EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 (File No. 333-83941) of our report dated January 14, 1999 included in SLM Holding Corporation's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Vienna, VA October 15, 1999