Kean vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Kean University in Union, NJ with Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Kean University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (13,905 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kean University is located in Union, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Kean University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kean University 17:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Kean vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kean or NSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Norfolk State University than Kean ($9,124 vs. $12,708).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 36.5% lower than at Kean University ($11,591 vs. $18,264).
• Kean University is 40.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $4,119 more per year; $14,299.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.5% higher at Kean than at Norfolk State University (about $764 more per year; $22,446.00 vs. $21,682.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kean University than at Norfolk State University (90% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 0.1% larger than aid received by Kean University students ($15,056 vs. $15,048).

Kean vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kean or NSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between NSU and Kean.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kean University (1040) is 110 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kean University 930/1150; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kean - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kean Aug 15, 2027; NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kean students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.2) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Kean (75.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.7% at Kean vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Kean vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kean and NSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Kean University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Kean University earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kean University graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($25,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Kean graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($258 vs. $320).
• More Kean graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 27%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.