Important information
- Customer Complaint:Due to the volume of complaints filed against this business, BBB only publishes the details for 15% of the total complaints filed.
Complaints
This profile includes complaints for Sallie Mae's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 507 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 164 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.
Initial Complaint
Date:02/01/2025
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I paid off the online balance to my daughter's almost 12% student loan In December 2024. Then SALLIE MAE said I still owed $14 for ongoing interest... ridiculous! when does it end with this company? They still did not submit statement payments I made on another account. SALLIE MAE is a SCAM!
Business Response
Date: 02/12/2025
Thank you for your message. To protect the privacy of our customers, we responded directly to the customer. Please allow enough time for the customer to receive our response, sent via the U.S. Postal Service. Regards, Office of the Customer AdvocateInitial Complaint
Date:01/11/2025
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
Sallie Mae has contacted me from 302-391-8160 numerous times per day sometimes as many as 4 times per day. Calls have come in as late as 930 pm. I have requested by law a detailed explanation of charges. I have asked every call to stop and contact me by mail ( a cease and desist) as allowed by federal law. They have refused to to do this, I have been transferred from person to person. I have been nice, I have been unpleasant and unless i comply with their instructions I'm abruptly disconnect when i try to enforce the cease and desist. I have been told that I am not allowed to record calls on my own, I have been told that they do not have to comply with my request. The FCC and TCPA make it clear my rights and Sallie Mae has clearly violated this. July 10, 2015, the FCC released Declaratory Ruling and Order FCC 15-72 makes it clear that i can revoke being contacted. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is currently enforced by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).On July 28, 2016, the CFPB announced it was considering several proposals that would overhaul the debt collection market in a number of different ways. Limit their communication attempts to six per week through any point of contact. 47 U.S.C. § 227 (b) 2 47 U.S.C. § 227(a)(1) 3 Baisden v. Credit Adjustments, Inc., 813 F.3d 338 (6th Cir. 2016). 4 Gager v. Dell Financial Services, LLC, 727 F.3d 265 (3d Cir. 2013); Osorio v. State Farm Bank, F.S.B., 746 F.3d 1242 (11th Cir. 2014). 5 https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-72A1.pdf 6 12 U.S. Code § 5531 (b) 7 CPG analysis for the year 2015 and YTD 2016. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/consumer-financial-protection-bureau-considers-proposal-overhaul-debt-collection-market/Initial Complaint
Date:01/07/2025
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I was told I could request deferments and go into a forbearance for 12 months at a time up to 60 months total, I called months ago and was placed into a forbearance and then began getting calls and emails every single day from them asking for payments to be made, they are a terrible company that are full of liars and scam artists. They gave me incorrect information and are terrible people. Respond through the BBB portal, I don’t want a mailed response, I want a response through this portal so your response can be made public.Customer Answer
Date: 02/07/2025
Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my issue. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. **In order for the bureau to continue to assist you, you MUST provide your view on the matter or your complaint will be closed as answered.I did not want the response mailed or emailed, I wanted it public so the shady methods this company uses to conduct business can be public and documented. Regards, Complaint ID: 22778768Business Response
Date: 02/22/2025
Thank you for your message. To protect the privacy of our customers, we responded directly to the customer. Please allow enough time for the customer to receive our response, sent via the U.S. Postal Service.
Regards,
Office of the Customer AdvocateInitial Complaint
Date:12/31/2024
Type:Status:ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I have contacted Sallie Mae twice regarding a payment that was sent on my behalf from the Texas Higher Board of Education in Oct in the amount of 7000.00. It was sent with a memo with my first and last name, the last four of my SSN along with last four of my loan number. The first called said I needed to call back with the check number which I contacted Texas Higher Education Board and they sent me the check information number in the amount 21000.00 which 5000.00 was for another person and 7000.00 on my behalf. Sallie Mae refused to update my account. I was approved for Nurse Repayment Faculty repayment and yet this company would prefer I keep paying to continue consume interest. My husband is 100% disabled veteran I don’t have extra moneyBusiness Response
Date: 01/29/2025
Thank you for your message. To protect the privacy of our customers, we responded directly to the customer. Regards, Office of the Customer AdvocateCustomer Answer
Date: 02/01/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Regards,
Complaint ID: 22751395
Initial Complaint
Date:12/30/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
On 10/7/23 I started getting notices from Sallie Mae saying I was late for a loan I had co-signed on. After talking with them and explaining that I never co-signed for a loan they agreed to send me a copy of the contract. Looking at it I found out that my ex-girl friend at the time used me on a loan. l told Sallie Mae what I'd discovered and what all the incorrect info was. There was no middle initial entered, email address, my phone number, work number, length of employment, residence type, monthly mortgage, checking account info, savings account info, and electronic name signature were all wrong. No personal contacts and no relationship to co-signer. I asked why they didn't call the phone numbers or check the emails for verification. They replied a electronic signature was legal and that was all they needed. They said they would send me a fraud package and to do all that's said and send it back and after checking it out it should be all cleared up of which I did. After months and lots of hours on the phone they said they would only possibly clear it if my Ex was convicted. I asked how could I be held responsible for a loan that someone had used my stolen identity for. They told me they done a thing called a ping on the computer showing that the app was filled out at my house. I told them that she was living with me on the dated time of the contract they sent me so that was what had obviously happened. There was also a second student loan taken out with a Co called Mefa. I also filled out the same fraud package for them and they cleared it up. I recently had all three credit reports cleared only to have Sallie Mae put them back on a couple weeks ago. How can Sallie Mae do this. I've always been on time with my bills and have paid off all my loans including new cars and past student loans for my Bach Degree. I'm purchasing a home but am told this matter must be cleared. I'll send copy's of the contract with the info that is wrong circled thanks sincerely,Business Response
Date: 01/07/2025
Thank you for your message. To protect the privacy of our customers, we responded directly to the customer. Please allow enough time for the customer to receive our response, sent via the U.S. Postal Service.
Regards,
Office of the Customer AdvocateCustomer Answer
Date: 01/11/2025
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my issue. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
**In order for the bureau to continue to assist you, you MUST provide your view on the matter or your complaint will be closed as answered.
Regards,Complaint ID: 22744835
Initial Complaint
Date:12/20/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I did not agree to pay Sallie Mae more than $366 per month. It appears they are taking advantage of the situation to make extra money before I return to school full-time. The $363.52 plus the $35 bank fee must be refunded to my account immediately to prevent further escalation.Business Response
Date: 01/22/2025
Thank you for your message. To protect the privacy of our customers, we responded directly to the customer. Please allow enough time for the customer to receive our response, sent via the U.S. Postal Service.
Regards,
Office of the Customer AdvocateCustomer Answer
Date: 01/24/2025
Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my issue. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. **In order for the bureau to continue to assist you, you MUST provide your view on the matter or your complaint will be closed as answered. It's unacceptable to how Sallie Mae loan sharks it's clients. Regards, Complaint ID: 22714191Initial Complaint
Date:12/17/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I co-signed on a student loan for my granddaughter..she has graduated and has not been able to to find a job. I had made arrangements with Sallie Mae in October to pay $108.35 monthly. I have been making the payments, however, they call me twice a day every day and send me email everyday. I call to ask why are they calling me…they tell me I canceled the payment but I did not and they have not returned any payments, so I’m confused…yet they can’t explain anything to me. When I call them I’m placed on Hold, still no explanation. I just want to make my payments and for them to stop calling me daily.Business Response
Date: 01/13/2025
Thank you for your message. To protect the privacy of our customers, we responded directly to the customer. Please allow enough time for the customer to receive our response, sent via the U.S. Postal Service.
Regards,
Office of the Customer AdvocateInitial Complaint
Date:11/29/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I am not liable for this debt with Sallie Mae I do not have a contract with Sallie Mae They did not provide with the original contract requestedBusiness Response
Date: 12/06/2024
Thank you for your message. To protect the privacy of our customers, we responded directly to the customer.
Regards,
Office of the Customer AdvocateInitial Complaint
Date:11/25/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
I have experienced persistent difficulties with this company, characterized by a significant disconnect between their advertised assistance programs and the actual support provided to customers in financial hardship. While agents often express empathy, their adherence to rigid policies limits their ability to offer meaningful solutions. For example, I recently lost my job and was unable to maintain the $1000 monthly payment. Despite my consistent payment history, including a previous interest rate reduction plan, I was ineligible for any assistance program due to a recent forbearance period. This classification seems inaccurate, as I continued to make substantial monthly payments during that time and have made consistent payments for over 2 years even after increases. There has been no significant change in my balance and now I’m going to be delinquent and all of my payments were basically for nothing. Then they’re just going to report me to credit bureaus and make it more impossible to get away from them. I urge the company to reexamine its customer support policies to ensure that they align with its stated commitment to helping customers in need. A more flexible and compassionate approach is necessary to address the genuine financial challenges faced by many of your customers.Business Response
Date: 12/06/2024
Thank you for your message. To protect the privacy of our customers, we responded directly to the customer. Please allow enough time for the customer to receive our response, sent via the U.S. Postal Service.
Regards,
Office of the Customer AdvocateCustomer Answer
Date: 12/13/2024
Better Business Bureau:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to my complaint and have determined that this does not resolve my issue. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
**In order for the bureau to continue to assist you, you MUST provide your view on the matter or your complaint will be closed as answered.
Regards,Complaint ID: 22601929
Initial Complaint
Date:11/07/2024
Type:Status:AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
- Resolved:
- The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
- Unresolved:
- The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
- Answered:
- The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
- Unanswered:
- The business failed to respond to the dispute.
- Unpursuable:
- BBB is unable to locate the business.
My cosigner has not paid toward any of my student loans. I am married now, and my cosigner is retired. I was denied due to "insufficient income", yet have been making uniform monthly payments for over a year. I make much more now than I have since graduation. There is no reason for me to continue to have a cosigner.Business Response
Date: 12/03/2024
Thank you for your message. To protect the privacy of our customers, we responded directly to the customer. Please allow enough time for the customer to receive our response, sent via the U.S. Postal Service.
Regards,
Office of the Customer Advocate
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