Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen

Kean University offers a comprehensive array of merit and need-based scholarships for incoming freshmen. These scholarships can be divided into three distinct categories:

FRESHMAN MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

All applicants applying for admission are considered for merit scholarships.  Your complete application for admission to Kean University is your application for these merit scholarships. 

These awards are given based on alternate indicators including but not limited to courses taken, academic rigor, class rank with a primary focus on high school (unweighted) GPA. Only recent high school graduates primarily admitted as full-time freshmen are eligible.

These scholarships are renewable for up to four years (8 semesters) of consecutive undergraduate study when a cumulative 3.0 GPA is maintained through continuous full-time enrollment. In order to fulfill the requirements of your degree while remaining eligible for this scholarship, recipients should be aware of the many options available including taking classes during summer and winter sessions. Please note that these awards cannot be combined with one another. 

There are seven named levels of merit scholarships and recognition that range from $500 to full-in-state tuition. 

*Scholarship decisions are made by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships whose decisions are final. 

DISTINGUISHED FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIPS                 

New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics (NJSTM) Scholarship 

For incoming freshmen who matriculate directly into five-year, combined bachelor/master’s degree honors programs who maintain a cumulative (unweighted) high school GPA of 3.1 or higher are eligible for consideration for the NJCSTM in-state tuition scholarships at time of entry. Consideration for these scholarships is conducted by the NJSTM Admission Committee at the time of review for admissions, therefore there is no separate application needed. 

Eligible 5 year NJCSTM programs for this scholarship are:

Biotechnology / Molecular Biology | Computational Science and Engineering |  Biology Education |  Chemistry Education |  Mathematics Education

* Eligibility for scholarships will depend greatly on the successful completion of biology, chemistry, and pre-calculus OR trigonometry courses in high school.
** GPAs are based on a 4.0 scale.

This scholarship is renewable each academic year, as long as recipients uphold a minimum 3.0 GPA and full-time enrollment at the University. Students in the 5-year program, can also be eligible for full in-state graduate tuition coverage. 

For students in the NJCSTM honors college who commit to teach for three years in a New Jersey school upon graduation, scholarships are renewable in accordance with program requirements. For academic program information, contact (908) 737-7202 or email njcste@kean.edu. Students admitted to the B.S. Biomedicine Program are not eligible for these awards, as that is a flat-rate tuition program. 

Michael Graves College of Architecture and Design Scholarship

A select number of full in-state tuition scholarships are awarded to primarily incoming freshmen with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA who pursue undergraduate degrees in architecture or design. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and continuous full-time enrollment.

Freshmen applicants to the programs of the Michael Graves College of Architecture and Design are automatically reviewed for scholarship by the MGC Admission  Committee. Eligible applicants will be contacted to provide a portfolio for faculty review before a final decision is rendered. 

School of Fine and Performing Arts Scholarship

A select number of full-tuition scholarships are awarded to primarily incoming freshmen with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA who pursue undergraduate degrees in fine arts, music or theatre. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and continuous full-time enrollment. Eligible applicants must first alert the faculty of their interest in this highly competitive scholarship then submit a Foundation Scholarship Application and provide either an audition or a portfolio for faculty review before a final decision is rendered. 

CENTENNIAL FUND SCHOLARSHIP  

A limited number of these renewable scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen by the Kean University Foundation, based on academic merit and financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. To learn more about the Centennial Fund Scholarship, please visit www.kean.edu/cfs. 

GARDEN STATE EQUITY SCHOLARSHIP 

These renewable scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen, based on academic merit and financial need, as determined by the FAFSA. To learn more about the Garden State Equity Scholarship, please visit www.kean.edu/equity.

OUT-OF-STATE ON-CAMPUS RESIDENCY SCHOLARSHIP

Kean University awards a scholarship in the amount of $16,000 over four years ($4,000 annually) to a select number of qualified incoming freshmen from outside New Jersey, who choose to live on campus. Students must have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA, based on the University’s review of the undergraduate application for admission. Candidates must also submit a FAFSA and complete a Campus Housing Application.

These scholarships are renewable for up to four years (eight consecutive semesters) of undergraduate study, as long as recipients maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA, full-time enrollment and campus residency.

*Those who identify as international students could be subject to applicable state or federal tax laws pertaining to this award. 

KEAN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INCOMING FRESHMEN

Incoming freshmen can apply for several Kean University Foundation Scholarships via an online application that is available between October 1 and March 1 (a priority will be given to any applications submitted by February 1) for the following fall semester. Please review the following list of Foundation Scholarships. There is no need to apply individually for each scholarship, as the one online application will put you in the running for all of those which are available.

**** REMINDER: priority application deadline for incoming freshmen is Friday, February 12 ***

Ronald and Susan L. Applbaum Scholarship Endowment

Recipients must be from New Jersey with a 3.0 minimum GPA. Awarded to incoming freshmen in the upper 10th percentile of their graduating class.

Dr. Reynold E. and Mary B. Burch Endowed Scholarship

Granted to unmarried students who are recent high school graduates and enrolled in health-related fields. Must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Jarred Crowley Annual Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to incoming freshmen with a demonstrated financial need. Preference given to students from Hamilton High School West, New Jersey (Mercer County); or prospective criminal justice majors from New Jersey.

Richard Cudina '78 Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded in memory of Richard Cudina, a Kean alumnus who was killed in the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001.

Jane D’Onofrio Endowed and Annual Scholarships

Awarded to students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and minimum 1000 SAT who demonstrate financial need. Preference given to business majors. 

Anne Evans Estabrook Endowed Scholarship

Awarded to entering freshmen deemed to be among the best and brightest high school seniors in the areas of academic and community service or achievement. Minimum 3.0 GPA must be maintained for continuation of scholarship eligibility.

First Generation Annual Scholarship

Awarded to students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and proven financial need, who are first-generation college students. 

Frank Anderson Memorial Design Scholarship

Awarded to an incoming freshman with a minimum 3.25 GPA, who demonstrates proficiency in graphic design and financial need. A portfolio review of related work is required.

Ken and Anne Estabrook Endowed Scholarship

Awarded to an incoming freshman enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in science and technology education program with a minimum 3.0 GPA and 1200 SAT. Students must maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA to earn annual renewal for up to five years.

Arthur Geilfuss Endowed Scholarship

Awarded to full-time freshmen in the College of Business and Public Administration with a minimum 3.4 GPA and SAT score of 1000.

Emma Geilfuss Endowed Scholarship

Applicants must be full-time freshmen in the College of Business and Public Administration with a minimum 3.4 GPA and SAT score of 1000.

Mabel G. Holmes Endowed Scholarship

This award is for students from Elizabeth (New Jersey) High School who are incoming freshmen ranked in the upper third of their class demonstrating financial need.

Joe and Josie Gonnella Annual Scholarship in Design for Incoming Freshmen

Awarded to incoming high school students majoring in the BFA graphic design: interactive, print, screen. Students must submit a portfolio of creative work, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need.

Kean University Foundation Endowed and Annual Scholarships

Awarded to the best and brightest undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of academics and community service. Eligible candidates must have a minimum 3.0 of a possible 4.0, demonstrate financial need and plan to reside on campus. 

Kean University Scholarship for Campus Residency

Awarded to full-time incoming freshmen or sophomore undergraduates from any major, who enroll having graduated from high school or transferred from an accredited college/university with a minimum 3.2 GPA out of a possible 4.0, demonstrate financial need and reside on campus. 

Divina Malanga Endowed Memorial Scholarship

Given to females from Elizabeth (New Jersey) High School who are incoming freshmen ranked in the upper third of their class and demonstrate financial need.

Edward and Dolly Miltner Endowed Scholarship

Applicants must be incoming freshmen from Bergen County with a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to education majors.

Novartis Upward Bound Annual Scholarship

Granted to incoming full-time freshmen who are graduates of the Upward Bound Program. Applicants must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.75.

Robert Busch Annual Scholarship in Design for Incoming Freshmen

Awarded to incoming high school students who are majoring in design. One scholarship will be awarded for each of the following majors: advertising design, graphic design, industrial design, interior design. Students must submit a portfolio of creative work, have at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need.

Senior Class Annual Scholarship

This scholarship is granted to freshmen who exhibit academic excellence with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Preference is given to students who are not eligible for traditional financial aid and participate in well-rounded extracurricular and civic activities.

Damarys Vazquez Endowed and Annual Memorial Scholarships

Awarded to an incoming female freshman majoring in early childhood education. The recipient must be a resident of Elizabeth, New Jersey.

James Volpe Memorial Annual Scholarship

Awarded to an incoming freshman who resides on campus and has graduated from high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA of a possible 4.0.

Ruth Keeler Gannon Endowed Scholarship

This four-year scholarship is for students who demonstrate excellent academic standing and commitment to the community.        

Charles and Vera Green Leadership Scholarship

Awarded to an incoming freshman with proven financial need. Preference given to a disabled military veteran or a military family member.

*All scholarship opportunities posted on this page are inclusive of Raise.Me earnings when applicable, should they be awarded.

Now, 9th-11th grade students can start earning micro-scholarships from Kean through RaiseMe. Learn more here.