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Kean University vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Kean University is a public university in Union, NJ, and Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a public university in New Brunswick, NJ. Rutgers University-New Brunswick is the more selective of the two, admitting about 58% of applicants against 76% at Kean University. Kean University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,447 a year against $24,406 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. About 84% of students graduate at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, compared with 45% at Kean University. Ten years after enrolling, Rutgers University-New Brunswick alumni earn a median of about $74,479, against $57,237 for Kean University.

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Kean University

Union, NJ · Public

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Union, NJ
New Brunswick, NJ
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
11,433
37,751
Acceptance rate
76%
58%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.35–3.85
3.6–4
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1150
1310–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
16–25
28–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,447
$24,406
Full cost / yr
$26,949
$36,993
In-state tuition
$14,299
$17,929
Out-of-state tuition
$22,446
$37,441
Application fee
$75
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,374
$16,343
$30k - $48k
$7,859
$16,210
$48k - $75k
$12,136
$18,282
$75k - $110k
$20,146
$25,106
Over $110k
$20,110
$35,016
Outcomes
Graduation rate
45%
84%
Freshman retention
76%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,603
$61,263
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,237
$74,479
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
48%
28%
First-generation students
46%
35%
International students
6%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Jan 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Dec 1

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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick harder to get into?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is harder to get into. It admits about 58% 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, Kean University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Kean University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,447 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,406 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Before aid, Kean University costs about $26,949 a year and Rutgers University-New Brunswick about $36,993. 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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Kean University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,374 there, against about $16,343 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Kean University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is the larger of the two, with about 37,751 undergraduates against 11,433 at Kean University.
Does Kean University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick have a better graduation rate?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 45% at Kean University.
Do graduates of Kean University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick earn more?
Rutgers University-New Brunswick alumni earn more on average: a median of about $74,479 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,237 for Kean University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Kean University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick require SAT or ACT scores?
Kean University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Rutgers University-New Brunswick is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Kean University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1150 at Kean University and 1310–1500 at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school