Kean Again Ranks Among Nation’s Top Universities for Social Mobility

Kean University has once again been recognized among the nation’s top universities for advancing social mobility, rising to No. 68 among national universities in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. 

The 2027 ranking continues a multiyear record for Kean and reinforces a commitment that is central to the University’s identity: expanding access to higher education and helping students turn a college degree into greater opportunity for themselves, their families and their communities. 

“Kean's social mobility ranking reflects the success of our students and our commitment to helping them reach their full potential,” said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “At Kean, access opens the door, but opportunity and support help students persist, graduate and build successful futures. This recognition affirms our belief that where a student begins should never determine how high they can climb.”

Kean rose from No. 81 in the previous year’s social mobility ranking. The University’s continued recognition reflects its sustained focus on helping students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds persist to graduation and achieve their educational and career goals. 

Social mobility is one of Kean University’s six core values and a cornerstone of the Kean experience. For many students, earning a degree represents more than an academic milestone. It can create a pathway to a career, greater financial stability and new possibilities that extend across generations. 

The social mobility ranking measures how effectively colleges and universities enroll and graduate students from lower-income backgrounds. U.S. News & World Report assesses the graduation rates of students who qualify for Pell Grants relative to the overall student graduation rate.

As New Jersey’s urban research university, Kean combines an affordable college education with academic programs, mentoring, research opportunities, career preparation and student support services designed to help students succeed. Kean is also New Jersey’s most affordable university and offers programs intended to help eligible students reduce tuition costs.

Kean was first recognized by U.S. News & World Report for social mobility while classified as a regional university. Since Kean became a national university in the 2022-2023 rankings, it has continued to earn recognition.

The University has also reached historic enrollment levels, with approximately 23,000 students studying at Kean’s locations around the world in Fall 2026. The University’s growing footprint now includes Kean Jersey City, following this summer’s merger with New Jersey City University.