BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana University’s highest possible credit ratings have been reaffirmed this month by both S&P Global and Moody’s Investor Service. S&P rated IU AAA, and Moody’s rated the university Aaa.
IU remains among an elite group of American public universities to achieve the top ratings from both agencies. S&P and Moody’s also issued their highest available short-term ratings, A-1+ and P-1, to the university.
In its summary, S&P assessed the university’s financial profile as “extremely strong,” citing its broad geographic draw as a multi-campus university, consistently positive financial operations and excellent fiscal planning. S&P also commented on the strength of management, stating “IU follows best practices in higher education,” and that the university “has a history of converting strategic decisions into constructive action, and achieving financial and operational goals.” Moody’s said the rating reflects IU’s “excellent strategic positioning as a flagship university with significant enrollment and a substantial and expanding research profile.”
“These ratings reflect the work done throughout the institution to remain financially strong and fiscally responsible,” said Don Lukes, IU treasurer. “This healthy financial profile allows us to continue to have broad access to the credit markets and keep borrowing costs low, which helps us provide a high-quality education while maintaining low tuition.”
IU has announced two upcoming bond sales for early 2020, anticipating issuing approximately $280 million in Consolidated Revenue Bonds and approximately $130 million in Lease Purchase Obligations. Proceeds from the sales will be used to finance residential housing projects on the Bloomington campus as well as academic building projects at Bloomington and IUPUI. The Consolidated Revenue Bond sale is scheduled for Jan. 22, while the Lease Purchase Obligations will hit the market on or near Feb. 12.
IU has held S&P’s AAA rating since 2016 and Moody’s Aaa rating since 2010.
