STAMFORD, Conn., Apr 16, 2008 -- Citing dislocation in the capital markets and recent federal
legislation, The Student Loan Corporation (SLC), a subsidiary of Citibank N.A. and a leading originator of student loans,
announced today that, for the time being, it will suspend lending at certain schools and withdraw from the Federal
Consolidation Loan market.
"These changes reflect the decisive action that is needed to manage our business through this difficult time in the overall
economy," said Michael Reardon, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of SLC. "We continue to be wellpositioned
as an industry leader that is committed to delivering sustainable, profitable growth."
Effective May 1, 2008, SLC will suspend lending at certain schools where loans with lower balances and shorter interestearning
periods result in unsatisfactory financial returns. Also effective May 1, 2008, SLC will withdraw from the Federal
Consolidation Loan market. These actions will apply to new loan applications, and will not affect the nature or servicing of
borrowers' existing loans with the company. SLC expects these changes to be temporary and will evaluate returning to these
schools and offering Federal consolidation loans as student loan market conditions improve.
Continued disruption in the capital markets has increased lenders' funding costs, including SLC's, further reducing the
profitability of student loans. In addition, unprecedented federal legislation, in the form of the College Cost Reduction and
Access Act, has significantly impacted the education finance industry by materially decreasing profit margins earned on
federal student loans. Amidst these challenges, SLC has remained focused on providing students and their families access
to high quality education financing. While a number of lenders have exited the industry altogether, SLC continues to originate
Federal Stafford Loans and Federal PLUS Loans as well as private loans, such as CitiAssist(R) Loans.
Mr. Reardon also said, "SLC is committed to providing superior customer service that schools and borrowers have come to
expect from us over the past 50 years. While market conditions have deteriorated and the environment has created
headwinds, we are making adjustments that will enable us to serve the needs of our shareholders, through the efficient
allocation of our capital resources and continued focus on originating loans at the many schools where the economics allow
for acceptable returns."
SLC is working closely with affected schools and their prospective borrowers to minimize disruption and to position SLC to
resume doing business with these customers as economic conditions improve. Additionally, for borrowers interested in
consolidating their federal student loans, SLC offers other attractive repayment options, including extended and graduated
repayment plans.
About Citi
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than
100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and
services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth
management. Citi's major brand names include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney, Banamex, and Nikko.
Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.
The Student Loan Corporation (NYSE: STU) is one of the nation's leading originators and holders of insured student loans
providing a full range of education financing products and services to meet the needs of students, parents, schools and
lenders. The company was previously a division of Citibank and became a NYSE-listed corporation in 1992. Citibank, N.A. is
the majority shareholder. Citibank was one of the first banks to finance higher education, beginning in 1958.
For information or inquiries regarding student loans, please call 1-800-STUDENT. Customers with Telecommunication
Devices for the Deaf (TDD) may call 1-800-846-1298. College planning and financing information is also available at
www.studentloan.com.
Posted 04/17/08 to www.NASFAA.org. Posting of press releases is done as a service to Members and does not imply endorsement or support by NASFAA. NASFAA does not review this information for content or accuracy.