The bill transfers NJCU's academic programs, physical facilities and assets to Kean while providing $25 million to support the transition. The merger still requires approval from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the U.S. Department of Education before its planned July 1 completion date.
Under the agreement, NJCU's approximately 5,500 students would become Kean students, while the Jersey City campus would operate as Kean Jersey City, a metropolitan satellite of the larger institution. Kean currently enrolls about 19,000 students across its campuses, including its China location.
"This is a pivotal moment for students across New Jersey," said Kean President Dr. Lamont Repollet.
The merger represents a lifeline for the 99-year-old NJCU, which has faced mounting financial difficulties for several years. State officials assigned the university a fiscal monitor in 2023 and mandated it identify a merger partner. After exploring consolidation with Montclair State University, NJCU announced plans last March to proceed with Kean.
Credit rating agency Moody's upgraded NJCU's financial outlook from "stable" to "positive" last spring, citing the proposed merger among contributing factors.
NJCU President Andrés Acebo framed the consolidation as an opportunity to expand access while maintaining the institution's community connections in Hudson County.
"Our students and our community will have access to expanded academic offerings, enhanced resources and support services, and new community-centered opportunities, all while staying rooted in the Jersey City community that we are proud and privileged to serve," Acebo said.
The governing boards of both institutions approved the merger last year. NJCU awarded 1,544 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees at its May 2025 commencement ceremony.
