I see what a difference a good education makes in life

My university experience was a tough one, but I appreciate it more and more each day now that I see what a difference a good education makes in life. I have since become a licensed engineer in Florida and have also worked in other parts of the country. It's taken a decade to pay off my student loans, but it was well worth it. Just in time, too, because my wife and I are expecting our first kid in December!

Jason T., Miami

I cannot even put a value on my education, it is priceless!!!

I am so happy to have paid off my Sallie Mae loan. When I received the "paid off" statement I hung it outside my cubicle! My parents would have helped me pay for my entire education if they could, but luckily Sallie Mae provided me with two loans to help me through school. I cannot even put a value on my education, it is priceless!!! I work for one of the largest utility companies in the United States in community relations and I really love my job and the people I work with.

Paula H.

It truly has been my best investment to date

I am thrilled to have achieved this goal of paying off my graduate loan. I was able to go to a wonderful local private school, and loans enabled me to attend my institution of choice.

I loved my graduate school (Antioch University, Seattle) and my Masters in Clinical Psychology degree program. My degree translated as well, into a wonderful clinical career.

Going back to school was my dream, and it continues to open business doors for me! It truly has been my best investment to date. I made it a point to commit a good payment towards my student loans, each payday. That way I could watch my progress online. The better the job, the faster I could pay down the balance. I am happy to have paid off my loans, even in this challenging economy!

Thank you Sallie Mae for this experience and for helping me to achieve such an important goal, my Masters!

Laurie D., Seattle, Washington

Sallie Mae provided options to accommodate borrowers

I finished my PhD from Purdue University in 1997 and have been teaching for the Department of English at the University of Alaska Anchorage since 1995. I never doubted that I would reach the goal of paying off my loans because Sallie Mae provided options to accommodate borrowers. While I usually paid more than I had to each month, I always knew that I could pay less if I had to because of the various payment options available. I appreciated this a lot!

Trish J.

I have my master's degree, which is wealth in my pocket

In these times, debt can be overwhelming, while trying to navigate the daily challenges of life, raising families, progressing in career, finding a home in a safe area. My husband and I chose, as our first investment plan, to pay off my education loans.

After graduating from college, I had about $16,000 in debt and a B.A. degree from Boston University in psychology. After working for a start-up company as the principal research associate, I found a job in my chosen field at a prominent research hospital in Massachusetts. After several years working steadily, I decided the best way to advance my career was to continue to work part time while completing a master's degree in counseling and educational psychology.

Immediately upon graduation, I received a job as a master's level mental health counselor in a community mental health center. I took advantage of loan consolidation and was to receive a 1% decrease in my principle loan amount, except we paid the loan off sooner!

Our strategy was first of all to log on to the Sallie Mae website and pay attention to the daily interest being charged my account and, using a spreadsheet, calculating the ultimate cost of the loan had we extended repayment to the initial 30 years. This knowledge motivated us to chip away at the principal amount on my loan and pay off higher interest private loans. We increased our monthly payments and paid "lump sum" amounts where our budget allowed. We did not buy more cars than we needed nor a big house we could not afford as my husband also advanced in his career. We thought before we spent any dollar and asked ourselves, "Do I really need this?"

I am now a mother and continue working as a researcher and writer. I have my master's degree, which is wealth in my pocket for when I decide to work as a counselor again. And we are debt free!

Harimandir Kaur K., Gaithersburg, Maryland

I wanted to show my children that you can do what you set your mind to

My name is Patricia, I am 37 years old, I live in Burlington, Washington. I am finally graduating from college with an associate’s degree in human services general, HS chemical dependency, and a certificate in counseling for chemical dependency.

I started college over 10 years ago but had to put off graduating (I only needed three classes to finish) due to extenuating circumstances. I went back after 10 years to finish, and I wanted to show my children that you can do what you set your mind to no matter what your age. I want to lead by example, to show them to finish what you start, and just how important education is, no matter if you are a teenager or an adult. Sallie Mae helped me to do this by putting off my old student loans and giving me new ones to finish my education. I am very thankful for this because I could not have continued my education without them.

My college education has helped further my career by giving me more options to find employment. I have found a job that I love working with teenagers, which is what I have always wanted to do.

I have successfully paid off my student loans by finding a position that I enjoy and that pays well. My education has helped me in this by opening higher positions with higher pay scales.

Patricia B.

A higher education has made me a more versatile, marketable nurse!

I was a single mom with three young children to support. I made the decision to go back to school to pursue a Bachelor's degree in nursing. I found a great program at a private university that would allow me to continue to work full time as a nurse while putting me on the fast track to a higher degree. The cost of private tuition seemed high, but I knew it would pay off in the end. With Sallie Mae, I got the financial resources I needed to get me through the two additional years of school. I met my husband while attending school. We married shortly after graduation, and we worked together to pay off the loan. I am working as a Public Health Nurse. Attaining a higher education has made me a more versatile, marketable nurse!

Stephanie N., Abilene, Kansas

Lucky enough to have not only scholarships but also reasonable student loans

I have been lucky enough to have not only scholarships but also reasonable student loans. I have been able to pay off two student loans and am working on my third. I did it by managing my finances. I watched what I spent and my family expenditures. Even with three kids we were able to pay a little extra every month. Adhering to a budget and keeping expenses reasonable was definitely the key to being able to pay off not only my student loans, but also a car loan. A bit of sacrifice is definitely necessary. I wish good luck to everyone else in the same situation. It is difficult but definitely doable.

Kirk C.