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#10 Best Public Universities in New Jersey

Kean Admission Requirements

Union, New Jersey

 6 Reviews

Your chances of getting into Kean University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

79.2%
Admission Difficulty for Kean University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Extremely Easy 
Applicant Competition Very Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Kean is 79.2%.  Its admission rate is the 13th lowest in New Jersey.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Kean and can you get accepted?

Kean University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 7,162 out of the 9,048 who applied were admitted.

The school has extremely easy admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 72 percent on standardized admission tests. Kean University typically accepts and attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.2. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 21% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into Kean?

79% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Kean University you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.2 or better
  • Earn B grades in high school
  • Score 1020 on the SAT
  • Score 20 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class
  • Submit letters of recommendation from your teachers

Kean GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.2

Typical High School Grades 

B

What GPA do you need to get into Kean University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Kean are to have around a 3.2 high school GPA. You need about average high school grades.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.2 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Kean accepts 79% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Kean is 3.2 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B letter grades and regularly score around 83-86 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #22 in New Jersey for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Kean is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.2 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

High School GPA's for admitted Kean University students
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness 
4.0 8.0% Good
3.75 to 3.99 11.0% Good
3.50 to 3.74 17.0% Avg +
3.25 to 3.49 14.0% Avg +
3.00 to 3.24 18.0% Avg -
2.50 to 2.99 24.0% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 8.0% Low
1.00 to 1.99 0% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

Kean SAT Scores

Test Optional

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Kean University. If you submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 17% of students submitted SAT scores and 2% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

920-1120

Applicants Submitting SAT 

17%
SAT Scores for Kean University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 460
Math 25th Percentile 460
Composite 25th Percentile 920
SAT Scores for Kean University
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 570
Math 75th Percentile 550
Composite 75th Percentile 1120
Average SAT Score 1020

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Kean University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Kean is 1020 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 920-1120. Students who get into Kean University score in the top 74 percent of all SAT test takers..  Kean ranks #19 in the state of New Jersey for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1020 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Kean regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 920 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 920, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 820, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Kean University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "considered but not required".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1020 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1020, you have around a 79% chance of being admitted. A 1120 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 88% chance of getting in.

Kean University admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1120 and Above Good >88%
1020 to 1120 Avg + 79%-88%
920 to 1020 Avg - 66%-79%
820 to 920 Reach 51%-66%
Less than 820 Low <51%
Calculate My Chances 

Kean ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

17-23 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

2%
ACT Scores for Kean University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile N/A
Math 25th Percentile N/A
Composite 25th Percentile 17
ACT Scores for Kean University
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile N/A
Math 75th Percentile N/A
Composite 75th Percentile 23
Average ACT Score 20

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Kean?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Kean is 20, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 17 and 23.  The school ranks #17 in New Jersey for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 20. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 17 and score in the score in the top 69 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 14.

2 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Kean University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Kean University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "considered but not required".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Kean for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 20 score has around 79% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 88% with a 23 ACT score.

Kean University admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
23 and Above Good >88%
20 to 23 Avg + 79%-88%
17 to 20 Avg - 66%-79%
14 to 17 Reach 51%-66%
Less than 14 Low <51%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

68% of Kean University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 36% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Kean University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 15%
Top 25% of class 36%
Top 50% of class 68%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Kean University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 5,538 3,510 9,048
Accepted 4,613 2,549 7,162
Acceptance Rate 83% 73% 79%
Enrolled 882 620 1,502
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 19% 24% 21%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

Fall 2024 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Aug 15, 2024

Days left to Apply

322

Applicants have 322 days left until the Fall 2024 term applications are due on Aug 15, 2024.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Kean University is $75.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Kean University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Kean University Application Requirements
Test Scores Considered but not required
High School GPA Required
High School Class Rank Considered but not required
Completion of College Preparatory Program Required
Recommendations Recommended
Demonstration of Competencies Considered but not required

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Kean University
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Kean University is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.2 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1020 and ACT of 20 will almost guarantee your admission.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Kean University often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=185262 IPEDS survey data for Kean University.

FAQs

Does Kean University prefer SAT or ACT?

17% of students submit their SAT scores to Kean. 2% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.

What is my chance of getting into Kean University?

79% of those who apply are granted admission to Kean. Admission competition is and the college has extremely easy admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.

What SAT score is required for Kean University?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 920 and 1120. The average SAT score is 1020. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.

What ACT score is required for Kean University?

The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 17 and 23. The average ACT score is 20. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.