On the latest episode of the Debtwire Municipals Muni Lowdown podcast, Managing Editor Paul Greaves speaks with Jennifer Johnston, Director of Municipal Bond Research at Franklin Templeton about the outlook for higher education.

Jennifer starts the podcast with an overview on the importance of governance and management team and how a key person vacancy, like the president, can impact credit.

The discussion shifts to an acknowledgment that federal pressures are hitting different schools in different ways and how does a school continue to attract and retain quality students while balancing their budget.

Jennifer shares her thoughts on whether the outcome of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act signals an end to the muni tax exemption removal threat.

Jennifer provides her thoughts on the importance of flexibility in navigating the uncertain environment faced by higher ed institutions.

The conversation moves to highlighting factors that could impact enrollment.

Jennifer discusses the fundraising environment moving forward.

Jennifer shares thoughts on whether we’ll see students gravitate towards universities abroad.

The podcast closes with Jennifer discussing what universities can do to grapple with high borrowing costs or reduced investment earnings due to endowment taxes.

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