MS at Kean University, Union — Cost, Community & Job Market Guide for Indian Students (2026)
Quick answer
Kean University is a public university in Union Township, Union, New Jersey, part of the New York-Newark-Jersey City region. Affordable NJ public. Tuition: $1,090 per credit — Kean eliminated separate out-of-state/international graduate tuition rates effective Fall 2026; the Board of Trustees extended in-state rates to all students (domestic and international) worldwide, so this single rate applies regardless of residency. (Source: Kean's official MS Computer Science program page and a Kean news article confirming the Fall 2026 tuition-rate policy change, verified August 2026.)
Quick facts
- Kean University is located in Union Township, Union, New Jersey.
- School type: Public. Cost tier (relative to this dataset): Mid.
- Nearest metro: New York-Newark-Jersey City.
- Tuition: $1,090 per credit — Kean eliminated separate out-of-state/international graduate tuition rates effective Fall 2026; the Board of Trustees extended in-state rates to all students (domestic and international) worldwide, so this single rate applies regardless of residency. (Source: Kean's official MS Computer Science program page and a Kean news article confirming the Fall 2026 tuition-rate policy change, verified August 2026.)
- Program duration: 30 credits (10 courses). (Source: Kean's official MS Computer Science program page and a Kean news article confirming the Fall 2026 tuition-rate policy change, verified August 2026.)
- Intake cycle: Fall: International/Priority deadline April 1, Domestic deadline June 30. Spring: International/Priority deadline October 1, Domestic deadline December 1.. (Source: Kean's official MS Computer Science program page and a Kean news article confirming the Fall 2026 tuition-rate policy change, verified August 2026.)
- STEM-OPT eligibility is not stated here as confirmed — confirm directly with the university [VERIFY].
What is Kean University known for among Indian applicants?
Affordable NJ public. This is a starting-point observation from aggregate application patterns, not a guarantee of admission or outcome for any individual applicant [VERIFY: current admissions data].
What does the total cost at Kean University actually look like?
As of August 2026, Kean University's tuition is $1,090 per credit — Kean eliminated separate out-of-state/international graduate tuition rates effective Fall 2026; the Board of Trustees extended in-state rates to all students (domestic and international) worldwide, so this single rate applies regardless of residency. (Source: Kean's official MS Computer Science program page and a Kean news article confirming the Fall 2026 tuition-rate policy change, verified August 2026.) Note: Kean also separately offers an MS in Computer Information Systems — a distinct program. STEM-OPT not explicitly stated for this specific MS Computer Science program (Kean does explicitly brand a separate 5-year "Computational Science & Engineering - STEM" B.S./M.S. program by name, which is a different program and should not be conflated with this one). This is one figure from one point in time — tuition changes year to year, so confirm the current rate directly before budgeting around it. Total cost means tuition plus living expenses plus travel, not tuition alone — a lower sticker price in a higher cost-of-living metro can still add up to more than a higher sticker price in a cheaper town. Convert every number to INR at the exchange rate on the day you check, not a rate quoted in an old blog post.
Is the MS program at Kean University STEM-OPT eligible?
STEM-OPT eligibility is set at the individual program level by its CIP code, not the university as a whole, and was not explicitly confirmed from an official source in this pass [VERIFY: stemOptEligible]. Confirm the CIP code and STEM designation for this exact program directly with Kean University's international student office.
Is there a job market near Kean University?
Kean University sits close to New York-Newark-Jersey City, a metro with active tech hiring [VERIFY: current hiring pattern]. Proximity to a job market is not a guarantee of a job, a visa, or a specific salary — outcomes depend on your program, your OPT-stage networking, and the hiring market at the time you graduate.
What is daily life like for an Indian student at Kean University?
Specific details on the local Indian community, grocery access, and transport options near Union Township are not compiled here [VERIFY: confirm with current students or the school's international student association before you commit]. Most campuses run an official Indian Students Association or similar group — check the school's student organizations directory directly.
| Field | Status | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,090 per credit — Kean eliminated separate out-of-state/international graduate tuition rates effective Fall 2026; the Board of Trustees extended in-state rates to all students (domestic and international) worldwide, so this single rate applies regardless of residency (as of August 2026) | Kean's official MS Computer Science program page and a Kean news article confirming the Fall 2026 tuition-rate policy change |
| Program duration | 30 credits (10 courses) | Kean's official MS Computer Science program page and a Kean news article confirming the Fall 2026 tuition-rate policy change |
| School type / cost tier | Public / Mid | This dataset (relative ranking, not a dollar figure) |
| Nearest metro | New York-Newark-Jersey City | — |
| STEM-OPT / CIP code | [VERIFY] | Kean's official MS Computer Science program page and a Kean news article confirming the Fall 2026 tuition-rate policy change |
| Intake cycle / deadlines | Fall: International/Priority deadline April 1, Domestic deadline June 30. Spring: International/Priority deadline October 1, Domestic deadline December 1. | Kean's official MS Computer Science program page and a Kean news article confirming the Fall 2026 tuition-rate policy change |
A program that fits your specific budget and job-market plan beats a program with a familiar name and a vague plan.
Building your MS timeline around a skills gap you'll need to close before OPT starts? See how a focused, project-based track fits alongside your degree.
Explore for international studentsRelated reading: this city's guide, this state's guide.
Frequently asked questions
Will I regret choosing Kean University over a bigger-name school?
Depends what you're optimizing for. If it's total cost and a realistic path to a job in New York-Newark-Jersey City, a less-famous name is not automatically a worse choice — regret usually comes from an unclear budget or job-market plan, not the school's name recognition.
What is the tuition at Kean University?
As of August 2026, $1,090 per credit — Kean eliminated separate out-of-state/international graduate tuition rates effective Fall 2026; the Board of Trustees extended in-state rates to all students (domestic and international) worldwide, so this single rate applies regardless of residency, per Kean's official MS Computer Science program page and a Kean news article confirming the Fall 2026 tuition-rate policy change. Confirm the current figure directly before budgeting, since tuition changes year to year.
Is Kean University a good option for an Indian MS applicant?
Depends on your budget, target job market, and risk tolerance — not university ranking. Compare total cost and the New York-Newark-Jersey City job market against your own priorities.
Is the MS program at Kean University STEM-OPT eligible?
STEM-OPT status is set per program by CIP code. Confirm directly with Kean University's international student office. [VERIFY]
What is the nearest big city to Kean University?
New York-Newark-Jersey City. Many graduates relocate there after OPT begins if the campus town itself has limited tech hiring. [VERIFY: typical pattern for this program]
Is there an Indian community near Kean University in Union?
Not compiled here in detail. Confirm with current students or the school's international student association. [VERIFY]
When can I apply to Kean University?
As of August 2026, reported intake: Fall: International/Priority deadline April 1, Domestic deadline June 30. Spring: International/Priority deadline October 1, Domestic deadline December 1., per Kean's official MS Computer Science program page and a Kean news article confirming the Fall 2026 tuition-rate policy change. Deadlines shift year to year, so confirm the current cycle directly.