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Kean University

Union, NJ · Public

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76.9%
Acceptance
1150
SAT
$34,093
Sticker Price
$12,503
Net Price*
$57,237
Earnings
2.2 yrs
Payback
12,142
Applicants

*Net price for families earning $48k–$75k. See all income brackets →

Apply Now Admissions Info Financial Aid Net Price Calculator

What is Kean University's acceptance rate?

Down 9.1 percentage points since 2018

With a 76.9% acceptance rate, Kean University is considered accessible. The school has become increasingly competitive over the past five years. Applicants should focus on demonstrating strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic personal essays to stand out in the applicant pool.

How many students apply to Kean University?

Kean University received 12,142 applications in 2023, up 34% since 2018. High application volume means admissions officers spend limited time per application—typically 8-15 minutes. Make every word count in your essays and ensure your application materials are error-free.

Applications
Admitted

How many admitted students enroll?

The yield rate of 21% is typical for a school of this caliber. Yield rate measures how many admitted students actually enroll—a key indicator of how desirable students find the school. Demonstrating genuine interest through campus visits, attending info sessions, and writing specific "Why Us" essays can improve your chances.

What are the most popular majors at Kean University?

Psychology, General leads as the most popular major at Kean University. Your intended major can affect admission chances—some programs are more competitive than others. Research department-specific requirements, faculty research, and career outcomes when choosing your major. Consider how your academic interests align with the school's strengths.

How have majors changed over time?

Degrees awarded by major, 2015-2023

How has tuition changed at Kean University?

Out-of-state tuition has increased by 36% since 2015. Total cost of attendance (including fees and room & board) has grown 28% from $26,707 to $34,093.

Tuition (Out-of-State) Tuition (In-State) Total Cost

How much do Kean University graduates earn by major?

Graduates in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing earn among the highest salaries, with median earnings of $82,238 within two years of graduation. Earnings vary significantly by major—STEM and business fields typically offer higher starting salaries, while humanities and arts may have different career trajectories. Consider both passion and practical outcomes when choosing your field of study.

Registered Nursing, Nursing Ad... $82,238
$8,500 $155,297
Mathematics $52,107
$8,500 $155,297
Geological and Earth Sciences/... $52,107
$8,500 $155,297
Special Education and Teaching $49,855
$8,500 $155,297
Computer and Information Scien... $49,436
$8,500 $155,297
Teacher Education and Professi... $45,305
$8,500 $155,297
Computer Systems Networking an... $44,170
$8,500 $155,297
Accounting and Related Service... $42,012
$8,500 $155,297
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Kean University Admissions Statistics (2018-2023)

Each row shows the admissions cycle for that academic year. Applicants is the total number of students who applied for freshman admission. Admitted shows how many received acceptance letters. Rate is the acceptance rate (admitted ÷ applicants) — lower percentages indicate more selective schools. Yield measures the percentage of admitted students who actually enrolled — a high yield (above 50%) suggests the school is a top choice for admitted students, while lower yields indicate students often choose other options. SAT shows the 25th-75th percentile range, meaning the middle 50% of enrolled students scored within this range. Data is sourced from IPEDS, the federal database where all US colleges report annually.

Year Applicants Admitted Rate Yield
2023 12,142 9,335 76.9% 21.1%
2022 10,485 8,661 82.6% 22.7%
2021 9,048 7,162 79.2% 21.0%
2020 10,138 7,913 78.0% 21.5%
2019 9,540 6,541 68.6% 27.1%
2018 9,082 7,809 86.0% 23.2%
2017 8,851 7,277 82.2% 24.5%
2016 8,785 6,536 74.4% 23.4%
2015 7,944 5,900 74.3% 25.7%

Is Kean University worth it?

Calculate your personal ROI

4-Year Sticker Price --
4-Year Net Cost --
Earnings & ROI Range (10yr)
Conservative (25th pct) -- --
Expected (median) -- --
Optimistic (75th pct) -- --
Payback Period --

Estimates based on College Scorecard averages. Use official calculator →

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What do Kean University graduates earn?

Median Earnings (10 years)
$57,237
Earnings Range (10th - 90th percentile)
$11,100 $57,237 median $80,300

Earnings vary widely: the bottom 10% earn $11,100 while the top 10% earn $80,300. Your outcome depends heavily on major, career path, and individual circumstances.

Median Earnings (6 years)
$46,603
Median Debt
$23,250
6-Year Graduation Rate
43.4%

How much does Kean University cost?

The total cost of attendance at Kean University is approximately $34,093 per year for out-of-state students. Remember: sticker price rarely equals actual cost. Most students receive financial aid, and net price varies significantly by family income. Use the school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate before ruling out any option based on cost alone.

In-State Tuition
$10,445
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,621
Fees
$2,000
Room & Board
$14,472
Total Cost of Attendance
$34,093

What You'll Actually Pay

Net price represents what families actually pay after grants and scholarships. The figures above are averages—your actual cost depends on family income, assets, and the school's aid policies. Many selective private schools are more affordable than public universities for middle and lower-income families due to generous institutional aid.

$0-30k income $6,593
$30-48k income $7,496
$48-75k income $12,503
$75-110k income $20,592
$110k+ income $21,514

Which majors pay the most?

  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $82,238
  • Mathematics $52,107
  • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences $52,107
  • Special Education and Teaching $49,855
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General $49,436

Who attends Kean University?

Kean University enrolls 13,352 students, with 6% from outside the United States. Women make up 63% of the student body. Campus diversity enriches the educational experience through varied perspectives and backgrounds. Consider how you'll contribute to and benefit from the campus community when crafting your application.

Total Enrollment 13,352
Retention Rate 75%
International 6%
Women 63%
Race/Ethnicity
Hispanic 34%
White 27%
Black 20%
Asian 5%

How much financial aid is available?

69% of students receive some form of financial aid at Kean University. About 46% receive Pell Grants, indicating support for low-income students. Apply for aid regardless of your family's income level—merit scholarships and institutional grants are available to students at various income levels. Never assume you won't qualify.

Receive Grants 69%
Avg: $11,762 free money/year
Pell Grant Recipients 46%
Federal aid for <$60k income families
Have Federal Loans 46%
Avg: $6,423
School's Own Grants 75%
Avg: $4,921 from school funds

How much do professors earn?

Faculty salaries at Kean University are above the national average, reflecting the school's investment in attracting and retaining talented professors. Higher faculty compensation often correlates with stronger research programs, better student mentorship, and more resources for academic departments. Look for opportunities to engage with faculty through research, office hours, and smaller seminars.

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