Kean Jersey City

 A. About the Merger 

As both institutions enter the Fall recruitment cycle, these FAQs are designed to support staff members in their interactions with prospective students and families.  

1. Why are Kean and NJCU merging?  

In 2022, NJCU faced significant financial challenges, prompting the State of New Jersey to appoint a monitor to review the university’s financial health and long-term viability.  

The monitor recommended that NJCU partner with a strong and stable higher education institution to preserve access for its students and community. 

Following this recommendation, the NJCU Board of Trustees voted in March 2025 to select Kean University as that partner.  

The merger will ensure continued access to affordable, high-quality higher education for students from Hudson County and across the state.  

2. When will the merger take place?  

The merger is currently under review and must be approved by accrediting/governing bodies and the U.S. Department of Education. The goal is to complete this process by July 1, 2026. Once the accreditation review process is complete and the merger is approved, all NJCU students will become Kean University students.  

3. Should prospective students for Fall 2026 apply separately to Kean and NJCU?  

Yes. Students interested in attending Kean and NJCU should continue to apply to each university separately, following the current admissions process at each university. 

4. Will this merger affect admission decisions or application processes at either institution?  

No. Admissions decisions for the 2026-27 academic year will continue to be based on the current standards and processes of each university. Applicants will not be disadvantaged or delayed because of the merger.  

5. 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. 

6. 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. 

7. 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. Impact and Experience for Kean Students 

8. 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. 

9. 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. 

10. 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. We do not anticipate that the merger will impact current tuition rates or financial aid commitments for Kean students. 

11. Will student support services at Kean change because of the merger? 

While the merger presents exciting opportunities to serve additional students and support greater student collaboration, we expect 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.

D. Kean’s Mission and Commitment to Equity 

15. How does this merger support Kean’s mission? 

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 support our  underserved communities. 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 

20. 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 in compliance with applicable conference and NCAA regulations.