The landscape of higher education is currently experiencing significant turbulence. A recent report detailed the following:
• Factors such as declining high school graduate numbers, public skepticism about the value of a college degree, and tuition hikes have led to a decrease in enrollment.
• The financial burden on colleges and universities has been exacerbated by rising costs and high inflation.
• Many colleges and universities cling to an unstable financial and business model that has produced a steady flow of college closures – now reaching the rate of one per week.
As a result, many of these institutions are grappling with escalating financial difficulties. Before any action can be taken to address these issues, it is crucial for institutions to first assess their financial stability. This involves a careful examination of various factors that contribute to an institution’s financial condition. Based on these factors, the institution’s stability can then be classified.
THE FACTORS
By evaluating colleges and universities across the following factors, colleges and universities and their stakeholders can assess the institution’s financial stability, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to support long-term success and resilience in a dynamic higher education landscape.
1. Revenue Diversity includes tuition revenue, government funding, endowment income, grants and contracts and proceeds from auxiliary services.
2. Endowment Strength in terms of size, investment performance and spending policy.
3. Operating Margins focuses on the degree in which the institution is operating at a positive or negative margin.
4. Debt Levels includes the types of debt and the debt service coverage.
5. Cash Reserves includes the stated purpose for which cash reserves are maintained and the effectiveness of the institution’s cash management system.
6. Enrollment Trends includes the institution’s enrollment projected as well as retention rates and recruitment strategies.
CLASSIFYING FINANCIAL STABILITY
By classifying colleges and universities based on their financial stability in the following manner, stakeholders can gain a nuanced understanding of an institution’s financial health and risk profile. This information can guide decision-making related to investments, partnerships, accreditation, and institutional support, ultimately contributing to the overall resilience and success of higher education institutions.
1. Strong/Stable: Institutions in this category are considered financially healthy and exhibit strong financial management practices.
• They typically have a diverse portfolio of revenue sources, including tuition, government funding, grants, donations, and investment income.
• Their endowments are substantial and well-managed, providing a stable source of funding for operations and strategic initiatives.
• These institutions often maintain positive operating margins, meaning that their revenues exceed expenses, allowing for reinvestment in programs, infrastructure, and student support services.
• They manage their debt levels prudently, using debt as a strategic tool for growth rather than as a financial crutch.
• Additionally, strong institutions maintain healthy cash reserves, providing a financial cushion for unexpected expenses or revenue fluctuations.
• Enrollment trends at these institutions are stable or growing, reflecting a strong reputation, effective recruitment strategies, and high student retention rates.
2. Moderate: Institutions in this category exhibit a reasonable level of financial stability but may have some areas of concern that warrant attention.
• While they may have a degree of revenue diversity, their reliance on certain revenue sources, such as tuition or government funding, may pose risks in the event of economic downturns or policy changes.
• Their endowments may be moderate in size and effectiveness, offering some financial security but not to the same extent as institutions in the “Strong/Stable” category. Operating margins at moderate institutions can be positive, but they may fluctuate based on external factors such as enrollment changes or state funding allocations. Debt levels are generally manageable but may require careful monitoring to avoid excessive burdens. Cash reserves may be adequate for routine expenses but may not provide a significant buffer for unforeseen financial challenges. Enrollment trends at moderate institutions may be stable or slightly declining, indicating the need for proactive strategies to attract and retain students.
3. At-Risk/Weak: Institutions in this category are considered financially vulnerable and may be facing significant financial difficulties that threaten their long-term viability.
• These institutions often have limited revenue diversity, relying heavily on tuition revenue or a single funding source.
• Their endowments may be weak or poorly managed, providing little financial cushion in times of financial stress.
• Operating margins are typically negative, indicating a chronic imbalance between revenues and expenses that may require drastic cost-cutting measures or revenue enhancements.
• High debt levels can strain the financial health of at-risk institutions, limiting their ability to invest in critical infrastructure or academic programs.
• Cash reserves may be insufficient to cover operating expenses or debt obligations, leaving the institution at risk of cash flow crises.
• Enrollment trends at weak institutions are often in decline, reflecting challenges in attracting and retaining students due to factors such as competition, reputation issues, or program quality concerns.
THE WATCHLIST
Some institutions may fall into a “watchlist” category, indicating that their financial stability is being closely monitored due to emerging financial risks or challenges.
• These institutions may exhibit early warning signs of financial distress, such as declining enrollment, shrinking reserves, or escalating debt levels.
• While they may not yet meet the criteria for the “At-Risk/Weak” category, they require heightened attention and intervention to prevent further deterioration of their financial condition.
• Watchlist institutions may benefit from targeted support, financial restructuring, or strategic partnerships to address underlying issues and improve their long-term financial sustainability.
The Stability Scan
In light of the turbulence currently affecting the higher education landscape, it is more crucial than ever for colleges and universities to undertake a comprehensive assessment of their financial stability. Factors such as wavering enrollment numbers, public skepticism about the value of a degree, and the ever-escalating costs of providing education are all contributing to a financially precarious situation. Indeed, the rate of college closures is now reaching one per week – a sobering statistic that underscores the need for immediate action.
The first step towards addressing these financial challenges is to gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of your institution’s financial condition. This involves an in-depth analysis of a variety of factors, including revenue diversity, endowment strength, operating margins, and debt levels. By evaluating these elements in detail, institutions can gain crucial insights into their current financial stability, identify areas that require improvement, and make informed decisions geared towards long-term success and resilience.
In this regard, Collegiate Consulting offers a Stability Scan that is designed to provide this vital analysis. It is an innovative service that offers a thorough, insightful examination of your institution’s financial stability, enabling you to act confidently and strategically in these uncertain times. We strongly urge all colleges and universities to consider this valuable tool as part of their fiscal strategy.
At a Slight Angle | Robin Capehart | Substack