Acceptance Rate
76%
Avg. SAT
1150
75th percentile
“Kean University blends affordability with hands-on learning in the heart of Union, New Jersey.”
Union, NJ
Location
Large Suburb
Campus Setting
Nestled in Union, New Jersey, just a half-hour train ride from New York City, Kean University stands as a public institution with deep roots dating back to its founding in 1855 as a teachers’ college. Originally established to train educators, it has evolved into a comprehensive university while maintaining a strong commitment to accessible education. Its history reflects a mission of serving first-generation students and those seeking a practical, career-focused degree, often at a fraction of the cost of nearby private schools. Kean’s personality is grounded and unpretentious, attracting students who value affordability and real-world preparation over flashy prestige.
The campus, spread across 185 acres, mixes modern facilities with historic buildings like Liberty Hall, a colonial-era estate tied to early American history. You’ll find a student body that’s down-to-earth, often commuting from nearby towns or balancing work with studies, rather than the traditional full-time residential college vibe. While the proximity to NYC offers endless cultural and internship possibilities, the tradeoff is a quieter campus feel—Union isn’t a bustling college town, and some might find the suburban setting lacks the energy of an urban hub.
Kean is ideal for self-motivated students who want a degree without breaking the bank and are comfortable carving their own path. If you’re looking for a tight-knit, highly residential community or a campus with constant social buzz, Kean might feel a bit disconnected. It shines for those who appreciate its practical focus and are ready to tap into nearby metropolitan resources on their own terms.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Kean University emphasizes applied learning, with standout programs in education, nursing, and business that prepare students for immediate career entry. The College of Education remains a cornerstone, producing a significant number of New Jersey’s teachers through rigorous, classroom-focused training. You can expect a mix of lecture-style courses and practical experiences like student teaching or clinical rotations, especially in health-related fields, where partnerships with local hospitals give nursing students a real edge.
Class sizes vary, with some introductory courses packing in larger groups, which can make it harder to connect with professors early on. However, as you advance, particularly in specialized majors, smaller classes and faculty mentorship become more common, especially if you seek it out. The tradeoff is that research opportunities and highly specialized programs may be limited compared to larger research universities, so students craving cutting-edge labs or niche academic tracks might need to look elsewhere or supplement with external internships.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
11,758 undergrad • 2,147 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
27%
Black / African American
20%
Hispanic / Latino
34%
Asian
5%
Other / Multi-racial
14%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Union, NJ
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at Kean University leans toward the practical, with many students commuting and juggling part-time jobs or family responsibilities alongside their studies. You’ll find a no-frills social scene—think small-scale events like cultural festivals or guest lectures rather than massive tailgates or a dominant Greek life presence. A cherished tradition is the annual Spirit Week, where students deck out in university colors for themed days and competitions, fostering a sense of pride despite the dispersed community feel.
Living on campus is an option, but only a fraction of students do, and housing can fill up quickly, pushing some to find off-campus apartments in Union or nearby towns. The suburban location means cold, snowy winters and a quieter pace, which might not suit everyone, especially if you’re craving constant activity. On the flip side, the short trip to New York City opens up a world of entertainment and networking, provided you’re willing to navigate public transit and budget for the occasional splurge.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
New Jersey Athletic Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
Yes
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
76%
4 Years Graduation Rate
47%
6 Years Graduation Rate
61%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$57,237
76% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Kean University and return in the fall. 47% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 61% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
47%
4-5 years
14%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
38%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$10,758
Acceptance
76%
Undergrads
11,758
4-Year Grad Rate
47%
Endowment
$72M
Union, NJ 07083
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