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Caldwell University vs Kean University

Caldwell University is a private university in Caldwell, NJ, and Kean University is a public university in Union, NJ. Caldwell University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 71% of applicants against 76% at Kean University. Kean University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,447 a year against $24,691 at Caldwell University. About 58% of students graduate at Caldwell University, compared with 45% at Kean University. Ten years after enrolling, Kean University alumni earn a median of about $57,237, against $53,843 for Caldwell University.

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Caldwell University

Caldwell, NJ · Private

Kean University

Union, NJ · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Caldwell, NJ
Union, NJ
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,575
11,433
Acceptance rate
71%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.35–3.85
SAT (middle 50%)
1130–1370
930–1150
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
16–25
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,691
$12,447
Full cost / yr
$54,073
$26,949
In-state tuition
$40,848
$14,299
Out-of-state tuition
$40,848
$22,446
Application fee
$50
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,059
$7,374
$30k - $48k
$18,000
$7,859
$48k - $75k
$22,793
$12,136
$75k - $110k
$31,425
$20,146
Over $110k
$30,449
$20,110
Outcomes
Graduation rate
58%
45%
Freshman retention
77%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,439
$46,603
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,843
$57,237
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
49%
48%
First-generation students
43%
46%
International students
23%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Jan 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Caldwell University or Kean University harder to get into?
Caldwell University is harder to get into. It admits about 71% of applicants, compared with 76% at Kean University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Caldwell University or Kean University?
Kean University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,447 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,691 at Caldwell University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Caldwell University and Kean University?
Before aid, Kean University costs about $26,949 a year and Caldwell University about $54,073. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Caldwell University or Kean University?
Kean University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,374 there, against about $18,059 at Caldwell University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Caldwell University or Kean University?
Kean University is the larger of the two, with about 11,433 undergraduates against 1,575 at Caldwell University.
Does Caldwell University or Kean University have a better graduation rate?
Caldwell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 58% against 45% at Kean University.
Do graduates of Caldwell University or Kean University earn more?
Kean University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,237 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,843 for Caldwell University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Caldwell University and Kean University require SAT or ACT scores?
Caldwell University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Kean University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Caldwell University and Kean University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1130–1370 at Caldwell University and 930–1150 at Kean University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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