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Kean University vs Rutgers University-New Brunswick

DNP programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
Kean University
$18,630 vs $22,348
Easier to get into
Kean University
76.9% vs 65.3% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Kean University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeDNPDNP
Formatin personin person
LocationUnion, NJNew Brunswick, NJ
Length36 months36 months
NCLEX pass rate100%
Acceptance rate76.9%BEST65.3%
Avg accepted GPA
Min GPA
Entrance exam
Total tuition$18,630 in / $23,919 outBEST$22,348 in / $36,244 out
In-state tuition$18,630BEST$22,348
Out-of-state tuition$23,919BEST$36,244
Clinical placement
AccreditationSCORECARD_BASELINESCORECARD_BASELINE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Kean University or Rutgers University-New Brunswick?

Kean University is the more affordable option at roughly $18,630, compared to $22,348. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Kean University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick the same type of program?

Both are DNP programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between Kean University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.