Seton Hall vs Kean U

Seton Hall University and Kean University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in New Jersey, offer distinct educational experiences. Seton Hall, a private Catholic university, boasts a lower acceptance rate (69%) compared to Kean's (84%), indicating a more selective admissions process. While Seton Hall's student body is predominantly undergraduate (86%), Kean has a larger graduate student population (28%). In terms of popular majors, Seton Hall excels in business, nursing, and education, while Kean is known for its strong programs in nursing, business, and psychology. With graduation rates of 77% and 59% respectively, both universities prioritize student success and degree completion. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these universities' tuition, financial aid, and other key factors that can help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Kean University logo

Kean University

Seton Hall University logo

Seton Hall University

Overview

Location Union, New Jersey South Orange, New Jersey
Campus setting Suburb: Large Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Private (Non Profit)
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 Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 79.2% 76.6%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $75
Undergraduate: $55

Graduate: $75
SAT range 920 - 1120 1200 - 1370
ACT range 17 - 23 26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score 17.0% 17.0%
Students submitting ACT score 2.0% 5.0%
Total number of applicants 9,048 23,417
Total number of admissions given out 7,162 17,940
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,502 1,688
Yield rate 21.0% 9.4%
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
$67,416
Average net price $18,078 $33,177
Tuition
In state: $10,445

Out of state: $17,621
$44,420
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $11,280

Meal plan: $3,554
Room/dormitory: $10,812

Meal plan: $5,932
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

91.0%
Average amount $7,764
100.0%
Average amount $29,154
Students receiving federal student loan 49.0%
Average amount $4,968
55.0%
Average amount $5,349
Students taking out private loans 12.0%
Average amount $13,532
15.0%
Average amount $22,161

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 10,573
Men 38.3% Women 61.7%
6,063
Men 46.1% Women 53.9%
Graduate students 2,186
Men 21.3% Women 78.7%
3,818
Men 37.6% Women 62.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 5.1% 25.9%
International students 2.5% 2.6%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 1,823 2,589
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 California Connecticut

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Education
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Health Professions
  • Health Professions
  • Legal Profession
  • Business
  • Education
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 15:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 47.7% 71.9%
Dropout rate 19.1% 7.4%
Transferred out 30.3% 20.2%
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
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $108,283
  • Year 2: $111,435
  • Year 3: $115,080
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,535
  • Year 2: $81,702
  • Year 3: $110,602
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $99,461
  • Year 2: $92,885
  • Year 3: $105,315
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,013
  • Year 2: $96,539
  • Year 3: $101,587
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $88,307
  • Year 2: $101,406
  • Year 3: $91,499
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,123
  • Year 2: $67,255
  • Year 3: $90,083
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,696
  • Year 2: $72,693
  • Year 3: $84,791
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,324
  • Year 2: $78,343
  • Year 3: $80,643
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,975
  • Year 2: $75,706
  • Year 3: $78,735
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,606
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $78,533

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary differences in academic reputation between Seton Hall University and Kean University?

    Seton Hall University generally holds a stronger academic reputation, particularly in fields like law, business, and nursing. It's often recognized for its more selective admissions process and a broader range of graduate programs. Kean University, while also offering quality education, is known for its focus on practical, career-oriented programs and its commitment to serving a diverse student body, including a significant commuter population.

  • How do the tuition and costs compare between Seton Hall and Kean?

    Seton Hall University typically has higher tuition and overall costs compared to Kean University. This difference reflects factors such as Seton Hall's private university status and its residential campus environment. Kean University, as a public institution, generally offers more affordable tuition rates, making it a more budget-friendly option for many students, especially those who commute.

  • What is the student life experience like at Seton Hall versus Kean University?

    Seton Hall University offers a more traditional, residential college experience with a vibrant campus life, including a wide array of student organizations, Greek life, and Division I athletics. Kean University, while also having student activities and clubs, has a larger commuter population, which influences the campus atmosphere. Kean's student life is still active, but it may be less centered around on-campus residential living.

  • What are the strengths of the academic programs at Seton Hall?

    Seton Hall University excels in several academic areas. Its law school is highly regarded, and its business school and nursing programs are also well-respected. The university offers a strong liberal arts foundation and a variety of graduate programs, providing students with diverse academic opportunities and research possibilities.

  • What are the strengths of the academic programs at Kean University?

    Kean University is particularly strong in programs that emphasize practical skills and career preparation. It has notable programs in education, nursing, and the arts. Kean also offers a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of a diverse student body, including programs for students seeking to transfer from community colleges.

  • How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

    Seton Hall University is located in South Orange, New Jersey, a suburban area with easy access to New York City via public transportation. This provides students with opportunities for internships, cultural experiences, and entertainment. Kean University is located in Union, New Jersey, also offering access to New York City, but with a more suburban feel. The location of Kean is convenient for commuters from various parts of New Jersey.

  • What are the admission requirements like for Seton Hall and Kean?

    Seton Hall University generally has more selective admission requirements, including higher standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may be in place) and a more rigorous review of academic records. Kean University's admission requirements are typically less selective, making it accessible to a wider range of students. Both universities consider a student's high school transcript, and may require essays and letters of recommendation.

  • Are there significant differences in the financial aid and scholarship opportunities?

    Both Seton Hall and Kean University offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities. However, the types and amounts of aid may vary. Seton Hall, being a private university, may offer more merit-based scholarships, while Kean, as a public institution, may have different types of need-based aid available. It's recommended to explore the financial aid websites of both universities to understand the specific opportunities available to you.

  • How do the career services at Seton Hall and Kean compare?

    Both universities provide career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. Seton Hall, with its strong connections to industries in the New York metropolitan area, may offer more opportunities for internships and networking in certain fields. Kean University's career services are also robust, with a focus on preparing students for careers in their chosen fields, particularly in areas where the university has strong program offerings.

  • Which university is better for students seeking a diverse student body?

    Both Seton Hall and Kean University embrace diversity, but Kean University is particularly known for its commitment to serving a diverse student population. Kean has a large and diverse student body, reflecting the demographics of the surrounding area and the state of New Jersey. Seton Hall also has a diverse student body, but Kean's commitment to diversity is a significant aspect of its identity.

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