University of Montevallo Retains S&P Investment Grade Rating

August 31, 2026

The University of Montevallo maintained its investment-grade rating and a stable outlook from Standard & Poor’s Rating Services in an August 2026 universal credit review.

S&P affirmed its A-credit rating for the University, which is an investment-grade rating and within the strong category in the ratings system.

In its research update, S&P highlighted the University’s consistent improvement in graduation and retention rates over the past three years. While S&P noted recent leadership transitions, the report also highlighted that the current leadership team brings significant experience and is well positioned to continue advancing the University’s strategic and financial objectives.

“We’re incredibly proud to retain our S&P investment-grade rating,” said UM President Michelle Johnston. “The University of Montevallo has a unique mission in higher education in the state of Alabama, and we are getting a lot of attention for being the only college in the state ranked in the top 10 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Value rankings in each of the past five years. That recognition reflects how focused we are on what matters most — sending graduates into the world equipped by a liberal arts education to lead in their professions, serve their communities and thrive in their personal lives.”

Contributing to the University’s financial improvement has been enrollment growth driven by the strong reception of both the new nursing program and the University’s first doctoral program, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership.

A strong rating improves the University’s ability to utilize financial resources to meet the needs of its students. The UM Foundation owns more than $80 million in total assets and has exceeded more than $1 million in annual giving for the past seven years. The University also received a state appropriation of $1.8 million from Alabama’s Education Trust Fund during the current fiscal year.