Lessons Learned From The Privatization of Sallie Mae

In 2004, after Sallie Mae accelerated its actions to fully privatize, then-Assistant Secretary Wayne Abernathy directed the undertaking of this study. He strongly believed that a careful examination and analysis of the history of Sallie Mae’s successful privatization would provide Treasury information and lessons learned that would be helpful to Treasury and others as we look forward. This study was prepared by the staff of the Office of Sallie Mae Oversight, who monitored the safety and soundness of Sallie Mae during the privatization process. Every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the information it contains and to provide an impartial assessment of what occurred. As is the case with any history, the interpretations made by the authors are important to the structure and conclusions, and these interpretations are not necessarily those of Treasury or the Administration. Philip Quinn Larry Stauffer Suzanne McQueen Office of Sallie Mae Oversight March 2006