Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Kean University vary significantly by field of study, ranging from $41,703 in Applied/Public Sociology to $94,150 in Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and identify programs that align with your career and financial goals.
Analyzing 31 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that stand out for exceptional national rankings, strong earnings outcomes, or distinctive value propositions at Kean University.
#66 nationally
$58K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national ranking, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Kean University.
Technology programs show mixed performance with room for improvement in competitive positioning. Artificial Intelligence, despite growing industry demand, produces median earnings of $63,649 for 51 graduates while ranking #161 nationally.
The relatively low national ranking suggests stronger preparation may be available at peer institutions. Students should carefully evaluate program curriculum and outcomes against alternatives when considering technology fields at Kean University.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence. | #171 | $63,649 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes rather than academic reputation or instructional quality. Different programs at the same institution produce varied earnings because career fields have distinct salary structures, educational requirements, and market demand. Computer science typically produces higher initial earnings than education, while healthcare programs often provide stable long-term career growth. Rankings use federal College Scorecard data measuring median earnings of graduates 10 years after enrollment, requiring minimum cohort sizes for statistical reliability. Value scores combine earnings, debt, and completion rates to assess overall program return on investment. Students should evaluate programs based on career goals, personal interests, and financial priorities rather than rankings alone, as individual outcomes depend on effort, networking, and market conditions beyond institutional control.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| — |
| 51 |
| Cloud Computing. | #8 | $52,982 | — | 39 |
Business programs at Kean University enroll substantial numbers of students with varied outcomes across specializations. Business Administration and Management graduates 293 students annually with median earnings of $53,403, while Accounting Technology produces $56,960 earnings for 145 graduates.
Banking and Financial Support Services delivers higher earnings of $60,594 but for smaller cohorts of 66 graduates. Digital Marketing shows moderate earnings potential at $52,851.
This group suits students seeking broad career flexibility with established alumni networks.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #132 | $60,594★ | — | 66 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #174 | $56,960 | — | 145 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #147 | $53,403 | $17,942 | 293 |
| Digital Marketing. | #137 | $52,851 | — | 89 |
| International Business. | #50 | $45,396 | — | 27 |
Health programs at Kean University deliver the strongest earnings outcomes across the institution. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing leads with $94,150 in median earnings and ranks #69 nationally, demonstrating competitive preparation for high-demand healthcare roles.
With a cohort of 40 graduates, this program represents specialized but impactful career preparation. These programs are best suited for students prioritizing strong immediate earning potential and job market stability in healthcare fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #66 | $94,150★ | — | 40 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other.Small sample | #44 | $48,605 | — | 12 |
Science and mathematics programs demonstrate solid performance with Biology, General leading the group. Biology graduates 196 students annually with median earnings of $56,463 and ranks #65 nationally, indicating competitive preparation for graduate school and healthcare professions.
Algebra and Number Theory produces higher earnings of $57,407 for smaller cohorts but ranks lower nationally at #138. These programs work well for students planning graduate study or research-oriented careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #146 | $57,407★ | — | 48 |
| Biology, General. | #63 | $56,463 | $23,703 | 196 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | #43 | $52,107 | — | 18 |
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | #172 | $45,850 | — | 10 |
Social sciences programs at Kean University serve large student populations with varied career outcomes. Psychology, General represents the university's largest program with 432 graduates annually earning $44,540, though ranking #115 nationally suggests room for competitive improvement.
Applied/Public Sociology produces lower earnings of $41,703 and ranks #157 nationally, indicating more challenging career pathways. These programs suit students prioritizing social impact over immediate earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Administration, Other. | #23 | $47,167★ | — | 48 |
| Psychology, General. | #116 | $44,540 | $25,719 | 432 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #273 | $43,563 | — | 28 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #167 | $41,703 | — | 86 |
| Applied Economics.Small sample | #224 | $41,193 | — | 11 |
| Psychology, Other.Small sample | #4 | $33,993 | — | 12 |
Communication programs serve substantial enrollment with moderate earnings outcomes. Communication and Media Studies graduates 182 students annually with median earnings of $44,309 and ranks #111 nationally.
The program demonstrates consistent performance in preparing students for media, marketing, and communication roles. This field suits students seeking creative expression combined with practical career preparation in growing communication industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #114 | $44,309 | $21,726 | 182 |
Humanities and arts programs show distinctive strengths in specialized fields. American History ranks #49 nationally with solid earnings of $51,125 for 75 graduates, demonstrating competitive preparation for education and public service careers.
English Language and Literature produces moderate earnings of $44,212 while ranking #119 nationally. Commercial Photography stands out with #24 national ranking and #1 in New Jersey, earning $52,084 despite higher debt levels.
These programs excel for students with specific creative or academic passions.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography. | #25 | $52,084★ | $35,997 | 91 |
| American History (United States). | #54 | $51,125 | — | 75 |
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | #111 | $46,175 | — | 19 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #123 | $44,212 | — | 74 |
| Acting. | #25 | $36,848 | — | 21 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #189 | $34,360 | — | 31 |
Education programs represent Kean University's flagship academic strength, with multiple programs ranking in the top tier nationally. Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #3 nationally and #1 in New Jersey with 115 graduates earning $57,820.
Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed ranks #10 nationally with exceptional value scores of 87.5. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #21 nationally with strong outcomes for 112 graduates.
These programs excel for students committed to teaching careers and educational leadership roles.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #3 | $57,820★ | $21,389 | 115 |
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed. | #10 | $55,172 | — | 54 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #21 | $53,221 | — | 112 |
Criminal justice programs deliver strong value through competitive outcomes and solid career preparation. Corrections Administration graduates 176 students with median earnings of $50,538 and ranks #52 nationally, indicating above-average program quality.
With a value score of 73.3, this program demonstrates effective preparation for law enforcement and correctional careers. This path suits students committed to public service and criminal justice system careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #51 | $50,538 | $21,875 | 176 |
Other & Interdisciplinary graduates earn 49K on average, with 1 program ranking in the national Top 10.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management. | #3 | $48,890 | — | 29 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
