Kean University's Student Population: Diversity And Demographics

Kean University is a diverse and inclusive higher education institution located in Union County, New Jersey, with a student population of over 18,000 in 2024. The university has experienced record-breaking enrolment, attracting students from 36 states and 88 countries. With a growing reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to supporting students from all backgrounds, Kean University offers a range of programs to improve retention and provide a transformative educational experience. The university has a notable history of serving a diverse student body, dating back to the post-Civil War era, and continues to see an increase in male and minority student enrolment.

Kean University's student population by race

Kean University in New Jersey has a large and diverse student population. In 2024, the university achieved record-breaking enrolment, with over 18,000 students from 36 states and 88 countries. This number included the largest transfer student population and one of the largest first-time freshman classes in the past five years. The university's global and online platforms have significantly contributed to this growth, with Kean Online poised for a record enrolment of over 2,050 students.

The university has a long history of diversity, with classes during the Civil War seeing a decline in enrolled men as they joined the Union Army. Following the Union victory, increasing numbers of Catholics, largely the children of immigrants, began to enrol, beginning the school's theme of a diverse student body. By 1911, the children of immigrants exceeded thirty per cent of the student body, and since then, Kean University has become one of the nation's most diverse schools.

The university's student population is approximately 14,064, including 9,400 undergraduates and 1,180 graduate students. The full-time undergraduate population is made up of 61% women and 39% men, with a notable 25% rise in Black male students since 2021. The university also serves its highest-ever number of Hispanic female students, solidifying its commitment to inclusivity and equity as a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. Overall, 64% of students are minorities or people of colour (BIPOC), and the university has been designated a Minority Serving Institution.

The racial and ethnic breakdown of the student population includes 4,591 Hispanic students (34.38%) and 3,653 White students (27.36%). The student body also includes a sizeable international population, with 92% of students residing in-state and 8% coming from other countries. Additionally, 60% of students can be considered low-income, as indicated by their receipt of Federal Pell Grant Aid.

Male vs female student population

Kean University in New Jersey has seen a steady increase in its student population in recent years, with record-breaking enrolment numbers in 2024. The university has a diverse student body, with students from a range of backgrounds and various parts of the world.

In 2022, Kean University had a total enrolment of 12,884 students, with 9,782 full-time students and 3,102 part-time students. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is #315 for National Universities. The median undergraduate tuition at Kean University is $10,758, which is significantly lower than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities.

In terms of male vs female student population, the numbers vary across different categories. Among full-time undergraduate students, Hispanic or Latino females make up the largest group (23.6%), followed by White females (15.3%) and Hispanic or Latino males (13%). In graduate programs, White females constitute the highest proportion (22.3%), followed by Hispanic or Latino females (19.7%) and Black or African American females (14.9%).

Kean University has seen a notable increase in male student enrolment, particularly a 25% rise in Black male students since 2021. Additionally, the university is serving its highest number of Hispanic female students, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and equity. The university's global and online platforms have significantly contributed to its overall growth. For instance, Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU) in China, established in 2014, has experienced a steady increase in enrolment, with a projected student population of 7,000 by 2025.

Overall, Kean University's student population showcases a diverse range of genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds, contributing to its reputation as one of the nation's most inclusive educational institutions.

Kean University's international student population

Kean University is a diverse and inclusive educational institution with a global community of students. The university's commitment to inclusivity, equity, and academic excellence has solidified its position as a leading urban research university in New Jersey and beyond. With a diverse range of academic programs and a focus on career-oriented education, Kean University attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities.

The university's main campus is located in Union, New Jersey, with additional campuses in Hillside and Toms River, New Jersey. Moreover, Kean University has an international campus in Wenzhou, China, known as Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU). WKU is China's first and only full-scale American-style university, offering classes in English and over 120 degree programs. The Wenzhou campus opened in 2014 and has seen significant growth, with a student population of 4,500 in 2023, projected to reach 7,000 by 2025. This international campus contributes to the overall diversity of Kean University's student body.

In the 2017-2018 academic year, Kean University had a total of 11,686 undergraduate students, with 9,400 studying full-time and 2,286 part-time. By 2023, the total undergraduate enrolment had increased to 11,234. The university's diverse student population includes a notable increase in male students, with a 25% rise in Black male students since 2021, and the highest-ever number of Hispanic female students, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity.

Kean 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. In Fall 2024, Kean University achieved record enrolment, serving over 18,000 students globally, with students from 36 states and 88 countries. This diverse student body includes international students from various countries, such as China, India, South Korea, Nigeria, Brazil, and Colombia, contributing to the university's vibrant and dynamic campus community.

Student population growth

Kean University, a higher education institution located in Union County, New Jersey, has experienced significant growth in its student population over the years, solidifying its position as a leading urban research university.

Historical Context

Kean University was founded in 1855 and has a long history of providing education to a diverse range of students. The university's commitment to inclusivity can be traced back to the post-Civil War era when increasing numbers of Catholics, largely the children of immigrants, began to enroll. This trend continued, and by 1911, the children of immigrants exceeded thirty percent of the student body. Since then, Kean University has consistently fostered a diverse and inclusive learning environment, attracting students from various backgrounds.

Recent Growth and Diversity

In recent years, Kean University has achieved remarkable growth in its student population, breaking enrollment records. In 2022, the university had a total enrollment of 12,884 students, with 9,782 full-time students and 3,102 part-time students. The university's commitment to diversity is evident in its student demographics. The enrolled student population comprises a significant proportion of Hispanic or Latino students (33.3%), followed by White (28%), Black or African American (20.1%), Asian (4.98%), and other racial groups.

Record Enrollment in 2023 and 2024

Kean University's USA campuses, including those in Union and Toms River, New Jersey, have witnessed a surge in student enrollment. In the fall of 2023, Kean University welcomed over 17,000 students from 82 countries and 35 states, with more than 4,000 new freshmen, graduate students, and transfer students. This trend continued into the fall of 2024, with the university registering over 18,000 students from 36 states and 88 countries, setting a new record. The university's global and online platforms have significantly contributed to this growth, with Kean Online expected to enroll over 2,050 students. Additionally, the Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU) campus in China, established in 2014, is experiencing a boom in enrollment, with a projected climb to over 5,000 students.

Factors Contributing to Growth

Kean University's growing reputation for academic excellence, diversity, and inclusivity has been a key driver of its student population growth. The university's commitment to supporting students from all backgrounds and providing relevant, career-oriented education has attracted a diverse range of learners. Additionally, the university's focus on retention and support initiatives has contributed to its success, as evidenced by the highest four-year graduation rate achieved by the freshman class of 2020.

Kean University's expansion reflects its unwavering dedication to creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment, empowering students from diverse backgrounds to excel and make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Student population across campuses

Kean University is a diverse higher education institution located in Union County, New Jersey, with a student/faculty ratio of 16:1. The university has a growing population of students from across the globe, with record-breaking enrollment numbers in recent years.

In 2022, Kean University had a total enrollment of 12,884 students, with 75.9% enrolled full-time and the remaining 24.1% enrolled part-time. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #315. The university's main campus is located in Union, New Jersey, and spans 121.5 acres. It contains most of the university's buildings and institutions, as well as housing for resident students. The Liberty Hall Campus, located in Union Township across Morris Avenue from the main campus, covers 28.5 acres. The East Campus, situated in Hillside, New Jersey, in the former Pingry School campus, spans 35.4 acres. It hosts the Nathan Weiss East Campus, athletic fields, the East Campus Gym, and various academic and administrative buildings.

In addition to its campuses in New Jersey, Kean University has expanded its global presence with the establishment of Wenzhou-Kean University (WKU) in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. WKU is China's first and only full-scale American-style university, offering classes in English and over 120 degree programs. In 2023, the campus had a student population of 4,500, with expectations to surpass 5,000 in 2024 and reach 7,000 by 2025. The university also offers online programs through Kean Online, which has seen increasing enrollment, with over 2,050 students expected in 2024.

Kean University's total worldwide enrollment in 2023 exceeded 17,000 students from 82 countries and 35 states, with a notable increase in male student enrollment and the highest-ever number of Hispanic female students. The university's USA campuses welcomed over 4,000 new freshmen, graduate students, and transfer students in 2023, and this number rose to over 18,000 students from 36 states and 88 countries in 2024.

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