Kean, NJCU Move Forward With Merger Of Two Schools

UNION, NJ — Kean University and New Jersey City University (NJCU) are merging into Kean Jersey City.

The approval by both governing boards means NJCU students will now be absorbed into the Kean program. The schools say the move was made to expand access to resources and grow opportunities for students across the region in the future.

“This agreement represents a powerful step forward in creating a more inclusive, student-centered system of higher education in New Jersey,” adds Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.

Kean will honor credits already earned, need-based financial aid agreements, and merit scholarships.

Students will also pay Kean's tuition and fees which are the lowest in New Jersey, according to the school. Kean student services, clubs, organizations, and Jersey City campus housing will also be available to these new members of the academic community.

NJCU President Andrés Acebo believes this opens a whole new world for students at NJCU.

"This merger provides a bridge to our second century, one that carries forward our tradition of serving first-generation, adult, and historically underserved students," Acebo says, "while broadening opportunities through Kean’s role as New Jersey’s urban research university.”

A joint advisory steering committee was established to see the project through in the coming months. The group will deliver its final recommendations to Repollet by Dec. 15.

The merger is estimated to be completed by July 2026, pending final approval from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the New Jersey legislature, and the U.S. Department of Education.

“This is a model for how institutions can come together to increase access, drive innovation and create meaningful public impact," adds Steve Fastook, chair of the Kean University Board of Trustees. "We are proud to be leading the way.”

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