Positive Ratings Reflect Strong Financial Operating Performance, Prudent Fiscal Management,Conservative Debt Structure, Positive Student-Demand Trends
VILLANOVA, Pa., March 23, 2011 – In a new report, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has raised Villanova University’s issuer credit rating, along with its long-term rating and underlying rating, from “A” to “A+.” This rating action reflects factors including the University’s strong financial operating performance, prudent fiscal management, conservative debt structure, and positive student-demand trends.
In determining Villanova’s fiscal strength, Standard & Poor’s cited the University’s student demand—evidenced by enrollments, growing applications, selectivity, freshmen retention rates, and student quality. It also noted the University’s stable financial operations and prudent fiscal management. Standard & Poor’s further cited the University’s successful debt restructuring in 2010, resulting in a conservative fixed rate debt structure.
“This upgrade affirms the University’s financial well-being, in spite of the overall economic environment we’ve faced in recent years,” said Ken Valosky, Vice President for Administration and Finance at Villanova University. “I’m very appreciative of all the hard work by the entire Villanova community, which has led to these results. Villanova has effectively balanced its priorities by moderating tuition and operating costs, while continuing to provide an outstanding educational experience to our students,” added Valosky.
Villanova University is currently ranked #1 in the “Great Schools, Great Prices” category of America’s Best Colleges (Regional Universities—North) by U.S.News & World Report; #25 Nationwide for Top Undergraduate Return on Investment by Bloomberg Businessweek; and #31 Nationwide for Best Values in Private Colleges by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. Villanova is also recognized as a Sustainability Leader by the Sustainable Endowments Institute, a project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, which also conferred an “A” grade to Villanova in the Administration, Investment Priorities, and Shareholder Engagement categories.
