Wall Street analyst price targets, ratings consensus & upside potential · Updated Feb 28, 2026
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
As of March 2, 2026, SLM Corporation (SLM) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $31.83, based on estimates from 25 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $18.74, this represents a potential upside of +69.9%. The company has a market capitalization of $3.73B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $23.00 to a high of $40.00, representing a 53% spread in expectations. The median target of $32.00 aligns closely with the consensus average. The wide target spread reflects significant disagreement on fair value.
The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 19 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,4 rating it Hold, and 2 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. This overwhelmingly bullish sentiment suggests analysts see significant catalysts for upside ahead.
From a valuation perspective, SLM trades at a trailing P/E of 7.0x and forward P/E of 6.8x. The forward PEG ratio of 0.46 suggests the stock may be undervalued relative to its growth. Analysts expect EPS to grow -9.1% over the next year.
Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $26.84, with bear and bull scenarios of $19.57 and $84.95 respectively. Model confidence stands at 41/100, suggesting limited visibility into future performance.
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Start ComparisonThe consensus Wall Street price target for SLM is $31.83, representing 69.9% upside from the current price of $18.74. With 25 analysts covering the stock, this strong upside suggests significant value not yet reflected in today's share price.
SLM has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 25 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is predominantly bullish, with 19 Buy/Strong Buy ratings. The consensus 12-month price target of $31.83 implies 69.9% upside from current levels.
With a forward P/E of 6.8499x, SLM trades at a relatively low valuation. The consensus target of $31.83 implies 69.9% appreciation, suggesting meaningful undervaluation.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $40 for SLM, while the most conservative target is $23. The consensus of $31.83 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $85 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
SLM is heavily covered by Wall Street, with 25 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 19 have Buy ratings, 4 recommend Hold, and 2 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
The 12-month SLM stock forecast based on 25 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $31.83, with estimates ranging from $23 (bear case) to $40 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $27, with bear/bull scenarios of $20/$85.
Our quantitative valuation model calculates SLM's fair value at $27 (base case), with a bear case of $20 and bull case of $85. The model uses discounted cash flow analysis, historical growth rates, and margin mean-reversion to project FY+2 earnings, then applies an appropriate P/E multiple. The model confidence score is 41/100.
SLM trades at a forward P/E ratio of 6.8x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 7.0x. The lower forward P/E indicates analysts expect earnings growth. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Wall Street analysts are very optimistic on SLM, with a "Buy" consensus rating and $31.83 price target (69.9% upside). 19 of 25 analysts rate it Buy or Strong Buy. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SLM analyst price targets range from $23 to $40, a 53% wide spread indicating significant analyst disagreement. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $31.83 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $20-$85 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.