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Kean University vs Saint Peter's University: which has better ROI?

Public, Union NJ · vs · Private nonprofit, Jersey City NJ

The verdict

Saint Peter's University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $48,796 in 5.2 years versus 5.6 years at Kean University, on median earnings of $57,815 vs $57,237 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureKean UniversitySaint Peter's University
Net price / yr$12,447$12,199
Total net cost$49,788$48,796
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,237$57,815
Median debt$23,250$20,500
Payback5.6 yrs5.2 yrs
20-year net return$127,752$140,304

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

Which is cheaper, Kean University or Saint Peter's University?

Saint Peter's University, at $12,199 a year after aid versus $12,447 — a gap of $248 a year, or $992 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 Saint Peter's University graduates earn more?

Saint Peter's University graduates report a median $57,815 ten years after entry, $578 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 Saint Peter's University?

Saint Peter's University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Kean University, a difference of $2,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

58% of students finish at Saint Peter's 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 Saint Peter's University: frequently asked questions

Is Kean University or Saint Peter's University a better value?
Saint Peter's University. It clears its $48,796 net cost in about 5.2 years versus 5.6 years at Kean University, on median earnings of $57,815 vs $57,237 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Kean University or Saint Peter's University?
Saint Peter's University: $12,199/yr net price after aid versus $12,447/yr at Kean University — a difference of $248 a year, or about $992 over four years.
Do Kean University or Saint Peter's University graduates earn more?
Saint Peter's University graduates earn a median $57,815 ten years after entry, versus $57,237 at Kean University — a $578 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.