(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Kean Ocean Joint Admission Program between Ocean County College and Kean University was first established in 2006, offering students a new opportunity to advance their college degree while staying close to home — and saving money.

On November 20, Ocean County College President Dr. Jon H. Larson hosted new Kean University President, Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., for an official signing of an amendment to the degree completion agreement between the two institutions, which expands student pathways to Kean University following the completion of an associate degree at Ocean County College.

Through this successful partnership, students may complete their bachelor’s degree at Kean University in more than 40 different programs and their master’s degree in a dozen, either online or on OCC’s campus. The seamless transition to Kean University for OCC students who successfully complete an associate degree is made without the commute to Kean’s campus in Union, New Jersey, and for about one-quarter of the cost of a four-year education at most universities.

OCC students may enroll at Kean University at any time during their first two years, and will matriculate as a junior to Kean after they have been awarded their associate degree at Ocean County College, provided they meet the grade point average and credit hour requirements. The tuition and fees for this joint program are among the lowest in New Jersey, making it one of the most affordable and convenient ways to earn a four-year degree in the state.

“Our great hope,” said Dr. Larson, “is that we provide an environment that fosters academic innovation and that our scholars are well prepared to transfer to a four-year school, if they so choose, and to secure meaningful career opportunities following their formal education track.”

"This agreement strengthens Kean's long-standing partnership with Ocean County College through Kean Ocean, providing an affordable and accessible pathway to a bachelor's degree for the residents of Ocean County and beyond," said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. "We are thrilled to see this relationship evolve and expand to provide more world-class educational opportunities for New Jersey's students."

For more than 50 years, OCC has offered students a comprehensive, effective and affordable education, whether they have recently graduated from high school or are adults returning to the classroom. Thanks to this innovative partnership, after completing their associate degree, students can easily transfer and continue their education without leaving OCC’s campus.  

PHOTO: (LEFT) Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D (RIGHT) Ocean County College President Dr. Jon H. Larson