University of Pittsburgh, Pa.'s $60 million asset notes (PANTHERS) series 2004 have been rated 'SP-1+'. The notes are expected to price on Sept. 14, 2004, and mature Oct. 14, 2005. The 'SP-1+' rating on the university's outstanding asset notes (PANTHERS) series 2003 has been affirmed. The 'AA' standard long-term rating and Standard&Poor's underlying rating (SPUR) on the university's outstanding long-term debt has also been affirmed. In addition, the 'A-1+' rating on the university's outstanding variable-rate debt has also been affirmed, reflecting the presence of liquidity support provided by external SBPAs with a stated commitment of $285 million. The outlook on the long-term debt is stable. The short-term rating is based on the university's history of strong market access