kean university vs rutgers

Kean University vs Rutgers University

Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)

Kean University, based in Union, New Jersey, is predominantly recognized for Education, Business, Architecture & Design, and Health Sciences. It does not feature in QS or THE world rankings but maintains primarily regional recognition. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, with campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden, is very well rated for Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Law, Medicine, and the Sciences. Rutgers is ranked approximately 270–280 by QS World University Rankings 2026 and in the 201–250 band by THE World University Rankings 2025, providing it with a much more prominent global reputation than Kean.

General Information

Kean University, established in 1855, admits approximately 12,000 students and offers a suburban campus environment close to New York City with an emphasis on undergraduate education and applied professional training. Rutgers, founded in 1766, is a flagship public research university with more than 67,000 students at its campuses, being New Jersey's flagship institution. While Kean stresses a community-based, teaching-centered culture, Rutgers provides an extensive research-oriented experience with international reach.

Acceptance Rate & Admission

Kean has an acceptance rate of roughly 79% accepting students with mean GPAs of around 3.2 and SAT scores between the 970–1150 range. Rutgers is more selective, with an acceptance rate of roughly 66%, accepting students with mean GPAs of around 3.7 and SAT scores between the 1210–1450 range. Kean is less competitive, and Rutgers receives more applicants, especially in STEM, business, and health fields.

Research Impact & Facilities

Kean is an R3 (moderate research) institution, mainly teaching with selected applied research in education, architecture, and health sciences. Rutgers is an R1 research powerhouse, hosting preeminent medical research through Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, excellent programs in engineering and data science, and collaborations with industries throughout New Jersey and New York. Rutgers has far more research productivity and foreign collaboration than Kean.

Cost & Financial Aid

Kean is roughly $13,000 for in-state and $20,500 for out-of-state/international students per year. Rutgers is more expensive, approximately $17,000 for in-state and $34,000 for out-of-state/international students. Both institutions provide scholarships, but Rutgers offers more merit-, need-, and research-based funding options, whereas Kean centers its efforts on undergraduate merit aid.

Graduate Studies & Alumni Outcomes

Kean alumni generally go on to work in education, business, health services, and public administration, with mid-career salaries averaging about $68,000 (INR 56 lakh). Rutgers alumni are well-represented in business, STEM, medicine, law, and public policy, with mid-career salaries of about $95,000 (INR 78.5 lakh). Kean boasts a robust local alumni base within New Jersey communities and schools, while Rutgers alumni enjoy international presence in Fortune 500 firms, research, law, and healthcare industries.