Kean University Recognized by 'U.S. News & World Report' for Advancing Social Mobility

U.S. News & World Report has once again ranked Kean University among the top national universities for advancing the social mobility of its students. 

This marks the seventh consecutive year Kean has earned this prestigious recognition for its commitment to helping students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds succeed and graduate. 

"Kean is deeply committed to serving as a driver for social mobility, empowering students from all backgrounds to achieve their educational and career goals," said Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., president of Kean University. "This recognition affirms our mission as New Jersey’s urban research university to advance equity, provide access and deliver the support students need to thrive. We will continue delivering opportunity and meaningful public impact for our students and the communities we proudly serve." 

Kean ranked 81 among national universities for social mobility in the 2026 Best Colleges rankings released on Tuesday. The ranking is calculated by assessing the graduation rates of students who qualify for Pell Grants compared to the overall student population. 

Kean’s overall ranking in Best Colleges has increased since the University was first classified as a national university in 2022-2023. Previously, Kean was classified as a regional university. 

As New Jersey’s most affordable public university, Kean continues to broaden access by keeping costs down and opportunities high. Beginning in Fall 2026, the University will apply in-state tuition rates to all undergraduate and graduate students worldwide. 

Kean also reached a historic milestone this Fall, enrolling nearly 19,000 students worldwide, the largest student body in its history. The University received more than 20,000 applications this year, a testament to its rising profile and reputation as a newly designated R2 research institution.  

Using a wide range of data sources, U.S. News & World Report calculated the 2026 best colleges rankings by evaluating more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities, using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success.