FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | RELEASE DATE: July 29, 2026 | CONTACT: Dalilah Davaloz (562) 692-0921
(Whittier, Calif.) — Citing continued enrollment growth, strong financial operations and prudent fiscal management, Moody’s Ratings has upgraded Río Hondo Community College District’s issuer rating to Aa1, one of the highest credit ratings awarded to public institutions. The upgrade reflects the District’s exceptional financial strength and positions Río Hondo Community College District to finance future capital improvements at favorable borrowing costs while continuing to invest in student success.
“This upgrade reflects more than strong financial stewardship, it recognizes the confidence students and our community continue to place in the District,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Moya-Miller. “Continued enrollment growth, responsible fiscal management and strategic planning have positioned us to invest in facilities that enhance the student experience while remaining responsible to stewards of public resources.”
Board of Trustees President Rosaelva Lomeli commented, “The voters entrusted the District with an important responsibility when they approved Measure RH. This recognition from Moody’s demonstrates our commitment to honoring that trust through responsible financial management, transparency and investments that will strengthen educational opportunities for generation to come.”
The upgraded rating comes as the District prepares to implement Measure RH, the $442 million bond measure approved by local voters in November 2024. The bond program will modernize aging facilities, enhance campus safety, expand workforce education spaces and create innovative learning environments that support students for decades to come.
The upgraded rating is expected to lower borrowing costs on future bond issuances, allowing more Measure RH dollars to be invested directly into projects that benefit students, employees and the surrounding community.
Measure RH will fund a wide range of campus improvements, including modern classrooms and laboratories, workforce training facilities, technology and infrastructure upgrades, accessibility enhancements and renovations that better support teaching, learning and student success.
About Río Hondo Community College District:
Río Hondo College offers associate degrees, university transfer pathways, career workforce training, as well as two bachelor's degrees in Electronic Digital Instrument and Automotive Technology. With classes beginning every four, eight and 10 weeks, students can choose from online, in-person and hybrid learning options to fit their schedules. To learn more about Río Hondo College, visit www.riohondo.edu.
About Moody’s Ratings:
Moody’s Rating is one of the world’s leading credit rating agencies, providing independent assessments of the financial strength and creditworthiness of governments, higher education institutions and businesses. The Aa1 rating is the second-highest rating issued by Moody’s and reflects a very strong capacity to meet financial commitments. According to Moody’s, Río Hondo Community College District’s upgrade was driven by continued enrollment growth, health financial reserves, stable operations and experienced leadership. To read Moody’s rating announcement, click here.