TG Co-Sponsors Chat Event on Distance Education, Financial Aid.

AUSTIN, Texas -- The U.S. Department of Education estimates that more than two million students enroll in at least one distance education course each year. Although the convenience of earning a degree online can be appealing to many students, distance education may not be a smart choice for everyone.

To help students understand more about on-line college degrees and/or distance education programs, Mapping Your Future (http://mapping-your-future.org), a public-service Web site co-sponsored by TG and other student loan guarantors, will offer an "On-Line and Distance Education Chat" on March 8, 2005. The live event, scheduled for 2-3 p.m. (CST), provides an opportunity for families and students to receive guidance on distance education and financial aid from financial aid and career experts.

During the "On-Line and Distance Education Chat" event, families and students will learn more about:

--Advantages and disadvantages of on-line and distance education programs

--Financial aid eligibility requirements

--Financial aid opportunities

--Other sources of information

Anyone with Internet access can join in the chat event by visiting http://mapping-your-future.org. On March 8, visitors can go to the site and select "Chat Session." Simple instructions will guide them on how to join the chat.

Mapping Your Future is a public service web site sponsored guaranty agencies that participate in the Federal Family Loan Program (FFELP). It provides college, career, and financial aid information and services.

TG is a public, nonprofit corporation that helps create access to higher education for millions of families and students through its role as an administrator of the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). Its vision is to be the premier source of information, financing, and assistance to help all families and students realize their educational and career dreams. Additional information about TG can be found online at www.tgslc.org. This press release can be downloaded from www.tgslc.org/newsroom/.