Kean University has been acknowledged by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025 Best Colleges edition for its efforts in promoting social mobility among students. This is the sixth year in a row that Kean has received this recognition, highlighting its dedication to assisting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Kean is committed to empowering students from underserved communities,” stated Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., president of Kean University. “Our mission is to ensure that every student has the academic and personal support they need to realize their full potential and graduate on time. As an anchor institution, Kean is focused on lifting up our students and the communities we serve.”
The university achieved a ranking of 61 among national universities for social mobility. This ranking considers graduation rates of Pell Grant recipients compared to the overall student population over six years.
Kean’s graduation rates have shown improvement, with the cohort starting in 2020 graduating with the highest four-year rate in ten years.
As New Jersey’s most affordable university, Kean has increased financial support for students by raising Kean University Foundation scholarships by about 22% last year. This effort aims to help more students overcome financial challenges and achieve educational success.
Enrollment at Kean has also grown significantly, now serving over 18,500 students globally. The focus on supporting economically distressed students contributes to this growth.
“Kean’s strength is rooted in serving students from underserved communities, not only by opening doors to higher education but by helping them on their journey to graduation,” said Steve Fastook ’06H, chair of the Kean University Board of Trustees. “It’s a responsibility we embrace wholeheartedly because their success defines the mission of this institution.”
U.S. News’ analysts and editors used various data sources to calculate over 80 Best Colleges rankings aimed at helping families find suitable colleges.
