Wagner College (WC)

Wagner College, a four-year private college, is known for its innovative curriculum, The Wagner Plan for the Practical Liberal Arts. The Wagner Plan connects liberal arts education to practical learning experiences and civic engagement projects throughout New York City.

About Wagner
Set on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and New York Harbor, Wagner's 105-acre park-like campus is only a free ferry ride away from the cultural, intellectual, and professional heart of America Manhattan.

At Wagner, students "learn by doing" through a challenging, broad-based liberal arts curriculum that is anchored in the real world. Through The Wagner Plan for the Practical Liberal Arts, students, in their very first semester, become involved in field work directly related to their courses. Learning Communities help students connect to their studies, to their professors, and to each other. Internships required for all students provide valuable real-world experience before graduation. Wagner's small class sizes and experienced professors, who teach both introductory and upper-level courses, are other features of our nationally-acclaimed curriculum.

Beyond the Classroom
Wagner offers a full spectrum of student activities, including more than 90 student clubs and organizations. These programs not only enrich the undergraduate years but also serve to prepare students for the challenges of life after graduation. As an NCAA Division I institution, Wagner offers 10 men’s and 12 women’s sports. Intramural programs and the College’s 93,000-square-foot sports and recreation center provide all students with athletic opportunities.

Students represent 43 different states and 25 countries. Over 60% of students are from outside New York State.

Wagner College a small school that is "the type of place where one makes long-lasting connections." That "close-knit community" is described as "very dedicated and newcomers are always made to feel welcome." Wagner students are "diverse and unique" and because they "come from all different areas and study all different areas," this creates an "amazing opportunity [for] meeting people." And whether you're one of the fair number of commuters or not, all "take advantage of the many outdoor spaces to either study or socialize." A student sings the praises of their "creative, helpful, smart" peers: "Imagine walking into a room and everybody is capable of some kind of insane artistic capability." Many feel that "there are so many events weekly to bring the community together," and cherish that "from student organizations to departmental events each student brings a unique and vibrant element to the table."

At Wagner, "everyone has a willingness to participate at school activities and events," and the school accordingly "encourages students to go out of their way to apply what they have learned during lecture to [their] extracurricular activities." The Center for Intercultural Advancement and International Cultural Advancement offices are said to be doing a "great job" in engaging students, and there are plenty of organizations to join. Several students say that "the theatre department here is by far one of the best, sweetest, and strongest bodies," hosting "a variety of...parties that are open to all." The library "is a haven for students looking for some peace when studying, and with nice weather, most students sit on the great lawn and have picnics." Nearby Manhattan is also "really easy to get to because of the free Wagner shuttle" to and from the free ferry to the city. That said, students note there isn't always a need to do so, as they have the best possible problem: they "are heavily involved in extracurricular activities, so schedules are often pretty full."