Higher Costs, Tougher Admissions as NJCU Becomes Kean Jersey City

New Jersey City University has officially become Kean Jersey City following a merger in July 2026, a change that brings several differences for students, from tuition to available degree programs.

The transition takes effect as the fall semester begins on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Here is a breakdown of how the two compare, based on figures from the universities and U.S. News & World Report.

At NJCU, annual in-state tuition for the 2025-2026 school year was $14,460, with room and board adding about $16,274. Under Kean Jersey City, tuition for the 2026-2027 year is about $16,371, with room and board around $20,168. That means tuition rose about 13%, while room and board climbed nearly 24%. All told, the combined cost of tuition, room, and board increased by roughly $5,800 a year, an increase of about 19%.

According to U.S. News, NJCU had an acceptance rate of roughly 94 to 98%, meaning nearly all applicants were admitted. Kean Jersey City’s acceptance rate stands at approximately 76 to 78%, making admission more competitive than it was under NJCU.

The course offerings are also changing. Both institutions offer undergraduate and graduate degrees. Kean Jersey City has adopted more than 50 degree programs from NJCU, including cybersecurity and national security studies, and adds new options such as a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence. Some programs offered at NJCU will not continue, including medical imaging science, ceramics, and classical instrumental performance.