Higher education bonds

Last year the university's investment portfolio grew by 47%, a factor contributing to the university's triple-A ratings.

The Regional Transportation Authority, Chicago Transit Authority and many state universities have drawn positive rating actions as the state's ratings improved.

Moody's upgraded five Illinois public universities after lifting the state government's rating, lifting one to investment grade and putting three others closer.

The Fitch Ratings upgrade to A-plus applies to $80 million in debt issued for the University of Portland in Oregon.

The university will decide on a final structure for a $500 million sale that could go as long as 100 years at the time of pricing, which is expected next week.

Washington University will sell $1 billion of new money with tentative plans to offer a mix of 30-, 40-, and 100-year paper.

Fitch said it expects UT to maintain a strong operating performance that could warrant an upgrade in the next two years.

The enrollment controversy hasn't affected the nine-campus University of California system's bond ratings.

This month the University of Michigan sold $1.2 billion and Michigan State University sold $500 million of taxable 100-year bonds.

The University of Michigan follows Michigan State this month in joining the club of universities offering 100-year bond maturities.