Despite a recent scare over the federally guaranteed student loan program, most students attending college this year shouldn't face major troubles getting funding.

Recent moves by the federal government to bolster the student loan market will likely help Sallie Mae remain profitable and active in the industry, and may boost market share, an analyst said Tuesday while upgrading the company.

A director of student lender Sallie Mae, formally known as SLM Corp., bought 15,000 shares of stock, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing Friday.

Shares of student lenders rose Friday, a day after Congress gave final approval to legislation that would lift limits on federally subsidized student loans.

The chairman of the Federal Reserve has suggested that Congress revisit the issue of government subsidies to student loan providers, according to an April 25 letter made public on Thursday.

By Kevin Drawbaugh

Alliance Data Systems said Friday it terminated a $6.76 billion sale to Blackstone Group affiliates and has sued to win a $170 million business interruption payment.

Sallie Mae cannot write money-losing student loans indefinitely.

Sallie Mae, the largest U.S. student loan company, on Wednesday posted a first-quarter net loss, hurt by losses on derivatives, and said that in the current environment it cannot lend at an economic profit.

Ahead of the weekend, CNBC asks the experts where investors should place their bets.

Student lending company Sallie Mae posted a fourth-quarter loss Wednesday, citing higher provisions for loan losses due to the weakening credit markets.

Student lender SLM, known as Sallie Mae, said Monday it appointed banking veteran Anthony Terracciano as chairman and former Sallie Mae executive John Remondi as chief financial officer.

Sallie Mae, the largest U.S. educational lending company, said it sold $1 billion of convertible securities and $2 billion of common stock, raising more money than it had expected to pay off bad derivatives bets.

Student lender SLM -- better known as Sallie Mae -- said Friday that its executive chairman Albert Lord will take on the extra role of chief executive officer.