UConn Gets Bond Rating Boost From Major Agency

STORRS, CT — A major ratings house has given the University of Connecticut a financial boost.

Gov. Ned Lamont, Connecticut Treasurer Erick Russell, and UConn President Radenka Maric Thursday made a joint announcement Fitch Ratings has upgraded the credit rating for the State of Connecticut's UConn General Obligation bonds, part of the UConn 2000 program.

The rating has jumped from A+ to AA-.

Fitch cited the "success and impact of recent budgetary reforms" and the state's "commitment to higher education."

Fitch added, "Strong legal protections (on the bonds) are buttressed by the constitutional state priority of higher education and the expectation of continued strong support of the UConn system.”

Fitch demonstrated "confidence" in both UConn and the state's capacity to fulfill their debt service obligations in the future, deeming the UConn GO Bonds and Connecticut’s GO Bonds as "substantially similar."

Consequently, Fitch has assigned identical ratings of AA- to both programs, indicating a high level of creditworthiness and stability.

Here are the reactions:

Lamont: "This credit rating increase is proof that the state’s fiscal guardrails, including spending cap, bond covenants, and a focus on paying down our long-term liabilities, is saving taxpayer dollars. This is the third credit rating upgrade this year Connecticut has experienced, and it is a recognition by investors that we are on the right financial path. Strategic investments in the state’s flagship university benefit our business community to ensure they have a top-flight workforce, building a brighter future for all of Connecticut."

Russell: "The UConn 2000 bond program has been transformative for our state's flagship university, earning UConn a place among the elite public universities and generating economic opportunity across Connecticut. This credit upgrade will allow similar investments to continue, while lowering costs for taxpayers. It's in our collective best interest to support UConn's continued success and to maintain state government’s commitment to sustained fiscal discipline. This is a great example of how that work can overlap, benefitting our long-term economic health while making necessary investments in our state."

Maric: "UConn is pleased with Fitch's recognition of the strong partnership between UConn and the state, embodied in the UConn 2000 program. The state has provided unwavering commitment to the UConn 2000 program for over 27 years and counting, helping to push demand higher than ever for a UConn education. This Fitch upgrade will reduce UConn 2000 borrowing costs and support continued investment in UConn and the State’s economy."

In early November, the Treasurer’s Office and UConn will offer approximately $227 million of bonds to fund new projects within the university system, including regional and satellite campuses. An additional $130 million of existing bonds are expected to be refunded at lower interest rates to generate savings, Lamont said.

Thursday's announcement marks the third credit rating upgrade Connecticut has received so far this year. Kroll Bond Rating Agency upgraded Connecticut’s General Obligation bonds in May and its transportation bonds earlier this month.

All four of the state’s major bonding programs are now rated AA level or higher.

Since March 2021, Connecticut's General Obligation, Special Tax Obligation (for transportation purposes), and UConn General Obligation bonds have all received upgrades from the four main rating agencies — Moody's, S&P, Fitch, and Kroll.

The ratings for the four state bonding programs are currently: