CHICAGO (Standard&Poor's) April 23, 2015--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AAA' long-term rating to Northwestern University, Ill.'s approximately $500 million series 2015 taxable fixed-rate bonds and its approximately $116 million series 2015 tax-exempt fixed-rate bonds. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AAA' long-term rating on the university's existing revenue bonds and its 'A-1+' short-term rating on Northwestern's existing commercial paper (CP) notes. The outlook on all ratings is stable. "The 'AAA' rating reflects our view of Northwestern's exceptional demand and enrollment profile, coupled with its track record of strong full-accrual operating performance," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Jessica Wood. "In our view, the university's recent balance sheet growth and maintenance of strong operating
