(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)October 16, 2024

Ramapo’s strong profile was characterized by increased enrollment growth and impressive retention and graduation rates

Mahwah, N.J.- In its latest report, Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings, one of the nation’s premier credit rating services, affirmed an A credit rating for Ramapo College of New Jersey. In arriving at affirming its stable rating while noting a positive outlook, S&P found “Ramapo’s enterprise risk profile as strong, characterized by impressive retention and good student quality, with recent and expected enrollment stabilization.” An A rating is part of the investment grade, which is the highest grade for credit ratings by S&P.

“This rating is a vote of confidence in Ramapo’s present and future. Our strong financial position is a direct result of knowing who we are, why we are here, and where we are going,” said Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb. “Fiscal strength enables us to further our vision as ascending towards national distinction as the state’s premier public liberal arts college that develops leaders who make a positive impact and thrive in a changing world.” 

The S&P report specifically praised the College’s strategic enrollment plan, which focuses on recruiting, retaining, and graduating a diverse student body that is academically prepared for the journey after college, stating that “in our opinion, Ramapo’s student outcomes remain a differentiating credit strength.” 

“Colleges and universities across our state and nation continue to face financial challenges. This rating by S&P acknowledges Ramapo’s disciplined and strategic efforts to build on our strengths– individualized attention and superior student outcomes– to address these challenges,” said Colleen O’Keefe, Ramapo’s chief financial officer/vice president for fiscal health. 

Ramapo’s retention rates have been “historically solid” according to S&P, and increased to 87% in 2023, well-above the 68% national average. The graduation rate increased to 71.9%, which is also above the 62.2% national average.

Ramapo College saw history-making enrollment this year with more than 1,125 first-year students, mirroring the more than 9,000 record-breaking applications. In Fall 2024, the College enrolled its largest Equal Opportunity Fund (EOF) class of scholars, and more students than ever chose to enroll in one of the many 4+1 accelerated paths to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years.

Contributing to Ramapo College’s growth is the commitment to improving and expanding program offerings that integrate emerging technologies and meet employment demands. In 2024, Ramapo launched an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program to answer the call of the nursing shortage in New Jersey, and now offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity.

Standard & Poor’s affirmed credit rating joins Moody’s upgraded rating of A2 with a stable outlook for Ramapo College, which incorporated “the college’s good brand and strategic position as a small regional public college.” 

To learn more about Ramapo College, visit ramapo.edu. 

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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