Exciting Potential Merger: New Jersey City University Eyes Partnership with Kean University

Brief Overview:

• New Jersey City University (NJCU) is preparing to merge with Kean University. This decision was made by NJCU’s board of trustees.
• Officials from both universities will soon sign a letter of intent and start a formal review process. NJCU’s Interim President, Andrés Acebo, shared this update with the community.
• Last year, a state monitor urged NJCU to find a financial partner, and choosing Kean fulfills this goal.

Current Situations:

NJCU has faced serious financial issues. Nearly three years ago, the university declared a financial emergency. The problems stemmed from funding shortfalls and decreasing student enrollment.

In an effort to attract more students, NJCU introduced new scholarships, added programs, and improved student services, but these efforts led to higher expenses instead of increased enrollment.

A report from New Jersey’s comptroller in 2023 suggested that the university misused emergency pandemic relief funds to support existing scholarships. Additionally, it pointed out that NJCU’s administration failed to keep the board informed about its financial struggles, leading to a lack of clear plans for improvement.

These issues triggered leadership changes and the intervention of a state monitor to guide NJCU toward financial stability.

By last fall, signs of recovery began to emerge. NJCU’s financial outlook improved, thanks in part to cost reductions and $17 million in state aid. This funding was shared over two fiscal years, giving the university much-needed support.

Despite the challenges, NJCU has made efforts to enhance its facilities and operations. However, enrollment numbers remain a concern. In 2023, the total number of students dropped to 5,833, showing a decline of 10.8% from the previous year and a 27% drop since 2018.

Interestingly, while overall enrollment has decreased, the number of first-time full-time students increased by 3% and transfer students rose by 28% in fall 2024. This offers a glimmer of hope amid declining overall numbers.

In contrast, Kean University, which is about 12 miles from NJCU, has a significantly larger student body of 13,352 as of fall 2023. Its enrollment has decreased slightly by 5% over the past five years.

President Acebo believes that merging with Kean could help NJCU expand its academic offerings and enhance its impact on the community.

In support of NJCU’s plan, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges have expressed their encouragement, highlighting the importance of the university in providing access to education for local students.

The commitment to a strategic merger marks an important step towards unifying two institutions with similar missions.