About Kean University
Kean University has built its reputation as a teacher training powerhouse while serving a diverse student body of 10,842. The school excels at preparing educators and supporting first-generation college students who might not otherwise pursue higher education. Media personality Glenn Beck and human rights advocate Wenzel Michalski both graduated from this suburban New Jersey campus. With an 82.6% acceptance rate, Kean opens doors for students with SAT scores averaging 1030.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for New Jersey families. Students pay an average net price of $12,168 after aid, well below the sticker price. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $57,237, making the typical debt load of $23,250 manageable with monthly payments of $246. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to economic accessibility.
Kean's student body mirrors New Jersey's diversity, with 37% Hispanic students, 25% white students, and 20% Black students. The 75% retention rate suggests students find what they need here, even if the 43% six-year graduation rate indicates many take longer to finish. With 94% of students staying in-state and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, this feels like a close-knit community despite its size.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for New Jersey families. Students pay an average net price of $12,168 after aid, well below the sticker price. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $57,237, making the typical debt load of $23,250 manageable with monthly payments of $246. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to economic accessibility.
Kean's student body mirrors New Jersey's diversity, with 37% Hispanic students, 25% white students, and 20% Black students. The 75% retention rate suggests students find what they need here, even if the 43% six-year graduation rate indicates many take longer to finish. With 94% of students staying in-state and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, this feels like a close-knit community despite its size.
Academics & Faculty
Kean University built its reputation on teacher preparation programs that have supplied educators across New Jersey for decades. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 47% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to complete degrees. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's mission to serve first-generation college students who often juggle work and family responsibilities. The school has expanded beyond education into business, nursing, and liberal arts programs. With 94% of students from New Jersey, Kean functions as an accessible pathway to higher education for working-class families throughout the state.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 27.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.4%
- Retention Rate
- 75.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,237
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $116,679 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $105,083 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $82,238 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,635 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $72,640 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $71,957 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $62,579 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $60,452 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $57,995 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
Campus Life
Kean's suburban campus in Union sits just 20 miles from Manhattan, giving students easy access to New York City internships and culture. Only 18% of the 10,842 students live in campus housing, creating a commuter-heavy environment where most drive home after classes. New Jersey winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while summers bring humid heat that sends students to air-conditioned buildings.
The diverse student body reflects the surrounding area's demographics, with 37% Hispanic and 20% Black students creating a multicultural atmosphere. Weekend life splits between those heading home to family and those staying for campus activities or trips into the city. The NCAA Division III Cougars compete in 18 sports without athletic scholarships, emphasizing academics over athletics. With 61% women and many first-generation college students, the campus buzzes with education majors preparing for teaching careers. Study groups often form around teacher prep programs, the school's signature strength. Students frequently juggle part-time jobs with coursework, reflecting the working-class roots of many families in the area.
The diverse student body reflects the surrounding area's demographics, with 37% Hispanic and 20% Black students creating a multicultural atmosphere. Weekend life splits between those heading home to family and those staying for campus activities or trips into the city. The NCAA Division III Cougars compete in 18 sports without athletic scholarships, emphasizing academics over athletics. With 61% women and many first-generation college students, the campus buzzes with education majors preparing for teaching careers. Study groups often form around teacher prep programs, the school's signature strength. Students frequently juggle part-time jobs with coursework, reflecting the working-class roots of many families in the area.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,905 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1855
Campus Safety (2023)
16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–40°F
- July Avg
- 69°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 46.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 31.5"
Student Demographics
Kean draws primarily from New Jersey communities, with 94% of students staying close to home for college. The student body reflects the state's diversity, particularly serving Latino and Black students who make up over half the enrollment. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, showing Kean's role as an access point for first-generation and lower-income families. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, largely due to the university's reputation for teacher preparation programs. This demographic mix aligns with Kean's mission as a regional public university focused on social mobility and workforce development.
- Men
- 39.6%
- Women
- 60.4%
- White
- 25.2%
- Black
- 20.4%
- Hispanic
- 36.9%
- Asian
- 4.8%
- In-State Students
- 93.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 46.3%
Location
Kean University sits in Union, New Jersey, about 20 miles southwest of Manhattan. The campus occupies a suburban setting in the densely populated New York metropolitan area. Union County has over 560,000 residents and represents one of New Jersey's most diverse regions. Students can reach New York City by train in under an hour, making internships and cultural opportunities highly accessible. The area blends suburban neighborhoods with shopping centers and business districts typical of northern New Jersey. Nearly 94% of students come from in-state, reflecting the university's strong ties to local communities. Students considering colleges in New Jersey may also compare Kean University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Union, New Jersey 07083
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,237
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,968
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Kean University?
Kean University accepts 82.60% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1030, with middle 50% scores ranging from 900 to 1160.
How much does Kean University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Kean University is $12,168 per year. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,593 on average, reflecting the school's commitment to serving low-income and first-generation college students.
What is Kean University known for academically?
Kean University has built its reputation on teacher preparation programs and serving diverse student populations. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, the school focuses on hands-on learning and practical career preparation.
What are the graduation rates at Kean University?
Kean University has a 47% four-year graduation rate and 43.40% six-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $57,237 ten years after graduation, with 93.9% finding employment.
Where is Kean University located and what is campus life like?
Kean University sits in Union, New Jersey, a large suburban setting near New York City. The campus houses 1,905 students and fields 18 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III as the Cougars.
Does Kean University serve a diverse student population?
Kean University enrolls 10,842 students with remarkable diversity: 36.91% Hispanic, 25.24% White, and 20.42% Black students. Nearly half of all students (46.31%) receive Pell Grants, highlighting the university's role in providing access to higher education for low-income families.
