Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education, today released the following statement following Moody’s Ratings announcing that it has affirmed the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Aa3 issuer and revenue bond ratings.
“This affirmation of our bond rating is a direct result of the bold and thoughtful investments made by our state lawmakers. Their confidence in West Virginia’s higher education system has placed the Commission on a solid financial foundation.
“This is evidenced through initiatives like tuition-free community college through West Virginia Invests and no-cost college courses for high school students through our new dual enrollment program, and through strategic investments in campus deferred maintenance and need-based financial aid amid recent FAFSA challenges.
“Through smart new policies and programming, we are empowering students and strengthening our institutions, which in turn bolsters the state’s financial health. As higher education institutions across the country face bond rating downgrades, this good news reflects the effectiveness of our state’s policies and investments in higher education.
“We are grateful for the ongoing partnership with our lawmakers and remain committed to increasing our state’s college-going and attainment rates so our students, communities, and economy can thrive.”
