Ò°»¨ÉçÇø

This moment is about more than just institutional transformation—it is about fortifying Ò°»¨ÉçÇø's promise to the students and families we serve. By partnering with Kean University, we are not only securing Ò°»¨ÉçÇø's presence in Jersey City for generations to come, but also expanding opportunities, resources, and academic pathways that will benefit current and future students.

As we navigate this next chapter, our commitment to transparency and open communication remains unwavering. The FAQs below provide clarity on this process and address the questions most important to our community. Together, we will honor our past, embrace the opportunities of today, and build a future where Ò°»¨ÉçÇø continues to thrive.

Merger Timeline and Status

On March 5, 2025, the Ò°»¨ÉçÇø Board of Trustees, in compliance with the April 2024 Transition Plan mandates from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, announced Ò°»¨ÉçÇø would pursue a strategic merger with Kean University and authorized Ò°»¨ÉçÇø leadership to negotiate a Letter of Intent with Kean University.

On May 15, 2025, Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., and Ò°»¨ÉçÇø President Andrés Acebo, J.D., signed the Letter of Intent, advancing the proposed merger.

On October 1, 2025, both institutions signed a definitive merger agreement, which was unanimously approved by the governing boards of both universities. This agreement establishes the framework and key terms for the creation of Kean Jersey City.

The merger remains subject to final approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the New Jersey State Legislature, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), and the United States Department of Education (USDOE). The change in control is targeted for June 2026, at which point the Ò°»¨ÉçÇø campus will become an additional location of Kean University operating as Kean Jersey City.

What This Means for Students, Faculty, and Staff

Ò°»¨ÉçÇø academics, athletics, arts and other programs continue uninterrupted as the merger process advances. Currently enrolled students—and those who enrolled as first-year students for 2025-2026—have our pledge that their programs will continue and, if eligible, will graduate on time. There is no change in our obligations to students, eligibility for sports for our student-athletes, and other agreements. Nothing will change without communicating to the Ò°»¨ÉçÇø community, particularly students and their families. Similarly, all obligations made to faculty and staff will be honored throughout this process.

A joint advisory committee has been established to evaluate athletic programming on the Jersey City campus, with final recommendations to be delivered by December 15, 2025. Additionally, an advisory steering committee is overseeing the next phase of the merger, including academic and operational integration, and will guide the process through regulatory and governmental reviews.

We have positioned Ò°»¨ÉçÇø as a strong, desirable partner in this merger, and Kean University's commitment to merging with Ò°»¨ÉçÇø is a testament to our ongoing dedication to our students' future.

As the two institutions work through the regulatory approval process in the months ahead, our shared goal is to preserve Ò°»¨ÉçÇø's mission and legacy, foster growth and innovation, and further strengthen Ò°»¨ÉçÇø's commitment to students, faculty and staff, alumni and the Jersey City and Hudson County communities we serve.

Kean/Ò°»¨ÉçÇø Shared Services Agreement

HEFT Fund Approved Resolution

FY2026 Capital Budget Requests

Kean and Ò°»¨ÉçÇø are merging to strengthen the academic offerings available to students in New Jersey, particularly those in urban areas like Hudson County. The merger builds on both universities' commitments to access, affordability, and student success.

Serving our students and preserving our educational mission are Ò°»¨ÉçÇø’s priorities. In addition to its close geographic proximity, Kean University’s commitment to traditionally underserved student populations, and the breadth of its academic, research and athletic offerings and its shared commitment to student persistence and social mobility align with Ò°»¨ÉçÇø’s refreshed mission, making Kean University a particularly good fit for our community, and one that will serve our current and future students well.

Kean University and Ò°»¨ÉçÇø signed a letter of intent in May 2025 to pursue a strategic merger, following the Ò°»¨ÉçÇø Board of Trustees’ selection of Kean as its partner in March. Both the Ò°»¨ÉçÇø and Kean University Boards of Trustees unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement in October 2025.

Integration teams, comprising of staff from both universities, are working collaboratively to align operations in key areas, including academics, student services and administration.

The merger is subject to approval by accrediting agencies and the U.S. Department of Education. The goal is to complete the process by July 1, 2026. Upon approval, Ò°»¨ÉçÇø students will become Kean students.

No, there will be no immediate changes and no operational changes are anticipated until the merger is complete. The campus community—including faculty, staff, and students—may begin to see some new signage on campus in the Spring 2026 semester advertising the pending merger.

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 Ò°»¨ÉçÇø students will become Kean University students.

No. Ò°»¨ÉçÇø will transition into Kean Jersey City, an additional 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.

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.  

This is one of the many issues that the two institutions will work to address, but the expectation is that Ò°»¨ÉçÇø’s main Jersey City campus will remain open as part of the relationship with Kean University.

Alumni, faculty and staff, and community support has been indispensable to the remarkable revitalization that has been taking place over the last two years at Ò°»¨ÉçÇø. Ò°»¨ÉçÇø is thankful for and uplifted by the ongoing support of our current and prospective students, dedicated faculty and staff, and engaged community partners. You are Ò°»¨ÉçÇø’s best ambassadors – keep up the great work!

Ò°»¨ÉçÇø also remains grateful for our generous donors and external financial supporters. You have enabled the University to enter the merger process as a vibrant and valued partner. Your continued support will help us to bolster our educational mission with a very fitting celebration of our centennial in 2027.

Ò°»¨ÉçÇø students will likely notice no changes during the 2025-2026 academic year. All new students who enroll in 2026-2027, as well as all continuing students who remain in good standing, will be able to graduate with a degree in their academic programs. Ò°»¨ÉçÇø will continue regular academic instruction, including all student support services, as programming and services are enhanced with our strategic partnerships.  After both presidents sign a Letter of Intent in the coming weeks, Ò°»¨ÉçÇø and Kean University will begin to work out the details of a permanent relationship between the two institutions.

Ò°»¨ÉçÇø will transition into Kean Jersey City, an additional 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.

Absolutely. Students should register for classes and pursue their studies as planned while Ò°»¨ÉçÇø and Kean University work toward the merger. The result of that work will be enhanced academic and non-academic offerings, opportunities and resources for students from both institutions.

Yes. Students interested in attending Kean and Ò°»¨ÉçÇø should continue to apply to each university separately, following the current admissions process at each university.

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.

Ò°»¨ÉçÇø will continue to support new students’ and continuing students’ academic journeys through endowed scholarships, honors scholarships, and presidential scholarships, as well as discounts stemming from community and business partnerships.

Kean is currently evaluating program offerings and locations and is committed to supporting all students in achieving their academic goals. The University will update program offerings as more information becomes available.

Current student athletes will maintain their current eligibility status throughout the 2025-2026 academic year, and likely beyond. Our athletic teams are poised to compete through spring 2026, and no changes have been made in their competitive schedules.

Absolutely. Anyone who earns and has earned an accredited degree from Ò°»¨ÉçÇø should be proud. Ò°»¨ÉçÇø is an accredited four-year public institution with a nearly 100-year history of delivering a top-rate educational experience. Nothing can take away that distinction. Our institution has changed names and restructured multiple times over the years, but our legacy and mission remain. A degree from Ò°»¨ÉçÇø carries weight with employers as well as with other academic institutions.

Yes. However, course offerings will vary by campus. Students will have the opportunity to study in Jersey City, Union and Toms River as well as in China at Wenzhou-Kean University and online through Kean Global. 

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.

More details will be shared as the merger is finalized.

Both universities are committed to maintaining strong student life experiences and support services on all campuses. Students can expect continued access on site or virtually to clubs, organizations, advising, counseling and career services, with the potential for expanded options after the merger.

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. 

Every effort will be made to avoid disrupting student progress throughout this process. If a program exists at both Kean and Ò°»¨ÉçÇø, 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 Ò°»¨ÉçÇø 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.

Ò°»¨ÉçÇø students who graduate before the integration is finalized will receive an Ò°»¨ÉçÇø 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. Ò°»¨ÉçÇø 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 Ò°»¨ÉçÇø degree or transfer to a similar program at Kean.

Once the merger is complete, students on the Kean Jersey City campus will pay , which are currently the lowest in the state. Tuition, fees, and financial aid options change each year based on several factors. Any future adjustments will be communicated clearly, prioritizing affordability and access for students.

Yes. All Ò°»¨ÉçÇø 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.

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. Ò°»¨ÉçÇø 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.

Every detail about the merger between Ò°»¨ÉçÇø and Kean University continue to be worked out, now that the two institutions have signed a definitive merger agreement. Ò°»¨ÉçÇø will continue to share significant updates with students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni through our usual communications platforms as appropriate, and the universities will hold town halls for the campus communities.

No. Ò°»¨ÉçÇø alumni will remain alumni of Ò°»¨ÉçÇø and retain their original degrees and institutional identity. 

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

No. Ò°»¨ÉçÇø alumni will remain graduates of Ò°»¨ÉçÇø. Your diploma and alumni status will continue to reflect your achievements at Ò°»¨ÉçÇø. 

Yes, without question. Ò°»¨ÉçÇø’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.

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

The Ò°»¨ÉçÇø 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. 

The Ò°»¨ÉçÇø 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. 

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.

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 Ò°»¨ÉçÇø and the institution’s history. Additional naming opportunities may also become available in the future.

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