NSHE Earns Strong Financial Ratings as System Moves to Reduce Long-Term Debt Costs
The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) has received strong financial ratings from Moody’s and S&P Global Ratings, reflecting the system’s overall financial stability and positioning it to manage borrowing costs as it continues to invest in its campuses and programs.
The ratings were issued as NSHE prepares to refinance existing debt for the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a move approved by the Board of Regents at its March 5–6 meeting to help reduce long-term debt service costs. The refunding bonds are scheduled for competitive sale next week.
“Our role is to provide responsible oversight and support the long-term strength of the Nevada System of Higher Education,” said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. “Decisions like this reflect that commitment and ensure our institutions remain well-positioned to serve students and communities across the state.”
Moody’s affirmed NSHE’s Aa2 rating, its third-highest, with a stable outlook. S&P Global Ratings assigned a similar AA- rating to the upcoming bond issuance and affirmed its AA- rating on NSHE’s existing debt, also with a stable outlook. Both ratings have remained unchanged since March 2023, reflecting the system’s continued financial strength.
To support their updated ratings, both agencies cited sustained enrollment growth, increasing operating revenues, and NSHE’s prominent statewide role as Nevada’s sole public higher education system. S&P also highlighted the system’s “very strong” enterprise and financial profile and its capacity to support future capital investment.
“This reflects the strength of our system and the care we take in managing it,” said Chancellor Matt McNair. “We have a responsibility to be thoughtful stewards of our resources, and I thank the Board of Regents for their continued commitment to that work and to the long-term strength of our institutions and the state.”
Together, the ratings underscore NSHE’s sustained fiscal health and reinforce the system’s ability to plan for long-term investments across its institutions.
Media Availability
For media inquiries, interview opportunities, and additional information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.
