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Kean University vs Rutgers University-Newark

Kean University is a public university in Union, NJ. Rutgers University-Newark is a public university in Newark, NJ. Rutgers University-Newark admits about 71% of applicants and Kean University about 76%, making Rutgers University-Newark 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 $19,703 at Rutgers University-Newark. About 66% of students graduate at Rutgers University-Newark, compared with 45% at Kean University. Ten years after enrolling, Rutgers University-Newark 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-Newark

Newark, NJ · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Union, NJ
Newark, NJ
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
11,433
7,709
Acceptance rate
76%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.35–3.85
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1150
1030–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
16–25
21–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,447
$19,703
Full cost / yr
$26,949
$35,654
In-state tuition
$14,299
$17,250
Out-of-state tuition
$22,446
$36,762
Application fee
$75
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,374
$16,420
$30k - $48k
$7,859
$16,338
$48k - $75k
$12,136
$17,806
$75k - $110k
$20,146
$22,867
Over $110k
$20,110
$33,018
Outcomes
Graduation rate
45%
66%
Freshman retention
76%
84%
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%
59%
First-generation students
46%
35%
International students
6%
2%
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-Newark harder to get into?
Rutgers University-Newark 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, Kean University or Rutgers University-Newark?
Kean University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,447 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,703 at Rutgers University-Newark. 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-Newark?
Before aid, Kean University costs about $26,949 a year and Rutgers University-Newark about $35,654. 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-Newark?
Kean University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,374 there, against about $16,420 at Rutgers University-Newark. 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-Newark?
Kean University is the larger of the two, with about 11,433 undergraduates against 7,709 at Rutgers University-Newark.
Does Kean University or Rutgers University-Newark have a better graduation rate?
Rutgers University-Newark has the higher graduation rate, at about 66% against 45% at Kean University.
Do graduates of Kean University or Rutgers University-Newark earn more?
Rutgers University-Newark 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-Newark require SAT or ACT scores?
Kean University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Rutgers University-Newark is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Kean University and Rutgers University-Newark look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1150 at Kean University and 1030–1270 at Rutgers University-Newark. 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