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Kean University vs Monmouth University: which has better ROI?

Public, Union NJ · vs · Private nonprofit, West Long Branch NJ

The verdict

Kean University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $49,788 in 5.6 years versus 6.3 years at Monmouth University, on median earnings of $57,237 vs $67,991 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureKean UniversityMonmouth University
Net price / yr$12,447$30,988
Total net cost$49,788$123,952
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,237$67,991
Median debt$23,250$27,000
Payback5.6 yrs6.3 yrs
20-year net return$127,752$268,668

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

Which is cheaper, Kean University or Monmouth University?

Kean University, at $12,447 a year after aid versus $30,988 — a gap of $18,541 a year, or $74,164 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 Monmouth University graduates earn more?

Monmouth University graduates report a median $67,991 ten years after entry, $10,754 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 Monmouth University?

Kean University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Monmouth University, a difference of $3,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

72% of students finish at Monmouth 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 Monmouth University: frequently asked questions

Is Kean University or Monmouth University a better value?
Kean University. It clears its $49,788 net cost in about 5.6 years versus 6.3 years at Monmouth University, on median earnings of $57,237 vs $67,991 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Kean University or Monmouth University?
Kean University: $12,447/yr net price after aid versus $30,988/yr at Monmouth University — a difference of $18,541 a year, or about $74,164 over four years.
Do Kean University or Monmouth University graduates earn more?
Monmouth University graduates earn a median $67,991 ten years after entry, versus $57,237 at Kean University — a $10,754 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.