Sallie Mae Appoints Peter Graham and Kerri Palmer as Co-Presidents
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 27 2026
0mins
Sallie Mae announced it has named Chief Financial Officer Peter Graham and Chief Operational Officer Kerri Palmer Co-Presidents of the company. Reporting to Chief Executive Officer Jon Witter, Graham and Palmer will partner to ensure alignment and execution of the company's strategy. Graham and Palmer collectively oversee the company's commercial businesses within their respective areas of responsibility, following the recent retirement of the company's Chief Commercial Officer. Graham has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2023 overseeing finance, accounting, and treasury activities, as well as equity and fixed-income investor relations. As Co-President and Chief Financial Officer, Graham will also oversee strategic partnerships and emerging lines of business. Palmer has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operational Officer, and President of Sallie Mae Bank since 2023. She previously served as Chief Risk Officer and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer for the company. As Co-President and Head of Financial Services, Palmer will lead the company's core private education loan business as well as credit and operations.
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Analyst Views on SLM
Wall Street analysts forecast SLM stock price to rise
11 Analyst Rating
7 Buy
2 Hold
2 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 22.950
Low
23.00
Averages
31.09
High
37.00
Current: 22.950
Low
23.00
Averages
31.09
High
37.00
About SLM
SLM Corporation is a holding company, which operates through various subsidiaries and is a financial brand for higher education. The Company’s primary business is to originate and service loans it makes to students and their families to finance the cost of their education. It also offers a range of deposit products insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Its primary private education loan product is the Smart Option Student Loan, which emphasizes in-school payment features that can produce shorter terms and reduce customers’ total finance charges. The Smart Option Student Loan generally runs for six months after the borrower separates from school but can run for up to 36 months for a small subset of graduate loans. It also offers six loan products for specific graduate programs of study. These include the Sallie Mae Law School Loan, the Sallie Mae MBA Loan, the Sallie Mae Graduate School Loan for Health Professions, the Sallie Mae Medical School Loan, and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
College Tuition Surpasses Six Figures for 16 Institutions
- Rising Tuition Trend: Data from The Princeton Review indicates that for the 2026-27 academic year, 16 institutions have total costs exceeding $100,000, reflecting a persistent rise in higher education expenses that may increase financial burdens on families.
- Shift in Student Choices: As tuition continues to climb, more students and families are gravitating towards larger public schools, resulting in smaller liberal arts colleges losing ground, which could impact their enrollment and financial stability.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Despite soaring tuition, many private colleges still offer substantial scholarships, with average grants for first-year students in need ranging from $42,000 to $79,000 for the 2026-27 academic year, indicating that high sticker prices do not necessarily mean full payment is required.
- Economic Burden and ROI: The high cost of college has led many students to question the return on investment of private institutions, especially as families cover only about half of college expenses with income and savings, potentially influencing long-term educational choices.
See More
M.D. Sass Completely Exits SLM Shares
- Large Transaction Details: M.D. Sass sold 1,399,804 shares of SLM in Q1 2026, with an estimated transaction value of $33.1 million, marking a complete exit from a position that previously accounted for about 3% of its assets under management.
- Performance Comparison: Despite SLM's diluted earnings per share rising to $1.54 in Q1 2026 from $1.40 a year earlier, and a 5% increase in private education loan originations, the stock has declined approximately 29% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500.
- Market Reaction Analysis: The complete exit by M.D. Sass highlights a disconnect with SLM's recent performance, as the company raised its full-year earnings guidance to a range of $3.10 to $3.20 per share, yet analysts project modest declines in earnings due to uncertainties surrounding federal student loan policies and long-term enrollment trends.
- Investor Caution: While institutional selling may raise concerns, SLM remains the largest provider of private student loans in the U.S., and for investors who believe in the long-term demand for higher education financing, the current sell-off may warrant closer examination.
See More
M.D. Sass Fully Exits SLM Corporation Holdings
- Institutional Exit Analysis: M.D. Sass sold 1,399,804 shares of SLM Corporation in Q1 2026 for approximately $33.1 million, marking a complete exit that reduced its stake from 3% to 0%, indicating a pessimistic outlook on the stock's future performance.
- Financial Performance Comparison: Despite SLM achieving a diluted EPS of $1.54 in Q1 2026, a 10% increase year-over-year, and raising its full-year guidance to $3.10 to $3.20 per share, its stock price has declined about 29% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500.
- Market Reaction and Investor Confidence: The complete exit by M.D. Sass contrasts sharply with SLM's solid financial results, potentially reflecting concerns over uncertainties in future student loan policies and long-term enrollment trends, leading to diminished confidence among institutional investors.
- Long-Term Investment Perspective: While institutional selling may raise market concerns, SLM remains the largest provider of private student loans in the U.S., suggesting long-term growth potential; investors might consider diversifying risk through related ETFs to gain broader exposure to the consumer finance sector.
See More
Sallie Mae Fund Expands Graduate Scholarship Program
- Increased Scholarship Availability: The Sallie Mae Fund has doubled the number of Bridging the Dream Scholarships from 10 to 20, each worth up to $10,000, aimed at assisting more students in completing their graduate studies, particularly in fields like nursing, law, and education.
- Clear Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited graduate or professional degree program, demonstrate financial need, and show a commitment to positively impacting their communities, ensuring that the scholarships assist those who truly need support.
- Community Impact: Since 2021, the Sallie Mae Fund has awarded nearly $5 million in scholarships to help students navigate unplanned expenses and complete their higher education, reflecting its commitment to educational equity and community support.
- Future Outlook: The scholarship application window will remain open until July 17, 2026, and the Sallie Mae Fund also offers various tools and resources to help families plan and pay for college, further promoting equal access to educational opportunities.
See More
Sallie Mae Fund Expands Graduate Scholarship Program
- Increased Scholarship Availability: The Sallie Mae Fund is doubling its Bridging the Dream Graduate Scholarship to 20 scholarships, each worth up to $10,000, aimed at assisting more students in completing their graduate studies in critical fields such as nursing, law, and education.
- Clear Eligibility Criteria: Eligible applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited graduate program, demonstrate financial need, and show a commitment to positively impacting their communities, ensuring effective allocation of scholarships aligned with social responsibility.
- Support for Student Success: Since 2021, the Sallie Mae Fund has awarded nearly $5 million in scholarships to help students navigate unexpected expenses and complete their higher education, demonstrating its ongoing commitment and influence in the educational funding sector.
- Positive Future Outlook: The Sallie Mae Fund is also offering 50 Completing the Dream Scholarships, each up to $2,500, to support students on track to complete their programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, further promoting educational equity and opportunity access.
See More
Sallie Mae CFO to Speak at 2026 Morgan Stanley Conference
- Executive Speaking Engagement: Sallie Mae's Co-President and CFO Pete Graham is scheduled to speak at the 2026 Morgan Stanley US Financials Conference on June 10 at 7:30 a.m. ET, highlighting the company's leadership in education financing.
- Investor Communication Channels: The conference will feature a live audio webcast and replay available at SallieMae.com/investors, enhancing investor engagement and transparency.
- Mission in Education Financing: Sallie Mae is committed to supporting access to education and lifelong learning through private student lending, helping customers achieve success both during and after college.
- Company Background Information: Commonly known as Sallie Mae, SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States, emphasizing its independence and market positioning.
See More
College Tuition Surpasses Six Figures for 16 Institutions
- Rising Tuition Trend: Data from The Princeton Review indicates that for the 2026-27 academic year, 16 institutions have total costs exceeding $100,000, reflecting a persistent rise in higher education expenses that may increase financial burdens on families.
- Shift in Student Choices: As tuition continues to climb, more students and families are gravitating towards larger public schools, resulting in smaller liberal arts colleges losing ground, which could impact their enrollment and financial stability.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Despite soaring tuition, many private colleges still offer substantial scholarships, with average grants for first-year students in need ranging from $42,000 to $79,000 for the 2026-27 academic year, indicating that high sticker prices do not necessarily mean full payment is required.
- Economic Burden and ROI: The high cost of college has led many students to question the return on investment of private institutions, especially as families cover only about half of college expenses with income and savings, potentially influencing long-term educational choices.
See More
M.D. Sass Completely Exits SLM Shares
- Large Transaction Details: M.D. Sass sold 1,399,804 shares of SLM in Q1 2026, with an estimated transaction value of $33.1 million, marking a complete exit from a position that previously accounted for about 3% of its assets under management.
- Performance Comparison: Despite SLM's diluted earnings per share rising to $1.54 in Q1 2026 from $1.40 a year earlier, and a 5% increase in private education loan originations, the stock has declined approximately 29% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500.
- Market Reaction Analysis: The complete exit by M.D. Sass highlights a disconnect with SLM's recent performance, as the company raised its full-year earnings guidance to a range of $3.10 to $3.20 per share, yet analysts project modest declines in earnings due to uncertainties surrounding federal student loan policies and long-term enrollment trends.
- Investor Caution: While institutional selling may raise concerns, SLM remains the largest provider of private student loans in the U.S., and for investors who believe in the long-term demand for higher education financing, the current sell-off may warrant closer examination.
See More
M.D. Sass Fully Exits SLM Corporation Holdings
- Institutional Exit Analysis: M.D. Sass sold 1,399,804 shares of SLM Corporation in Q1 2026 for approximately $33.1 million, marking a complete exit that reduced its stake from 3% to 0%, indicating a pessimistic outlook on the stock's future performance.
- Financial Performance Comparison: Despite SLM achieving a diluted EPS of $1.54 in Q1 2026, a 10% increase year-over-year, and raising its full-year guidance to $3.10 to $3.20 per share, its stock price has declined about 29% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500.
- Market Reaction and Investor Confidence: The complete exit by M.D. Sass contrasts sharply with SLM's solid financial results, potentially reflecting concerns over uncertainties in future student loan policies and long-term enrollment trends, leading to diminished confidence among institutional investors.
- Long-Term Investment Perspective: While institutional selling may raise market concerns, SLM remains the largest provider of private student loans in the U.S., suggesting long-term growth potential; investors might consider diversifying risk through related ETFs to gain broader exposure to the consumer finance sector.
See More
Sallie Mae Fund Expands Graduate Scholarship Program
- Increased Scholarship Availability: The Sallie Mae Fund has doubled the number of Bridging the Dream Scholarships from 10 to 20, each worth up to $10,000, aimed at assisting more students in completing their graduate studies, particularly in fields like nursing, law, and education.
- Clear Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited graduate or professional degree program, demonstrate financial need, and show a commitment to positively impacting their communities, ensuring that the scholarships assist those who truly need support.
- Community Impact: Since 2021, the Sallie Mae Fund has awarded nearly $5 million in scholarships to help students navigate unplanned expenses and complete their higher education, reflecting its commitment to educational equity and community support.
- Future Outlook: The scholarship application window will remain open until July 17, 2026, and the Sallie Mae Fund also offers various tools and resources to help families plan and pay for college, further promoting equal access to educational opportunities.
See More
Sallie Mae Fund Expands Graduate Scholarship Program
- Increased Scholarship Availability: The Sallie Mae Fund is doubling its Bridging the Dream Graduate Scholarship to 20 scholarships, each worth up to $10,000, aimed at assisting more students in completing their graduate studies in critical fields such as nursing, law, and education.
- Clear Eligibility Criteria: Eligible applicants must be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited graduate program, demonstrate financial need, and show a commitment to positively impacting their communities, ensuring effective allocation of scholarships aligned with social responsibility.
- Support for Student Success: Since 2021, the Sallie Mae Fund has awarded nearly $5 million in scholarships to help students navigate unexpected expenses and complete their higher education, demonstrating its ongoing commitment and influence in the educational funding sector.
- Positive Future Outlook: The Sallie Mae Fund is also offering 50 Completing the Dream Scholarships, each up to $2,500, to support students on track to complete their programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, further promoting educational equity and opportunity access.
See More
Sallie Mae CFO to Speak at 2026 Morgan Stanley Conference
- Executive Speaking Engagement: Sallie Mae's Co-President and CFO Pete Graham is scheduled to speak at the 2026 Morgan Stanley US Financials Conference on June 10 at 7:30 a.m. ET, highlighting the company's leadership in education financing.
- Investor Communication Channels: The conference will feature a live audio webcast and replay available at SallieMae.com/investors, enhancing investor engagement and transparency.
- Mission in Education Financing: Sallie Mae is committed to supporting access to education and lifelong learning through private student lending, helping customers achieve success both during and after college.
- Company Background Information: Commonly known as Sallie Mae, SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States, emphasizing its independence and market positioning.
See More
