Kean University
Union, New Jersey · Public · 75.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 61/100 · Fair Value
Kean University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $14,299/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $22,446/yr |
| Average net price | $12,447/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $49,788 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,237 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $38,000 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,250 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $246 |
| Estimated payback period | 8.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 46.6% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 11,433 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,374 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,859 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,136 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,146 |
| $110,001+ | $20,110 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Kean University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $51,052 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $65,332 | C |
| Biology | $61,291 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $58,644 | C |
| Teacher Education | $58,885 | C+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $54,277 | D |
| Accounting | $72,446 | C |
| Marketing | $61,602 | C |
| Design and Applied Arts | $56,666 | D |
| English Language and Literature | $54,749 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Kean University is $14,299/year ($22,446/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $12,447/year, or roughly $49,788 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $7,374/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $20,110/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,250 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $246 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $57,237 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.61 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 58.2% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 63.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 58.0% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 63.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 75.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 470-585 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 460-565 |
| Enrollment | 11,433 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 47.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,488 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kean University (this school) | 61 | $12,447 | $57,237 |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | 67 | $11,668 | $55,198 |
| Rowan University | 66 | $22,408 | $59,988 |
| Empire State University | 61 | $11,676 | $54,080 |
| University of Idaho | 59 | $14,831 | $54,670 |
| Bloomfield College of Montclair State University | 50 | $28,014 | $61,415 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Kean University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $12,447 per year leads to $49,788 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $57,237 a decade out. The payback period of 8.5 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates. However, the data also shows a 46.6% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $23,250 against $57,237 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.