Kean University Foundation Scholarships
The Kean University Foundation is the university’s primary fundraising and gift-receiving organization. It was founded in 1984 as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that advances the mission of Kean University by pursuing and securing private support to benefit Kean’s students, faculty, programs, and/or facilities.
Who is eligible?
Admitted undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a degree seeking program can apply. This is a competitive application of Kean's best and brightest students, so be sure to prepare your application thoughtfully.
Note: International students and non-matriculated students are not eligible to receive foundation funding.
26/27 Kean University Scholarship Application
Timeline & Review Process
To help manage expectations and ensure a fair and efficient review process, please review the timeline and information below.
📅 Application Dates
- Application Opens: December 1, 2025
- Priority Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Final Deadline: June 30, 2026
- Post‑Deadline Application Opens: September 1, 2026
- Post‑Deadline Application Closes: June 1, 2027
📂 Application Review Process
Applications are reviewed in priority groups, not all at once.
1st Review Group
Applications submitted December 1 – March 1 (Priority Deadline)
2nd Review Group
Applications submitted March 2 – June 30
3rd Review Group
Applications submitted after June 30 will be reviewed on a rolling basis, after all priority groups have been completed.
Please note:
- Earlier submissions are reviewed first.
- Later submissions will not be reviewed until earlier groups are completed.
- Review timelines vary based on application volume.
✅ Completed applications will remain on file and under review, and applicants may be considered later in the academic year should additional opportunities become available.
📧 All official notifications and status updates will be sent to your Kean email.
Additional Information
Selected scholars will be asked to review the scholarship agreement, accept the award, and submit a formal thank you letter to our generous donor.
These steps are all to be completed on the Scholarship Manager website, login here. For help writing a formal thank you letter, please click here.
*Selected scholarship recipients who do not complete the required final steps of reviewing the scholarship agreement, accepting the award, and submitting the formal thank you letter may no longer be eligible to receive the award.
Scholarship awards have no cash value and we reserve the right to reduce the scholarship amount if the total of all federal, state, and other grant/scholarship awards exceed direct costs defined as tuition, university fees, on-campus room and board, if applicable.
Helpful Tips
- One single application will enable you to be considered for any scholarship that matches your academic history, program, interests, and other criteria.
- Be sure to answer each question in the application. The more complete your application, the better your chances of getting matched.
- Write a well written thoughtful response to the writing prompt. Take this opportunity to introduce yourself to the Scholarship Committee.
- Plan your time. As part of the application, it is highly suggested that you submit a letter of recommendation. Request this from an individual who will be able to provide insight as to who you are and some of your success stories. Your recommendation should come from someone other than a family member, such as a former teacher or academic adviser or someone from a volunteer/community services organization. Be sure to provide ample lead time to ensure you are conscientious of their busy schedules.
Ready to create opportunities?
Learn more about how you can engage with Kean University and be part of the growing community of generous donors. Make your gift to the Kean Fund for Excellence.