ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Maintains Favorable Debt Ratings Despite Challenging Financial Climate in Higher Education

Adelphi, Md. (Jan. 17, 2014) -- The three principal bonds ratings agencies-Standard & Poor's, Moody's, and Fitch-have informed the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø (ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø) that it will sustain its traditionally strong rating of AA+ with a "stable outlook."

Such a strong evaluation from the three ratings agencies is especially noteworthy in the current economic climate impacting higher education nationally. In official financial evaluations of the higher education landscape generally, the ratings agencies have put colleges and universities on "negative watch" because of declines both in enrollment and federal and state financial support.

In ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø, Gov. Martin O'Malley, his administration, and the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø General Assembly have consistently provided strong financial support for the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø, which has resulted in affordable tuition, increased programmatic support, and the construction of critical capital improvement projects on campuses.

Moreover, the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø's strong bond ratings reflect the careful stewardship of the Office of Finance, led by Joseph Vivona, chief operating officer and vice chancellor for administration and finance.

"These ratings are a great tribute to the Board of Regents' careful oversight of the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø's financial affairs, the fiscally responsible leadership at all ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø institutions, and the outstanding work of Joe Vivona and his team," ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø Chancellor William E. "Brit" Kirwan said.

The prudent management of financial resources helps the ϡȱÁÔÆæÍø drive its core missions in teaching and research.

"These strong ratings allow the System to experience a lower cost of issuing debt in the future," Vivona said. "I am greatly appreciative of the work of our team in the Office of Finance. In today's economic climate, such strong bond ratings are increasingly difficult to maintain."

 

Contact: Mike Lurie
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: mlurie@usmd.edu