Sallie Mae Scholarships

Much More than a Student Loan Provider

You recognize the name of Sallie Mae (SLM) most when it’s mentioned in the same sentence with "student loans." Of course, it’s one of the largest, most recognizable names in student loans today. But, the company is also distinguished for its cradle of college scholarships.

Sallie Mae "owns or manages student loans for nearly 10 million customers." Besides student loans, SLM also manages college savings programs, the financial needs that come well before college loans. Sallie has functioned independently of its former federal ties since 2004.

The Sallie Mae commitment to corporate philanthropy reaches into Sallie Mae corporate locations. Employee volunteers in concert with company funds help drive efforts for such organizations as the American Heart Association, United Way, and the Salvation Army, as well as small, regional organizations like food collection centers, nursing homes, schools and others.

Corporate Philanthropy Shows in Educational Scholarships

The Sallie Mae Fund is the company’s philanthropic arm. The coffer of college scholarships funded by the company proves it’s not just in the business of making money managing student loans:

• The Sallie Mae 911 Education Fund of course is saved for student/dependents of those killed or injured during the 9/11 attacks. Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time college program to be eligible for the $2,500 awards.
• Unmet Need Scholarships are given out to applicants with a demonstrable gap in financial aid awarded and the cost of their college program. Further qualifying factors must be a household income below $30,000. Recipients may be awarded between $1,000 and $3,800 for their tuition.
• American Dream Scholarships are a program between both Sallie Mae and the United Negro College Fund. African American college students must be Pell Grant recipients to apply, proving a significant financial need. An average GPA must be maintained and awards of up to $5,000 are possible.
• Hispanic students who are citizens of the U.S. and who are the first in their family to go to college are invited to apply for the First in My Family Scholarship, one of the most well-known scholarship programs for minorities. Although it is the largest minority group, Hispanics still include many families with no previous college experience. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA to qualify. Up to $5,000 is possible.
• Community College Transfer Scholarships are an incentive program designed for Hispanic students considering transfer to a four-year college program. Candidates must apply through the Hispanic College Fund.
• Writers of Passage Scholarships award $5,000 for a winning essay from a student at a Historically Black College. A generous adjunct to this award is the simultaneous grant of $20,000 made to the winner’s alma mater.
• College-bound students who attend one of Sallie Mae’s Paying for College classes, offered regionally, may register to win up to a $1,000 scholarship offered at each program.
• Check out Sallie Mae’s College Answer $1,000 scholarship. Apply just visiting the website and registering as a user. The site gets you valuable access to a wealth of the latest college news you need to know.