The most recent credit rating by Moody’s affirms not only Ramapo College’s financial stability, but its commitment to students

July 8, 2025

by Lisa Ambrose

In 2023 when Ramapo College developed the Boldly Ascending Strategic Plan, it wasn’t just aspirational, it was operational. Part of the College’s trajectory outlined in the plan is an unapologetic commitment to an all-hands-on-deck approach to student success.

That commitment is bearing fruit with the recent A2 credit rating affirmed by Moody’s Ratings. It is a rating that reflects more than just balanced books; it underscores a model designed to support academic excellence, student services, and retention well into the future.

In affirming a stable outlook for Ramapo, Moody’s found that “scholarship support and student well-being initiatives adds potential for ongoing enrollment stabilization.” Of note is the College’s largest one-time gift of $4 million to, in part, bolster scholarship support and attract New Jersey’s top-achieving students. According to the latest data reported by the National Center for Education Statistics, New Jersey is the fourth-highest state in the nation for out-of-state student migration and leads the nation in net student migration, meaning more students leave than enter New Jersey to attend college. Ramapo remains committed to being the in-state destination for students for an exceptional education and experience.

Building community: First-year students in the 2025 Summer Orientation program learn more about campus, their classmates, and themselves.

Like the recent Standard & Poor’s A credit rating and positive outlook for Ramapo, Moody’s also recognized the College’s climbing enrollment rates, contributing to its enrollment stabilization. Ramapo College saw history-making enrollment in the 24-25 academic year with more than 1,125 first-year students, mirroring the more than 9,000 record-breaking applications. The College also enrolled its largest Equal Opportunity Fund (EOF) class of scholars, and is on-track to break that record this year as well. 

But what do credit ratings that reflect positive or stable outlooks mean for students and their families? According to Moody’s evaluation, the rating “reflects [Ramapo’s] very good brand and strategic position as a regional public college supported by substantial state support.” Intentional and strategic fiscal planning and spending translates into enhanced student experiences and resources as well as improved academic and career prospects for students. Providing a more supportive environment enhances the sense of belonging and can lead to better academic outcomes.  

Promoting wellness: The Center of Health & Counseling Services offers therapy pet visits throughout the year to help students de-stress and promote wellness.

A stable outlook enables Ramapo to continue its commitment to student success through academic excellence and support services by: 

• Attracting talented faculty to deliver interdisciplinary and innovative approaches to learning and guest speakers to share their expertise and insight about national and global trends that impact students as they enter the workforce 
• Developing academic programs that meet the needs of students including Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs
• Strengthening support services like the expansion of the First-Generation Center, robust summer orientation programming for first-year and EOF students as well as throughout the year 
• Mentoring students to not only apply for prestigious fellowships and scholarships, but be awarded them, like New York City Urban Fellow Stefanie Viera ‘25 and Critical Language Scholar Anna Kozan ‘24, both who also received Fulbright awards
• Delivering the Pathways Program, the only of its kind, in which students begin learning about the career development process alongside their academic studies to prepare them for applying, interviewing, and negotiating job opportunities
• Offering numerous programs to support student mental health such as 24/7 peer support, the Wellness Is Now (WIN) peer education program, regular therapy pet visits, and a wellness room  
• Investing in capital projects to the campus infrastructure such as repaving parking lots and creating wider sidewalk aprons to increase safer accessibility, as well as upgrading campus kitchens to provide timely and high-quality food services for students 

Innovative and Hands-on Learning: Students in the 4+1 MFA in Creative Music Technology explore and build electronic circuits and sound-making components.

“Moody’s evaluation is more than a rating—it’s a resounding affirmation of the College’s momentum and mission,” said Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb. “Our financial strength reflects a clear sense of identity, purpose, and direction. It positions us to boldly advance our vision of becoming a nationally recognized leader in public liberal arts education—one that shapes leaders ready to thrive and make meaningful impact in a rapidly evolving world.”  

The College’s financial health reflects the strength of its foundation and the clarity of its path forward. As students step foot onto campus for the Fall 2025 semester, they do so with confidence that they are part of an institution rooted in stability and poised for growth—giving them both the roots to belong and the wings to soar. 

Connecting the dots: Charlie Lewis, partner and lead at McKinsey & Company’s North American Cyber and Tech Risk Service Line, met with students in April of 2025 to discuss “Humanity in the Age of AI & Cybersecurity: An Interdisciplinary Exploration” as part of the Presidential Speaker Series.