The basics:

• Kean University and NJCU officially complete merger
• Combination creates Kean Jersey City campus within system
• Expands academic offerings, student access
• Nearly 25,000 students expected across system

Kean University and New Jersey City University have officially completed their historic merger, establishing Kean Jersey City as the newest campus in the Kean University system.

Finalized after 17 months of planning and collaboration, the merger takes effect ahead of the fall semester. At that time, Kean is expected to serve nearly 25,000 students. The school boasts campuses in Union, Jersey City, Toms River and China as well as online programs.

The merger comes after NJCU selected Kean as a partner to address financial challenges. As part of the transition, all NJCU students automatically became Kean students. The distinction gives them access to additional academic programs, research opportunities and student support services.

The merger also expands Kean’s academic offerings by adding 25 undergraduate degree programs, 20 graduate programs and three doctoral programs. Additionally, it creates new athletic opportunities. Kean Jersey City will join the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. The school will sponsor women’s soccer and men’s basketball beginning with the 2026-27 academic year.

Former NJCU President Andrés Acebo assumes the role of chancellor of Kean Jersey City, effective immediately.

A milestone moment

Kean University President Lamont Repollet called the merger a transformative milestone.

“This is a defining moment for Kean University and Jersey City, one that opens new doors for students and strengthens our shared future. Today, we welcome the students, faculty and staff of Kean Jersey City into the Kean family and begin building an even stronger university together.

“What we accomplish from this point forward will expand opportunity for students and create lasting impact for generations to come,” said Repollet.

Steve Fastook, chair of the Kean University Board of Trustees, said the combination reflects the power of bold leadership, responsible stewardship and a shared commitment to students.

“The work undertaken by both institutions together thoughtfully, we are building on that foundation while expanding Kean’s capacity to serve students and communities across New Jersey,” said Fastook.

Acebo said the merger builds on nearly a century of the Jersey City campus’s legacy.

“This campus has always been more than a collection of buildings—it has been a promise. Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community have built an extraordinary legacy from that promise. For nearly 100 years, it has opened doors for students, strengthened families, and helped shape the future of Jersey City, Hudson County, and the State of New Jersey.

“As we prepare to celebrate our campus’s centennial, through Kean Jersey City, we will build on that remarkable foundation by expanding opportunity, strengthening student success, and ensuring this campus continues to serve as a powerful engine of hope, mobility, and possibility for generations to come,” said Acebo.

A new chapter

Senate President Nicholas Scutari, D-22nd District, sponsored the legislation advancing the merger. He said the partnership puts students first.

“This merger reflects what can happen when we … focus on the long-term strength of public higher education. As a Kean alumnus, I’m especially proud to see the university bringing its proven model of success to Jersey City and strengthening its presence throughout New Jersey.”

New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-19th District, said the merger will strengthen the state’s higher education system.

“A strong public higher education system is essential to New Jersey’s continued success. This merger … expand[s] educational access and building a stronger talent pipeline for businesses and employers across our state.”

Jersey City Mayor James Solomon said the move represents a new chapter for the city.

“The merger of NJCU and Kean marks a new era for Jersey City, and I look forward to working with the leadership of Kean Jersey City to ensure our residents will continue to have access to a world-class education right here at home. As a former professor at NJCU, I saw how that institution has helped so many of our city’s residents build a future for themselves, and I will do everything I can to make sure generations of Jersey City residents can build futures for themselves at Kean Jersey City.”

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education approved the merger in April. The U.S. Department of Education is expected to process Kean’s application to add Jersey City as an additional instructional location following the conclusion of NJCU’s summer semester.