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Kean University

Union, NJ

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
10,842
Total Students
$13K
Tuition (In-State)
$21K
Tuition (Out-State)
$12K
Avg Net Price
77%
Acceptance Rate
43%
Graduation Rate
6-year
75%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Kean University

Kean University: Where Revolutionary History Meets Modern Research and Global Education.

Step into a legacy of learning at Kean University, a vibrant public institution and state-designated research university. From its roots as a teacher-education college in 1855 to its current standing as the fourth-largest institution of higher education in New Jersey, Kean boasts a rich history intertwined with American heritage. The campus itself sits on the historic Livingston-Kean Estate, home to Liberty Hall, a site central to the American Revolution and the residence of New Jersey's first governor, William Livingston, and Alexander Hamilton.

Today, Kean University is a dynamic hub offering over 50 undergraduate and more than 70 doctoral, master's, and certificate programs across six diverse colleges. Students can delve into fields ranging from business and public management to science, architecture, and health professions, all while benefiting from a commitment to quality teaching and practical application. The university is not just a local leader; its global reach extends with Wenzhou–Kean University, a stand-alone joint venture in China, preparing students for an interconnected world.

Prospective students will find a welcoming and diverse community. Kean's long-standing tradition of embracing a varied student body has made it one of the nation's most diverse schools. With state-of-the-art research institutions like the New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics, and the Kean University Human Rights Institute, students have unparalleled opportunities for discovery, personal growth, and making a tangible impact, all set against a backdrop of historical significance and modern innovation.

Key Highlights

  • Established in April 1855 as Newark Normal School, making it one of the earliest teacher-education colleges in the nation.
  • Recognized as a state-designated research university and the fourth-largest institution of higher education in New Jersey.
  • Offers a comprehensive academic portfolio with over 50 undergraduate programs, 70+ doctoral, master's, and certificate programs, and 23 online options.
  • Home to Liberty Hall, a historic site from the American Revolution, and ancestral home to the Livingston and Kean families.
  • Operates Wenzhou–Kean University, a joint venture campus in Wenzhou, China, expanding global learning opportunities.
  • Serves 13,352 students (Fall 2023), fostering one of the nation's most diverse student bodies.
  • Endowment of $78.7 million (2020) supports academic excellence and student experience.

Timeline

1760
Construction began on Liberty Hall, the future site of Kean University.
1855
Founded in Newark, New Jersey, as the Newark Normal School.
1913
State took control, school renamed New Jersey State Normal School at Newark.
1934
Became a four-year college, authorized to grant Bachelor of Science in education degrees.
1937
Renamed New Jersey State Teachers College.
1958
Relocated from Newark to Union Township and became Newark State College.
1973
Renamed Kean College of New Jersey.
1997
Achieved university status, becoming Kean University of New Jersey.
2025
Proposed acquisition of New Jersey City University (NJCU), to be renamed Kean Jersey City.

Schools & Colleges

7 notable schools within Kean University

💼

The College of Business and Public Management

📚

The College of Education

🎭

The College of Liberal Arts

🔬

The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology

🎨

Michael Graves College, Architecture and Design

🏫

The College of Health Professions and Human Services

🎓

Nathan Weiss Graduate College

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