At $12,168/yr net price, Kean University graduates earn $57,237/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,237/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,168 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $48,672 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,237/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,237/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,593/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,496/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,503/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,592/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,514/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $18,009 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,635 | $37,593 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $72,640 | $47,700 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $71,957 | $31,757 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $62,579 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $60,452 | $47,464 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $57,995 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $26,088 |
The Risk Factor
43.4% of students at Kean University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Kean University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes heavily dependent on your major choice. The $12,168 annual net price creates reasonable value for graduates who pick the right programs, but the 43% graduation rate means significant risk that you won't finish at all.
Educational administration graduates earn $116,679 annually, making this program financially compelling for those planning careers in school leadership. Nursing programs also pay off well, with registered nurses earning over $80,000 while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $18,009. Business administration graduates see decent returns at $73,635, though the $37,593 debt burden cuts into the financial benefit.
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions present a concerning picture with $47,700 in debt for $72,640 in earnings, creating a problematic debt-to-income ratio that could strain your finances for years. The low graduation rate amplifies risk across all programs, particularly for students who struggle with academic persistence.
Kean works best financially for students confident in their ability to complete their degree and targeting high-earning majors like nursing or educational administration. The school serves New Jersey's job market effectively, where healthcare and education sectors provide stable employment. You should look elsewhere if you're undecided about your major or concerned about completing your degree, as the graduation statistics suggest many students don't finish.
With 46% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities exist but aren't universal. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a major with proven earning potential and taking advantage of the relatively low in-state pricing while ensuring you have the academic foundation to graduate within four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kean University worth the cost for the education you get?
Kean University offers reasonable value with a net price of $12,168 and graduates earning $57,237 after 10 years. However, the 43% graduation rate means many students don't finish their degrees, which significantly hurts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying majors at Kean University?
Educational Administration graduates from Kean University earn around $116,679, while nursing programs lead to salaries between $82,238-$105,083. Business and rehabilitation programs pay around $72,640-$73,635, which is decent but not exceptional.
How much debt do Kean University graduates typically have?
Kean University graduates carry a median debt of $23,250, which is manageable given the average earnings of $57,237 ten years after graduation. The debt-to-income ratio works out to reasonable levels for most programs.
Should I attend Kean University if I get accepted?
Kean University makes sense if you're pursuing nursing, education administration, or can finish your degree reliably. With an 82% acceptance rate and 43% graduation rate, the main risk is not completing your program rather than the financial investment itself.