How much student lending have you done year-to-date compared to the same period a year earlier?
We originated $692 million and purchased $940 million worth of Stafford, PLUS and consolidation loans between January and April 2007. The same period this year we've originated $272 million and purchased $67 million. Presently we are purchasing no loans and we're only funding subsequent same-year disbursements. Serial loans - loans to repeat borrowers in their subsequent academic years - are suspended here, awaiting the U.S. Department of Education getting its new participation agreement in place. Those are the borrowers about whom there is the greatest concern.
Describe today's student loan turmoil in employer/employee terms.
Almost hourly there's something good or bad happening. Lately it's more good than bad. Employees who are still working at organizations like ours have seen many of their co-workers dismissed. Each one of those dismissed at Brazos received a severance package that ranged from one month's salary to a full year's salary to show appreciation for their service. To prevent long-standing employees from leaving prematurely we've set up a trust account that includes guaranteed severance money if we have to dismiss them as well. It hurts to preside over a process where good people lose their jobs.
Can you estimate the number of student loan industry layoffs during the past 9 months?
I think fifty percent of all student loan workers have lost their jobs or quit because they expected to lose their jobs.
What did you tell the schools that until recently relied on Brazos to finance their students?
In March we realized that we were unable to fund 2008-09, and we notified 1,100 schools of that fact. We also suggested that they consider joining the Federal Direct Loan program as a standby, in case we and other lenders were unable to return - or in case the large national FFEL lenders bypassed them. Since the problem was so widespread among lenders, we couldn't recommend any other lender to them with any assurance.
What problem do you suspect may be lurking at the doors of many U.S. colleges this fall?
The possibility of a loan shortage this fall still exists. Here in Waco, Texas State Technical College had 155 summer students unable to get FFEL loans. The school had taken my advice, however, and was able to issue Direct Loans to them. For fall, the new federal FFEL machinery must be in working order by mid-August. Prior to that, ED’s terms of loan purchase must be published and proved to be ‘revenue neutral.’ Then, we and all our guarantors must agree to the terms and make sure our systems are compatible with them. Is that likely to be accomplished in two and a half months? I’m hopeful, and I’ll keep you posted.
Will 'lender of last resort' be a workable solution in time?
Congress wants it as a standby. It’s to everyone’s advantage if it’s operational – even if it’s not needed.
Among the Wall Street finance vehicles that are presently curtailed, do you expect the auction-rate securities market to come back to health?
The only remaining issue is choosing the color of its tombstone – black marble or white granite.
What may people on Wall Street and Capitol Hill be overlooking?
The U.S. government is a 97 percent insuror of the student loan collateral. By becoming a buyer of student loan bonds, the government can establish a floor value quickly in return for very little additional exposure. That might restore liquidity to the student loan market surprisingly fast.