Kean Jersey City
In early 2025, Kean University submitted a proposal to execute a merger with New Jersey City University (NJCU). On Wednesday, March 5, the NJCU Board of Trustees voted to move forward with that proposal.
This website will serve as a resource as the merger process unfolds in the weeks and months ahead.
Letter from Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
Frequently Asked Questions
B. Student Impact and Experience
C. Academic Excellence and Faculty
D. Kean’s Mission and Commitment to Equity
E. Kean’s Resources and Financial Strength
F. Opportunities for Kean Faculty and Staff
H. Future Vision and Next Steps
A. About the Merger
1. Why is Kean University pursuing a merger with New Jersey City University?
Kean is committed to transforming higher education in New Jersey by expanding opportunity and access for all students. This merger allows Kean to build on NJCU’s urban legacy while leveraging Kean’s academic and operational strengths to serve more students across the state.
2. How does this merger strengthen Kean University’s role and reputation in New Jersey higher education?
The merger will position Kean as a statewide anchor institution, expanding our reach and impact while reinforcing our leadership in public service, equity and research. It will also build on Kean’s momentum as an R2 research university.
3. What does this merger mean for Kean’s identity as New Jersey’s first Urban Research University?
The merger deepens Kean’s role as New Jersey’s urban research university by combining our research capacity with NJCU’s urban footprint, creating new opportunities for innovation and community impact.
4. What is the shared history between Kean and NJCU?
Both institutions began as teachers colleges in the 19th and early 20th centuries, dedicated to preparing educators for New Jersey’s growing population. Over time, they have evolved into comprehensive universities, serving diverse student populations with a broad range of academic offerings.
B. Student Impact and Experience
5. How will this merger benefit current Kean students?
Students will benefit from expanded academic offerings, access to new learning locations, enhanced student services and a broader alumni and professional network across the state.
6. Will Kean students have new opportunities to study or engage in Jersey City?
The merger will integrate NJCU’s Jersey City campus into the Kean ecosystem, opening new opportunities for academic programs, research, internships and community partnerships in Hudson County.
7. Will the merger affect tuition, financial aid or Kean’s affordability?
Kean remains committed to affordability and continues to be New Jersey’s most affordable comprehensive public university. The merger will not impact current tuition rates or financial aid commitments for Kean students.
8. Will student support services at Kean change because of the merger?
Kean will maintain its student-centered support services under the Division of Student Success and Retention, while expanding successful programs like the Center for Advising, Persistence and Success (CAPS) and Moon Shot for Kean to serve a broader student population.
C. Academic Excellence and Faculty
9. How will this merger enhance Kean’s academic programs and research opportunities?
The merger will create new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, program expansion, international outreach and graduate-level offerings in high-demand fields aligned with workforce needs.
10. Will there be changes to Kean’s faculty or curriculum?
Kean will continue to invest in high-quality instruction and faculty development. The merger offers opportunities to integrate complementary programs and share best practices across campuses.
11. How will Kean ensure academic quality across all campuses, including Jersey City?
Kean’s multi-campus model ensures consistent academic standards and student support across locations, backed by centralized systems and coordinated faculty development. This model already supports Kean Ocean in Toms River, Kean Skylands in Jefferson and Wenzhou-Kean University in China.
D. Kean’s Mission and Commitment to Equity
12. How does this merger support Kean’s commitment to equity, inclusion and social mobility?
The merger advances Kean’s mission by expanding access to high-quality, affordable education for historically underserved communities and increasing support for first-generation and low-income students. Kean and NJCU share a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. The merger strengthens Kean’s ability to serve New Jersey’s diverse student population and uplift communities through education.
E. Kean’s Resources and Financial Strength
16. How is Kean funding this merger, and will it affect current operations or investments in Union or other campuses?
Kean’s strong financial foundation, which includes clean audits and debt reduction, allows it to lead this merger with state support without compromising existing operations or capital projects.
17. Will this merger impact Kean’s ability to continue capital improvements and new initiatives across its campuses?
Kean has already invested $100 million in capital projects through self-generated funding and will continue making strategic investments across its campuses.
18. How does this merger reflect Kean’s financial health and long-term strategy?
The merger aligns with Kean’s long-term strategy to grow sustainably, expand statewide impact and deliver measurable value to students and communities across New Jersey.
F. Opportunities for Kean Faculty and Staff
19. What opportunities will this merger create for Kean faculty and staff?
The merger will offer new teaching, research, leadership and service opportunities for Kean faculty and staff as the university expands its reach and programs.
20. Will Kean employees be involved in shaping the integration of NJCU into Kean University?
Kean plans to involve faculty and staff in cross-campus planning, academic alignment and student service integration to ensure a smooth transition and shared success.
21. How will Kean maintain its culture and community during this expansion?
Kean’s model balances centralized quality standards with campus-specific identity and culture, ensuring each location remains a vibrant part of the broader Kean community.
G. Athletics
22. What will happen to athletics as part of the merger?
No changes are planned for the 2025-2026 athletic season. Athletic leaders will evaluate how best to support athletic participation across campuses while preserving competitive opportunities going forward.
H. Future Vision and Next Steps
23. What is the timeline for the merger?
The merger is currently in the planning and review phase, with Kean and NJCU working on a formal Letter of Intent to outline the integration process. The letter is expected to be complete this Spring, and a due diligence period will follow. Once due diligence is complete, a successful merger can take up to 24 months. The process will be led by transition teams addressing academic alignment, student services, administrative systems, finances, athletics and more. Stakeholder contributions and input from the state and accrediting bodies will guide each step, and Kean will share updates as the timeline progresses.
24. How will Kean ensure a smooth and successful transition?
Kean will apply its proven multi-campus management model to support operational and cultural integration and student success across locations. Planning will prioritize consistency, communication and resource equity.
25. What is Kean’s long-term vision for the merged institution?
Kean envisions a stronger, sustainable university that advances social mobility, drives urban research and serves as a model of student-centered public higher education in New Jersey.