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Kean University vs Drew University: which has better ROI?

Public, Union NJ · vs · Private nonprofit, Madison NJ

The verdict

Kean University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $49,788 in 5.6 years versus 6.4 years at Drew University, on median earnings of $57,237 vs $63,646 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureKean UniversityDrew University
Net price / yr$12,447$24,280
Total net cost$49,788$97,120
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,237$63,646
Median debt$23,250$25,288
Payback5.6 yrs6.4 yrs
20-year net return$127,752$208,600

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Kean University or Drew University?

Kean University, at $12,447 a year after aid versus $24,280 — a gap of $11,833 a year, or $47,332 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Kean University or Drew University graduates earn more?

Drew University graduates report a median $63,646 ten years after entry, $6,409 more than the $57,237 at Kean University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Kean University or Drew University?

Kean University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $25,288 at Drew University, a difference of $2,038. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

70% of students finish at Drew University, against 47% at Kean University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Kean University vs Drew University: frequently asked questions

Is Kean University or Drew University a better value?
Kean University. It clears its $49,788 net cost in about 5.6 years versus 6.4 years at Drew University, on median earnings of $57,237 vs $63,646 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Kean University or Drew University?
Kean University: $12,447/yr net price after aid versus $24,280/yr at Drew University — a difference of $11,833 a year, or about $47,332 over four years.
Do Kean University or Drew University graduates earn more?
Drew University graduates earn a median $63,646 ten years after entry, versus $57,237 at Kean University — a $6,409 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.