Lone Star College System continues to demonstrate strong fiscal stewardship of taxpayer resources. S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed the college system’s highest possible AAA bond rating with a stable outlook, citing strong financial management, a growing tax base and continued enrollment growth.

“This high rating is a testament to the work Lone Star College System does every day to support students and employees while ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars,” said Kristy Vienne, Ed.D., LSCS vice chancellor, Finance and Administration. “It also reflects our long-term commitment to strategic planning, sound financial practices and maintaining the financial strength needed to serve our growing community.”

LSCS earned the AAA rating for its healthy operating surpluses, conservative budgeting practices and stable leadership. Additional highlights from the report include:

1. Strong financial reserves, with cash and investments totaling $661 million in fiscal year 2025.
2. Nearly 4% enrollment growth.
3. Continued growth in assessed property values, increasing from $279 billion in 2023 to $403 billion in 2026.
4. Workforce-aligned program expansion in nursing, cybersecurity, emergency medical technology and teacher education.

S&P Global’s AAA rating is the highest rating assigned and indicates an institution’s strong capacity to meet its financial commitments with minimal risk.

“The AAA rating further validates that Lone Star College System is well-positioned for continued financial stability and long-term growth,” said Mike Sullivan, LSCS Board of Trustees chair. “This recognition reinforces the board’s commitment to supporting student success while maintaining the public’s trust through strong fiscal oversight.”

Lone Star College System has maintained an AAA rating since 2009. In its report, S&P Global stated, “the rating also reflects the depth and breadth of the system's robust property tax base that provides material support for both operations as well as some of the system's debt obligations. We expect that continued development within Lone Star College System's service area will support improving enrollment trends and consistently robust property tax growth.”

Lone Star College System enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSCS, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2025 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, six centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.