There will be 25 new undergraduate degree programs and 20 new graduate options, including three doctoral programs.
There will be enough new students to push the overall enrollment of Kean over 25,000 — at its now four campuses and one online program.
But what’s the official creation of Kean Jersey City really does today is open the opportunities that higher education brings while creating more avenues for access in the process.
“This is a defining moment for Kean University and Jersey City, one that opens new doors for students and strengthens our shared future,” Kean University President Lamont Repollet said.
“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.”
The historic merger, establishing Kean Jersey City as the newest campus in the Kean system that includes the flagship campus in Union, Kean Jersey City, Kean Ocean in Toms River, Wenzhou-Kean University in China and online through Kean Global.
Andrés Acebo, who previously served as president of NJCU, will assume the role of chancellor of Kean Jersey City, effective immediately.
Following the completion of NJCU’s summer semester, the U.S. Department of Education is expected to process the University’s application to add Jersey City as an additional instructional location.
The merger follows 17 months of planning and collaboration between the two universities since NJCU first selected Kean as its merger partner to address fiscal challenges at the Jersey City institution.
It was applauded by many in the legislature.
“This merger reflects what can happen when we put students first and focus on the long-term strength of public higher education,” State Senate President Nicholas Scutari said.
Scutari, Class of 1989, sponsored the Senate bill that advanced the merger.
“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,” he said.
His counterpart in the General Assembly, Speaker Craig Coughlin, also was thrilled.
“A strong public higher education system is essential to New Jersey’s continued success,” he said. “This merger strengthens our public higher education system by expanding educational access and building a stronger talent pipeline for businesses and employers across our state.”
As part of this historic process, students from NJCU automatically became Kean students, with access to additional academic programs, research opportunities and other Kean support services.
The merger builds on a period of significant momentum for Kean. In recent years, the University has earned a prestigious Carnegie R2 research designation, expanded strategic partnerships worldwide, marked five consecutive years of record enrollment, and enhanced its financial ratings while continuing to advance its mission of providing affordable, high-quality educational opportunities.
The merger also creates new opportunities for student-athletes. Kean Jersey City will compete as a member of United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) and sponsor women’s soccer and men’s basketball beginning with the 2026-2027 season. Athletes on other former NJCU teams will have opportunities to compete with Kean’s NCAA teams.
Kean University Board of Trustees Chair Steve Fastook praised the process.
“This milestone reflects the power of bold leadership, responsible stewardship and a shared commitment to students,” he said. “The work undertaken by both institutions has created a solid foundation for the future. We look forward to all that Kean Jersey City will contribute to the University in the years ahead.”
The merger always was viewed positively in Hudson County.
“Today’s announcement is an important step toward protecting something Hudson County cannot afford to lose: access to a high-quality, affordable four-year public university in Jersey City,” County Executive Craig Guy said.
“For generations, New Jersey City University has opened the door to higher education for students who otherwise might not have had the opportunity to earn a college degree. I have been in many conversations with Kean University President Lamont Repollet and am confident that this critical mission can continue and grow for future generations. Our students, working families, and diverse communities deserve access to an outstanding public university close to home.”
Jersey City Mayor James Solomon agreed.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Acebo saw the big picture.
“This campus has always been more than a collection of buildings — it has been a promise,” he said. “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.”
