Finance and Financial Management Services at Kean University

Kean's finance program starts graduates at $46,685—below both the New Jersey median ($52,729) and national average ($53,590)—but the trajectory tells a more compelling story. By year four, earnings jump 30% to $60,594, closing much of that initial gap and reaching the national 75th percentile. This kind of catch-up growth suggests the program may be building foundational skills that take time to translate into market value.

The debt picture is reasonable at $24,688, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.53. That's manageable, especially given the earnings acceleration. However, context matters: this program sits in the 40th percentile among New Jersey's finance programs, meaning three out of five comparable state options deliver stronger starting salaries. The Rutgers campuses and Seton Hall start graduates at $64,000-$68,000—that's a $18,000-$22,000 first-year advantage that compounds over time.

For families prioritizing affordability over pedigree, Kean offers a viable path into finance with controllable debt. But the slower start means your child will spend their early career years catching up to peers from higher-ranked programs. If they're a strong student who could gain admission to more selective New Jersey schools, the initial salary differential argues for exploring those options. For students who need a more accessible entry point into finance with reasonable debt, Kean provides a legitimate foundation—just set expectations for a gradual rather than immediate payoff.