[January 04, 2013]

Fitch Affirms South Texas Higher Education Authority Series 2012-1 Notes

Fitch Ratings affirms the senior notes at 'AAAsf' issued by South Texas Higher Education Authority Series 2012-1. The Rating Outlook on the notes, which is tied to the sovereign rating of the U.S. government, remains Negative.

Fitch used its 'Global Structured Finance Rating Criteria', and 'Rating U.S. Federal Family Education Loan Program Student Loan ABS' (News - Alert) to review the ratings.

The ratings on the senior notes are affirmed based on the sufficient level of credit to cover the applicable risk factor stresses. Credit enhancement for the senior and subordinate notes consists of overcollateralization and projected minimum excess spread.

Fitch has taken the following rating actions:

South Texas Higher Education Authority Series 2012-1:

--Class A-1 affirmed at 'AAAsf'; Outlook Negative;

--Class A-2 affirmed at 'AAAsf'; Outlook Negative;

--Class A-3 affirmed at 'AAAsf'; Outlook Negative.

Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. The ratings above were solicited by, or on bealf of, the issuer, and therefore, Fitch has been compensated for the provision of the ratings.

Applicable Criteria and Related Research:

--'Global Structured Finance Rating Criteria' dated June 6, 2012;

--'Rating U.S. Federal Family Education Loan Program Student Loan ABS Criteria' dated April 3, 2012.

Applicable Criteria and Related Research:

Global Structured Finance Rating Criteria

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm rpt_id=679923

Rating U.S. Federal Family Education Loan Program Student Loan ABS Criteria

http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm rpt_id=675202

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