Founded in 1855, Kean University has grown to become one of New Jerseys largest institutions of higher learning. In 1958, Kean moved from Newark to Union and currently occupies over 150 acres in Union and Hillside Townships. Kean was granted university status in 1997. While maintaining its significant role in the training of teachers, Kean has become a comprehensive institution offering 45 undergraduate and 26 graduate degree programs serving some 12,000 students. Across four undergraduate colleges and the Nathan Weiss College of Graduate Studies, Kean's academic programs cover a wide range of disciplines.