Moody’s Upgrades Northeastern Illinois University to Investment-Grade Status

CHICAGO, Jan. 20, 2026 — Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) has achieved a major financial milestone with an upgrade from Moody’s Ratings. The agency raised NEIU’s issuer rating from Ba1 to Baa3, officially restoring the University’s investment-grade status. Moody’s also revised the outlook to stable following the January 9, 2026, upgrade.

At a meeting of the NEIU Board of Trustees on January 15, university leaders highlighted the significance of the achievement. “Reaching investment-grade status positions Northeastern to access capital markets on more favorable terms,” the Board noted in its statement. “This increases our financial flexibility and supports the University’s long-term stability.”

Moody’s cited several factors supporting its decision, including NEIU’s targeted enrollment-growth initiatives, disciplined cost management, ongoing support from the State of Illinois, and overall stable operational performance. The agency also recognized the University’s manageable debt levels, prudent capital planning, and limited near-term borrowing needs.

“This upgrade is a significant milestone for Northeastern Illinois University,” said President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan. “A credit rating reflects an institution’s overall financial health. It’s also a testament to thoughtful stewardship and the collective efforts of our campus community. This affirmation shows that progress and stability go hand in hand when guided by a clear, long-term vision — one focused on sustaining our mission and expanding opportunity for future generations.”

Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer Beni Ortiz echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the outcome as validation of NEIU’s sound fiscal management. “It confirms the hard work we’ve done to manage expenses responsibly and positions the University well as we move forward,” Ortiz said.

Looking ahead, Moody’s outlined conditions that could support further upgrades, such as continued improvement in operating performance, positive enrollment and tuition growth, and maintenance of strong liquidity levels.

“This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, stewards, and partners who continue to strengthen the University’s financial foundation,” President Bell-Jordan added. “Their commitment enables NEIU to serve our students, the city of Chicago, and the State of Illinois for generations to come.”

Northeastern Illinois University

Founded in 1867, Northeastern Illinois University is a Minority-Serving Institution and the longest-standing four-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Midwest. The University offers more than 40 undergraduate programs and certificates and over 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure, and endorsement programs. NEIU’s main campus sits on 67 acres in a residential area on Chicago’s Northwest Side, with additional locations at the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, El Centro, and the University Center of Lake County.

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