Students at Kean University benefit from exceptional affordability combined with earnings that consistently exceed expectations, making it one of the stronger values among public universities nationwide.
The university's role as a Mobility Engine reflects its success in helping students from all backgrounds achieve meaningful economic advancement after graduation.
Kean University serves as a reliable pathway to economic advancement for students across New Jersey and beyond. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, and 46% are first-generation college students, yet graduates consistently achieve solid long-term earnings that place the institution among the stronger performers for economic mobility. Ten years after enrollment, Kean graduates earn a median of $57,237, with the university delivering earnings that exceed expectations by more than $5,200 compared with similar institutions nationwide.
What distinguishes Kean is its role as a "Mobility Engine" — an institution that combines broad access with meaningful upward economic movement for students from all backgrounds. The university maintains affordable net prices across income levels, with low-income students paying just $6,593 annually and middle-income families seeing costs around $12,503. This affordability, combined with graduation rates that exceed 50% and strong support systems, creates a foundation for long-term success.
As a large public university in Union, New Jersey, Kean offers the comprehensive academic breadth students expect while maintaining the personal attention and support services that help diverse student populations thrive. The combination of accessibility, affordability, and consistent graduate outcomes makes Kean a practical choice for families seeking reliable return on their educational investment.
Kean University's program portfolio reflects a practical focus on fields that lead directly to stable, middle-class careers. Psychology dominates enrollment with 432 graduates, representing the university's largest program and highest aggregate return despite moderate individual earnings of $31,385. The scale of the psychology program, combined with consistent placement in social services, education, and healthcare support roles, makes it a cornerstone of Kean's economic impact.
Business Administration graduates 293 students annually with median earnings of $38,964, providing solid outcomes in management, finance, and entrepreneurship. The program's size and consistent earnings make it another key driver of Kean's overall success. Adult Health Nursing stands out with the highest individual earnings at $82,238 for 40 graduates, reflecting both the strong demand for healthcare professionals and Kean's established reputation in nursing education.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, career-focused fields that align with regional employment needs. From psychology and social work to business and healthcare, Kean's programs provide clear pathways to stable employment and middle-class earnings. This focus on practical outcomes, combined with the university's strong support systems, helps explain why graduates consistently exceed earnings expectations compared with similar institutions nationwide.
Kean University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $57,237, with the university delivering an earnings advantage of more than $5,200 compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings boost reflects Kean's ability to prepare students for stable, well-paying careers across multiple fields, with particularly strong outcomes in healthcare, business, and social services.
The university's program mix drives much of this success. Psychology, the largest program with 432 graduates, leads to median earnings of $31,385 but represents the highest aggregate return due to its scale and consistent placement rates. Business Administration graduates 293 students annually with median earnings of $38,964, providing solid middle-class outcomes in finance, management, and entrepreneurship. The standout performer is Adult Health Nursing, where 40 graduates earn a median of $82,238, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals and Kean's reputation in nursing education.
Across all programs, Kean demonstrates consistent ability to help students translate their education into meaningful career advancement. The university's location in New Jersey provides access to diverse employment markets in healthcare, education, business services, and public sector roles, contributing to the reliable earnings outcomes that place Kean above expectations for institutions serving similar student populations.
Kean University maintains strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to families throughout New Jersey and beyond. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $6,593 annually, well below typical public university costs and ranking in the top 25% nationally for affordability. Middle-income families see annual costs around $12,503, while even higher-income students pay $21,514, representing predictable and transparent pricing that helps families plan effectively.
The university's financial aid approach emphasizes grants and scholarships over excessive borrowing, helping students minimize debt while accessing quality education. Most graduates leave with manageable federal loan debt averaging $23,250, and families who choose Parent PLUS loans typically borrow around $19,152. These debt levels remain reasonable given Kean's graduate earnings, with most borrowers able to handle standard repayment terms comfortably.
What makes Kean particularly sustainable financially is the combination of affordable upfront costs and reliable post-graduation earnings. With median graduate income near $57,237 ten years out, most borrowers can manage their debt obligations while building financial stability. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates successfully navigate their financial obligations, reflecting both reasonable debt levels and the economic stability that Kean's programs provide.
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