Sallie Mae, the nation?s No. 1 paying-for-college company, has helped millions of Americans achieve their dream of a higher education. The company primarily provides federal and private student loans, including consolidation loans, for undergraduate and graduate students and their parents. In addition, Sallie Mae offers comprehensive information and resources to assist students, parents and guidance professionals with the financial aid process. Sallie Mae currently owns or manages student loans for 8 million borrowers, and employs 10,000 individuals at offices nationwide.
Sallie Mae was originally created in 1972 as a government-sponsored entity (GSE). The company began privatizing its operations in 1997, a process it completed at the end of 2004 when the company terminated its corporate ties to the federal government.
Sallie Mae is listed on both the Fortune 500 and the Forbes 500. The company also has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens according to Business Ethics magazine, and one of the top 30 companies for executive women by the National Association of Female Executives.
