CWRU receives highest possible ranking in Forbes’ ‘America’s College Financial Grades’ report

Across the United States, headlines tell the story of tumultuous economic circumstances impacting many private higher education institutions. While the challenges are pressing, Case Western Reserve University is among the best-positioned to face them, according to Forbes. In its recently released report on “America’s College Financial Grades,” Forbes gave Case Western Reserve University the designation of A+—the publication’s highest ranking.

“This recognition and rating reflects the excellent stewardship of members of the university’s leadership, who exhibit great fiscal and fiduciary responsibility,” said Brian D. Burnett, PhD, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “CWRU stands strong amongst its peers. Our finances back our ability to achieve our institutional mission to be a force for great educational and research opportunities.”

Institutions were assigned a GPA, with the highest possible being 4.5. Case Western Reserve’s was 4.31. Using data from Perspective Data Science, Forbes evaluated universities’ true liquidity. This approach reveals how secure and nimble an institution’s assets are and reflect the ability to overcome challenges both near and long term. 

The report included over 900 private, not-for-profit institutions with enrollments of more than 500 students. CWRU outperforms many of its peers in this regard, with more than half of the institutions in the survey receiving a C grade. Further, 27% of private institutions in the U.S. are facing even worse financial stress, receiving a D or worse in the Forbes ranking.

The report comes amid a number of recent accolades that propel Case Western Reserve University forward. Earlier this year, TIME magazine ranked CWRU among the top 25 institutions in the nation, while Forbes recognized the university as a “New Ivy.” Additionally, data from the National Science Foundation (NSF) on research expenditure growth put Case Western Reserve University as the #1 fastest-growing research university in the Association of American Universities.