Kean U vs Rowan University

Kean University and Rowan University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in New Jersey, offer distinct educational experiences. Kean University, located in Union, boasts a higher acceptance rate (84%) compared to Rowan University's 74%, making it a more accessible option for prospective students. Rowan University, situated in Glassboro, stands out with its larger student body, comprising over 17,000 students, while Kean University fosters a close-knit community with approximately 15,000 students. While both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs, Kean University excels in nursing, education, and business, whereas Rowan University is renowned for its engineering, business, and health professions programs. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Kean University logo

Kean University

Rowan University logo

Rowan University

Overview

Location Union, New Jersey Glassboro, New Jersey
Campus setting Suburb: Large Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 71.0% 83.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 79.2% 83.8%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $75
Undergraduate: $65

Graduate: $65
SAT range 920 - 1120 1070 - 1280
ACT range 17 - 23 23 - 30
Students submitting SAT score 17.0% 45.0%
Students submitting ACT score 2.0% 3.0%
Total number of applicants 9,048 11,659
Total number of admissions given out 7,162 9,767
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,502 2,191
Yield rate 21.0% 22.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $26,249

Out of state: $33,425
In state: $30,181

Out of state: $39,213
Average net price $18,078 $21,425
Tuition
In state: $10,445

Out of state: $17,621
In state: $10,302

Out of state: $19,334
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $11,280

Meal plan: $3,554
Room/dormitory: $8,820

Meal plan: $4,784
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

91.0%
Average amount $7,764
75.0%
Average amount $9,344
Students receiving federal student loan 49.0%
Average amount $4,968
53.0%
Average amount $5,360
Students taking out private loans 12.0%
Average amount $13,532
12.0%
Average amount $17,107

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 10,573
Men 38.3% Women 61.7%
15,119
Men 52.5% Women 47.5%
Graduate students 2,186
Men 21.3% Women 78.7%
3,933
Men 41.8% Women 58.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students 5.1% 5.4%
International students 2.5% 2.3%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 1,823 6,418
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Connecticut Mississippi New Jersey Pennsylvania New York Maryland Delaware

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Education
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Engineering
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 17:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 47.7% 68.6%
Dropout rate 19.1% 12.6%
Transferred out 30.3% 16.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $105,886
  • Year 2: $105,083
  • Year 3: $106,550
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $83,745
  • Year 2: $82,238
  • Year 3: $82,619
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,540
  • Year 2: $71,957
  • Year 3: $78,110
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,850
  • Year 2: $72,640
  • Year 3: $72,613
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,235
  • Year 2: $73,635
  • Year 3: $70,650
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,311
  • Year 2: $49,436
  • Year 3: $62,510
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,586
  • Year 2: $60,452
  • Year 3: $60,464
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,317
  • Year 2: $62,579
  • Year 3: $59,517
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,810
  • Year 2: $57,995
  • Year 3: $58,144
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $41,307
  • Year 2: $41,406
  • Year 3: $54,570
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,964
  • Year 2: $65,486
  • Year 3: $82,432
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,478
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $77,437
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,059
  • Year 2: $67,899
  • Year 3: $74,727
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,732
  • Year 2: $72,742
  • Year 3: $74,616
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,540
  • Year 2: $58,673
  • Year 3: $72,253
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,819
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $70,490
Medicine (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,188
  • Year 2: $58,387
  • Year 3: $69,683
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,459
  • Year 2: $61,516
  • Year 3: $68,928
Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,140
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $68,138
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,859
  • Year 2: $60,358
  • Year 3: $65,227

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Kean University and Rowan University?

    Kean University, located in Union, New Jersey, is known for its strong programs in education, design, and the liberal arts. It has a more urban feel and a diverse student body. Rowan University, situated in Glassboro, New Jersey, excels in engineering, business, and communication, and offers a more traditional campus environment with a growing research focus.

  • Which university is larger, Kean or Rowan?

    Rowan University generally has a larger student population than Kean University. This can impact class sizes and the overall campus atmosphere.

  • How do the academic reputations of Kean and Rowan compare?

    Rowan University has been gaining recognition for its research initiatives and STEM programs, leading to a generally higher perceived academic reputation in those fields. Kean University maintains a strong reputation, particularly in education and design, and is known for its commitment to accessibility and student support.

  • What are the tuition costs like at Kean University versus Rowan University?

    Tuition costs can vary depending on residency status and program of study. Generally, Rowan University may have slightly higher tuition rates than Kean University, but it's essential to check the most current information on each university's website for accurate figures. Also, consider fees, room and board, and potential financial aid opportunities.

  • Which university is better for engineering programs?

    Rowan University is generally considered stronger in engineering programs due to its dedicated engineering college, research facilities, and industry partnerships. While Kean University offers technology-related programs, Rowan's engineering focus is more pronounced.

  • What about programs in education? Which school is better?

    Kean University has a long-standing and well-respected education program. It's a historical strength of the university and offers a wide range of specializations within the field. While Rowan also offers education programs, Kean's reputation in this area is particularly strong.

  • How do the campus environments differ between Kean and Rowan?

    Kean University has a more urban, commuter-focused campus. Rowan University offers a more traditional, residential campus experience with a greater emphasis on campus life and student activities. Consider which environment best suits your personal preferences.

  • What types of student activities and organizations are available at each university?

    Both Kean and Rowan offer a wide variety of student activities and organizations, including clubs, sports, Greek life, and cultural groups. Rowan, with its larger residential population, tends to have a more active on-campus social scene. Kean also offers many opportunities, but students may need to be more proactive in seeking them out.

  • How do Kean and Rowan compare in terms of location and surrounding areas?

    Kean University is located in Union, NJ, providing easy access to New York City and other urban centers. Rowan University is in Glassboro, NJ, a smaller town that offers a more traditional college town atmosphere. Consider which location better aligns with your lifestyle and career aspirations.

  • What are the career services and internship opportunities like at each university?

    Both Kean and Rowan offer career services to assist students with internships, job placement, and career development. Rowan's strong industry connections, particularly in engineering and business, may provide more opportunities in those fields. Kean's location near New York City can open doors to internships in various industries.

  • Does one university have better facilities than the other?

    Rowan University has invested heavily in new facilities in recent years, particularly in STEM fields. This includes state-of-the-art labs and research centers. Kean University also has modern facilities, especially in areas like design and communication, but Rowan's recent investments give it a slight edge in some areas.

  • What is the student-faculty ratio at Kean and Rowan?

    While the exact ratio can fluctuate, both universities strive to maintain a reasonable student-faculty ratio to ensure personalized attention. Check the latest statistics on each university's website for the most up-to-date information.

  • Are there any specific programs that one university is particularly known for?

    Kean University is particularly well-known for its programs in education, design (especially fashion and interior design), and occupational therapy. Rowan University is recognized for its engineering, business, communication, and medical programs.

  • How do the admission requirements compare between Kean and Rowan?

    Admission requirements vary depending on the program and the applicant's academic record. Generally, Rowan University may have slightly more competitive admission standards due to its growing reputation and popularity. However, both universities consider a range of factors, including GPA, standardized test scores (if required), essays, and extracurricular activities.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.
Kean University Kean U vs University of California-Berkeley University of California-Berkeley
Kean University Kean U vs Southern Connecticut State University Southern Connecticut State University
Kean University Kean U vs Northern Kentucky University Northern Kentucky University
Kean University Kean U vs Harvard University Harvard University
Kean University Kean U vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Kean University Kean U vs Berkeley College-Woodland Park Berkeley College-Woodland Park
Kean University Kean U vs Caldwell University Caldwell University
Kean University Kean U vs Drew University Drew University
Kean University Kean U vs Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
Kean University Kean U vs Felician University Felician University
Kean University Kean U vs Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus
Kean University Kean U vs Rowan University Rowan University
Kean University Kean U vs New Jersey City University New Jersey City University
Kean University Kean U vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Kean University Kean U vs Stevens Institute of Technology Stevens Institute of Technology
Kean University Kean U vs Thomas Edison State University Thomas Edison State University
Kean University Kean U vs Berkeley College-New York Berkeley College-New York
Kean University Kean U vs CUNY City College CUNY City College
Kean University Kean U vs Farmingdale State College Farmingdale State College
Kean University Kean U vs SUNY Buffalo State SUNY Buffalo State
Kean University Kean U vs State University of New York at New Paltz State University of New York at New Paltz
Kean University Kean U vs Youngstown State University Youngstown State University
Kean University Kean U vs West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Kean University Kean U vs Rhode Island College Rhode Island College
Kean University Kean U vs Stanford University Stanford University
Kean University Kean U vs Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Gulf Coast University
Rowan University Rowan vs University of Colorado Colorado Springs University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Rowan University Rowan vs University of Delaware University of Delaware
Rowan University Rowan vs Florida Atlantic University Florida Atlantic University
Rowan University Rowan vs The University of Tampa The University of Tampa
Rowan University Rowan vs The University of West Florida The University of West Florida
Rowan University Rowan vs Georgia Southern University Georgia Southern University
Rowan University Rowan vs University of West Georgia University of West Georgia
Rowan University Rowan vs Felician University Felician University
Rowan University Rowan vs Stevens Institute of Technology Stevens Institute of Technology
Rowan University Rowan vs CUNY City College CUNY City College
Rowan University Rowan vs Pace University Pace University
Rowan University Rowan vs SUNY Buffalo State SUNY Buffalo State
Rowan University Rowan vs SUNY College at Oswego SUNY College at Oswego
Rowan University Rowan vs Appalachian State University Appalachian State University
Rowan University Rowan vs East Carolina University East Carolina University
Rowan University Rowan vs University of North Carolina Wilmington University of North Carolina Wilmington
Rowan University Rowan vs West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Rowan University Rowan vs Clemson University Clemson University
Rowan University Rowan vs George Mason University George Mason University
Rowan University Rowan vs James Madison University James Madison University
Rowan University Rowan vs Old Dominion University Old Dominion University
Rowan University Rowan vs Radford University Radford University
Rowan University Rowan vs Western Washington University Western Washington University
Rowan University Rowan vs University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Rowan University Rowan vs University of Wisconsin-La Crosse University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Rowan University Rowan vs Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Gulf Coast University
Rowan University Rowan vs DeVry University-Pennsylvania DeVry University-Pennsylvania