Full Breakdown
St. John’s University Negotiates Sale of Staten Island Campus to Wagner College
4/1/2026, 2:20:59 AM
Proposed Sale Details
St. John’s University is currently in negotiations to sell its Staten Island campus to Wagner College for $30 million. The 16.5-acre property, located in Grymes Hill and overlooking New York Harbor, has been under discussion for a potential sale, with Wagner reportedly having signed a preliminary agreement. A source familiar with the negotiations indicated that Wagner is now seeking financing, including assistance from the state Dormitory Authority, to finalize the deal. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella confirmed that both institutions are working diligently to complete the transaction, although he noted that it is not yet finalized.
Background on St. John’s Staten Island Campus
The Staten Island campus of St. John’s University opened in 1971 but has faced a significant decline in enrollment over the years. Factors contributing to this decline include the closure of feeder Catholic high schools and a general reduction in the college-age population, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment dropped from a capacity of 3,000 students to approximately 800, marking a nearly two-thirds decrease since 2000. As a result, the campus was closed in 2024, and its future has been a topic of concern for local stakeholders.
Implications of the Sale
The sale of the Staten Island campus to Wagner College is seen as a beneficial arrangement for both institutions and the local community. Fossella emphasized that the transaction would be advantageous for Staten Island and the future of Wagner College. The property is also zoned for housing, and local residents have expressed opposition to potential residential development on the site, making the sale to another educational institution a preferable outcome.
Criticism & Opposition
While the negotiations appear to be progressing, there is still uncertainty surrounding the finalization of the sale. Critics may argue that the closure of the St. John’s campus reflects broader issues within higher education, particularly regarding enrollment trends and the sustainability of smaller campuses. The potential loss of an educational institution could have long-term implications for the community and its access to higher education.
Official Statements & Responses
St. John’s University has not publicly commented on the specifics of the negotiations, but the ongoing discussions with Wagner College indicate a strategic move to divest from a declining asset. Wagner College has not issued a formal statement regarding the acquisition but is actively pursuing financing options to facilitate the purchase.
What's Next
As negotiations continue, the focus will shift to securing the necessary financing for Wagner College to complete the purchase. The outcome of these discussions will likely influence the future landscape of higher education on Staten Island and could set a precedent for similar transactions involving struggling campuses. The timeline for closing the deal remains uncertain, pending the resolution of financial arrangements.
