Georgia college mergers get good marks from Moody's

A national group that issues bond credit rankings gave the University System of Georgia positive marks for consolidating eight colleges.

Moody's Investors Service wrote in its weekly credit report that consolidation is "credit positive" because "it fosters operating efficiencies and reduces overhead costs amid declining state support."

The State Board of Regents approved the mergers last week. They consolidated Waycross College with South Georgia College; Augusta State University with Georgia Health Sciences University; Middle Georgia College with Macon State College; and Gainesville State College with North Georgia College & State University.