Kean University's Student Population: How Many Are There?

Kean University is a public university in Union, Elizabeth, and Hillside, New Jersey. It is the fourth-largest institution of higher education in the state, serving over 18,000 undergraduate and graduate students worldwide. The university has experienced record-breaking enrolment, with students from 36 states and 88 countries registered in Fall 2024. Kean University's total undergraduate enrolment in Fall 2023 was 11,234.

Kean University has over 17,000 students worldwide

Kean University is a diverse and inclusive public university in New Jersey with a global reach. It has over 17,000 students worldwide, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 11,234 as of Fall 2023. The university has a rich history, dating back to its founding in 1855 as a teacher's college. Since then, it has grown into a comprehensive, global institution serving a diverse student body.

The university's main campus is located in Union, New Jersey, with additional campuses in Hillside and Toms River, New Jersey, as well as an international campus in Wenzhou, China. The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with nearly 50 undergraduate majors and over 30 master's programs, including those in the fields of health, business, education, and the arts and humanities.

Kean University's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its student body, with a notable increase in male student enrollment and a high number of Hispanic female students. The university is also recognised for its focus on providing relevant, career-oriented education, with popular programs in computer science, architecture, and accounting.

The university's global presence is further strengthened by its online platforms, with Kean Online offering flexible, high-quality education to a diverse range of students, including non-traditional students who may have some college credits but no degree. The combination of Kean's USA campuses and its international presence has contributed to a thriving community of over 17,000 students worldwide.

Kean University's reputation for academic excellence, coupled with its dedication to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment, has solidified its position as a leading urban research university in New Jersey and beyond. With its diverse student body, renowned academic programs, and global reach, Kean University continues to empower students from all backgrounds to excel and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

The university has a diverse student body

Kean University has a diverse student body, with more than 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students worldwide. The university is nationally recognised for its diverse student population. In the 2017-2018 academic year, the university had 11,686 undergraduates, with 9,400 studying full-time and 2,286 part-time. Of these, 63.3% were racial-ethnic minorities.

The university was founded in 1855 as the Newark Normal School, a teacher-education college for the educators of Newark, New Jersey. Most of the college's first students were white, middle-class Protestants. However, following the Union victory in the Civil War, increasing numbers of Catholics, largely the children of immigrants, began to enrol, starting the university's theme of a diverse student body. By 1911, the children of immigrants exceeded 30% of the student body.

Since its early days, Kean University has continued to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. In 2024, the university had its highest-ever number of male students, with a notable 25% rise in Black male students since 2021. The university also had its highest enrolment of Hispanic female students in 2024, further solidifying its commitment to inclusivity and equity as a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Kean University's USA campuses in Union and Toms River welcomed more than 4,000 new freshmen, graduate students and transfer students in 2023. The university also has a virtual campus, Kean Online, and a campus in Wenzhou, China, called Wenzhou-Kean University. In total, students from 82 countries and 35 states were registered at Kean University in 2023, rising to 88 countries and 36 states in 2024.

Kean has a range of undergraduate and graduate programs

Kean University has a diverse student body of more than 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students worldwide. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields of study.

Undergraduate Programs

Kean University offers 50+ undergraduate programs across multiple disciplines. Students can choose from bachelor's programs at the university's campuses in New Jersey and China. Some of the notable undergraduate programs include:

• Architectural Studies
• Biology (with options for teacher certification)
• Art Education
• Asian Studies
• Clinical Lab Science
• Forensic Science
• Health Information Management
• Computer Science with a Cybersecurity option
• Criminal Justice with a minor in Cybersecurity

Graduate Programs

Kean University offers 70+ graduate programs, including master's, doctoral, and certificate programs. These programs are available at the New Jersey and China campuses. Some of the popular graduate programs include:

• Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)
• Athletic Training, M.S.
• Bilingual/Bicultural Education, M.A.
• Genetic Counseling
• Physical Therapy
• Computer Information Systems
• Business
• Education
• Psychology

Kean University's graduate programs are designed to help students achieve higher-level achievements, increase professional success, and earn greater earnings. The university's commitment to providing a world-class education is reflected in its diverse range of graduate programs that cater to the diverse interests and career goals of its student body.

It has campuses in the USA and China

Kean University has campuses in the USA and China. In the USA, Kean University has three campuses in New Jersey, a virtual campus, and a campus in China. The main campus is in Union, just 30 minutes from New York City. It offers the full college experience with new academic buildings, award-winning residence halls, and athletic facilities that are home to 14 Division III teams. The second campus is in Toms River, located on the campus of Ocean County Community College. It provides degree completion programs for community college graduates from Ocean County and beyond. The third campus is in Manahawkin, at the Southern Education Center. Here, students can earn their degrees through online and in-person courses.

The virtual campus, Kean Online, offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs that accommodate different schedules. Kean Online is a flexible option that allows students to choose their location and duration of study. This platform has contributed significantly to the university's overall growth, with a projected record enrollment of over 2,050 students.

Kean University is the only American public university to offer a full campus in China. The Wenzhou-Kean University campus is located in the Zhejiang province and is surrounded by breathtaking mountains. This 500-acre campus provides a seamless study abroad experience for students from Kean USA and other American institutions, as all classes are taught in English. The campus features modern dormitories, classrooms, and communal spaces, as well as various cafes, recreational centres, music facilities, and dormitories. Students can immerse themselves in the local culture and make new friends through sports, clubs, and student organizations. They also have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular excursions, such as trips to Beijing and the Great Wall of China. Enrollment at Wenzhou-Kean University is expected to climb by 15% to over 5,000 students.

The university has a high acceptance rate

Kean University, a medium-sized public university in New Jersey, has a high acceptance rate, with figures ranging from 77% to 83%. This rate of admissions indicates that the university is somewhat selective in its student intake. The university has a diverse student body, with more than 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students worldwide, including students from 82 countries and 35 states, with a notable rise in the number of male students enrolling, especially Black male students.

The university's high acceptance rate is a reflection of its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Kean University is dedicated to providing a world-class education that is affordable and accessible to students from all backgrounds. This commitment is further demonstrated by the university's ranking as a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, with the highest-ever number of Hispanic female students enrolling.

Kean University's acceptance rate is influenced by various factors, including an applicant's high school GPA, class rank, and letters of recommendation. Standardised test scores, such as the SAT and ACT, are not required for admission but are considered if submitted. The average SAT scores of admitted students range from 900 to 1198, while the average ACT scores range from 16 to 25.

The university's high acceptance rate and diverse student body contribute to its reputation as a top choice for students seeking a transformative educational experience. With its focus on accessibility, Kean University empowers students from a wide range of backgrounds to excel in their chosen fields, fostering future leaders and innovators.

Frequently asked questions