My opinion of Sallie Mae is neutral. I don't hate them, and I certainly don't love them!

Prior to consolidating my subsidized and unsub'ed they held five of my seven individual student loans. Six years ago my loans with SLM and other lenders went 120 days past due. Can't imagine what the HECK I was thinking back then. I was depressed and ignoring all of my bills because I couldn't pay.

Anyway, I finally contacted SLM and they cheerfully agreed to bring all my loans current if I agreed to consolidate with them. All the additional late fees and whatever else they charged were rolled into my big fat balance of around $50,000. I guess that was nice of them. Afterall they're making $$ on that big balance of mine.

I've NEVER encountered rude or discourteous customer service reps when I've called. Actually for the most part I would say they're kinda nice. People who complain about rude phone reps are probably in default and dealing with a collection agency that SLM has contracted.

On a less positive note I can confirm any wonders if they report late payments to credit reporting agencies. They do! I'm still living with five blemishes that they reported as 120 days past due. How else would I have known that I was once that behind on my payments! huh!

Their website makes it convenient for paying. I'm on a level payment plan that runs 30 frickin' years! If I continue to pay level in that time frame I will have paid around $120,000 total! Yes folks...interest adds up!

I've put together a plan and hope to pay off my balance in four years time. I'm sick n tired of padding the pockets of SLM!

Special note...if you plan on paying extra in addition to your monthly payment it MUST be sent in the mail seperate from your regular payment! And a special note "please apply to principle" MUST be noted! I found this in the fine print at the website.

People...PLEASE understand what you're getting into BEFORE taking out student loans! If I could do it all over I would've NEVER taken out loans. I would've gone to community college and studied for a technical degree. Nursing? X-ray tech? Computers? Something that is guaranteed to give me a job that pays a decent wage. Instead I'm stuck with a liberal arts type degree and working a job that requires minimal skill and only a high school diploma. Blaah! And I have no one to blame except MYSELF!

READ THE FINE PRINT!