After years of financial struggles.

NJCU New Jersey City University will merge with Kean University becoming Kean Jersey City.

The agreement announced Wednesday night was decided by NJ School Board of Trustees who voted to approve the proposal.

The university declared a financial emergency in June 2022 and laid off top staff, citing $300 million in debt, causing lawmakers to question how it took so long for the school to realize the extent of its problems.

While the state monitor last year suggested NJCU look into merger proposals, the Secretary of Higher Ed gave the school until the end of this month to partner with a fiscally stable institution.

The Murphy administration today praised the deal and the fact that it will keep the school open.

And JCU is the oldest minority and Hispanic serving institution in the state.

Faculty unions at both universities say they'll push to make sure members are protected and treated fairly.

Union leaders at NJ SIU are also asking lawmakers to support a three year period of continued employment for their members.