Kean University Reviews

  • 41 Reviews
  • Union (NJ)
  • Annual Tuition: $20,364
77% of 41 students said this degree improved their career prospects
76% of 41 students said they would recommend this school to others
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Student & Graduate Reviews

Disappointed R Egret
  • Reviewed: 4/21/2023
  • Degree: Political Science
"This school was a complete waste of time and money. I was a student from 2012 until 2013, having already finished an Associates degree in Liberal Arts from a nearby Community College. I was a student at Kean for 2 years exactly and finished classes December 2013 and walked with the spring class in 2014. The school has a bunch of fraternities and sororities to choose from. They allegedly have an anti-hazing policy at the school, which is 100% ignored by every frat on campus. Hazing is pretty much the only method some frats use to gauge their candidates worth. The frat I chose to consider used hazing in every single part of their "dancing" (code word they use for pledging). Most of the frats members are not on the school's good graces academically, so the school doesn't even recognize them as members of the frat. Some examples of practices they've had me endure are: having the entire group of pledges blindfolded, driven to a location far from campus, having our phones and money taken from us and being told to walk back to campus once we figure out where it would be, driving the pledges to Rutgers New Brunswick and having them dress in drag and take photographs with people in the community, having the pledges run laps around the upstairs area of Harwood arena for over an hour, regardless of health conditions of the members, issuing physical punishments when a pledge makes an error in an oral inquest during pledging night (pushups, sit-ups, etc). The frats were only part of my miserable experience. If you aren't fortunate enough to be graduating from Kean with a degree in a field that would be considered in high demand, like nursing, education or technology, it is likely going to be extremely difficult for you to find employment without guidance and luck. The school offers neither luck nor guidance for career prospects. In the 10 years since I've graduated as a Political Science Undergrad, I have yet to be hired at a job that pays more than $50,000 per year, and have not had any full time job that could pay any part of my student loans from the school. Not one cent has been paid, but the interest has accumulated to double the loan amount after 10 years. Although, it has not been for a lack of trying to have the school assist my efforts. The school has a department that is allegedly in place to help students and alumni find jobs. After discovering the department 2 years ago and begging them to help me, they've been completely unhelpful. Their department head does not like alumni who ask them for help and issues orders to the individuals that she supervises to not assist alumni such as myself, just because they don't like us. It's extremely difficult to think of any positive thoughts about this school or suggest to anyone that it would be worth their time or money. In my experience as an alumni, it is 100% a decision I regret and would not recommend to anyone. Don't go to Kean. Don't even go there as a last resort. Become a plumber. At least you'll have a job and pay your bills. That's a luxury most graduates from Kean have not had after we graduate."
TheChubbyNurse
  • Reviewed: 2/17/2021
  • Degree: RN to BSN
"If you are planning to gain your BSN, don't go here. First, the program takes long to complete. If you already have a degree, why are you required to jump through the hoops? Alot of required course work, that has nothing to do with nursing. This program should be completed in 6-12 months, instead of three years! Second, this school requires two clinical rotations..why? I'm already a nurse, there's no need for unpaid free work. This program is not designed for busy working nurses, as the discussion post requires posting multiple times a day and week. When deciding to go to a public state college, choose one that understands nurses are busy."
Just Frustrated
  • Reviewed: 12/4/2018
  • Degree: Nursing
"I selected Kean's online RN-to-BSN program program for several reasons. I wanted the opportunity to earn this degree regardless of where I moved to and I had found good reviews about Kean as a school. It was not until after being accepted and completing A YEAR of courses that I was told that some of the nursing courses are not online and I have to take them in NJ. I had already moved three hundred miles away at this point and invested over ten thousand dollars in classes that would most likely not be transferable to another school. No where on the website did it state that the program is not completely online and I was never told that in any way by any one that I spoke with. This is beyond frustrating. Also, the program is so new that a lot of the courses that you need for the degree are not offered online through Kean so you need to take them with a community college that they will accept the credits from. This is particularly difficult when you do not live in the state. And for the courses that are offered online a lot of the professors still have no idea how to manage the system. Then to add to this, the online nursing program is so limited that they only offer courses during specific times of the year. (Something else I had never been told and found out for myself when registering). So my graduation date is being pushed a YEAR because they just do not offer courses throughout all semesters. And when I do take those classes I will be paying out of pocket because I will have to take one class at a time because of the way that they schedule them?!?!?!?!?! To top it off the advisor for this program has no idea what is going on. She does not understand the dates in which classes are offered. She does not fully understand that the classes we need that are not offered through Kean need to be taken with a community college. And there is just so much more to advising online students that she needs explained to her. It is difficult to explain information to a person that is supposed to be providing you the information to begin with. Ugh, do not go here. There are so many other options for online nursing schools. I should have gone with another. Avoid making the mistake I made."
CB
  • Reviewed: 4/21/2018
  • Degree: Counseling
"I was enrolled in Clinical Mental Health Program at Kean University from 2014 to 2017. I enjoyed the program because I felt the professors cared and the Dean of the program made an effort to support their students. What I did not like was the placement program. I had 2 very harrowing difficult internships with verbally abusive cooperating counselors. If the Department of Counseling wants to improve their program they need to get new places for people to intern,."
James Sheerin
  • Reviewed: 11/9/2017
  • Degree: Sociology
"Kean is a nice school in a great location. The school is located on a New Jersey Transit rail line and close to NYC. Kean has a large selection of majors to pick from. They also have one of the most divers student populations. Kean is a great school if you wish to become a teachers. They have a great art and theater program."
Xirena W.
  • Reviewed: 10/9/2017
  • Degree: Communications
"Kean University is a wonderful mid-sized School that offer individuals exceptional education. The class sizes are perfect for students who want to work closely with their professor. The career development resources are also amazing. At Kean as long as your willing to work hard you will do great!"
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Social Work
"I thought that the academic programs were lacking at Kean, but at the end of the day I got a diploma and that's what mattered in terms of securing employment."
World-class Kean Grad
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Communications
"Excellent, world-class education. Professors who are passionate about their discipline and care about their students' success."
Edwin Anuforo
  • Reviewed: 8/13/2017
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"Kean University has been awesome ! The students and educators have made it an incredible place to grow personally and academically. I am currently studying Human Behavior and Organizational Psychology and I believe I am getting the best education and career advice from the educators here."
Anastasia Mendola
  • Reviewed: 4/12/2017
  • Degree: Criminal Justice
"Kean University is a College like no other. When you walk onto campus, its as if you walked into a combination of people from all over the state that are all looking for the same goals and aspirations as yourself. The professors have no hidden agendas and aren't out to get you or make you fail. They take the extra time that you need to make sure you understand the material completely so that when you get into your field you can be more knowledgeable than the person next to you. Kean University is a one of a kind school and I would recommend anyone that wants to have a great college experience to go there."
Jacqueline Nieves
  • Reviewed: 3/27/2017
  • Degree: Elementary Education
"To be frank, Kean University is the place to be if you're interested in a calm, wonderful college experience. Kean was my home away from home for four years. I was pursuing a double major, and as a result things often got complicated. I had to seek advisement in the Education department and the English department because I was studying Elementary/Middle School Education and also seeking the English Standard Option degree. In my opinion, my advisor was phenomenal. He broke down what classes I would need to take every semester based on the frequency of the courses offered. He encouraged me to work hard toward my goal. With that being said, I took thirteen credits one summer, and six credits another. Every semester I took eighteen credits. I was able to obtain my degree and complete my second major requirements in four years as opposed to five. I was encouraged to be a go-getter. I was not afraid to challenge myself and push boundaries. Looking back on my undergraduate experience, I wouldn't change a thing. I had the best support system both on and off campus. As a result, today I am currently pursuing my master's degree. I am a full-time teacher, a full-time graduate student, a full-time wife, and make time for community service. I believe that Kean University is a phenomenal place for one who wants to grow to their full potential and believe in the magic of their dreams."
Kean University
  • Reviewed: 3/21/2017
  • Degree: Special Education
"Kean University is a diverse school with many opportunities to offer. The campus is beautiful for the last 4 years they have been expanding the campus and building new dorms and academic buildings. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities on and off campus. There is are fraternities and sororities, as well as various championship winning sports teams."
SOgureck
  • Reviewed: 3/20/2017
  • Degree: Communications
"Kean University has provided me with networking experiences prior to my graduation. The faculty and advisors that I have met have been willing to help me advance my career by putting me in touch with industry professionals and have provided valuable advice that has helped me change careers even before finishing my M.A."
B. Clinton
  • Reviewed: 3/17/2017
  • Degree: Education Administration
"Kean University was an excellent place to earn my degree. The course work was relevant and rigorous and the professors were supportive. We had professors who were knowledgeable and experts in the field of education. They shared professional and practical advice which helped to shape my foundation."
Unapologetic
  • Reviewed: 1/24/2017
  • Degree: Psychology
"Kean university was very affordable however the coursework was not competitive."
becky alfaro
  • Reviewed: 10/16/2015
  • Degree: Marriage & Family Therapy
"The program is very interesting and I am eager to continue my studies and further my career. The professors have been engaging and the classes have for the most part been interesting and in depth. Most of the professors are adjuncts though so there is a disconnect between them and the administration that has caused problem for myself and other students as well. This is my biggest issue with the program."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 10/5/2015
  • Degree: Early Childhood Education
"I thought it was good, but difficult to get in touch with your advisors."
Shamere Williams
  • Reviewed: 9/9/2015
  • Degree: Counseling
"he Counseling Education Program is very competitive and prepares you for the real world. The faculty consists of a small group of practicing professionals with a lot of field experience. The small unit allows for personal relationships and feels like a close nit family. It is a great feeling to have professors know you by name and check on you throughout the course of the program. The workload provides a mix of class work alongside hands-on activities to enforce the content. This helps students who may not have a learning style of just listening to lectures. I am extremely pleased that I selected Kean University as my school to pursue a Master's in Counseling. The only con for me is morning classes are not offered for those who have morning availability. Overall, the program is amazing and has an excellent reputation for preparing students for the career world."
anonymous
  • Reviewed: 6/30/2015
  • Degree: Early Childhood Education
"I loved it, but the books were expensive and it was difficult to get some of the classes that were needed to graduate and it was hard to talk to somebody there."
Kean special ed grad 2012
  • Reviewed: 6/11/2015
  • Degree: Special Education
"Least expensive state school. Diverse population. Numerous organizations/clubs."