UNC Asheville Receives A2 Rating From Moody’s Ratings

Yesterday, the University of North Carolina at Asheville announced that Moody’s Rating assigned an A2 rating to the university. Moddy’s says the maintenance of the Universities A2 rating reflects strong level of operating and capital appropriations received from the Aaa-rated State of North Carolina.  

The stable outlook incorporates UNC Asheville’s expectations of stabilizing student demand, leading to growing net student revenue. Coupling this with ongoing strong state operating support will lead to incremental improvement in operating performance. The stable outlook also incorporates expectations of growth in unrestricted liquidity. 

Despite the impact of Hurricane Helene on the Fall 2025 entering class, UNC Asheville’s prospects for recovery in student demand will continue. Under the leadership of Chancellor Kimberly van Noort, who was appointed in January 2024, the University is undertaking strategic initiatives intended to stabilize student demand and grow net tuition revenue. 

The University’s Millennial Campus designation is also contributing to its stable outlook. This designation allows for the development of public-private partnerships that will enhance the institution’s research, teaching, and service missions as well as enhance the economic development of Western North Carolina.