By: Melanie Seepersad and Enrique Medel | Publish Date: October 5, 2026
On June 22, Kean University’s Board of Trustees approved a 7% increase in tuition rates for undergraduate students starting in the 2026-27 academic year. The decision reflects rising operating costs for the university and the quality of the campus experience.
The flat yearly rate for full-time undergraduate students increased from an average of $15,299.60 to $16,370. This included a flat rate of 12-19 credits and a university fee of $1,396.84. This year also introduced the Cougar Complete textbook program, which charges students $250 and covers required course materials for their classes.
According to Nicole Francisco, the Associate Vice President for Media Relations at Kean University, the tuition increase reflects rising costs of university operations and the student experience, such as instruction and academic support, student services, technology, and facilities.
“Kean remains focused on balancing these rising costs with its longstanding commitment to affordability and access,” Francisco said in a statement to The Tower.
The tuition increase also allows the university to expand its in-state tuition rates amidst broader efforts to expand its reach as a global institution. “The initiative underscores Kean’s mission to provide affordable, high-quality education and strengthens its recruitment efforts as an R2 research university,” said Kean President Lamont Repollet in the official announcement.
The new tuition program, which was approved by the University’s Board of Trustees on September 15, 2025, eliminates the University’s out-of-state tuition rates for new and current students in the 2026-2027 academic year.
According to Kean’s accounting website, graduate students’ in-state tuition increased from $992.60 per credit for the 2025-26 academic year to $994.26 per credit, not including the university fee, which increased from $90.34 per credit to $96.66. For a student taking nine credits, the total cost for one semester would increase from $9,818.28.
Francisco denied the increase having any relation to the recently completed merger with NJCU.
“The adjustment reflects the broader operating costs of the university and is not a direct result of the merger,” Francisco said. “The merger has been supported through a comprehensive financial and transition strategy designed to integrate Kean Jersey City while protecting students, maintaining the academic continuity, and building a sustainable operating model for the combined institution.”
Nonetheless, some students do not like the tuition increase because it is becoming more difficult to financially support themselves, even with student loans and aid.
A marketing and finance sophomore Kean student, Sander Lee Joseph, says, “I have definitely seen a jump in tuition since last year. I am not sure what the extra fees are, but I know that I pay double what I paid last semester.”
While a tuition increase is never exciting, the university has its purposes. Kean is bringing better and improved enhancements for all students and staff. There have been major changes to Kean NJCU’s campus as the technology has been improving, intended expanded academic opportunities have been created, and consolidation of areas such as administration, technology, and human resources has been evaluated.
For more information on tuition and finance-related issues, students can call (908) 737-0400, email finaid@kean.edu, or stop by the Office of Financial Aid at the following locations:
- Kean Union: Administration Building, first floor.
- Kean Jersey City: Hepburn Hall, Room 215
- Kean Ocean: Gateway Building, Room 101
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