NEW YORK -- According to the latest student loan asset-backed securities newsletter published this week by Fitch, student loan asset-backed securitization volume for the third quarter of 2005 was slightly lower than in the second quarter of this year but remained strong nonetheless and at a level that should push end-of-year volume to another new record high. The strong third-quarter volume can be attributed primarily to a continuation of higher-than-expected consolidation loan volume.

The newsletter also highlights several noteworthy transactions rated by Fitch's student loan ABS team in the third quarter and provides an update on the Higher Education Act reauthorization process that is expected to culminate in the coming weeks.

The newsletter 'The Student Loan Report Card' is available on Fitch's web site at www.fitchratings.com by linking to the 'ABS' sector and clicking on 'Newsletters'.