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Kean University vs Rider University

Kean University is a public university in Union, NJ. Rider University is a private university in Lawrenceville, NJ. Kean University admits about 76% of applicants and Rider University about 79%, making Kean University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $12,447 a year at Kean University after aid, and about $24,792 at Rider University. About 62% of students graduate at Rider University, compared with 45% at Kean University. Ten years after enrolling, Rider University alumni earn a median of about $62,208, against $57,237 for Kean University.

Kean University

Union, NJ · Public

Rider University

Lawrenceville, NJ · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Union, NJ
Lawrenceville, NJ
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
11,433
3,106
Acceptance rate
76%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.35–3.85
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1150
1100–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
16–25
27–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,447
$24,792
Full cost / yr
$26,949
$55,967
In-state tuition
$14,299
$41,120
Out-of-state tuition
$22,446
$41,120
Application fee
$75
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,374
$15,824
$30k - $48k
$7,859
$18,090
$48k - $75k
$12,136
$22,119
$75k - $110k
$20,146
$28,445
Over $110k
$20,110
$31,574
Outcomes
Graduation rate
45%
62%
Freshman retention
76%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,603
$51,289
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,237
$62,208
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$26,130
Student body
Pell grant recipients
48%
35%
First-generation students
46%
29%
International students
6%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Jan 1
Nov 15
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 Kean University or Rider University harder to get into?
Kean University is harder to get into. It admits about 76% of applicants, compared with 79% at Rider 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, Kean University or Rider University?
Kean University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,447 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,792 at Rider 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 Kean University and Rider University?
Before aid, Kean University costs about $26,949 a year and Rider University about $55,967. 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, Kean University or Rider University?
Kean University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,374 there, against about $15,824 at Rider University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Kean University or Rider University?
Kean University is the larger of the two, with about 11,433 undergraduates against 3,106 at Rider University.
Does Kean University or Rider University have a better graduation rate?
Rider University has the higher graduation rate, at about 62% against 45% at Kean University.
Do graduates of Kean University or Rider University earn more?
Rider University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,208 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,237 for Kean University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Kean University and Rider University require SAT or ACT scores?
Kean University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Rider University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Kean University and Rider University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1150 at Kean University and 1100–1320 at Rider University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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