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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $26,949 |
| Tuition and Fees | $22,446 |
| Room and Board | $18,264 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$14,502 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,447 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,374 |
| $30–48k | $7,859 |
| $48–75k | $12,136 |
| $75–110k | $20,146 |
| $110k+ | $20,110 |
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.
Kean University demonstrates strong commitment to need-based financial aid through substantial average savings of $12,756 per student. The 46.3% Pell share indicates nearly half of students qualify for federal need-based grants, well above typical institutional levels.
This high Pell eligibility reflects the university's effectiveness in serving lower-income populations who benefit most from financial assistance programs. The aid system creates dramatic cost differences across income levels, with the lowest-income families paying just $6,593 compared to $21,514 for highest-income families.
Financial aid targeting appears highly effective, as evidenced by the positive Pell completion gap where aided students graduate at higher rates than the general population. The substantial financial aid savings and income-based pricing structure support the university's role as an access-oriented institution, making college affordable for students who might otherwise be priced out of higher education opportunities.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Kean University graduates carry median debt of $23,250, placing the institution at the 45th percentile nationally and near typical debt levels. Debt ranges from $8,250 at the 25th percentile to $28,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating moderate variation in borrowing patterns among graduates.
Compared to peer institutions with median debt of $20,000, Kean University graduates borrow $3,250 more on average. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 indicates manageable repayment capacity, as debt represents 41% of first-year post-graduation income.
Parent PLUS loans show median debt of $19,152 with monthly payments of $252, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans. The combination of moderate student debt levels and earnings that exceed expectations creates favorable conditions for loan repayment.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Kean University represents a solid educational investment through earnings performance that exceeds expectations for student demographics. Graduates earn $5,274 beyond what similar students achieve at other institutions, ranking at the 74.6th percentile for value-added performance.
Despite carrying $3,250 more debt than typical peer institution graduates, Kean University students benefit from this earnings premium in long-term financial outcomes. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 indicates sustainable repayment capacity, with debt representing a manageable portion of post-graduation income.
Net prices averaging $12,168 across all income levels, with significant discounts for lower-income families, create reasonable cost structures relative to outcomes achieved. The university's effectiveness in serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students while generating positive earnings outcomes demonstrates strong return on investment for populations traditionally underserved by higher education.
