In the competition's final segment, each of the five finalists answered a question about current events. Hagan was asked whether, in the wake of the Newtown school massacre, armed guards should be put in schools.
"I don't think the proper way to fight violence is with violence," she said, indicating she opposes the idea.
Hagan, whose crown comes with a $50,000 college scholarship, said education and other measures such as extended waiting periods for gun ownership were more appropriate.
The pageant, held since 1921, is put on by the Miss America Organization.
Contestants compete in local and state pageants before going on to the national competition. In all, 53 women representing the 50 U.S. states, the Virgin Islands, Washington and Puerto Rico vied for the title.
