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Kean University

Union, NJ

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

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: Pioneering education since 1855, rooted in history with a global vision.

Kean University, a dynamic public research institution in New Jersey, stands as a testament to educational evolution and a beacon of diversity. Founded in 1855, it has grown from a specialized teacher-education college into a comprehensive university with a rich historical backdrop, offering a vibrant learning environment across its main campus in Union and beyond.

The university's story is deeply intertwined with the historic Livingston-Kean Estate, home to Liberty Hall, an ancestral residence that played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. This legacy of historical significance is woven into the campus fabric, providing students with a unique connection to the nation's past. From its origins as the Newark Normal School, dedicated to improving teaching quality, Kean has continuously adapted, reflecting a commitment to "Always Learning" – its inspiring motto, Semper Discens.

Academically, Kean excels with a broad spectrum of programs designed to prepare students for the future. With over 50 undergraduate and more than 70 doctoral, master's, and certificate programs across six distinct colleges and the Nathan Weiss Graduate College, students have ample opportunities for specialized study. The university further distinguishes itself with significant research institutions, including the New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics, the Kean University Human Rights Institute, and the Holocaust Resource Center, fostering innovation and critical inquiry.

For prospective students and families, Kean offers an engaging experience characterized by its diverse student body and a commitment to global education, notably through its stand-alone joint venture, Wenzhou–Kean University in China. This forward-thinking approach, combined with a metropolitan campus setting and a spirit of continuous growth, makes Kean University a compelling choice for higher education.

Key Highlights

  • Established in April 1855 as Newark Normal School, making it one of the earliest Normal Schools in the nation.
  • New Jersey's fourth-largest institution of higher education, serving 13,352 students (Fall 2023).
  • Offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including 50+ undergraduate, 70+ doctoral, master's, and certificate programs, plus 23 online options.
  • Boasts a global presence with Wenzhou–Kean University, a joint venture campus in China.
  • Home to significant research institutions such as the New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics, and the Kean University Human Rights Institute.
  • Rooted in history, located on the ancestral Livingston-Kean Estate, which includes the historic Liberty Hall.
  • Motto: "Semper Discens" (Latin for "Always Learning").

Timeline

1760
Construction of Liberty Hall, ancestral home of the Livingston and Kean families, begins.
1855
Founded as Newark Normal School in Newark, New Jersey, for teacher education.
1913
State takes control, school renamed New Jersey State Normal School at Newark.
1934
Becomes a four-year college, authorized to grant Bachelor of Science in education degrees.
1958
Relocates to Union Township, New Jersey, to the historic Livingston-Kean Estate, and becomes Newark State College.
1973
Renamed Kean College of New Jersey.
1997
Achieves university status, becoming Kean University of New Jersey.
2025
NJCU Board of Trustees votes to move forward with Kean University's proposal to acquire New Jersey City University.

Schools & Colleges

7 notable schools within Kean University

💼

The College of Business and Public Management

Offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs in business and public administration.

📚

The College of Education

Continues Kean's legacy of teacher education through various programs.

🎭

The College of Liberal Arts

Provides a broad foundation in humanities, social sciences, and the arts.

🔬

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

Focuses on innovation and research in STEM fields.

🎨

Michael Graves College, Architecture and Design

Specializes in architecture and design disciplines.

🏫

The College of Health Professions and Human Services

Dedicated to preparing professionals in various health and human service fields.

🎓

Nathan Weiss Graduate College

Houses a wide array of doctoral, master's, and certificate programs.

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