Provost Debra Liebowitz said the national recognition reflects Quinnipiac’s academic stability and strength.

“The Forbes A+ financial grade is a strong affirmation of Quinnipiac University’s long-term financial stewardship and strategic focus on sustaining academic excellence. This ranking is a signal of our institutional strength and ability to invest confidently in our students, faculty, staff and programs, ensuring that we continue to deliver a high-quality educational experience and strong outcomes for our graduates,” Liebowitz said.

Liebowitz said the top grade also reflects the strength of Quinnipiac’s academic and student affairs enterprise, as well as the university’s ability to align resources with important priorities such as excellent instruction, student success and in high-demand programs.

Forbes assessed the operational soundness and balance sheet health of more than 900 private, not-for-profit U.S. colleges enrolling more than 500 full-time students. Data was drawn from the Department of Education’s National Center for Educational Statistics and higher education analytics. According to Forbes, for 2026, the assessment also incorporated novel data from Perspective Data Science to better zero in on an institution’s “true liquidity.”

“Quinnipiac’s exceptional financial performance is the result of a commitment to disciplined financial stewardship and thoughtful decision making across the university,” said Mark Varholak, chief financial officer. “Our strength is rooted in strong controllership, compliance and risk management while our sustained success reflects effective management of all resources through a long-range planning approach that positions the university for long-term resilience and strategic investment.”

“This ranking reinforces what we strive to do every day: ensure that Quinnipiac remains a place where students can thrive academically, socially and personally. Financial strength allows us to invest intentionally in the people, programs and spaces that shape the student journey, from innovative academic facilities to vibrant community spaces like the Recreation & Wellness Center and The Grove residence hall, as well as future developments like the new dining facility,” Chief Experience Officer Tom Ellett said.

Within a national higher education landscape marked by significant challenges, Ellett said Quinnipiac’s exceptional financial stability positions the university to continue evolving and enhancing the student experience in meaningful ways.

“It enables us to focus not only on sustaining excellence, but on continually raising the bar for how we support and engage our students throughout their time here,” Ellett said.

Vice President of Alumni and Development Nick Wormley ‘00, MBA '02, said this distinction proudly places Quinnipiac among the most well-managed private universities in the nation. It also underscores the vital role philanthropy continues to play in sustaining Quinnipiac’s strong financial health.

“For our donor community, this rating carries a clear and powerful message: Your investment in Quinnipiac is secure, impactful and fueling a university with exceptional long term strength,” Wormley said. “Donors should feel that we have unmatched financial stability. An A+ rating affirms that Quinnipiac has the reserves, liquidity and operational discipline to thrive in a challenging higher education landscape.”

Nationally, nearly half of the private colleges ranked by Forbes scored a financial grade of C or lower — and 27% of the institutions received Forbes lowest grade of D.

At a time when many institutions are facing enrollment pressures and financial strain, Wormley said Quinnipiac stands out as a model of stability and strategic stewardship.

Quinnipiac’s financial strength allows the university to invest proactively in academic excellence, student success, athletics and community support while philanthropic support from alumni, family and friends fuel visionary initiatives backed by a university with the capacity to execute them.

“Philanthropy is amplified when it supports a university with strong financial footing. An A+ rating means that gifts are not filling gaps; they are accelerating growth, expanding opportunities and enabling bold initiatives,” Wormley said. “Donors want assurance that their contributions will be used responsibly and sustainably. This rating confirms that Quinnipiac has the financial governance, reserves and planning capacity to honor donor intent for generations.”

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