We offer a number of competitive, merit-based scholarships to help you finance your degree. Approximately 60% of enrolling students are awarded scholarships. All full-time and part-time applicants are considered.
NYU Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service
About
NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service prepares public service leaders to translate ideas into actions that have an effective and lasting impact on the public good.
In New York City, every block offers a lesson in public service. For more than eight decades, NYU Wagner has paired focused study with the city’s day-today realities, turning innovative ideas into tangible solutions, many of which serve as models in other regions of the world. Among others, our faculty bring deep expertise in health, urban planning, nonprofit leadership, finance, and public policy. In the classroom, they act as dedicated mentors, guiding students to connect theory with practice and drive meaningful change. These opportunities connect students to a global network of 13,000 alumni working across a wide range of sectors—from government and nonprofits to healthcare and consulting. Building on this strong foundation and expanding the NYU Wagner community, 95% of our graduates successfully launch new careers within ten months of completing their program.
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Public & Nonprofit Management & Policy
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Health Policy & Management
- Master of Urban Planning (MUP)
- Online Master of Health Administration (MHA)
- Master of Science in Public Policy- STEM DESIGNATED
- Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA)
- Ph.D. in Public Administration.
Take the next step in the admissions process: learn more about NYU Wagner's programs for emerging and experienced public service leaders, upcoming application deadlines, and what you will need to submit your application.
Application Checklist
Review our Application Checklist to learn more about the requirements to apply
https://wagner.nyu.edu/admissions/degree-checklist
Application Deadlines:
Applicants seeking merit-based scholarships are encouraged to complete the application early in the cycle, as awarding becomes more competitive throughout the year. International applicants are also encouraged to apply early to allow enough time to obtain any required visas to study in the US.
Review our application deadlines https://wagner.nyu.edu/admissions/applying
Admissions Notification Possibilities:
- Offer of admission
- Offer of admission to a program different from the one you applied to
- Denial of admission
The NYU visa process involves first being admitted to a full-time program and accepting your offer. Next, you must apply for and receive an I-20 or DS-2019 form from NYU, which is required for your student visa application. Once you have that, you can apply for a U.S. student visa (F-1 or J-1) by completing the DS-160 form, paying the application fee, and scheduling and attending a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country.
Our graduates work in public and nonprofit management, healthcare, urban planning, policy analysis, public finance, financial management, and international development. In local, national, and international arenas, NYU Wagner alumni play significant roles redeveloping communities, advocating for social justice, and providing vital health and human services.
WITHIN 10 MONTHS, 95% ARE EMPLOYED
With New York City as our students’ living laboratory, NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service was once again named the No. 1 graduate urban policy program in the nation in the latest U.S. News and World Report Graduate School Rankings, released on April 8, 2025. Additionally, Wagner retained its top-10 ranking in five more specialities.
The Wagner specialties ranked in the top 10 include:
- #1 - Urban Policy
- #3 - Health Policy and Management
- #7 - Nonprofit Management
- #7 - Public Finance
- #8 - International / Global Policy and Administration
- #10 - Social Policy
Wagner also retained the same rankings from the previous cycle in all remaining specializations, including Local Government (#13), Public Management and Leadership (#15), and Public Policy Analysis (#19). Wagner also preserved its role as the top-ranked public affairs school in the New York metropolitan area and remained within the top 4 percent of the best public service institutions in the nation, ranking 11th overall.
Jake Peña (MPA-PNP 2025)
Before matriculating at Wagner, I worked for various advocacy and organizing nonprofits across the country, which meant regular interaction with funders, so I often wondered what it would be like to work within philanthropy. As I researched graduate schools, Wagner jumped to the top of my list because of New York City’s status as a philanthropy hub. So I made it my goal not only to attend Wagner, but to break into the funder space. In fact, it was through Wagner that I discovered The Trust's graduate fellowship program. Thanks to advice from my professors, fellow students, and Wagner Career Services staff, I was hired as The Trust's communications and marketing fellow in May 2024.
Liliana Flanigan (MPA-PNP 2026)
My Wagner experience has given me the most practical and directly applicable coursework at NYU. Classes like Project Management and Policy Formation have helped me build skills that translate directly to non-profit and government work. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of creating organization for myself. By setting up infrastructure systems for work files, course assignments, and job applications, I’ve been able to manage the fast pace of government and policy work, making sure that nothing falls through the cracks while staying sane under pressure. Because every call, email, and project has real consequences on the lives of people, so the stakes are high. I’ve also gained confidence in myself and my contributions through working with and learning from such a diverse group of peers of all ages, backgrounds, and work experiences. At NYU, I feel like an equal contributor—my thoughts and ideas are taken seriously in group work, at work, and in the classroom, which has been incredibly empowering.
Kalliope Vourakis (MPA-HPAM 2023)
Reflecting on my time at Wagner, I can honestly say that each course played a role in preparing me for the realities of healthcare management. The Health Services Management course taught me how to connect daily operations to broader strategic goals. The Financial Management courses sharpened my skills in budgeting, cost analysis, and using advanced techniques in Excel. The Human Resources course gave me practical strategies for managing diverse teams, and Health Emergency Management always reminds me to keep safety at the forefront of every decision. Leading Change provided the mindset and tools to navigate transitions with clarity and confidence. Combined with the guidance of incredible professors, these experiences have shaped the way I lead and problem-solve in my role today.
