Keene State College
The Vibe Check
Keene State College feels like a tight-knit creative community nestled in a quintessential New England town. It's a place where the arts thrive, activism is visible, and the surrounding mountains and forests invite constant outdoor adventure. Students describe it as welcoming and unpretentious, with a strong sense of local identity.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
SAT data not available
Average: 1070
ACT Score Range
ACT data not available
Average: 25
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
The college is a regional leader in teacher education and creative arts, offering hands-on learning through its renowned Mason Library and community-focused programs. Class sizes are small, ensuring personalized attention from faculty who prioritize undergraduate teaching over large-scale research. Opportunities for undergraduate research are robust, particularly in environmental science and psychology.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Keene
Life in Keene revolves around the vibrant downtown area, filled with coffee shops, indie bookstores, and farm-to-table restaurants. Students enjoy easy access to the Monadnock region for hiking, skiing, and kayaking, as well as seasonal events like the famous Pumpkin Fest. The social scene is more about community gatherings and outdoor activities than large-scale nightlife.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($54,368):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
Keene State has a dedicated campus safety department and a well-lit, walkable campus, though standard precautions are always recommended. The town of Keene is exceptionally safe with very low crime rates, contributing to a secure student environment.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Strong programs in Education and Visual/Performing Arts with dedicated faculty
- ✓ Stunning location near Mount Monadnock for year-round outdoor activities
- ✓ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and mentorship
- ✓ Vibrant, walkable downtown area integrated with campus life
Cons
- ✗ Graduation and retention rates are lower than the national average
- ✗ Remote location in Southern NH limits access to major metropolitan hubs
- ✗ Social life can feel limited for students who prefer urban environments
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Keene State College is best known for its highly regarded Education and Visual & Performing Arts programs. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability, its tight-knit community atmosphere, and its location in a classic New England college town with immediate access to outdoor recreation.
No, Keene State College has an acceptance rate of 89.09%, making it an accessible option for most applicants. While admission is not highly selective, meeting the average GPA (around 3.0-3.5) and submitting a complete application will give you a strong chance of acceptance.
Campus life is defined by a strong sense of community and an active outdoors culture. With a student body of roughly 2,680, students enjoy a friendly, intimate environment where involvement in clubs, outdoor clubs, and the arts is central to the social experience.
Yes, particularly for in-state students or those pursuing high-demand fields like Education. The combination of a manageable average net price ($19,164), a solid 10-year median earnings figure ($54,368), and a debt-friendly tuition structure makes it a financially sound choice for a bachelor's degree.
Similar Universities
Top Employers
Next Steps & Tools
Make the best decision with our free planning tools.
Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Suburban
- Undergrad 2,961
- In-State Tuition $14,710
- Out-of-State $26,186
- Zip Code 03435
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $19,164, Keene State offers a solid return on investment, especially for in-state students paying $14,710. The 10-year median earnings of $54,368 are competitive for a regional public college, particularly in the humanities and education fields. For students aiming to enter the New England workforce without accruing massive debt, the value proposition is strong.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.