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?  

Leaders of Kean University and New Jersey City University (NJCU) signed a definitive agreement in October 2025 advancing the merger between the two state universities. 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. Student Impact and Experience 

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. The University consulted with Hanover Research, an independent research company, to analyze academic program offerings at both campuses. The report is one of many factors being considered in academic planning. The executive summary of the Hanover report is available here.

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.

12. What steps will be taken to ensure that the merger maintains and enhances the quality of education and support services for current students?

The merger is being guided by a student-first approach, with every decision focused on supporting success. Academic programs will be reviewed to ensure quality, consistency and compliance with accreditation standards. Student support services will be expanded with unified departments and shared resources, providing more consistent and accessible support across both campuses.

13. What is the likelihood that students would be able to take classes at either campus?

Once the integration is complete, students will be part of one Kean University, with greater flexibility and access to a broader catalog of courses across the Union, Jersey City and Toms River campuses. Work is underway to align programs and systems, so students can take classes where it best fits their needs, whether that is in person, online or in hybrid formats. Students will also benefit from international opportunities, including Kean’s study abroad programs at various locations worldwide, including Wenzhou-Kean University in China. While some programs may be based on specific campuses, efforts are being made to expand options by offering core and elective courses in multiple modalities. The ultimate goal is to broaden, not limit, opportunities, providing students more pathways, support and flexibility in earning their degree.

14. Will the current requirements for my program remain the same?

Every effort will be made to avoid disrupting student progress throughout this process. If a program exists at both Kean and NJCU, it will be unified under Kean’s curriculum to ensure alignment and quality. Programs offered only at Kean will continue unchanged. In rare cases where a program may be discontinued, currently enrolled students will be able to complete their program or transfer seamlessly into another Kean program. Clear transfer pathways are being developed so NJCU credits apply toward a Kean degree without delaying graduation. The goal is to make the process as seamless as possible while preserving students’ progress toward their degrees.

15. Will credits from NJCU be transferred in full?

Yes. All NJCU credits will transfer into Kean, with pathways being built to ensure they apply toward a Kean degree. In some cases, credits may transfer as electives, especially if a student chooses to change majors and take advantage of Kean’s broader program options. The goal is

to give every student credit for the work they have already completed while expanding opportunities to pursue new academic paths.

16. Will diplomas be issued under NJCU, Kean or the newly merged institution?

NJCU students who graduate before the integration is finalized will receive an NJCU diploma. After the merger is completed and approved, which is expected in summer 2026, all new students and most current students will receive Kean degrees. NJCU students enrolled in programs that do not continue at Kean University after the merger will have the option to complete the program and receive a NJCU degree or transfer to a similar program at Kean.

17. What will happen to student services such as library access, advising, athletics, and extracurricular activities?

Student services will not only continue but, in many cases, expand under the integrated Kean model. Libraries, academic advising, counseling, and student life programs will be aligned across campuses to ensure consistent quality and access for all students. NJCU students will also gain access to Kean’s Open Educational Resources. Athletics are under active review, with a shared committee working to design the best structure for both competitive and recreational programs across the unified institution. 

D. Kean’s Mission and Commitment to Equity 

21. 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 

22. 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. 

23. 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. 

24. 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 

25. 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. 

26. 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. 

27. 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 

28. What will happen to athletics as part of the merger? 

No changes are planned for the 2025-2026 athletic season. A joint advisory committee is tasked with evaluating athletic programming on the Jersey City campus. The committee will deliver its final recommendations to President Repollet by December 15, 2025.  

I. Alumni

31. Will NJCU continue to exist after the merger? 

No. NJCU will transition into Kean Jersey City, an additional campus location of Kean University. The campus will continue to deliver academic programs, services and support in Jersey City, maintaining its commitment to the local community. 

32. Will NJCU alumni become alumni of Kean? 

No. NJCU alumni will remain alumni of NJCU and retain their original degrees and institutional identity. 

33. Will there still be NJCU alumni programming? 

Absolutely. Kean is committed to celebrating NJCU’s rich history and engaging its alumni through continued programming, events and outreach tailored specifically for the NJCU community. 

34. As an NJCU alumnus, am I now a graduate of Kean University? 

No. NJCU alumni will remain graduates of NJCU. Your diploma and alumni status will continue to reflect your achievements at NJCU. 

35. Does my NJCU degree still matter? 

Yes, without question. NJCU’s legacy spans nearly a century of excellence in education and public service. Your degree remains a meaningful representation of that legacy and will continue to be recognized and respected. 

36. Can I still obtain my NJCU transcript? 

Yes. Kean University will ensure secure and accessible record keeping for NJCU alumni. You will still be able to request official transcripts and verification of your degree. 

37. Will the NJCU Foundation continue to exist? 

The NJCU Foundation will continue to support the Jersey City campus, its students and programs. While the Foundation's name may eventually evolve to reflect the new institutional structure, its mission and impact will remain focused on the Jersey City community. 

38. Will current NJCU scholarships and funds transition to Kean or remain with the NJCU Foundation? 

The NJCU Foundation will continue to provide scholarship support for students on the Kean Jersey City campus. Scholarships and funds currently supporting that campus will not be transitioned to Kean. 

39. Should I continue to support NJCU and its students? 

Yes. Students at the Jersey City campus will continue to rely on generous donor support for scholarships, programs, and opportunities that allow them to climb higher. Your gifts have a lasting impact and are essential to student success. 

40. Will spaces on the Jersey City campus named in honor of NJCU donors be renamed? 

There are currently no plans to rename donor-recognized spaces. While the campus name will change, Kean is committed to honoring the legacies of those who have supported NJCU and the institution's history. Additional naming opportunities may also become available in the future. 

41. Will donor intent still be honored on the Jersey City campus? 

Yes. Respecting donor intent is a top priority. Kean is committed to ensuring that gifts made to support NJCU students, faculty and programs are used as intended, preserving the purpose and spirit of your generosity.