NU says ‘AA’ credit rating reflects conservative fiscal approach

The score alerts NU is ready to pay its money owed and preserve its lights on, and can make sure the college can proceed borrowing cash at decrease rates of interest sooner or later, saving each college students and taxpayers cash.

Particularly, S&P World famous that NU started the autumn 2021 and spring 2022 semesters on time and in-person, shedding simply 1% of its complete enrollment within the course of.

Mixed with a self-implemented funds reduce and with federal COVID funds, NU was capable of surpass its budgeted expectations, the score company wrote, working with a $48.5 million surplus, or roughly a 2% margin resulting from steady state funding, rising analysis, and elevated donor giving.

“We assessed NU’s enterprise profile as very sturdy, characterised by giant and customarily steady enrollment throughout 4 campuses, sound market place as Nebraska’s solely state public analysis college, and strong fundraising capabilities,” S&P World wrote.

Holding NU again from receiving a “AA+” score, or the best awarded by S&P World, was the potential for declining enrollment “resulting from demographic pressures and excessive competitors for college kids; and barely weaker retention and commencement charges in comparison with equally rated friends.”

S&P World mentioned it might think about elevating NU’s credit score profile if it reported a progress in its endowment and constant monetary operation sooner or later. The company additionally mentioned it may think about a damaging score motion if enrollment declined considerably, or if NU points a big quantity of further debt.

As of June 30, 2021, NU’s debt was roughly $1.3 billion, which incorporates $400 million in bonds issued by the college as a part of a facility renewal and renovation program created via laws on the Capitol.

However, the company famous that there was a plan to pay down the big issuance of debt.

“The system expects to obtain about $18 million yearly from fiscal 2022 via 2026 via the expanded services program with the state of Nebraska,” S&P World wrote. “Though the state of Nebraska should applicable these funds annually, it has an extended historical past of funding this dedication.”

President Ted Carter mentioned the affirmation of NU’s “AA” score confirmed the college system with campuses in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney has been a accountable steward of its assets.

“We have been conservative in our planning, we have constructed sturdy partnerships with Nebraskans, and we have been keen to make powerful selections to maintain our funds balanced,” Carter mentioned.

Regent Bob Phares of North Platte, the board chairman this yr, mentioned the score displays “the diligent and long-term strategy” NU has taken in managing its funds via turbulent financial occasions.

“We need to be certain that Nebraskans get the best attainable return for what they put money into their college,” Phares mentioned.

And Regent Rob Schafer of Beatrice, who chairs the Enterprise and Finance Committee, mentioned the board’s strategy has been to maintain the college able of power “even throughout risky occasions.”

“The truth that outdoors specialists have affirmed our strategy is a superb win for Nebraskans,” Schafer mentioned.