Montclair State vs Kean U

Montclair State University and Kean University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in New Jersey, offer distinct educational experiences. Montclair State boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while Kean University maintains a slightly smaller student population. Montclair State excels in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, while Kean University shines in nursing, education, and business. Both universities offer a vibrant campus life, with a variety of clubs, organizations, and athletic programs. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table highlighting key differences between these two universities, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Kean University	Montclair State University
Overview
Location	Union, New Jersey	Montclair, 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%	79.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	79.2%	90.6%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $60
SAT range	920 - 1120	1010 - 1210
ACT range	17 - 23	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	17.0%	13.0%
Students submitting ACT score	2.0%
Total number of applicants	9,048	18,691
Total number of admissions given out	7,162	16,936
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,502	3,491
Yield rate	21.0%	20.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	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: $34,486 Out of state: $42,606
Average net price	$18,078	$12,026
Tuition	In state: $10,445 Out of state: $17,621	In state: $12,323 Out of state: $20,443
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $11,280 Meal plan: $3,554	$16,388
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	91.0% Average amount $7,764	65.0% Average amount $10,846
Students receiving federal student loan	49.0% Average amount $4,968	45.0% Average amount $5,261
Students taking out private loans	12.0% Average amount $13,532	8.0% Average amount $14,505

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	10,573 Men 38.3% Women 61.7%	16,093 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Graduate students	2,186 Men 21.3% Women 78.7%	4,651 Men 28.8% Women 71.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	5.1%	7.2%
International students	2.5%	2.1%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,823	4,800
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 New York Pennsylvania Virginia Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Psychology Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences Health Professions	Business Education Psychology Multidisciplinary Studies Visual & Performing Arts
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%	67.3%
Dropout rate	19.1%	9.4%
Transferred out	30.3%	21.4%
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: $86,436 Year 2: $88,971 Year 3: $97,794 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $82,574 Year 2: $73,737 Year 3: $80,745 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $66,069 Year 3: $76,275 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,430 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $75,288 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,437 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $64,578 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,871 Year 2: $46,869 Year 3: $63,277 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $62,057 Year 2: $61,020 Year 3: $58,634 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $50,012 Year 2: $45,715 Year 3: $58,616 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,928 Year 2: $54,322 Year 3: $57,724 Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,613 Year 2: $54,996 Year 3: $56,485

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Montclair State University and Kean University?

Montclair State University is a larger, more comprehensive university known for its strong programs in education, the arts, and business. It has a more suburban feel and a broader range of graduate programs. Kean University, while also offering a variety of programs, is recognized for its focus on liberal arts, education, and professional studies. It has a more urban-adjacent setting and a strong commitment to access and affordability.
Which university is larger, Montclair State or Kean?

Montclair State University is significantly larger than Kean University in terms of student enrollment. Montclair State typically has a total enrollment exceeding 20,000 students, while Kean University's enrollment is generally around 16,000.
How do the locations of Montclair State and Kean University differ?

Montclair State University is located in Montclair, New Jersey, a suburban town with a vibrant arts and culture scene. It offers a more traditional campus environment. Kean University is situated in Union, New Jersey, which is closer to urban areas and offers easy access to New York City. Kean's location provides students with opportunities for internships and cultural experiences in a metropolitan setting.
Which university is known for its arts programs?

Montclair State University is particularly well-regarded for its arts programs, including theatre, dance, music, and visual arts. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a strong faculty of working professionals in the arts. Kean University also offers arts programs, but Montclair State's reputation in the arts is generally stronger.
How do the costs of attending Montclair State and Kean University compare?

Generally, tuition and fees at Kean University tend to be slightly lower than those at Montclair State University. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors such as housing, meal plans, and financial aid packages. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information and to explore available financial aid options.
Which university has a stronger focus on education programs?

Both Montclair State University and Kean University have strong education programs. However, Kean University has a historical strength and continued focus on teacher education and related fields. Montclair State also has a robust education program, particularly at the graduate level, and offers a wider range of specializations.
What are the athletic programs like at Montclair State and Kean University?

Both Montclair State University and Kean University offer a variety of NCAA Division III athletic programs. Montclair State's athletic teams are known as the Red Hawks, while Kean University's teams are called the Cougars. Both universities offer a similar range of sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, and swimming. The level of competitiveness is comparable between the two institutions.
Which university is better for business programs?

Montclair State University's Feliciano School of Business is generally considered to be stronger and more comprehensive than Kean University's business programs. Montclair State offers a wider range of business specializations and has a stronger reputation in the business community.
What kind of student life can I expect at each university?

Montclair State University offers a more traditional campus experience with a wider range of on-campus housing options and student activities. Kean University, while also offering a vibrant student life, tends to attract a more commuter-oriented student body due to its location and accessibility. Both universities have active student organizations, clubs, and events.
How do the graduate programs compare between Montclair State and Kean University?

Montclair State University offers a broader range of graduate programs compared to Kean University. Montclair State has a more established graduate school with programs in various fields, including education, business, the arts, and sciences. Kean University also offers graduate programs, primarily focused on education, counseling, and related fields.

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