Skip to content

Kean University vs The College of New Jersey

Kean University is a public university in Union, NJ, and The College of New Jersey is a public college in Ewing, NJ. The College of New Jersey is the more selective of the two, admitting about 62% of applicants against 76% at Kean University. Kean University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,447 a year against $27,646 at The College of New Jersey. About 86% of students graduate at The College of New Jersey, compared with 45% at Kean University. Ten years after enrolling, The College of New Jersey alumni earn a median of about $73,323, against $57,237 for Kean University.

See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.

Start the free quiz

Kean University

Union, NJ · Public

The College of New Jersey

Ewing, NJ · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Union, NJ
Ewing, NJ
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
11,433
7,105
Acceptance rate
76%
62%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.35–3.85
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1150
1140–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
16–25
26–31
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,447
$27,646
Full cost / yr
$26,949
$38,860
In-state tuition
$14,299
$19,632
Out-of-state tuition
$22,446
$25,752
Application fee
$75
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$7,374
$7,908
$30k - $48k
$7,859
$14,028
$48k - $75k
$12,136
$22,642
$75k - $110k
$20,146
$30,942
Over $110k
$20,110
$35,222
Outcomes
Graduation rate
45%
86%
Freshman retention
76%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,603
$62,649
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,237
$73,323
Median debt at graduation
$23,250
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
48%
21%
First-generation students
46%
21%
International students
6%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Jan 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 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 The College of New Jersey harder to get into?
The College of New Jersey is harder to get into. It admits about 62% 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 The College of New Jersey?
Kean University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,447 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,646 at The College of New Jersey. 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 The College of New Jersey?
Before aid, Kean University costs about $26,949 a year and The College of New Jersey about $38,860. 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 The College of New Jersey?
Kean University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,374 there, against about $7,908 at The College of New Jersey. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Kean University or The College of New Jersey?
Kean University is the larger of the two, with about 11,433 undergraduates against 7,105 at The College of New Jersey.
Does Kean University or The College of New Jersey have a better graduation rate?
The College of New Jersey has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 45% at Kean University.
Do graduates of Kean University or The College of New Jersey earn more?
The College of New Jersey alumni earn more on average: a median of about $73,323 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,237 for Kean University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Kean University and The College of New Jersey require SAT or ACT scores?
Kean University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. The College of New Jersey considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Kean University and The College of New Jersey look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1150 at Kean University and 1140–1340 at The College of New Jersey. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

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