In a landmark decision, the Kean University Board of Trustees has voted to apply in-state tuition rates to all undergraduate and graduate students, both domestic and international, beginning in the Fall 2026 semester. The new policy, approved on Sept. 15, eliminates the distinction between in-state and out-of-state tuition, making the university more affordable for a wider range of students.
This initiative is part of Kean’s broader mission to provide accessible, high-quality education and bolster its reputation as an R2 research university. The move comes on the heels of a previous decision to extend in-state tuition to students from neighboring states, including New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
A Commitment to accessibility and growth
Kean University President, Lamont Repollet, emphasized that this decision reflects the institution’s growing status.
“We are extending our reach to students from across the country and around the globe,” Repollet said, “opening doors to transformative opportunities that will provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.”
The current annual in-state tuition and fees for full-time undergraduate students are $15,299.60, making Kean one of New Jersey’s most affordable universities. Graduate students taking nine credits per semester currently pay $18,351.72 annually.
Strengthening Kean’s position in higher education
Michael Salvatore, executive vice president for academic and administrative operations, noted that this change is crucial for strengthening Kean’s position, especially given its pending merger with New Jersey City University (NJCU). According to Salvatore, “This will enable us to tap into expanded markets while bringing students into the state,” he said.
The strategy has already proven successful for other local institutions, including NJCU.
The university has already seen significant growth, with a record-high enrollment of nearly 19,000 students worldwide for the Fall 2025 semester.
La Toro Yates, vice president for enrollment services, believes the new tuition structure will further enhance admissions by connecting Kean with a more diverse pool of prospective students.
“We are expanding access and opening pathways for more students to pursue their goals,” Yates said.
