Although it has seen lean times, Sallie Mae is still a great place to work - Anonymous employee Sallie Mae Employee Review

5.0
Aug 19, 2012
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Sallie Mae has seen some very lean times since the government took over federal student loans. It has had to painfully streamline its staff. Benefits are not as good as they once were for those that remain. That has been difficult for everyone. However, it is still a great place to work. People are passionate about doing great work. The work is interesting. We care about making education possible for everyone.In many (not all) departments, management really cares about developing their staff. Sallie Mae is also getting stronger and sounder each month and each year, and will emerge a leaner, stronger company.

Cons

As mentioned, the recent downsizing was terrible for everyone involved. Benefits are not as competitive as they once were.

Explore other reviews about Sallie Mae

5.0
Jun 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The work culture is quite chill and results-focused. The office space is also quite decent.

Cons

Being a bank, it’s highly regulated so everything we do must go through a thorough compliance review.

4.0
May 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- I genuinely enjoy the people I work with, and that goes a long way. The culture feels supportive and respectful, not cutthroat. - The company regularly asks for feedback through “Pulse Check" surveys—and it doesn’t feel like they disappear into a black hole. - Strong focus on work-life balance with real resources to back it up. - Fun, engaging activities like desk holiday bay decorating, chili cook-offs, and the Sneaker Ball help break up the work routine. - Encourages professional growth with free LinkedIn Learning, support from department heads, and side-by-side learning opportunities. - Hybrid work is a plus. I remember when remote work was a pipe dream, so I don’t take that flexibility for granted. - Just hit my 3-year anniversary and got increased PTO—always a nice milestone. I plan to be here for the long haul. - Final thought: I’ve yet to find a perfect company, but I can honestly say Sallie Mae is close enough. I hate to sound like a marketing campaign, but a happy employee is just a happy employee—and that’s how I feel here.

Cons

- Like most places, it’s not perfect. Processes can always be improved, and some things move slower than you’d like. - Pay feels fair, not amazing—but not something I’m upset about either. I don’t know many jobs that pay “enough,” honestly. - If you’re looking for a flashy startup vibe, this might feel more steady than exciting.

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