‘U.S. News & World Report’ Ranks Kean University Among Top in Nation for Social Mobility

Kean University is among the country’s top institutions of higher education in social mobility for students, ranking number 26 among national universities in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report 2023-2024 Best Colleges rankings.

As the University’s national stature in higher education continues to climb, Kean’s ranking for social mobility rose from last year, when Kean was named 46th out of 439 national universities. The category recognizes Kean’s success in supporting economically disadvantaged students on their path to graduation. 

This is the fifth year that Kean has been recognized by U.S. News for social mobility of students, and the second year that Kean is on the list of national universities.

“Kean University is committed to supporting students of all backgrounds and socioeconomic levels, and we are proud of U.S. News’ recognition of our growing success in helping our students achieve their dreams,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.

National universities are those that offer a range of graduate programs, emphasize faculty research or award professional practice doctorates.

“Kean offers all the tools students need to succeed: inspired teaching, research opportunities, support programs, internship opportunities and career connections,” Repollet said. “As New Jersey’s urban research university, Kean University is strong – and climbing higher.”

U.S. News analysts use a wide range of data sources to calculate more than 80 Best Colleges rankings, all with the intent of enabling students and their families to identify colleges that best meet their needs.

Kean University offers students more than 50 undergraduate degree programs and more than 70 options for graduate study. A Kean education is affordable, with numerous scholarship and financial aid opportunities available to students, and the University is committed to the health and well-being of students, faculty and staff, with a host of wellness programs on campus.

Kean continues to draw more students to its campuses during challenging times for higher education. The University enrolled more than 17,000 students in its campuses in New Jersey, at Wenzhou-Kean University in Wenzhou, China, and at Kean Online this Fall.

Kean Board of Trustees Chair Steve Fastook ’06H said Kean offers an excellent education, and a world of opportunities, to students.

“Kean University is focused on supporting each one of our students as they work to achieve their goals,” Fastook said. “I am thrilled by the energy on our beautiful campus and gratified by this recognition from U.S. News. I know our students, faculty and staff will continue to excel.”