EXHIBIT 23

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report included in this Form 10-K, into USA Education, Inc.'s, previously filed
Registration Statement No. 333-33577, Registration Statement No. 333-33575,
Registration Statement No. 333-44425, Registration Statement No. 333-38391,
Registration Statement No. 333-53631, Registration Statement No. 333-83941, and
Registration Statement No. 333-46056.

/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Vienna, VA
March 30, 2001