Kean Tuition Promise

Kean is New Jersey's most affordable comprehensive university. We promise equity, access, excellence and affordability in higher education. The Kean Tuition Promise program may cover up to full tuition and fees that are not already covered by federal and state financial aid and other scholarships for eligible incoming freshman students to attend Kean University and fulfill their dream of earning a college degree while graduating with LITTLE TO NO DEBT. (If you are a college student with 60+ accumulated credits, explore the Garden State Guarantee to learn how you may be eligible to complete your degree at Kean tuition-free.)

The Kean Tuition Promise program benefits incoming freshmen with a household adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $65K. The Kean Tuition Gap Grant package will be awarded to students who meet the eligibility requirements; eligible students will have no unpaid balance for tuition and fees – and be able to enroll at Kean tuition-free for years 1 and 2 under the Kean Tuition Promise, and for years 3 and 4 under the Garden State Guarantee. Limited packages are available; students must meet the Eligibility Requirements each year in order to qualify for four years of free tuition.

Together the Kean Tuition Promise and the Garden State Guarantee may provide qualified New Jersey students with a world-class Kean education tuition-free. Unlike loans, grants provide money for your college education that does not need to be repaid.

To be eligible for the Kean Tuition Gap Grant, students must meet the following criteria:

• Income: Household adjusted gross income (AGI) is a maximum of $65K (For dependent students, this includes your parents’ income.)
• Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen*
• Residency: Be a resident of New Jersey for at least one year before the first day of class
• Class level: Be an incoming college freshman starting in the Fall 2025 semester
• Students must take a minimum 12 credits per semester to be eligible for the Kean Tuition Promise Grant
• Students must complete federal/state/institutional verification requirements

* To receive four years of college tuition-free, it is recommended that eligible students take a minimum of 15 credits per semester to reach the State's 60-credit requirement for students to receive the Garden State Guarantee.

STEP 1: Apply to Kean as a freshman student

GO TO: kean.edu/apply-now

Please use the code: KEANPROMISE to waive the $75 application fee.

For admissions assistance, contact admitme@kean.edu or (908) 737-7100.

STEP 2: File the FAFSA form to receive an estimated award letter

GO TO: studentaid.gov

File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for all forms of financial aid.

Kean school code: 002622

Applicants with completed FAFSAs will be reviewed for eligibility into this program.

For financial aid assistance, contact finaid@kean.edu or (908) 737-0400.

STEP 3: Enroll at Kean for the upcoming fall semester

GO TO: kean.edu/accepted

After you receive your admission decision and estimated award letter, meet with your admissions counselor and submit your tuition deposit. 

For enrollment assistance, contact enroll@kean.edu.

What does the Kean Tuition Gap Grant cover?
The grant may cover up to full tuition and fees that are not already covered by federal and state financial aid and other scholarships for the academic year. However, it does not provide funds for books, supplies and residential housing. Students should apply for external scholarships and financial aid that can help cover those costs. 

How do I find out if I am awarded the grant?
Once you apply to Kean as an incoming freshmen and complete the FAFSA form, your eligibility for the grant is determined. You will be notified through email. Please see the FAFSA website studentaid.gov for more information.

Do I have to enroll full time or have a certain GPA to receive and keep the grant?
Yes. To maintain your eligibility after your first semester at Kean, you need to enroll 12 credits, and meet financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements.