Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Tuition and Fees
| Program / Format | Tuition & Fees (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Standard Graduate Tuition | ~$29,892 per year |
| Online MHA | ~$2,491 per credit (total online MHA cost ~$112,095) |
| Executive Program Fee | One-time fee (~$1,794 for EMPA) |
Estimated living expenses, including housing, food, books, transportation, and personal costs, can total over $40,000 per year due to New York City’s high cost of living.
Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Wagner enrolls an international and socioeconomically diverse student body. The average student age is 28, with executive program students averaging around 40. Gender and racial/ethnic distributions reflect a commitment to diversity — among Wagner students: 43% identify as White, 22% Hispanic or Latino, 17% Asian, 14% Black or African American, and 4% multiracial or other.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Wagner supports students from underrepresented or financially constrained backgrounds through scholarship programs, financial counseling, and access to fellowships. The school also provides accommodations and support to students with disabilities to ensure an inclusive and accessible learning environment.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~802 |
| Domestic Students | ~73% |
| International Students | ~27% |
| Enrollment Status | 59% full-time, 41% part-time |
University Diversity
Diversity is a central tenet of Wagner’s identity and mission. The student body reflects a wide array of backgrounds in nationality, race, professional experience, and socioeconomic status. This diversity enriches class discussions and peer learning, enabling students to bring multiple perspectives into public policy problem solving. Wagner emphasizes inclusive pedagogy and recruits students committed to equity and social justice. The school also hosts affinity groups, student organizations focused on diversity, and community engagement projects in underserved New York City neighborhoods. Through these efforts, Wagner develops leaders who understand the complexity of serving diverse populations and can craft policies responsive to historically marginalized communities.
Average Earnings
Wagner graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes: approximately 95% find employment within 10 months of graduation. Many alumni secure roles in government agencies, health systems, urban planning firms, nonprofits, and international organizations. Salaries vary by track and location; for instance, public sector management or health policy positions in major metropolitan areas may start in the $70,000–$90,000 range, with senior roles exceeding $120,000. Wagner’s reputation, NYC connections, and alumni network contribute significantly to graduates’ success and career advancement.
Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Wagner’s faculty comprises distinguished scholars, policymakers, and practitioners. Many hold joint appointments in other NYU schools, engaging in applied research that informs public policy across urban development, health, education, transportation, and social equity. The school also employs adjunct faculty from government, nonprofit, and private sectors, bringing real-world experience into the classroom. Administrative and student support staff facilitate advising, career development, research, and academic logistics.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Wagner faculty are global leaders in fields such as public management, health systems, urban planning, budget and finance, social policy, nonprofit leadership, and evaluation. Faculty members include researchers recognized for their policy impact and contributions to international development and governance. They regularly publish in top academic journals, consult for major agencies, and hold leadership roles in professional associations. Research centers such as the Rudin Center for Transportation Policy & Management and the John Brademas Center for the Study of Congress highlight Wagner’s active role in shaping public discourse and advancing data-driven governance.
Robert F Wagner Graduate School of Public Service Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Wagner is located in New York City, offering students a vibrant setting rich in professional and cultural opportunities. While the school does not provide dedicated housing, students can access NYU’s housing services or find accommodation across the city’s boroughs. Housing costs are high, so many students share apartments or commute. Student life is active, featuring 20+ student-led groups focused on policy, social impact, global health, and urban planning. Regular workshops, speaker series, and networking events allow students to connect with alumni and policymakers while deepening their engagement in the public service community.
Transportation
Wagner’s central location makes it one of the most accessible schools in the United States. The campus is served by multiple subway lines, city buses, and commuter rail options, making it easy for students to attend classes from all parts of the city. Walking and cycling are common for nearby residents, and NYU’s intercampus shuttle system supports mobility between academic buildings. Students also leverage NYC’s extensive public infrastructure to pursue internships, research projects, and fieldwork across the city’s diverse institutions and communities.