Bloomfield College of Montclair State University FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Bloomfield College merging into Montclair State University.
This page will be updated as new information becomes available, so please check back. If you do not see an answer to your question, you may submit it by using this form.
You may also want to review Bloomfield College’s FAQs about the merger.
Why has Bloomfield College become part of Montclair State University?
Montclair responded to Bloomfield College’s call for a strategic partner to help it continue its vital mission of creating educational pathways that are often not otherwise available for minority and low-income students.
Montclair’s mission is closely aligned with Bloomfield’s, and the presidents of both institutions saw the opportunity to build a unique, collaborative relationship that would benefit students and the community.
Both institutions serve minority-majority student populations. Bloomfield is New Jersey’s only four-year Predominantly Black Institution, and Montclair is New Jersey’s largest Hispanic Serving Institution, serving more Latinx students than any other university in the state.
What has been the merger process?
In October of 2021, Bloomfield College publicly announced it was seeking strategic partnerships to enable the four-year institution to continue its mission.
Montclair was one of nine institutions that submitted formal proposals. After analysis, Bloomfield’s leadership team and its Board of Trustees concurred that Montclair State University was the ideal match.
Bloomfield and Montclair announced plans to work towards forming a permanent relationship in March 2022, and in October 2022, the institutions announced plans to merge, setting the stage for a series of reviews and approvals by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New Jersey’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), and other accreditors and regulators, as well as action by the state legislature.
Following approval by MSCHE and other bodies, the New Jersey Legislature passed enabling legislation on June 30, 2023, which was signed that day by Governor Phil Murphy. As a result, Bloomfield was officially made a constituent college of the University.
What is the current status?
Bloomfield College became part of Montclair State University on July 1, 2023.
Integration teams with representatives from both institutions are working closely together to ensure a smooth transition.
The merger now enters the integration phase, during which a distinctive educational experience will be designed for the students of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University.
What is changing?
Not much is changing for now. During the 2023-24 the College will continue to offer courses required for Bloomfield College students to complete their existing majors and programs, and will honor the majors of all currently enrolled students.
Also during the 2023-24 academic year, the future of all Bloomfield academic programs will be considered.
Bloomfield will also maintain its 13 NCAA Division II athletics programs and remain the Bears, for at least the next year, unless otherwise directed by the NCAA.
What is the name of the College now that the merger is official?
It will be called Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. This name was chosen to preserve Bloomfield’s mission and legacy.
Are continuing Bloomfield College students now Montclair State University students?
Yes. Students enrolled at Bloomfield College at the time of the merger will become Montclair State students. They will be able to continue their education without interruption and at lower tuition and fees.
What is the vision for Bloomfield College of Montclair State University?
Students enrolled at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will benefit from a distinctive educational environment offering a supportive, small college experience enhanced by the resources of a comprehensive public research university. They will also pay lower tuition and fees.
The merger is a new national model for how institutions with similar missions can innovate through integration and become partners in ensuring student success.
How will Bloomfield students and employees benefit from this merger?
For Bloomfield students, the merger means lower tuition and fees and eventually, expanded student life and academic opportunities. As part of Montclair, Bloomfield College will continue to provide a transformative educational experience in a small, supportive setting with the resources of a doctoral research university.
Bloomfield staff and faculty will have access to University resources to better support the student community. Some 90% of Bloomfield employees are now employees of Montclair State University, ensuring a seamless transition for students.
What will happen to Bloomfield’s campus?
The College’s historic, beautiful campus in Bloomfield, NJ will remain open and operating.