Shrinking industry - Director, Business Development Sallie Mae Employee Review

2.0
Oct 19, 2020
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Sallie Mae is still the number one provider of private student loans. As an employer, Sallie Mae provides competitive benefits and compensation packages.

Cons

Sallie Mae was once a fantastic place to work. However, Sallie Mae has experienced a lot of turnover in its senior management ranks over the last decade - mostly related to regulatory changes that eliminated the private sector role in federal student loans. Sallie Mae should have worked harder to retain and/or recruit leaders with education finance backgrounds rather than hire banking professionals with zero student loan experience in order to help them avoid past mistakes. Personal/work life balance is not great. Loyalty is expected but not reciprocated.

Explore other reviews about Sallie Mae

5.0
Jul 1, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Supportive colleagues, collaborative culture, meaningful learning opportunities, and strong career development. I've had the opportunity to grow professionally, take on new challenges, and work with people who genuinely want to help each other succeed.

Cons

As the company evolves, priorities and processes can change quickly, requiring flexibility and adaptability.

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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