Kean vs. Rider University

Comparable Facts

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

Kean University is larger than Rider University based on total student enrollment (13,905 students vs. 4,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kean University is located in Union, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Rider University is in Lawrenceville, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Kean University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rider University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kean University 17:1; Rider University 14:1.

Kean vs. Rider University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kean or Rider University? 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 Kean University than Rider University ($12,708 vs. $26,506).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rider University are 5.7% lower than at Kean University ($17,230 vs. $18,264).
• Rider University is 187.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kean (about $26,821 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $14,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 83.2% higher at Rider University than at Kean University (about $18,674 more per year; $41,120.00 vs. $22,446.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rider University than at Kean University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rider University students is 94.7% larger than aid received by Kean University students ($29,294 vs. $15,048).

Kean vs. Rider University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kean or Rider University? 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 Rider University and Kean.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rider University (1210) is 170 points higher than at Kean (1040).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kean University 930/1150; Rider University 1100/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRider University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kean - Test optional; Rider University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kean Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Rider University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Kean (3.2).
• Rider University has a higher acceptance rate (78.6%) than Kean (75.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.7% at Kean vs. 9.1% at Rider University.

Kean vs. Rider University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kean and Rider University? 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).

• Rider University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Kean University's (49%).
• Graduates from Rider University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Kean graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,000 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kean University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Rider University graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Kean graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rider University graduates ($258 vs. $266).
• More Rider University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kean students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 52%)

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.