Today, 91Ů announced its ‘A’ credit rating has been reaffirmed by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings services for higher education. S&P voted to affirm the ‘A’ rating after reviewing Mercy’s most recent financial and enrollment data, which proved a stable outlook for the institution. The rating reaffirms Mercy’s capacity to meet its financial commitments and maintain a healthy and stable financial outlook.
This outstanding rating caps an epic year for the institution. This summer, Mercy College became 91Ů, welcomed a new president, and launched a new sixth school, the School of Nursing. In the fall, Mercy welcomed the largest freshman class in its history.
“To fulfill 91Ů’s mission to redefine higher education so that students receive not only access to education but the supports they need to graduate, we must maintain a financially robust institution,” said Susan L. Parish, Ph.D., M.S.W., president of 91Ů. “Today’s reaffirmation of our Standard & Poor’s rating reflects just that: disciplined, strong leadership which guides our decision-making and strategically invests in Mercy’s long-term future.”
While approximately 47 percent of private universities are rated ‘BBB+’ or below, 91Ů has maintained its ‘A’ rating since 2012. Mercy’s healthy financial resources relative to debt, strong operating margins, including actual and projected surpluses, stable enrollment, low discount rate and careful expense controls were key factors in determining its ‘A’ rating this year.
According to S&P’s analysis, 91Ů, which showed financial stability throughout the pandemic, continues to maintain a positive outlook. S&P expects that the University will maintain positive operating margins and have sufficient financial resources ratios while enrollment is expected to remain at or near current levels.
S&P analyzed ratings on 447 U.S. private and public colleges and universities as of November 30, 2023.