The basics:
- Kean, NJCU sign definitive agreement advancing merger plan
- NJCU students would become Kean students — with full services and housing
- Merger awaits regulatory approvals, completion expected by July 2026
- Advisory committees will guide athletic, academic & operational integration
The historic merger between Kean University and New Jersey City University is taking its next step forward.
Leaders of the two institutions signed a definitive agreement this week, which the governing boards of both universities approved.
As NJBIZ has reported, Kean and NJCU initially signed a Letter of Intent in May to take the next step forward in the merger. This definitive agreement establishes the framework and key terms for the creation of Kean Jersey City.
“This agreement represents a powerful step forward in creating a more inclusive, student-centered system of higher education in New Jersey,” said Kean President Lamont Repollet.
“This step represents a significant milestone in a process designed to secure the future of our institution and the communities we have proudly served for nearly a century,” said NJCU’s recently inaugurated President Andres Acebo. He previously served as interim president, since navigating the university through a budget crisis that predated his tenure. “To that end, we have worked to strengthen and enhance the educational opportunities our students depend on, keeping them accessible, high-quality, and consistent with our legacy of service and public impact.”
Key things to know about the agreement:
- Once the merger is complete, NJCU students will transition to become Kean students. They will have access to Kean’s students services, clubs, organizations and housing on the Jersey City campus
- Kean will honor previously earned academic credits, need-based financial aid commitments and merit scholarships for NJCU students;
- NJCU students will pay Kean tuition and fees, currently the lowest in New Jersey
- Establishes a joint advisory committee tasked with evaluating athletic programming on the Jersey City campus. The committee will deliver its final recommendations to Repollet by Dec. 15
- Establishes an advisory steering committee. The group will provide oversight for the next phase of the merger. That includes academic and operational integration, as well as guide the process through regulatory and governmental reviews
- Merger subject to final approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the New Jersey Legislature and the U.S. Department of Education
- Process expects to wrap up by July 2026
Opening new doors
“As the state’s urban research university, Kean is proud to lead this bold initiative to strengthen equity and innovation,” said Repollet. “Kean Jersey City will open new doors for students across the region and empower them to thrive in an increasingly complex world.”
Acebo added, “As we approach our centennial, this merger provides a bridge to our second century, one that carries forward our tradition of serving first-generation, adult, and historically underserved students, while broadening opportunities through Kean’s role as New Jersey’s urban research university.”
Steve Fastook, chair of the Kean University Board of Trustees, said the board unanimously supports the merger. He described it as “truly transformative” not just for Kean and NJCU – but for public higher education across the country.
“This is a model for how institutions can come together to increase access, drive innovation, and create meaningful public impact,” said Fastook. “We are proud to be leading the way.”
This is a model for how institutions can come together to increase access, drive innovation, and create meaningful public impact.
— Steve Fastook, chair, Kean University Board of Trustees
Raphael Salermo, the newly elected chair of the NJCU Board of Trustees, said, “The Board’s approval of this definitive agreement reflects our commitment to securing NJCU’s future while preserving its mission of accessible, high-quality education for the communities we serve.”
He added the merger ensures continuity of NJCU’s historic mission while also providing the institutional strength and resources needed to thrive in a changing higher education landscape.
“We are confident this partnership will benefit students on both campuses for generations to come,” said Salermo.
