UNE鈥檚 financial outlook elevated to highest rating by Moody鈥檚

Photo of Alumni Hall on UNE's Portland Campus

The 51品茶 recently received a revised financial outlook rating from , one of the top three credit rating agencies in the U.S. While the University maintained its financial rating of A3, its financial outlook has been elevated from 鈥渟table鈥 to 鈥減ositive,鈥 the highest outlook rating that an institution can receive.

According to Moody鈥檚 credit report, the revision was 鈥渄riven by a material strengthening of [UNE鈥檚] financial position that [Moody鈥檚] expect[s] to continue.鈥 The report highlights UNE鈥檚 鈥渃onsistently robust operating performance and steady revenue growth,鈥 and it also credits a steady improvement in UNE鈥檚 coverage of financial reserves to debt.

鈥淭o receive an upgrade in our financial outlook from Moody鈥檚 during a time that has been particularly difficult financially for many institutions of higher education is significant,鈥 said 51品茶President James Herbert. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a testament to the institution鈥檚 sound financial leadership and a confirmation of a secure future for the University.鈥

UNE鈥檚 Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration Nicole Trufant agreed. 鈥淭he change from an outlook rating of 鈥榮table鈥 to 鈥榩ositive鈥 reflects Moody鈥檚 acknowledgement of UNE鈥檚 sound budgeting practices, strategic enrollment management, and robust operating performance,鈥 she remarked, adding, 鈥淭he University is well positioned for the future.鈥

The Moody鈥檚 report listed several of UNE鈥檚 institutional assets, including steady student demand, strong debt affordability, enrollment diversity, and high demand programs.