Kean U vs Northern Kentucky University (NKU)
Kean University and Northern Kentucky University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Kean University, nestled in Union, New Jersey, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, while Northern Kentucky University, located in Highland Heights, Kentucky, prides itself on its strong regional ties and commitment to community engagement. With varying acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation outcomes, these universities cater to different student needs and aspirations. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.
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![]() Kean University |
![]() Northern Kentucky University |
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Overview |
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Location | Union, New Jersey | Highland Heights, Kentucky |
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% | 70.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 79.2% | 80.3% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$75
Graduate:
$75
|
Undergraduate:
$40
Graduate:
$40
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SAT range | 920 - 1120 | 983 - 1210 |
ACT range | 17 - 23 | 20 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 17.0% | 7.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 2.0% | 84.0% |
Total number of applicants | 9,048 | 6,637 |
Total number of admissions given out | 7,162 | 5,329 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 1,502 | 1,690 |
Yield rate | 21.0% | 31.7% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Not required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$26,249
Out of state:
$33,425
|
In state:
$28,010
Out of state:
$38,066
|
Average net price | $18,078 | $7,443 |
Tuition |
In state:
$10,445
Out of state:
$17,621
|
In state:
$10,008
Out of state:
$20,064
|
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$11,280
Meal plan:
$3,554
|
$11,454 |
Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
91.0%
Average amount $7,764 |
99.0%
Average amount $10,343 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
49.0%
Average amount $4,968 |
43.0%
Average amount $4,988 |
Students taking out private loans |
12.0%
Average amount $13,532 |
3.0%
Average amount $10,090 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
10,573
Men 38.3% Women 61.7% |
10,814
Men 39.8% Women 60.2% |
Graduate students |
2,186
Men 21.3% Women 78.7% |
5,165
Men 25.9% Women 74.1% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
|
Very Low
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Out-of-state students | 5.1% | N/A |
International students | 2.5% | 2.0% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | Suburb: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 1,823 | 1,376 |
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 | Ohio Indiana Florida Maryland |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 16:1 | 17:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 47.7% | 47.8% |
Dropout rate | 19.1% | 49.3% |
Transferred out | 30.3% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
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