JERSEY CITY, N.J. | Moody's Ratings has upgraded New Jersey City University (NJCU)’s financial outlook from stable to positive while affirming its Ba2 issuer and revenue bond ratings. This follows Moody's Ratings upgrading NJCU’s outlook from ‘negative’ to ‘stable’ in February 2024.

The upgrade marks a historic milestone for NJCU — the first time Moody's has ever assigned a positive outlook to the university and the first consecutive annual outlook upgrades since at least 2003—as far back as rating organizational records are available. The consecutive upgrades reflect growing confidence in the university's financial management and future sustainability after years of navigating significant economic challenges.

NJCU's revised positive outlook stands in contrast to Moody's recent negative assessment on the higher education sector overall, due to wide-ranging federal policy changes that pose significant challenges to colleges across the entire sector.

"Today’s decision by Moody’s to revise New Jersey City University’s ratings outlook to positive is not simply a financial milestone—it is a powerful affirmation of what is possible when a university chooses resilience over retreat, and purpose over paralysis,” said NJCU Interim President Andrés Acebo. “In a national climate where Moody’s has recently issued a negative outlook for the American higher education sector, NJCU has defied the trend. We are not immune to the challenges confronting higher ed—but we are confronting them head-on. This moment affirms the truth we have always known: that institutions built on mission and grit can rise, even when the odds suggest otherwise.”

Moody's report specifically notes the outlook revision “reflects continued financial improvement and significantly reduced operating losses. NJCU also has strategically monetized real estate assets, strengthening reserves and enabling critical capital investments. While challenges remain, swift operational realignment and continued state support strengthen its position as a viable partner in recently announced merger plans with Kean University. Improvements in financial strategy, risk management, and management credibility are governance considerations and key drivers of this rating action.”

Moody’s also cited continued operational progress, noting: “NJCU's leadership continues to execute strategic operational improvements, demonstrated by a 9% EBIDA margin, 1.7x debt service coverage, and 61 monthly days cash on hand (DCOH) in fiscal 2024.”

Acebo noted: “We are deeply appreciative of the steadfast support from our state partners, including our state-appointed fiscal monitor, whose commitment to NJCU's mission as a vital public institution has been instrumental and contribute meaningfully to our progress.”

The full announcement from Moody’s, including its ratings rationale, outlook, and factors that lead to an upgrade or downgrade in ratings, is available at NJCU.edu.

The consecutive upgrades from Moody’s comes after Fitch Ratings also previously revised the Rating Outlook on the Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and bond rating for New Jersey City University (NJCU) to Stable from Negative in its most recent rating announcement in November, 2024. Fitch affirmed the 'BB+' IDR and bond rating on approximately $136 million of outstanding par (FYE 2023) New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority (NJEFA) bonds, series 2007F, 2010G, 2015A, 2016D, 2021A and 2021B, issued on behalf of NJCU.

About NJCU:
New Jersey City University is a comprehensive public regional institution committed to providing a high-quality education to a diverse student population. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, NJCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for learning, professional development, and community engagement. Recognized as a top university for improving upward economic social mobility, students enrolled in our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of New Jersey.

—www.NJCU.edu—