Kean University combines broad educational access with meaningful economic advancement as an Opportunity Builder institution. The university generates $5,274 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining net prices well below typical levels, supporting long-term success for first-generation and low-income students.
Around the national average, reflecting typical earnings relative to educational investment
With above-average performance, driven by controlled net prices and manageable debt levels
With top-tier performance, reflecting the university's commitment to serving Pell-eligible, first-generation, and transfer students
Also achieving top-tier performance through the combination of broad access and meaningful economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisKean University delivers strong value through controlled costs and earnings performance that exceeds expectations for its student population. Graduates earn a median of $57,237 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 64th percentile nationally.
The university generates $5,274 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 74.6th percentile on this key measure of institutional effectiveness. Earnings range from $36,530 at the 25th percentile to $78,461 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career trajectories across programs.
Students seeking strong access and support systems at an affordable public institution, particularly first-generation students and those from lower-income backgrounds. Well-suited for students prioritizing economic mobility over prestige, with strong outcomes in specialized education programs and criminal justice fields.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Kean University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/kean-university/analysis.
Top 10% nationally for access and mobility
Kean University leads with excellent access performance at the 92.2nd percentile, demonstrating top-tier commitment to educational opportunity. Located in Union, New Jersey, this large public university maintains an open admissions approach with a 76.9% acceptance rate while serving diverse student populations.
Kean University enrolls 46.3% Pell-eligible students and 46.4% first-generation students, significantly above typical institutional levels. The university also serves 40.8% transfer students, providing multiple pathways to degree completion.
Graduates earn $5,274 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 74.6th percentile nationally. Median earnings reach $57,237 ten years after enrollment, placing Kean University at the 64th percentile for long-term outcomes.
As an Opportunity Builder institution, Kean University combines broad educational access with meaningful economic advancement for underrepresented students.
Kean University admits approximately 76.9% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Kean University in the Open Access tier, providing broad educational opportunity to students across academic preparation levels.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates Kean University's acceptance rate aligns closely with similar institutions, differing by just 1.2 percentage points. This accessibility reflects the university's mission to serve diverse student populations, including first-generation and transfer students who may have varied academic backgrounds.
For prospective students, this admission rate indicates strong chances of acceptance for those who meet basic eligibility requirements. Students should focus on demonstrating college readiness and alignment with program requirements rather than competing against highly selective standards.
The open access approach means students can realistically include Kean University as a likely admission option when building their college lists, allowing them to focus on fit, affordability, and program quality rather than admission uncertainty.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Kean University's published cost of attendance reaches $24,924 per year, comprising $13,426 in-state tuition, $16,592 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $21,076 in tuition.
However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid. The average net price across all income levels is $12,168, representing $12,756 in financial aid savings from the sticker price.
Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $15,590, Kean University costs $3,422 more annually. Net prices vary substantially by family income, ranging from $6,593 for families earning under $30,000 to $21,514 for families earning over $110,000.
This $14,921 spread between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates significant aid targeting toward lower-income families. The progressive pricing structure aligns with Kean University's mission to serve economically diverse student populations while maintaining accessibility for those with the greatest financial need.
Kean University graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over their early career trajectory. Median earnings rise from $46,603 six years after enrollment to $53,438 at eight years and $57,237 at ten years, representing 22.8% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 4,601 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. The university generates $5,274 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Kean University at the 74.6th percentile for value-added performance.
This uplift reflects the institution's effectiveness in supporting student success beyond what demographics alone would predict. Low-income graduates earn $45,000, indicating meaningful economic advancement for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Earnings span from $36,530 at the 25th percentile to $78,461 at the 75th percentile, with the 2.1:1 ratio reflecting program diversity and career path variation. Approximately 20.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, suggesting balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Nebraska At Omaha Similar quality tier (#164 ranked) | NE | 87% | $53,909 | #164 | Compare |
Old Dominion University Similar quality tier (#165 ranked) | VA | 91% | $54,914 | #165 | Compare |
California State University-Monterey Bay Similar quality tier (#166 ranked) | CA | 95% | $59,247 | #166 | Compare |
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University Similar quality tier (#167 ranked) | FL | 21% | $44,349 | #167 | Compare |
University Of Colorado Boulder Similar quality tier (#168 ranked) | CO | 83% | $69,738 | #168 | Compare |
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
40 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
51 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
66 graduates
Agricultural Teacher Education.
115 graduates
Algebra and Number Theory.
48 graduates
Kean University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive ranking analysis. Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #3 nationally and #1 in New Jersey, graduating 115 students with median earnings of $57,820 and an exceptional value score of 98.6.
Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed ranks #10 nationally and #1 in New Jersey, with 54 graduates earning $55,172. Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching ranks #21 nationally and #2 in New Jersey, graduating 112 students with median earnings of $53,221.
Psychology, General represents the university's largest program, graduating 432 students annually with median earnings of $44,540 and ranking #115 nationally. Business Administration and Management graduates 293 students with median earnings of $53,403.
Commercial Photography ranks #24 nationally and #1 in New Jersey, demonstrating specialized program strength in creative fields with 91 graduates earning $52,084.
