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Kean University vs Seton Hall University: which has better ROI?

Public, Union NJ · vs · Private nonprofit, South Orange NJ

The verdict

Kean University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $49,788 in 5.6 years versus 5.8 years at Seton Hall University, on median earnings of $57,237 vs $70,196 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureKean UniversitySeton Hall University
Net price / yr$12,447$31,446
Total net cost$49,788$125,784
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,237$70,196
Median debt$23,250$22,750
Payback5.6 yrs5.8 yrs
20-year net return$127,752$310,936

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

Which is cheaper, Kean University or Seton Hall University?

Kean University, at $12,447 a year after aid versus $31,446 — a gap of $18,999 a year, or $75,996 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 Seton Hall University graduates earn more?

Seton Hall University graduates report a median $70,196 ten years after entry, $12,959 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 Seton Hall University?

Seton Hall University: its completers carry a median $22,750 in federal loans versus $23,250 at Kean University, a difference of $500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

69% of students finish at Seton Hall 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 Seton Hall University: frequently asked questions

Is Kean University or Seton Hall University a better value?
Kean University. It clears its $49,788 net cost in about 5.6 years versus 5.8 years at Seton Hall University, on median earnings of $57,237 vs $70,196 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Kean University or Seton Hall University?
Kean University: $12,447/yr net price after aid versus $31,446/yr at Seton Hall University — a difference of $18,999 a year, or about $75,996 over four years.
Do Kean University or Seton Hall University graduates earn more?
Seton Hall University graduates earn a median $70,196 ten years after entry, versus $57,237 at Kean University — a $12,959 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.