SLM (SLM) 10-K 26 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	SLM
Entity Registrant Name	SLM CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	1,032,033
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		426,316,005
Entity Public Float			$ 4.2

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,416,219	$ 2,359,780
Available-for-sale investments at fair value (cost of $196,402 and $167,740, respectively)	195,391	168,934
Loans held for investment (net of allowance for losses of $112,507 and $83,842, respectively)	11,630,591	9,509,786
Restricted cash and investments	27,980	4,804
Other interest-earning assets	54,845	72,479
Accrued interest receivable	564,496	469,697
Premises and equipment, net	81,273	78,470
Acquired intangible assets, net	1,745	3,225
Tax indemnification receivable	186,076	240,311
Other assets	55,482	64,757
Total assets	15,214,098	12,972,243
Liabilities
Deposits	11,487,707	10,540,555
Short-term borrowings	500,175	0
Long-term borrowings	579,101	0
Income taxes payable, net	166,662	191,499
Upromise related liabilities	275,384	293,004
Other liabilities	108,746	117,227
Total liabilities	$ 13,117,775	$ 11,142,285
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred stock, par value $0.20 per share, 20 million shares authorized
Common stock, par value $0.20 per share, 1.125 billion shares authorized: 430.7 million and 424.8 million shares, issued, respectively	$ 86,136	$ 84,961
Additional paid-in capital	1,135,860	1,090,511
Accumulated other comprehensive loss tax benefit	(16,059)	(11,393)
Retained earnings	366,609	113,066
Total SLM Corporation's stockholders' equity before treasury stock	2,137,546	1,842,145
Less: Common stock held in treasury at cost: 4.4 million and 1.4 million shares, respectively	(41,223)	(12,187)
Total equity	2,096,323	1,829,958
Total liabilities and equity	15,214,098	12,972,243
Series A Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, par value $0.20 per share, 20 million shares authorized
Preferred stock value outstanding	165,000	165,000
Series B Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, par value $0.20 per share, 20 million shares authorized
Preferred stock value outstanding	$ 400,000	$ 400,000

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments at cost	$ 196,402	$ 167,740
Allowance for losses for loans held for investment	$ 112,507	$ 83,842	$ 68,081	$ 69,189
Preferred stock, stated value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Common stock, shares authorized	1,125,000,000	1,125,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	430,700,000	424,800,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss tax benefit	$ (9,949)	$ (7,186)
Common stock held in treasury	4,400,000	1,400,000
Series A Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, stated value (in dollars per share)	$ 50	$ 50
Preferred stock, shares issued	3,300,000	3,300,000
Series B Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, stated value (in dollars per share)	$ 100	$ 100
Preferred stock, shares issued	4,000,000	4,000,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest income:
Loans	$ 817,120	$ 660,792	$ 527,257
Investments	10,247	8,913	20,090
Cash and cash equivalents	3,751	4,589	3,853
Total interest income	831,118	674,294	551,200
Interest expense:
Deposits	116,386	95,774	88,019
Interest expense on short-term borrowings	6,490	0	0
Interest expense on long-term borrowings	5,738	0	0
Other interest expense	5	41	1,066
Total interest expense	128,619	95,815	89,085
Net interest income	702,499	578,479	462,115
Less: provisions for credit losses	90,055	85,529	69,339
Net interest income after provisions for credit losses	612,444	492,950	392,776
Non-interest income:
Gains on sales of loans, net	135,358	121,359	196,593
Gains on sales of securities	0	0	63,813
Gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities, net	5,300	(3,996)	640
Other	41,935	39,921	37,222
Total non-interest income	182,593	157,284	298,268
Expenses:
Compensation and benefits	158,975	129,709	106,799
Other operating expenses	190,120	145,172	163,675
Total operating expenses	349,095	274,881	270,474
Acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization expense	1,480	3,290	3,317
Restructuring and other reorganization expenses	5,398	38,311	726
Total expenses	355,973	316,482	274,517
Income before income tax expense	439,064	333,752	416,527
Income tax expense	164,780	139,967	158,934
Net income	274,284	193,785	257,593
Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	(434)	(1,352)
Net income attributable to SLM Corporation	274,284	194,219	258,945
Preferred stock dividends	19,595	12,933	0
Net income attributable to SLM Corporation common stock	$ 254,689	$ 181,286	$ 258,945
Basic earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation (in dollars per share)	$ 0.60	$ 0.43	$ 0.59
Average common shares outstanding (in shares)	425,574	423,970	440,108
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation (in dollars per share)	$ 0.59	$ 0.42	$ 0.58
Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)	432,234	432,269	448,549

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 274,284	$ 193,785	$ 257,593
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments:
Unrealized (losses) gains on investments	(2,205)	6,066	35,802
Reclassification adjustments for (gain) on sale of available-for-sale securities included in other income	0	0	(63,813)
Total unrealized (losses) gains on investments	(2,205)	6,066	(28,011)
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges	(5,224)	(19,772)	0
Total unrealized (losses) gains	(7,429)	(13,706)	(28,011)
Income tax benefit	2,763	5,337	10,639
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax benefit	(4,666)	(8,369)	(17,372)
Comprehensive income	269,618	185,416	240,221
Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	(434)	(1,352)
Total comprehensive income attributable to SLM Corporation	$ 269,618	$ 185,850	$ 241,573

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Preferred Stock	Treasury Stock	Common Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Additional Paid-in Capital	Additional Paid-in CapitalNavient's Subsidiary Investment	Retained Earnings	Total SLM Corporation Equity	Non-controlling interest	Series A Preferred Stock	Series A Preferred StockRetained Earnings	Series A Preferred StockTotal SLM Corporation Equity	Series B Preferred Stock	Series B Preferred StockRetained Earnings	Series B Preferred StockTotal SLM Corporation Equity
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 1,089,300				$ 14,348		$ 1,068,928		$ 1,083,276	$ 6,024
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	257,593				0		258,945		258,945	(1,352)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(17,372)				(17,372)		0		(17,372)	0
Comprehensive income	240,221								241,573	(1,352)
Net transfers from affiliate	$ (163,378)				0		(163,378)		(163,378)	0
Cash dividends:
Issuance of common shares (in shares)	9,702,976
Ending balance, shares issued (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		0		0
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013			0	0
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 1,166,143	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	(3,024)	$ 0	1,164,495	$ 0	1,161,471	4,672
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	193,785						68,173	126,046	194,219	(434)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(8,369)				(8,369)				(8,369)
Comprehensive income	185,416								185,850	(434)
Net transfers from affiliate	479,409						479,409		479,409
Separation adjustments related to Spin-Off of Navient Corporation (in shares)		7,300,000	0	422,790,320
Separation adjustments related to Spin-Off of Navient Corporation	0	$ 565,000		$ 84,558		1,062,519	(1,712,077)
Sale of non-controlling interest	(4,238)									(4,238)
Cash dividends:
Preferred stock											$ (7,667)	$ (7,667)	$ (7,667)	$ (5,266)	$ (5,266)	$ (5,266)
Dividend equivalent units related to employee stock-based compensation plans	$ 0					47		(47)
Issuance of common shares (in shares)	2,013,805			2,013,805
Issuance of common shares	$ 8,683			$ 403		8,280			8,683
Tax benefit related to employee stock-based compensation	3,271					3,271			3,271
Stock-based compensation expense	16,394					16,394			16,394
Shares repurchased related to employee stock-based compensation plans (in shares)			(1,365,277)	(1,365,277)
Shares repurchased related to employee stock-based compensation plans	(12,187)		$ (12,187)						(12,187)
Ending balance, shares issued (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		7,300,000		424,804,125
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			(1,365,277)	423,438,848
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	1,829,958	$ 565,000	$ (12,187)	$ 84,961	(11,393)	1,090,511	$ 0	113,066	1,829,958	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	274,284							274,284	274,284
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(4,666)				(4,666)				(4,666)
Comprehensive income	$ 269,618								269,618
Separation adjustments related to Spin-Off of Navient Corporation						1,660			1,660
Cash dividends:
Preferred stock											$ (11,501)	$ (11,501)		$ (8,094)	$ (8,094)
Dividend equivalent units related to employee stock-based compensation plans						1,146		(1,146)	0
Issuance of common shares (in shares)	5,873,309			5,873,309
Issuance of common shares				$ 1,175		14,805			15,980
Tax benefit related to employee stock-based compensation						6,140			6,140
Stock-based compensation expense						21,598			21,598
Shares repurchased related to employee stock-based compensation plans (in shares)			(3,008,913)	(3,008,913)
Shares repurchased related to employee stock-based compensation plans			$ (29,036)						(29,036)
Ending balance, shares issued (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		7,300,000		430,677,434
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015			(4,374,190)	426,303,244
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 2,096,323	$ 565,000	$ (41,223)	$ 86,136	$ (16,059)	$ 1,135,860		$ 366,609	$ 2,096,323

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHA7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Series A Preferred Stock
Preferred stock dividend rate (in dollars per share)	$ 3.48	$ 2.61
Series B Preferred Stock
Preferred stock dividend rate (in dollars per share)	$ 2.06	$ 1.47

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating activities
Net income	$ 274,284	$ 193,785	$ 257,593
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Provisions for credit losses	90,055	85,529	69,339
Deferred tax (benefit) provision	(77,227)	(40,888)	14,567
Amortization of brokered deposit placement fee	10,510	10,164	9,754
Amortization of ABCP upfront fee	2,337	0	0
Amortization of deferred loan origination costs and fees, net	3,746	1,995	2,199
Net amortization of discount on investments	1,716	633	(7,187)
Interest income on tax indemnification receivable	(5,398)	(5,904)	0
Depreciation of premises and equipment	7,437	6,099	5,059
Amortization and impairment of acquired intangibles	1,480	3,290	3,317
Stock-based compensation expense	21,598	24,971	15,681
Unrealized (gains)/losses on derivative and hedging activities, net	(2,500)	1,214	(324)
Gains on sale of securities	0	0	(63,813)
Gains on sale of loans, net	(135,358)	(121,359)	(196,593)
Other adjustments to net income, net	(306)	0	1,046
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Net decrease in loans held for sale	55	6,519	3,628
Origination of loans held for sale	(55)	(6,519)	(3,628)
Increase in accrued interest receivable	(377,648)	(331,014)	(281,856)
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash and investments, net	(737)	(493)	136
Decrease (increase) in other interest-earning assets	17,634	(72,435)	(39)
Decrease in tax indemnification receivable	59,633	44,724	0
Increase in other assets	(18,070)	(24,959)	(2,357)
Increase (decrease) in income tax payable, net	56,813	(221,222)	56,784
Increase in accrued interest payable	303	2,985	239
(Decrease) increase in payable due to entity that is a subsidiary of Navient	(6,774)	8,764	147,379
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities	(14,731)	(2,652)	39,096
Total adjustments	(365,487)	(630,558)	(187,573)
Total net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(91,203)	(436,773)	70,020
Investing activities
Loans acquired and originated	(4,366,651)	(4,094,790)	(4,387,093)
Net proceeds from sales of loans held for investment	1,547,373	2,001,625	2,546,940
Proceeds from claim payments	111,580	127,869	82,615
Net decrease in loans held for investment	913,005	638,321	490,791
Increase in restricted cash and investment - variable interest entities	(22,439)	0	0
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(64,112)	(72,049)	(62,097)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities	33,735	10,653	597,728
Total net cash used in investing activities	(1,847,509)	(1,388,371)	(731,116)
Financing activities
Brokered deposit placement fee	(4,098)	(15,098)	(12,114)
Net increase in certificates of deposit	611,643	340,225	535,456
Net increase in other deposits	324,518	1,207,487	1,126,673
Borrowings collateralized by loans in securitization trusts - issued	620,681	0	0
Borrowings collateralized by loans in securitization - repaid	(41,976)	0	0
Borrowings under ABCP facility	1,210,180	0	0
Repayment of borrowings under ABCP facility	(710,005)	0	0
Fees paid - ABCP facility	(2,337)	0	0
Net decrease in deposits with entity that is a subsidiary of Navient	0	(5,633)	(126,923)
Special cash contribution from Navient	0	472,718	0
Net capital contributions from entity that is a subsidiary of Navient	0	12,022	(164,471)
Excess tax benefit from the exercise of stock-based awards	6,140	3,271	6,258
Preferred stock dividends paid	(19,595)	(12,933)	0
Dividend paid to entity that is a subsidiary of Navient	0	0	(120,000)
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,995,151	2,002,059	1,244,879
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	56,439	176,915	583,783
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	2,359,780	2,182,865	1,599,082
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	2,416,219	2,359,780	2,182,865
Cash disbursements made for:
Interest	111,563	90,329	76,901
Income taxes paid	205,698	401,834	81,194
Income taxes cash received	$ (25,151)	$ (3,015)	$ 0

Organization and Business

Organization and Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Business	Organization and Business SLM Corporation (“Sallie Mae,” “SLM,” the “Company,” “we” or “us”) is a holding company that operates through a number of subsidiaries. Its predecessor was formed in 1972 as the Student Loan Marketing Association, a federally chartered government-sponsored enterprise (the “GSE”), with the goal of furthering access to higher education by providing liquidity to the education loan marketplace. Under privatization legislation passed in 1997, we incorporated SLM Corporation as a Delaware corporation with the GSE as a subsidiary and on December 29, 2004, we terminated the federal charter and dissolved the GSE. Our primary business is to originate and service loans we make to students and their families to finance the cost of their education. We use “Private Education Loans” to mean education loans to students or their families that are not made, insured or guaranteed by any state or federal government. Private Education Loans do not include loans insured or guaranteed under the previously existing Federal Family Education Loan Program (“FFELP”). The core of our marketing strategy is to generate Private Education Loan originations by promoting our products on campuses through the financial aid offices as well as through online and direct marketing to students and their families. Since the beginning of 2006, virtually all of our Private Education Loans have been originated and funded by Sallie Mae Bank (the “Bank”), a Utah industrial bank subsidiary, which is regulated by the Utah Department of Financial Institutions (“UDFI”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"). We also operate Upromise, Inc. (“Upromise”), a consumer savings network that provides financial rewards on everyday purchases to help families save for college. On April 30, 2014, we completed our plan to legally separate into two distinct publicly traded entities: an education loan management, servicing and asset recovery business, named Navient Corporation (“Navient”); and a consumer banking business, named SLM Corporation. The separation of Navient from SLM Corporation (the “Spin-Off”) was preceded by an internal corporate reorganization, which was the first step to separate the education loan management, servicing and asset recovery business from the consumer banking business. As a result of a holding company merger under Section 251(g) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which is referred to herein as the “SLM Merger,” all of the shares of then existing SLM Corporation’s common stock were converted, on a 1 -to-1 basis, into shares of common stock of New BLC Corporation, a newly formed company that was a subsidiary of pre-Spin-Off SLM Corporation (“pre-Spin-Off SLM”), and, pursuant to the SLM Merger, New BLC Corporation replaced then existing SLM Corporation as the publicly traded registrant and changed its name to SLM Corporation. As part of the internal corporate reorganization, the assets and liabilities associated with the education loan management, servicing and asset recovery business were transferred to Navient, and those assets and liabilities associated with the consumer banking business remained with or were transferred to the newly constituted SLM Corporation. The separation and distribution were accounted for on a substantially tax-free basis.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	asis of Presentation The financial reporting and accounting policies of SLM Corporation conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). In conjunction with the Spin-Off, our consolidated financial statements are comprised of financial information relating to the Bank and Upromise. Also included in our financial statements, for periods before the Spin-Off, are certain general corporate overhead expenses allocated to the Company. The timing and steps necessary to complete the Spin-Off and comply with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reporting requirements, including the replacement of pre-Spin-Off SLM with our current publicly traded registrant, have resulted in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on February 19, 2014, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on May 12, 2014, providing business results and financial information for the periods reported therein on the basis of the consolidated businesses of pre-Spin-Off SLM. While information contained in those prior reports may provide meaningful historical context for our business, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 was our first periodic report made on the basis of the post-Spin-Off business. For periods before the Spin-Off, these financial statements are presented on a basis of accounting that reflects a change in reporting entity and have been adjusted for the effects of the Spin-Off. These carved-out financial statements and selected financial information represent only those operations, assets, liabilities and equity that form Sallie Mae on a stand-alone basis. Because the Spin-Off occurred on April 30, 2014, these financial statements include the carved-out financial results for the first four months of 2014. All prior period amounts represent comparably determined carved-out amounts. The year ended December 31, 2015 was the first full year where the financial results did not include the effect of carved-out amounts. Use of Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key accounting policies that include significant judgments and estimates include the valuation of allowance for loan losses, fair value measurements and derivative accounting. Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SLM Corporation and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries after eliminating the effects of intercompany accounts and transactions. We consolidate any variable interest entity (“VIE”) where we have determined we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity which has both: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash held in the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRB”) and commercial bank accounts, and other short-term liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less. Fees associated with investing cash and cash equivalents are amortized into interest income using the effective interest rate method. Investments Investments consisted of only mortgage-backed securities in 2015 and 2014. We record our investment purchases and sales on a trade date basis. The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are amortized using the effective interest rate method. Our investments are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investments are recorded in equity and are reported as a component of other comprehensive income/(loss), net of applicable income taxes, unless a decline in the investment’s value is considered to be other-than-temporary, in which case the loss is recorded directly to earnings. Management reviews all investments at least quarterly to determine whether any impairment is other-than-temporary. Impairment is evaluated by considering several factors, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability to retain the investment to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value. If, based on the analysis, it is determined that the impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to fair value and a loss is recognized through earnings. Loans Held for Investment Loans, consisting of Private Education Loans and FFELP loans, that we have the ability and intent to hold for the foreseeable future are classified as held for investment, and are carried at amortized cost. Amortized cost includes the unamortized premiums, discounts, and capitalized origination costs and fees, all of which are amortized to interest income as discussed under “Loan Interest Income.” Loans which are held for investment are reported net of an allowance for loan losses. Prior to the Spin-Off, we participated in FFELP rehabilitation loan auctions whereby we bid on portfolios of rehabilitated FFELP loans offered for sale by guarantors. For a loan to be eligible for rehabilitation, the guaranty agency must have received reasonable and affordable payments for 9 out of 10 months , at which time the borrower may request that the loan be rehabilitated. Because monthly payments are usually greater after rehabilitation, not all borrowers request rehabilitation. Upon rehabilitation, a borrower is again eligible for all of the benefits under the Higher Education Act that he or she was not eligible for as a borrower on a defaulted loan, such as new federal aid, and the default on the borrower’s credit record is expunged. No student loan may be rehabilitated more than once. We did not purchase any of these loans in 2015. In 2014, we purchased $7.5 million of these loans, at 102 percent of par value. These loans were subject to our Allowance for Loan Loss reserve methodology. We no longer intend to purchase any FFELP loans. Restricted Cash and Investments Restricted cash and investments primarily include amounts held in student loan securitization trusts and other secured borrowings. This cash must be used to make payments related to trust obligations. Amounts on deposit in these accounts are primarily the result of timing differences between when principal and interest is collected on the trust assets and when principal and interest is paid on trust liabilities. Allowance for Loan Losses We consider a loan to be impaired when, based on current information, a loss has been incurred and it is probable that we will not receive all contractual amounts due. When making our assessment as to whether a loan is impaired, we also take into account more than insignificant delays in payment. We generally evaluate impaired loans on an aggregate basis by grouping similar loans. We maintain an allowance for loan losses at an amount sufficient to absorb probable losses incurred in our portfolios, as well as future loan commitments, at the reporting date based on a projection of estimated probable credit losses incurred in the portfolio. We analyze our portfolios to determine the effects that the various stages of delinquency and forbearance have on borrower default behavior and ultimate charge off. We estimate the allowance for loan losses for our loan portfolios using a roll rate analysis of delinquent and current accounts. A “roll rate analysis” is a technique used to estimate the likelihood that a loan receivable may progress through the various delinquency stages and ultimately charge off. We also take into account the current and future economic environment and certain other qualitative factors when calculating the allowance for loan losses. The evaluation of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant changes. Our default estimates are based on a loss emergence period of one year for Private Education Loans and two years for FFELP Loans. A loss emergence period represents the expected period between the first occurrence of an event likely to cause a loss on a loan and the date the loan is expected to be charged off, taking into consideration account management practices that affect the timing of a loss, such as the usage of forbearance. The loss emergence period underlying the allowance for loan losses is subject to a number of assumptions. If actual future performance in delinquency, charge-offs and recoveries are significantly different than estimated, or account management assumptions or practices were to change, this could materially affect the estimate of the allowance for loan losses, the timing of when losses are recognized, and the related provision for credit losses on our consolidated statements of income. We utilize various models to determine an appropriate allowance for loan losses. Changes to model inputs are made as deemed necessary. These models are reviewed and validated periodically. Below we describe in further detail our policies and procedures for the allowance for loan losses as they relate to our Private Education Loan and FFELP Loan portfolios. Allowance for Private Education Loan Losses We maintain an allowance for loan losses at an amount sufficient to absorb probable losses incurred in our portfolios at the reporting date based on a projection of estimated probable credit losses incurred in the portfolio. In determining the allowance for loan losses on our Private Education Loans that are not troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), we estimate the principal amount of loans that will default over the next year ( one year being the expected period between a loss event and default) and how much we expect to recover over the same one year period related to the defaulted amount. The expected defaults less our expected recoveries adjusted for any qualitative factors (discussed below) equal the allowance related to this portfolio. Our historical experience indicates that, on average, the time between the date that a customer experiences a default causing event (i.e., the loss trigger event) and the date that we charge off the unrecoverable portion of that loan is one year. In estimating both the non-TDR and TDR allowance amounts, we start with historical experience of customer delinquency and default behavior. We make judgments about which historical period to start with and then make further judgments about whether that historical experience is representative of future expectations and whether additional adjustments may be needed to those historical default rates. We may also take certain other qualitative factors into consideration when calculating the allowance for loan losses. These qualitative factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the economic environment, changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collection, charge-off and recovery practices not already included in the analysis, and the effect of other external factors such as legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses. Our non-TDR allowance for loan losses is estimated using an analysis of delinquent and current accounts. Our model is used to estimate the likelihood that a loan receivable may progress through the various delinquency stages and ultimately charge off. Once a charge-off forecast is estimated, a recovery assumption is layered on top. In estimating recoveries, we use both estimates of what we would receive from the sale of delinquent loans as well as historical borrower payment behavior to estimate the timing and amount of future recoveries on charged-off loans. In fourth quarter 2015, we stopped selling defaulted loans to third-parties and began collecting on defaulted loans in-house. It is our expectation that in the future we will continue to collect on defaulted loans in-house as well as sell defaulted loans to third-parties. Prior to this change in practice, we only used estimates of what we would receive from the sale of delinquent loans in estimating recoveries. For December, 31, 2015, we used both an estimate of recovery rates from in-house collections as well as expectations of future sales of defaulted loans to estimate the timing and amount of future recoveries on charged-off loans. The roll rate analysis model is based upon actual experience using the 120 day charge-off default aversion strategies. Once the quantitative calculation is performed, we review the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and determine if qualitative adjustments need to be considered. In connection with the Spin-Off, the agreement under which the Bank previously made sales of defaulted loans to an affiliate was amended so that the Bank now has the right to require Navient to purchase (at fair value) loans only where (a) the borrower has a lending relationship with both the Bank and Navient (“Split Loans”) and (b) the Split Loans either (1) are more than 90 days past due; (2) have been restructured; (3) have been granted a hardship forbearance or more than six months of administrative forbearance; or (4) have a borrower or cosigner who has filed for bankruptcy. At December 31, 2015, we held approximately $89 million of Split Loans. Pre-Spin-Off SLM charged off loans when they were 212 days delinquent. As such, default aversion strategies were focused on the final stages of delinquency, from 150 days to 212 days . In connection with the Spin-Off, we changed our charge-off policy for Private Education Loans to charging off loans when they reach 120 days delinquent. As a result of changing our corporate charge-off policy and greatly reducing the number of potentially delinquent loans we sell to Navient, our default aversion strategies now focus on loans 30 to 120 days delinquent. This change has the effect of accelerating the recognition of losses due to the shorter charge-off period ( 120 days ). In addition, at the time of the Spin-Off, we changed our loss emergence period from two years to one year to reflect the shorter charge-off policy and our revised servicing practices. These two changes resulted in recognizing a $14 million net reduction in our allowance for loan losses in second quarter 2014 because we are now only reserving for one year of losses as compared with two years under the prior policy, which more than offset the impact of the shorter charge-off period. Troubled Debt Restructurings Separately, for our TDR portfolio, we estimate an allowance amount sufficient to cover life-of-loan expected losses through an impairment calculation based on the difference between the loan’s basis and the present value of expected future cash flows (which would include life-of-loan default and recovery assumptions) discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate. Our TDR portfolio is comprised mostly of loans with interest rate reductions and forbearance usage greater than three months . We modify the terms of loans for certain borrowers when we believe such modifications may increase the ability and willingness of a borrower to make payments and thus increase the ultimate overall amount collected on a loan. These modifications generally take the form of a forbearance, a temporary interest rate reduction or an extended repayment plan. In the first nine months after a loan enters full principal and interest repayment, the loan may be in forbearance for up to six months without it being classified as a TDR. Once the initial nine -month period described above is over, however, any loan that receives more than three months of forbearance in a twenty-four month period is classified as a TDR. Also, a loan becomes a TDR when it is modified to reduce the interest rate on the loan (regardless of when such modification occurs and/or whether such interest rate is temporary). The majority of our loans that are considered TDRs involve a temporary forbearance of payments and do not change the contractual interest rate of the loan. Approximately 23 percent and 10 percent of the loans granted forbearance as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, have been classified as TDRs due to their forbearance status. Key Credit Quality Indicators We determine the collectability of our Private Education Loan portfolio by evaluating certain risk characteristics. We consider credit score, existence of a cosigner, loan status and loan seasoning as the key credit quality indicators because they have the most significant effect on the determination of the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses. Credit scores are an indicator of the creditworthiness of a borrower and the higher the credit score the more likely it is the borrower will be able to make all of their contractual payments. Loan status affects the credit risk because a past due loan is more likely to result in a credit loss than an up-to-date loan. Additionally, loans in the deferred payment status have different credit risk profiles compared with those in current pay status. Loan seasoning affects credit risk because a loan with a history of making payments generally has a lower incidence of default than a loan with a history of making infrequent or no payments. The existence of a cosigner lowers the likelihood of default. We monitor and update these credit quality indicators in the analysis of the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis. Certain Private Education Loans do not require borrowers to begin repayment until six months after they have graduated or otherwise left school. Consequently, the loss estimates for these loans is generally low while the borrower is in school. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, 32 percent and 36 percent , respectively, of the principal balance in the Private Education Loan portfolio was related to borrowers who are in an in-school (fully deferred), grace, or deferment status and not required to make payments. As this population of borrowers leaves school, they will be required to begin payments on their loans, and the allowance for losses may change accordingly. Similar to the rules governing FFELP payment requirements, our collection policies allow for periods of nonpayment for borrowers requesting additional payment grace periods upon leaving school or experiencing temporary difficulty meeting payment obligations. This is referred to as forbearance status and is considered separately in the allowance for loan losses. The loss emergence period is in alignment with the typical collection cycle and takes into account these periods of nonpayment. As part of concluding on the adequacy of the allowance for loan loss, we review key allowance and loan metrics. The most relevant of these metrics considered are the allowance coverage of charge-offs ratio; the allowance as a percentage of total loans and of loans in repayment; and delinquency and forbearance percentages. We consider a loan to be delinquent 31 days after the last payment was contractually due. We use a model to estimate the amount of uncollectible accrued interest on Private Education Loans and reserve for that amount against current period interest income. Allowance for FFELP Loan Losses FFELP Loans are insured as to their principal and accrued interest in the event of default subject to a Risk Sharing level based on the date of loan disbursement. These insurance obligations are supported by contractual rights against the United States. For loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2006, we receive 97 percent reimbursement. For loans disbursed after October 1, 1993, and before July 1, 2006, we receive 98 percent reimbursement on all qualifying default claims. For loans disbursed prior to October 1, 1993, we receive 100 percent reimbursement. The allowance for FFELP Loan losses uses historical experience of customer default behavior and a two-year loss emergence period to estimate the credit losses incurred in the loan portfolio at the reporting date. We apply the default rate projections, net of applicable Risk Sharing, to each category for the current period to perform our quantitative calculation. Once the quantitative calculation is performed, we review the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and determine if qualitative adjustments need to be considered. Deposits Our deposit accounts are principally certificates of deposit (“CD”), money market deposit accounts (“MMDA”) and high yield savings (“HYS”) accounts. CDs are accounts that have a stipulated maturity and interest rate. Early withdrawal of brokered CDs is prohibited (except in the case of death or legal incapacity). Retail CDs may be withdrawn early, but a penalty is assessed. MMDA and HYS accounts are both interest and non-interest bearing accounts that have no maturity or expiration date. The depositor is not required by the deposit contract, but may at any time be required by the Company, to give written notice of any intended withdrawal not less than seven days before the withdrawal is made. Upromise related liabilities Upromise related liabilities represent amounts owed to Upromise rewards members for rebates they have earned from qualifying purchases from Upromise’s participating merchants. These amounts are held in trust for the benefit of the members until distributed in accordance with the Upromise member’s request and/or the terms of the Upromise service agreement. Upromise, which acts as the trustee for the trust, has deposited a majority of the cash with the Bank pursuant to a money market deposit account agreement between the Bank and Upromise as trustee of the trust. Fair Value Measurement We use estimates of fair value in applying various accounting standards for our financial statements. Fair value measurements are used in one of four ways: • In the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statement of income; • In the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income section of the consolidated statement of changes in equity; • In the consolidated balance sheet for instruments carried at lower of cost or fair value with impairment charges recorded in the consolidated statement of income; and • In the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Fair value is defined as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing and able market participants. In general, our policy in estimating fair value is to first look at observable market prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets, where available. When these are not available, other inputs are used to model fair value such as prices of similar instruments, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, default rates and credit spreads (including for our liabilities), relying first on observable data from active markets. Depending on current market conditions, additional adjustments to fair value may be based on factors such as liquidity, credit, and bid/offer spreads. Transaction costs are not included in the determination of fair value. When possible, we seek to validate the model’s output to market transactions. Depending on the availability of observable inputs and prices, different valuation models could produce materially different fair value estimates. The values presented may not represent future fair values and may not be realizable. We categorize our fair value estimates based on a hierarchical framework associated with three levels of price transparency utilized in measuring financial instruments at fair value. Classification is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value of the instrument. The three levels are as follows: • Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date. The types of financial instruments included in level 1 are highly liquid instruments with quoted prices. • Level 2 — Inputs from active markets, other than quoted prices for identical instruments, are used to determine fair value. Significant inputs are directly observable from active markets for substantially the full term of the asset or liability being valued. • Level 3 — Pricing inputs significant to the valuation are unobservable. Inputs are developed based on the best information available. However, significant judgment is required by us in developing the inputs. Loan Interest Income For loans classified as held for investment, we recognize interest income as earned, adjusted for the amortization of deferred direct origination costs. This adjustment is recognized based upon the expected yield of the loan over its life after giving effect to prepayments and extensions. The estimate of the prepayment speed includes the effect of voluntary prepayments, student loan defaults, and consolidation (if the loan is consolidated to a third-party), all of which shorten the life-of-loan. Prepayment speed estimates also consider the utilization of deferment, forbearance, and extended repayment plans, which lengthen the life-of-loan. We regularly evaluate the assumptions used to estimate the prepayment speeds. In instances where there are changes to the assumptions, amortization is adjusted on a cumulative basis to reflect the change since the origination of the loan. We also pay to the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) an annual 105 basis point consolidation loan rebate fee on FFELP consolidation loans, which is netted against loan interest income. Additionally, interest earned on education loans reflects potential non-payment adjustments in accordance with our uncollectible interest recognition policy as discussed further in “Allowance for Loan Losses” of this Note 2. We do not amortize any adjustments to the basis of education loans when they are classified as held-for-sale. We recognize certain fee income (primarily late fees) on education loans when earned according to the contractual provisions of the promissory notes, as well as our expectation of collectability. Fee income is recorded when earned in “other non-interest income” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Interest Expense Interest expense is based upon contractual interest rates adjusted for the amortization of issuance costs. We incur interest expense on interest bearing deposits comprised of non-maturity savings deposits, brokered and retail CDs, brokered MMDAs and secured financings. Interest expense is recognized when amounts are contractually due to deposit and debt holders and is adjusted for net payments/receipts related to interest rate swap agreements that qualify and are designated hedges of interest bearing liabilities. Interest expense also includes the amortization of deferred gains and losses on closed hedge transactions that qualified as hedges. Amortization of debt issuance costs, premiums, discounts and terminated hedge-basis adjustments are recognized using the effective interest rate method. We incur certain fees related to our Private Education Loan asset-backed commercial paper facility (the “ABCP Facility”), including an unused ABCP Facility fee, and also incur fees related to our term asset-backed securities ("ABS"). These fees are included in interest expense. Refer to Note 8, “Deposits,” and Note 9, “Borrowings” for further details of our interest bearing liabilities. Gains on Sale of Loans, Net We participate and sell loans to third-parties and affiliates, including entities that were related parties prior to the Spin-Off. These sales may occur through whole loan sales or securitization transactions that qualify for sales treatment. If a transfer of loans qualifies as a sale, we derecognize the loan and recognize a gain or loss as the difference between the carry basis of the loan sold and liabilities retained and the compensation received. We recognize the results of a transfer of loans based upon the settlement date of the transaction. These loans were initially recorded as held for investment, and were transferred to held-for-sale immediately prior to sale or securitization. Prior to the Spin-Off, the Bank sold loans to an entity that is now a subsidiary of Navient when loans became 90 days delinquent and to facilitate securitization transactions. Prior to the Spin-Off, the Bank sold $ 805 million and $ 2.4 billion of loans resulting in a net gain on sale of loans of $ 36 million and $ 197 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Subsequent to the Spin-Off, we sold loans through loan sales and securitization transactions with third-parties (including Navient) resulting in a net gain on sale of loans of $ 135 million and $ 85 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. See Note 16, “Arrangements with Navient Corporation,” for further discussion regarding loan purchase agreements. Other Income Our Upromise subsidiary has a number of programs that encourage consumers to save for the cost of college education. We have established a consumer savings network, which is designed to promote college savings by consumers who are members of this program by encouraging them to purchase goods and services from the merchants that participate in the program. Participating merchants generally pay Upromise fees based on member purchase volume, either online or in stores depending on the contractual arrangement with the merchant. We recognize revenue as marketing and administrative services are rendered, based upon contractually determined rates and member purchase volumes. Securitization Accounting Our securitizations transactions use a two-step structure with a special purpose entity (variable interest entity (“VIE”)) that legally isolates the transferred assets from us in the event of bankruptcy or receivership. Transactions receiving sale treatment are also structured to ensure that the holders of the beneficial interests issued are not constrained from pledging or exchanging their interests, and that we do not maintain effective control over the transferred assets. If these criteria are not met, then the transaction is accounted for as an on-balance sheet secured borrowing. If a securitization qualifies as a sale, we then assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of the securitization trust and are required to consolidate such trust. We are considered the primary beneficiary if we have both: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. There can be considerable judgment as it relates to determining the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. There are no “bright line” tests. Rather, the assessment of who has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and who has the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE can be very qualitative and judgmental in nature. If we are the primary beneficiary then no gain or loss is recognized. We have determined that as the sponsor and servicer of Sallie Mae securitization trusts, we meet the first primary beneficiary criterion because we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. Irrespective of whether a securitization receives sale or on-balance sheet treatment, our continuing involvement with our securitization trusts is generally limited to: • Owning the equity certificates of certain trusts. • The servicing of the student loan assets within the securitization trusts, on both a pre- and post-default basis. • Our acting as administrator for the securitization transactions we sponsored. • Our responsibilities relative to representation and warranty violations. • The option to exercise the clean-up call and purchase the student loans from the trust when the pool balance is 10 percent or less of the

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents As of December 31, 2015, cash and cash equivalents include cash due from the FRB of $ 2.4 billion and cash due from depository institutions of $22.4 million. As of December 31, 2014, cash and cash equivalents include cash due from the FRB of $2.3 billion and cash due from depository institutions of $ 14.9 million. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had no outstanding cash equivalents. In 2010, the FRB introduced the Term Deposit Facility to facilitate the conduct of monetary policy by providing a tool that may be used to manage the aggregate quantity of reserve balances held by depository institutions. Under this program, the FRB accepts deposits for a stated maturity at a rate of interest determined via auction. The funds are removed from the accounts of participating institutions for the life of the term deposit. We participated in these auctions in 2015 and 2014, resulting in interest income of $0.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, no funds were on deposit with the FRB under this program. We are required to maintain average reserve balances with the FRB based on a percentage of deposits. The average amounts of those reserves for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $1.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale are as follows: As of December 31, 2015 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Available for sale: Mortgage-backed securities $ 196,402 $ 1,370 $ (2,381 ) $ 195,391 As of December 31, 2014 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Available for sale: Mortgage-backed securities $ 167,740 $ 2,686 $ (1,492 ) $ 168,934 The following table summarizes the amount of gross unrealized losses for our mortgage-backed securities and the estimated fair value by length of time the securities have been in an unrealized loss position: Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value As of December 31, 2015: Mortgage-backed securities $ (827 ) $ 73,802 $ (1,554 ) $ 39,271 $ (2,381 ) $ 113,073 As of December 31, 2014: Mortgage-backed securities $ (27 ) $ 12,147 $ (1,465 ) $ 41,462 $ (1,492 ) $ 53,609 Our investment portfolio is comprised of mortgage-backed securities issued by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, with amortized costs of $ 93.6 million, $ 78.7 million, and $ 24.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2015. We own these securities to meet our requirements under the Community Reinvestment Act. As of December 31, 2015, there were 35 of 74 separate mortgage-backed securities with unrealized losses in our investment portfolio. Fourteen of the 35 securities in a net loss position were issued under Ginnie Mae programs that carry a full faith and credit guarantee from the U.S. Government. The remaining securities in a net loss position carry a principal and interest guarantee by Fannie Mae. As of December 31, 2014, there were 13 of 56 separate mortgage-backed securities with unrealized losses in our investment portfolio. Nine of the 13 securities in a net loss position were issued by Ginnie Mae. We have the ability and the intent to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient for the market price to recover to at least the adjusted amortized cost of the security. As of December 31, 2015, the amortized cost and fair value of securities, by contractual maturities, are summarized below. Contractual maturities versus actual maturities may differ due to the effect of prepayments. Year of Maturity Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value 2038 $ 284 $ 307 2039 7,539 8,054 2042 22,336 21,282 2043 59,961 60,165 2044 47,833 47,815 2045 58,449 57,768 Total $ 196,402 $ 195,391 In October 2013, we sold our asset-backed security portfolio for a gain of $63.8 million. We no longer hold asset-backed securities in our investment portfolio. The mortgage-backed securities have been pledged to the FRB as collateral against any advances and accrued interest under the Primary Credit program or any other program sponsored by the FRB. We had $188.3 million and $ 160.9 million par value of mortgage-backed securities pledged to this borrowing facility at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as discussed further in Note 9, “Borrowings.”

Loans Held for Investment

Loans Held for Investment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans Held for Investment	Loans Held for Investment Loans Held for Investment consist of Private Education Loans and FFELP Loans. Our Private Education Loans are made largely to bridge the gap between the cost of higher education and the amount funded through financial aid, government loans and customers’ resources. Private Education Loans bear the full credit risk of the customer. We manage this risk through risk-performance underwriting strategies and qualified cosigners. Private Education Loans generally carry a variable rate indexed to LIBOR. As of December 31, 2015, 81 percent of all Private Education Loans were indexed to LIBOR. We provide incentives for customers to include a cosigner on the loan, and the vast majority of loans in our portfolio are cosigned. We also encourage customers to make payments while in school. FFELP Loans are insured as to their principal and accrued interest in the event of default subject to a Risk Sharing level based on the date of loan disbursement. These insurance obligations are supported by contractual rights against the United States. For loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2006, we receive 97 percent reimbursement. For loans disbursed after October 1, 1993, and before July 1, 2006, we receive 98 percent reimbursement on all qualifying claims. For loans disbursed prior to October 1, 1993, we receive 100 percent reimbursement. Loans held for investment are summarized as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Private Education Loans $ 10,596,437 $ 8,311,376 Deferred origination costs 27,884 13,845 Allowance for loan losses (108,816 ) (78,574 ) Total Private Education Loans, net 10,515,505 8,246,647 FFELP Loans 1,115,663 1,264,807 Unamortized acquisition costs, net 3,114 3,600 Allowance for loan losses (3,691 ) (5,268 ) Total FFELP Loans, net 1,115,086 1,263,139 Loans held for investment, net $ 11,630,591 $ 9,509,786 The estimated weighted average life of education loans in our portfolio was approximately 6.2 years at both December 31, 2015 and 2014. The average balance and the respective weighted average interest rates are summarized as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Average Balance Weighted Average Interest Rate Average Balance Weighted Average Interest Rate Average Balance Weighted Average Interest Rate Private Education Loans $ 9,819,053 7.93 % $ 7,563,356 8.16 % $ 5,996,651 8.16 % FFELP Loans 1,179,723 3.26 1,353,497 3.24 1,142,979 3.32 Total portfolio $ 10,998,776 $ 8,916,853 $ 7,139,630 Certain Collection Tools — Private Education Loans Forbearance involves granting the customer a temporary cessation of payments (or temporary acceptance of smaller than scheduled payments) for a specified period of time. Using forbearance extends the original term of the loan. Forbearance does not grant any reduction in the total repayment obligation (principal or interest). While in forbearance status, interest continues to accrue and is capitalized to principal when the loan re-enters repayment status. Our forbearance policies include limits on the number of forbearance months granted consecutively and the total number of forbearance months granted over the life of the loan. In some instances, we require good-faith payments before granting forbearance. Exceptions to forbearance policies are permitted when such exceptions are judged to increase the likelihood of collection of the loan. Forbearance as a collection tool is used most effectively when applied based on a customer’s unique situation, including historical information and judgments. We leverage updated customer information and other decision support tools to best determine who will be granted forbearance based on our expectations as to a customer’s ability and willingness to repay their obligation. This strategy is aimed at mitigating the overall risk of the portfolio as well as encouraging cash resolution of delinquent loans. Forbearance may be granted to customers who are exiting their grace period to provide additional time to obtain employment and income to support their obligations, or to current customers who are faced with a hardship and request forbearance time to provide temporary payment relief. In these circumstances, a customer’s loan is placed into a forbearance status in limited monthly increments and is reflected in the forbearance status at month-end during this time. At the end of the granted forbearance period, the customer will enter repayment status as current and is expected to begin making scheduled monthly payments on a go-forward basis. Forbearance may also be granted to customers who are delinquent in their payments. If specific requirements are met, the forbearance can cure the delinquency and the customer is returned to a current repayment status. In more limited instances, delinquent customers will also be granted additional forbearance time. We also have an interest rate reduction program to assist customers in repaying their Private Education Loans through reduced payments, while continuing to reduce their outstanding principal balance. This program is offered in situations where the potential for principal recovery, through an interest rate reduction that results in a lower monthly payment amount, is more suitable than other alternatives currently available. As part of demonstrating the ability and willingness to pay, the customer must make three consecutive monthly payments at the reduced rate to qualify for the program. Once the customer has made the initial three payments, the loan’s status is returned to current and the interest rate is reduced for a twenty-four month period. During the first four months of 2014, and all of 2013, we did not utilize these collection tools because we sold loans that would otherwise be managed using one or more of these collection tools to an entity that is now a subsidiary of Navient. See Note 16, “Arrangements with Navient Corporation.” The period of delinquency for loans is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had $122.9 million and $201.7 million, respectively, of FFELP loans and $20.9 million and $10.7 million, respectively, of Private Education Loans held for investment which were more than 90 days delinquent that continue to accrue interest. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had no loans in nonaccrual status. Borrower-in-Custody Arrangements We maintain Borrower-in-Custody arrangements with the FRB. Under these arrangements, we can pledge FFELP consolidation or Private Education Loans to the FRB to secure any advances and accrued interest generated under the Primary Credit program at the FRB. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had $0 and $0 , respectively, of FFELP consolidation loans and $1.7 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, of Private Education Loans pledged to this borrowing facility, as discussed further in Note 9, “Borrowings.” Loans Held for Investment by Region At December 31, 2015, 39.8 percent of total education loans were concentrated in the following states: 2015 New York 10.1 % California 9.6 Pennsylvania 8.1 New Jersey 6.7 Illinois 5.3 39.8 % At December 31, 2014, 38.8 percent of total education loans were concentrated in the following states: 2014 California 10.1 % New York 9.5 Pennsylvania 7.7 New Jersey 6.3 Illinois 5.2 38.8 % No other state had a concentration of total education loans in excess of 5 percent of the aggregate outstanding loans held for investment.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Allowance for Loan Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance for Loan Losses	Allowance for Loan Losses Our provision for credit losses represents the periodic expense of maintaining an allowance sufficient to absorb incurred probable losses in the held-for-investment loan portfolios. The evaluation of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant changes. We believe the allowance for loan losses is appropriate to cover probable losses incurred in the loan portfolios. See Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies — Allowance for Private Education Loan Losses and — Allowance for FFELP Loan Losses” for a more detailed discussion. Allowance for Loan Losses Metrics Allowance for Loan Losses Year Ended December 31, 2015 FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Total Allowance for Loan Losses Beginning balance $ 5,268 $ 78,574 $ 83,842 Total provision 1,005 87,344 88,349 Net charge-offs: Charge-offs (2,582 ) (55,357 ) (57,939 ) Recoveries — 5,820 5,820 Net charge-offs (2,582 ) (49,537 ) (52,119 ) Loan sales (1) — (7,565 ) (7,565 ) Ending Balance $ 3,691 $ 108,816 $ 112,507 Allowance: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ — $ 43,480 $ 43,480 Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment $ 3,691 $ 65,336 $ 69,027 Loans: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ — $ 265,831 $ 265,831 Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment $ 1,115,663 $ 10,330,606 $ 11,446,269 Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment (2) 0.30 % 0.82 % Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance 0.33 % 1.03 % Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment (2) 0.45 % 1.57 % Allowance coverage of net charge-offs 1.43 2.20 Ending total loans, gross $ 1,115,663 $ 10,596,437 Average loans in repayment (2) $ 857,359 $ 6,031,741 Ending loans in repayment (2) $ 813,815 $ 6,927,266 ____________ (1) Represents fair value adjustments on loans sold. (2) Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only and fixed payments as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status. Allowance for Loan Losses Year Ended December 31, 2014 FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Total Allowance for Loan Losses Beginning balance $ 6,318 $ 61,763 $ 68,081 Total provision 1,946 83,583 85,529 Net charge-offs: Charge-offs (1) (2,996 ) (14,442 ) (17,438 ) Recoveries — 1,155 1,155 Net charge-offs (2,996 ) (13,287 ) (16,283 ) Loan sales (2) — (53,485 ) (53,485 ) Ending Balance $ 5,268 $ 78,574 $ 83,842 Allowance: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ — $ 9,815 $ 9,815 Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment $ 5,268 $ 68,759 $ 74,027 Loans: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ — $ 59,402 $ 59,402 Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment $ 1,264,807 $ 8,251,974 $ 9,516,781 Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment (3) 0.31 % 0.30 % Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance 0.42 % 0.95 % Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment (3) 0.57 % 1.53 % Allowance coverage of net charge-offs 1.76 5.91 Ending total loans, gross $ 1,264,807 $ 8,311,376 Average loans in repayment (3) $ 972,390 $ 4,495,709 Ending loans in repayment (3) $ 926,891 $ 5,149,215 ____________ (1) Prior to the Spin-Off, we sold all loans greater than 90 days delinquent to an entity that is now a subsidiary of Navient Corporation, prior to being charged-off. Consequently, many of the pre-Spin-Off, historical credit indicators and period-over-period trends are not comparable and may not be indicative of future performance. (2) Represents fair value adjustments on loans sold. (3) Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only and fixed payments as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status. Allowance for Loan Losses Year Ended December 31, 2013 FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Total Allowance for Loan Losses Beginning balance $ 3,971 $ 65,218 $ 69,189 Total provision 4,384 64,955 69,339 Net charge-offs: Charge-offs (1) (2,037 ) — (2,037 ) Recoveries — — — Net charge-offs (2,037 ) — (2,037 ) Loan sales (2) — (68,410 ) (68,410 ) Ending Balance $ 6,318 $ 61,763 $ 68,081 Allowance: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ — $ — $ — Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment $ 6,318 $ 61,763 $ 68,081 Loans: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ — $ — $ — Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment $ 1,426,972 $ 6,563,342 $ 7,990,314 Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment (3) 0.23 % — % Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance 0.44 % 0.94 % Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment (3) 0.62 % 1.55 % Allowance coverage of net charge-offs 3.10 — Ending total loans, gross $ 1,426,972 $ 6,563,342 Average loans in repayment (3) $ 870,460 $ 3,509,502 Ending loans in repayment (3) $ 1,023,471 $ 3,972,317 ____________ (1) Prior to the Spin-Off, we sold all loans greater than 90 days delinquent to an entity that is now a subsidiary of Navient Corporation, prior to being charged-off. Consequently, many of the pre-Spin-Off, historical credit indicators and period-over-period trends are not comparable and may not be indicative of future performance. (2) Represents fair value adjustments on loans sold. (3) Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only and fixed payments as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status. Troubled Debt Restructurings All of our loans are collectively assessed for impairment, except for loans classified as TDRs (where we conduct individual assessments of impairment). We modify the terms of loans for certain borrowers when we believe such modifications may increase the ability and willingness of a borrower to make payments and thus increase the ultimate overall amount collected on a loan. These modifications generally take the form of a forbearance, a temporary interest rate reduction or an extended repayment plan. In the first nine months after a loan enters full principal and interest repayment, the loan may be in forbearance for up to six months without it being classified as a TDR. Once the initial nine -month period described above is over, however, any loan that receives more than three months of forbearance in a twenty-four month period is classified as a TDR. Also, a loan becomes a TDR when it is modified to reduce the interest rate on the loan (regardless of when such modification occurs and/or whether such interest rate reduction is temporary). The majority of our loans that are considered TDRs involve a temporary forbearance of payments and do not change the contractual interest rate of the loan. Once a loan qualifies for TDR status, it remains a TDR for allowance purposes for the remainder of its life. Approximately 23 percent and 10 percent of the loans granted forbearance as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, have been classified as TDRs due to their forbearance status. Prior to the Spin-Off, we did not have TDR loans because the loans generally were sold to a now unrelated affiliate in the same month that the terms were restructured. Subsequent to May 1, 2014, we have individually assessed $307.2 million of Private Education Loans as TDRs. When these TDR loans are determined to be impaired, we provide for an allowance for losses sufficient to cover life-of-loan expected losses through an impairment calculation based on the difference between the loan's basis and the present value of expected future cash flows (which would include life-of-loan default and recovery assumptions) discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate. Within the Private Education Loan portfolio, loans greater than 90 days past due are considered to be nonperforming. FFELP Loans are at least 97 percent guaranteed as to their principal and accrued interest by the federal government in the event of default and, therefore, we do not deem FFELP Loans as nonperforming from a credit risk standpoint at any point in their life cycle prior to claim payment, and continue to accrue interest through the date of claim. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, all of our TDR loans had a related allowance recorded. The following table provides the recorded investment, unpaid principal balance and related allowance for our TDR loans. Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance Allowance December 31, 2015 TDR Loans $ 269,628 $ 265,831 $ 43,480 December 31, 2014 TDR Loans $ 60,278 $ 59,402 $ 9,815 The following table provides the average recorded investment and interest income recognized for our TDR loans. Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Average Recorded Investment Interest Income Recognized Average Recorded Investment Interest Income Recognized TDR Loans $ 174,087 $ 14,081 $ 23,290 $ 1,105 The following table provides information regarding the loan status and aging of TDR loans. December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 Balance % Balance % TDR loans in in-school/grace/deferment (1) $ 6,869 $ 2,915 TDR loans in forbearance (2) 43,756 18,620 TDR loans in repayment (3) and percentage of each status: Loans current 185,936 86.4 % 34,554 91.2 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (4) 14,948 6.9 1,953 5.2 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (4) 9,239 4.3 983 2.6 Loans delinquent greater than 90 days (4) 5,083 2.4 377 1.0 Total TDR loans in repayment 215,206 100.0 % 37,867 100.0 % Total TDR loans, gross $ 265,831 $ 59,402 _____ (1) Deferment includes customers who have returned to school or are engaged in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on the loans (e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation). (2) Loans for customers who have requested extension of grace period generally during employment transition or who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors, consistent with established loan program servicing policies and procedures. (3) Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only and fixed payments as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status. (4) The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due. The following table provides the amount of modified loans (which includes forbearance and reductions in interest rates) that became TDRs in the periods presented. Additionally, for the periods presented, the table summarizes charge-offs occurring in the TDR portfolio, as well as TDRs for which a payment default occurred in the relevant period presented and within 12 months of the loan first being designated as a TDR. We define payment default as 60 days past due for this disclosure. Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Modified Loans (1) Charge-offs Payment-Default Modified Loans (1) Charge-offs Payment-Default TDR Loans $ 244,890 $ 10,877 $ 51,602 $ 59,402 $ 948 $ 325 _______ (1) Represents the principal balance of loans that have been modified during the period and resulted in a TDR. Key Credit Quality Indicators FFELP Loans are at least 97 percent insured and guaranteed as to their principal and accrued interest in the event of default; therefore, there are no key credit quality indicators associated with FFELP Loans. For Private Education Loans, the key credit quality indicators are FICO scores, the existence of a cosigner, the loan status and loan seasoning. The FICO scores are assessed at origination and periodically refreshed/updated through the loan's term. The following table highlights the gross principal balance of our Private Education Loan portfolio stratified by key credit quality indicators. December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Credit Quality Indicators: Balance (1) % of Balance Balance (1) % of Balance Cosigners: With cosigner $ 9,515,136 90 % $ 7,465,339 90 % Without cosigner 1,081,301 10 846,037 10 Total $ 10,596,437 100 % $ 8,311,376 100 % FICO at Origination: Less than 670 $ 700,779 7 % $ 558,801 7 % 670-699 1,554,959 15 1,227,860 15 700-749 3,403,823 32 2,626,238 32 Greater than or equal to 750 4,936,876 46 3,898,477 46 Total $ 10,596,437 100 % $ 8,311,376 100 % Seasoning (2) : 1-12 payments $ 3,059,901 29 % $ 2,373,117 29 % 13-24 payments 2,096,412 20 1,532,042 18 25-36 payments 1,084,818 10 755,143 9 37-48 payments 513,125 5 411,493 5 More than 48 payments 414,217 4 212,438 3 Not yet in repayment 3,427,964 32 3,027,143 36 Total $ 10,596,437 100 % $ 8,311,376 100 % ___________ (1) Balance represents gross Private Education Loans. (2) Number of months in active repayment (whether interest only payment, fixed payment, or full principal and interest payment status) for which a scheduled payment was due. The following table provides information regarding the loan status of our Private Education Loans and the aging of our past due Private Education Loans. Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only and fixed payments as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status. Private Education Loan Delinquencies December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance % Balance % Balance % Loans in-school/grace/deferment (1) $ 3,427,964 $ 3,027,143 $ 2,574,711 Loans in forbearance (2) 241,207 135,018 16,314 Loans in repayment and percentage of each status: Loans current 6,773,095 97.8 % 5,045,600 98.0 % 3,933,143 99.0 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (3) 91,129 1.3 63,873 1.2 28,854 0.7 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (3) 42,048 0.6 29,041 0.6 10,280 0.3 Loans delinquent greater than 90 days (3) 20,994 0.3 10,701 0.2 40 — Total Private Education Loans in repayment 6,927,266 100.0 % 5,149,215 100.0 % 3,972,317 100.0 % Total Private Education Loans, gross 10,596,437 8,311,376 6,563,342 Private Education Loans deferred origination costs 27,884 13,845 5,063 Total Private Education Loans 10,624,321 8,325,221 6,568,405 Private Education Loans allowance for losses (108,816 ) (78,574 ) (61,763 ) Private Education Loans, net $ 10,515,505 $ 8,246,647 $ 6,506,642 Percentage of Private Education Loans in repayment (4) 65.4 % 62.0 % 60.5 % Delinquencies as a percentage of Private Education Loans in repayment (4) 2.2 % 2.0 % 1.0 % Loans in forbearance as a percentage of loans in repayment and forbearance (4) 3.4 % 2.6 % 0.4 % (1) Deferment includes customers who have returned to school or are engaged in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on the loans (e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation). (2) Loans for customers who have requested extension of grace period generally during employment transition or who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors, consistent with established loan program servicing policies and procedures. (3) The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due. (4) Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only and fixed payments as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status. Accrued Interest Receivable The following table provides information regarding accrued interest receivable on our Private Education Loans. The table also discloses the amount of accrued interest on loans greater than 90 days past due as compared to our allowance for uncollectible interest. The allowance for uncollectible interest exceeds the amount of accrued interest on our 90 days past due portfolio for all periods presented. Private Education Loan Accrued Interest Receivable Total Interest Receivable Greater Than 90 Days Past Due Allowance for Uncollectible Interest December 31, 2015 $ 542,919 $ 791 $ 3,332 December 31, 2014 $ 445,710 $ 443 $ 3,517

Premises and Equipment, Net

Premises and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Premises and equipment, net	Premises and equipment, net The following is a summary of our premises and equipment. December 31, 2015 2014 Land and land improvements $ 12,574 $ 10,927 Buildings and leasehold improvements 56,446 56,772 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 12,275 10,898 Software 39,530 31,988 Premises and equipment, gross 120,825 110,585 Accumulated depreciation (39,552 ) (32,115 ) Premises and equipment, net $ 81,273 $ 78,470 Depreciation expense for premises and equipment was $7.4 million, $6.1 million and $5.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Deposits

Deposits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Deposits [Abstract]
Deposits	Deposits The following table summarizes total deposits at December 31, 2015 and 2014. December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 Deposits - interest bearing $ 11,487,006 $ 10,539,953 Deposits - non-interest bearing 701 602 Total deposits $ 11,487,707 $ 10,540,555 Interest Bearing Interest bearing deposits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 consisted of non-maturity savings and money market deposits, brokered and retail CDs, as discussed further below, and brokered MMDAs. In addition, we gather what we consider to be core deposits from various sources. These deposit products are serviced by third-party providers. Placement fees associated with the brokered CDs are amortized into interest expense using the effective interest rate method. We recognized placement fee expense of $10.5 million, $10.3 million, and $9.8 million in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Fees paid to third-party brokers related to these CDs were $4.1 million, $15.2 million, and $12.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Interest bearing deposits at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Amount Year-End Weighted Average Stated Rate (1) Amount Year-End Weighted Average Stated Rate (1) Money market $ 4,886,299 1.19 % $ 4,527,448 1.15 % Savings 669,254 0.82 703,687 0.81 Certificates of deposit 5,931,453 0.98 5,308,818 1.00 Deposits - interest bearing $ 11,487,006 $ 10,539,953 ___ (1) Includes the effect of interest rate swaps in effective hedge relationships. Certificates of deposit remaining maturities are summarized as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 One year or less $ 2,667,980 $ 1,717,891 After one year to two years 1,210,429 1,038,778 After two years to three years 1,053,442 948,490 After three years to four years 630,851 846,976 After four years to five years 203,704 577,827 After five years 165,047 178,856 Total $ 5,931,453 $ 5,308,818 As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were $709.9 million and $254.0 million of deposits exceeding FDIC insurance limits. Accrued interest on deposits was $15.7 million and $16.1 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Non-Interest Bearing Non-interest bearing deposits were $ 0.7 million and $ 0.6 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For both periods, these were comprised of money market accounts related to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan account. See Note 14, “Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Arrangements” for additional details regarding this plan.

Borrowings

Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Borrowings	Borrowings Outstanding borrowings consist of secured borrowings issued through our term ABS program and our ABCP Facility. The following table summarizes our secured borrowings at December 31, 2015. We had no secured borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2014. December 31, 2015 Short-Term Long-Term Total Secured borrowings: Private Education Loan term securitizations $ — $ 579,101 $ 579,101 ABCP Facility 500,175 — 500,175 Total $ 500,175 $ 579,101 $ 1,079,276 Short-term Borrowings Asset-Backed Commercial Paper Funding Facility On December 19, 2014, we closed on a $ 750.0 million ABCP Facility. Pursuant to FDIC safe harbor guidelines, we retained a 5 percent or $ 37.5 million ownership interest in the ABCP Facility, resulting in $ 712.5 million of funds available for us to draw under the ABCP Facility. During 2015, we incurred financing costs under the ABCP Facility of approximately 0.40 percent on average on unused borrowing capacity and approximately 3 month LIBOR plus 0.80 percent on outstandings under the ABCP Facility. At December 31, 2015, $ 500.2 million was outstanding under the ABCP Facility, net of our 5 percent retention. At December 31, 2015, $ 923.7 million of our Private Education Loans were encumbered to support outstandings under the ABCP Facility. On February 25, 2016, we amended and extended the maturity of the ABCP Facility. The amended ABCP Facility extends the revolving period, during which we may borrow, repay and reborrow funds, until February 23, 2017. The scheduled amortization period, during which amounts outstanding under the ABCP Facility must be repaid, ends on February 23, 2018. For additional information, see Note 24, “Subsequent Event.” Short-term borrowings have a remaining term to maturity of one year or less. The following table summarizes the outstanding short-term borrowings, the weighted average interest rates at the end of the period and the related average balance and weighted average interest rates during the period. The ABCP Facility's contractual maturity is two years from the date of inception or renewal ( one year revolving period plus a one year amortization period); however, we classify advances under our ABCP Facility as short term borrowings because it is our intention to repay those advances within one-year. Rates reflect stated interest of borrowings and related discounts and premiums. December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Ending Balance Weighted Average Interest Rate Average Balance Weighted Average Interest Rate Short-term borrowings: ABCP Facility $ 500,175 0.84 % $ 135,064 3.10 % Maximum outstanding at any month end $ 710,005 Long-term Borrowings On July 30, 2015, we executed our SMB Private Education Loan Trust 2015-B term ABS transaction, which was accounted for as a secured financing. A total of $ 714.0 million of notes were issued in connection with the transaction. We retained a 5 percent or $ 33.0 million interest in the Class A and B notes, a 100 percent or $ 50 million interest in the Class C notes and 100 percent of the residual certificates issued in the securitization. $ 630.8 million of notes from the securitization were sold to third-parties, raising $ 623.0 million of gross proceeds. The Class A and B notes had a weighted average life of 4.8 years and priced at a weighted average LIBOR equivalent cost of 1 month LIBOR plus 1.53 percent . At December 31, 2015, $ 687.3 million of our Private Education Loans were encumbered as a result of this transaction. The following table summarizes the outstanding long-term borrowings, the weighted average interest rates at the end of the period and the related average balance during the period. Rates reflect stated interest of borrowings and related discounts and premiums. The long-term borrowings amortize over time and mature serially from 2023 to 2040. December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Ending Balance Weighted Average Interest Rate Average Balance Floating rate borrowings $ 337,098 1.38 % $ 151,373 Fixed rate borrowings $ 242,003 3.11 % $ 102,386 Total long-term borrowings $ 579,101 2.10 % $ 253,759 Secured Financings Issue Date Issued Total Issued To Third-Parties Weighted Average Cost of Funds (1) Weighted Average Life Private Education: 2015-B July 2015 $ 630,800 1 month LIBOR plus 1.53% 4.82 Total notes issued in 2015 $ 630,800 Total loan amount securitized in secured financing in 2015 $ 745,580 ____________ (1) Represents LIBOR equivalent cost of funds for floating and fixed rate bonds, excluding issuance costs. Consolidated Funding Vehicles We consolidate our financing entities that are VIEs as a result of our being the entities’ primary beneficiary. As a result, these financing VIEs are accounted for as secured borrowings. We consolidate the following financing VIEs as of December 31, 2015: December 31, 2015 Debt Outstanding Carrying Amount of Assets Securing Debt Outstanding Short-Term Long-Term Total Loans Restricted Cash Other Assets (1) Total Secured borrowings: Private Education Loan term securitization $ — $ 579,101 $ 579,101 $ 687,298 $ 9,996 $ 45,566 $ 742,860 ABCP Facility 500,175 — 500,175 923,687 12,443 58,095 994,225 Total $ 500,175 $ 579,101 $ 1,079,276 $ 1,610,985 $ 22,439 $ 103,661 $ 1,737,085 ________ (1) Other assets primarily represents accrued interest receivable. Other Borrowing Sources We maintain discretionary uncommitted Federal Funds lines of credit with various correspondent banks, which totaled $ 100.0 million at December 31, 2015. The interest rate we are charged on these lines of credit is priced at Fed Funds plus a spread at the time of borrowing, and is payable daily. We did not utilize these lines of credit in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. We established an account at the FRB to meet eligibility requirements for access to the Primary Credit borrowing facility at the FRB’s Discount Window (the “Window”). The Primary Credit borrowing facility is a lending program available to depository institutions that are in generally sound financial condition. All borrowings at the Window must be fully collateralized. We can pledge asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, as well as FFELP Loans and Private Education Loans, to the FRB as collateral for borrowings at the Window. Generally, collateral value is assigned based on the estimated fair value of the pledged assets. At December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the value of our pledged collateral at the FRB totaled $ 1.7 billion and $ 1.4 billion, respectively. The interest rate charged to us is the discount rate set by the FRB. We did not utilize this facility in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Private Education Loan Term Sec

Private Education Loan Term Securitizations Private Education Loan Term Securitizations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]
Private Education Loan Term Securitizations	Private Education Loan Term Securitizations We securitize Private Education Loan assets by selling these assets to securitization trusts. If a transfer of loans qualifies as a sale, we derecognize the loan and recognize a gain or loss as the difference between compensation received and the carrying basis of the loans sold and liabilities retained. We recognize the results of a transfer of loans based upon the settlement date of the transaction. If we have a variable interest in a VIE (e.g., a securitization trust) and have determined that we are the primary beneficiary, then we will consolidate the VIE and the transfer is accounted for as a financing as opposed to a sale. On October 27, 2015, we executed a $ 701.0 million Private Education Loan term ABS transaction that qualified for sale treatment and removed the principal balance of the loans backing the securitization trust from our balance sheet on the settlement date. We continue to service the loans in the trust. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $ 58.0 million on the sale, net of closing adjustments and transaction costs, a 7.8 percent premium. On July 30, 2015, we executed a $ 714.0 million Private Education Loan term ABS transaction that was accounted for as a secured financing. We retained a 5 percent interest in the Class A and B notes, a 100 percent interest in the Class C notes and 100 percent of the residual certificates issued in the securitization. $ 630.8 million of notes were sold to third-parties, raising $ 623.0 million of gross proceeds. At December 31, 2015, $687.3 million of our Private Education Loans were encumbered as a result of this transaction. On April 23, 2015, we executed a $738 million Private Education Loan term ABS transaction that qualified for sale treatment and removed the principal balance of the loans backing the securitization trust from our balance sheet on the settlement date. We continue to service the loans in the trust. In the second quarter of 2015, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $77.0 million on the sale, net of closing adjustments and transaction costs, a 10.4 percent premium.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments Risk Management Strategy We maintain an overall interest rate risk management strategy that incorporates the use of derivative instruments to reduce the economic effect of interest rate changes. Our goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity by modifying the repricing frequency and underlying index characteristics of certain balance sheet liabilities so any adverse impacts related to movements in interest rates are managed within low to moderate limits. As a result of interest rate fluctuations, hedged liabilities will appreciate or depreciate in market value or create variability in cash flows. Income or loss on the derivative instruments that are linked to the hedged item will generally offset the effect of this unrealized appreciation or depreciation or volatility in cash flows for the period the item is being hedged. We view this strategy as a prudent management of interest rate risk. Although we use derivatives to reduce the risk of interest rate changes, the use of derivatives does expose us to both market and credit risk. Market risk is the chance of financial loss resulting from changes in interest rates and market liquidity. Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty will not perform its obligations under a contract and it is limited to the loss of the fair value gain in a derivative that the counterparty owes us less collateral held or plus collateral posted. When the fair value of a derivative contract less collateral held or plus collateral posted is negative, we owe the counterparty and, therefore, we have no credit risk exposure to the counterparty; however, the counterparty has exposure to us. We minimize the credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with highly rated counterparties that are reviewed regularly by our Credit Department. We also maintain a policy of requiring that all derivative contracts be governed by an International Swaps and Derivative Association Master Agreement. Depending on the nature of the derivative transaction, bilateral collateral arrangements are required as well. When we have more than one outstanding derivative transaction with the counterparty, and there exists legally enforceable netting provisions with the counterparty (i.e., a legal right to offset receivable and payable derivative contracts), the “net” mark-to-market exposure, less collateral held or plus collateral posted, represents exposure with the counterparty. When there is a net negative exposure, we consider our exposure to the counterparty to be zero. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had a net positive exposure (derivative gain positions to us less collateral which has been posted by counterparties to us) related to derivatives of $50.1 million and $60.8 million, respectively. Accounting for Derivative Instruments The accounting for derivative instruments requires that every derivative instrument, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair value. Our derivative instruments are classified and accounted for by us as fair value hedges and cash flow hedges. Fair Value Hedges We generally use fair value hedges to offset the exposure to changes in fair value of a recognized fixed-rate liability. We enter into interest rate swaps to economically convert fixed-rate debt into variable rate debt. For fair value hedges, we generally consider all components of the derivative’s gain and/or loss when assessing hedge effectiveness and generally hedge changes in fair values due to interest rates. Cash Flow Hedges We use cash flow hedges to hedge the exposure to variability in cash flows of floating rate deposits. This strategy is used primarily to minimize the exposure to volatility in cash flows from future changes in interest rates. Gains and losses on the effective portion of a qualifying hedge are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and ineffectiveness is recorded immediately to earnings. In assessing hedge effectiveness, generally all components of each derivative’s gains or losses are included in the assessment. We hedge exposure to changes in cash flows due to changes in interest rates or total changes in cash flow. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable rate deposits. During the next twelve months, we estimate that $ 15.0 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense. Trading Activities When derivative instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, they are accounted for at fair value with all changes in fair value recorded through earnings. All our derivative instruments entered into after December 31, 2013, with a maturity of less than 3 years, are economically hedging risk but do not receive hedge accounting treatment. Trading derivatives also include any hedges that originally received hedge accounting treatment, but lost hedge accounting treatment due to failed effectiveness testing, as well as the activity of certain derivatives prior to them receiving hedge accounting treatment. Summary of Derivative Financial Statement Impact The following tables summarize the fair values and notional amounts of all derivative instruments at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and their impact on other comprehensive income and earnings for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Impact of Derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheet Cash Flow Hedges Fair Value Hedges Trading Total December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Fair Values (1) Hedged Risk Exposure Derivative Assets: (2) Interest rate swaps Interest rate $ — $ — $ 15,231 $ 5,012 $ 83 $ 226 $ 15,314 $ 5,238 Derivative Liabilities: (2) Interest rate swaps Interest rate (27,512 ) (21,435 ) (2,339 ) (5,883 ) (646 ) (1,370 ) (30,497 ) (28,688 ) Total net derivatives $ (27,512 ) $ (21,435 ) $ 12,892 $ (871 ) $ (563 ) $ (1,144 ) $ (15,183 ) $ (23,450 ) (1) Fair values reported are exclusive of collateral held and pledged and accrued interest. Assets and liabilities are presented without consideration of master netting agreements. Derivatives are carried on the balance sheet based on net position by counterparty under master netting agreements, and classified in other assets or other liabilities depending on whether in a net positive or negative position. (2) The following table reconciles gross positions with the impact of master netting agreements to the balance sheet classification: Other Assets Other Liabilities December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Gross position $ 15,314 $ 5,238 $ (30,497 ) $ (28,688 ) Impact of master netting agreement (9,278 ) (4,045 ) 9,278 4,045 Derivative values with impact of master netting agreements (as carried on balance sheet) 6,036 1,193 (21,219 ) (24,643 ) Cash collateral (held) pledged (1) (1,070 ) (900 ) 54,845 72,478 Net position $ 4,966 $ 293 $ 33,626 $ 47,835 (1) Cash collateral amount calculations include outstanding accrued interest payable/receivable. Cash Flow Fair Value Trading Total December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Notional Values Interest rate swaps $ 1,109,933 $ 1,106,920 $ 3,080,167 $ 3,044,492 $ 1,305,757 $ 973,539 $ 5,495,857 $ 5,124,951 Impact of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Fair Value Hedges Interest rate swaps: Hedge ineffectiveness gains (losses) recorded in earnings $ 2,695 $ 1,718 $ (558 ) Realized gains recorded in interest expense 29,940 20,958 28,668 Total $ 32,635 $ 22,676 $ 28,110 Cash Flow Hedges Interest rate swaps: Hedge ineffectiveness losses recorded in earnings $ (1,427 ) $ (520 ) $ — Realized losses recorded in interest expense (21,475 ) (9,070 ) — Total $ (22,902 ) $ (9,590 ) $ — Trading Interest rate swaps: Interest reclassification $ 3,451 $ (2,250 ) $ 1,285 Change in fair value of future interest payments recorded in earnings 581 (2,944 ) (87 ) Total (1) 4,032 (5,194 ) 1,198 Total $ 13,765 $ 7,892 $ 29,308 (1) Amounts included in "gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities, net." Impact of Derivatives on the Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Amount of loss recognized in other comprehensive income $ (26,699 ) $ (28,842 ) $ — Amount of loss reclassified in interest expense (1) (21,475 ) (9,070 ) — Total change in other comprehensive income for unrealized losses on derivatives, before income tax benefit $ (5,224 ) $ (19,772 ) $ — (1) Amounts included in “realized losses recorded in interest expense” in the “Impact of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income” table. Cash Collateral Cash collateral held related to derivative exposure between the Company and its derivatives counterparties was $1.1 million and $0.9 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Collateral held is recorded in “Other Liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets. Cash collateral pledged related to derivative exposure between the Company and its derivatives counterparties was $54.8 million and $72.5 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Collateral pledged is recorded in "Other interest-earning assets" on the consolidated balance sheets.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders' Equity Preferred Stock At December 31, 2015, we had outstanding 3.3 million shares of 6.97 percent Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series A (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) and 4.0 million shares of Floating-Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”). In connection with the Spin-Off, the Company, by reason of a statutory merger, succeeded pre-Spin-Off SLM and issued Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, on terms substantially similar to those of pre-Spin-Off SLM's respective series of preferred stock. Neither series has a maturity date but can be redeemed at our option. Redemption would include any accrued and unpaid dividends up to the redemption date. The shares have no preemptive or conversion rights and are not exchangeable for any of our other securities or property. Dividends on both series are not mandatory and are paid quarterly, when, as, and if declared by the Board of Directors. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative, quarterly cash dividends at the annual rate of $ 3.485 per share. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive quarterly dividends based on 3-month LIBOR plus 170 basis points per annum in arrears. Upon liquidation or dissolution of the Company, holders of the Series A and Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive $ 50 and $ 100 per share, respectively, plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends for the then current quarterly dividend period, if any, pro rata, and before any distribution of assets are made to holders of our common stock. Common Stock Our shareholders have authorized the issuance of 1.125 billion shares of common stock (par value of $ .20 ). At December 31, 2015, 426 million shares were issued and outstanding and 52 million shares were unissued but encumbered for outstanding stock options, restricted stock units and dividend equivalent units for employee compensation and remaining authority for stock-based compensation plans. Because of the carve-out accounting treatment, there were no common stock dividends recognized in these financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. For additional information, see Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies — Basis of Presentation.” We currently do not intend to initiate a publicly announced share repurchase program. We only expect to repurchase common stock acquired in connection with taxes withheld resulting from award exercises and vesting under our employee stock-based compensation plans. The following table summarizes our common share repurchases and issuances associated with these programs. Years Ended December 31, (Shares and per share amounts in actuals) 2015 2014 2013 Shares repurchased related to employee stock-based compensation plans (1) 3,008,913 1,365,277 6,365,002 Average purchase price per share $ 9.65 $ 8.93 $ 21.76 Common shares issued (2) 5,873,309 2,013,805 9,702,976 (1) Comprises shares withheld from stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock for employees’ tax withholding obligations and shares tendered by employees to satisfy option exercise costs. (2) Common shares issued under our various compensation and benefit plans. The closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2015 was $ 6.52 . Separation Adjustments Related to the Spin-Off of Navient During 2015, we finalized the balances received as part of the Spin-Off transaction for the 2014 federal and state consolidated tax liability with Navient. As a result, we recorded a $ 1.7 million adjustment to additional paid-in capital related to the 2014 tax returns. Investment With Entities That Are Now Subsidiaries of Navient Prior to the Spin-Off, there were transactions between us and affiliates of pre-Spin-Off SLM that are now subsidiaries of Navient. As part of the carve-out, these expenses were included in our results even though the actual payments for the expenses were paid by the aforementioned affiliates. As such, amounts equal to these payments have been treated as equity contributions in the table below. Certain payments made by us to these affiliates prior to the Spin-Off were treated as dividends. Net transfers (to)/from the entity that is now a subsidiary of Navient are included within Navient's subsidiary investment on the consolidated statements of changes in equity. The components of the net transfers (to)/from the entity that is now a subsidiary of Navient are summarized below for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. There were no transfers in the year ended December 31, 2015. Years Ended December 31, 2014 2013 Capital contributions: Loan origination activities $ 32,452 $ 124,722 Loan sales 45 35 Corporate overhead activities 21,216 62,031 Special cash contribution 472,718 — Other 19,650 2,004 Total capital contributions 546,081 188,792 Dividend — (120,000 ) Corporate push-down 4,977 3,093 Net change in income tax accounts 15,659 (134,219 ) Net change in receivable/payable (87,277 ) (101,044 ) Other (31 ) — Total net transfers (to)/from the entity that is now a subsidiary of Navient $ 479,409 $ (163,378 ) Capital Contributions During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, pre-Spin-Off SLM contributed capital to the Bank by funding loan origination activities, purchases of loans in excess of the loans’ fair values, providing corporate overhead functions and other activities. Capital contributed for loan origination activities reflects the fact that the loan origination function was conducted by a subsidiary of pre-Spin-Off SLM (now a subsidiary of Navient). The Bank did not pay for the costs incurred by pre-Spin-Off SLM in connection with these functions. The costs eligible to be capitalized are recorded on the respective balance sheets and the costs not eligible for capitalization have been recognized as expenses in the respective statements of income. Certain general corporate overhead expenses of the Bank were incurred and paid for by pre-Spin-Off SLM. Corporate Push-Down The consolidated balance sheets include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held at pre-Spin-Off SLM but which are specifically identifiable or otherwise allocable to the Company. The cash and cash equivalents held by pre-Spin-Off SLM at the corporate level were not allocated to the Bank for any of the periods presented. Receivable/Payable with Affiliate All significant intercompany payable/receivable balances between the Bank and pre-Spin-Off SLM are considered to be effectively settled for cash in the combined financial statements at the time the transaction is recorded.

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings per Common Share Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) are calculated using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. The determination of the weighted-average shares and diluted potential common shares for pre-Spin-Off periods are based on the activity at pre-Spin-Off SLM. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS calculations follows. Years Ended December 31, (In thousands, except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 Numerator: Net income attributable to SLM Corporation $ 274,284 $ 194,219 $ 258,945 Preferred stock dividends 19,595 12,933 — Net income attributable to SLM Corporation common stock $ 254,689 $ 181,286 $ 258,945 Denominator: Weighted average shares used to compute basic EPS 425,574 423,970 440,108 Effect of dilutive securities: Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") (1)(2) 6,660 8,299 8,441 Weighted average shares used to compute diluted EPS 432,234 432,269 448,549 Basic earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation $ 0.60 $ 0.43 $ 0.59 Diluted earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation $ 0.59 $ 0.42 $ 0.58 __________ (1) Includes the potential dilutive effect of additional common shares that are issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and the outstanding commitment to issue shares under the ESPP, determined by the treasury stock method. (2) For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, securities covering approximately 2 million, 3 million and 3 million shares, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Arrangements	Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Arrangements Plan Summaries As of December 31, 2015, we had one active stock-based compensation plan that provides for grants of equity awards to our employees and non-employee directors. We also maintained an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). Shares issued under these stock-based compensation plans may be either shares reacquired by us or shares that are authorized but unissued. The SLM Corporation 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan was approved by shareholders on May 24, 2012. At December 31, 2015, 29 million shares, as adjusted to reflect the effects of the Spin-Off, were authorized to be issued from this plan. An amendment to our ESPP was approved by our shareholders on May 24, 2012 that authorized the issuance of 6 million shares under the plan and kept the terms of the plan substantially the same. The number of shares authorized under the plan was subsequently adjusted to 15 million shares on June 25, 2014, to reflect the effects of the Spin-Off. Effect of Spin-Off on Equity Awards In connection with the Spin-Off of Navient, we made certain adjustments to the exercise price and number of our stock-based compensation awards with the intention of preserving the intrinsic value of the outstanding awards held by Sallie Mae officers and employees prior to the Spin-Off. In general, holders of awards granted prior to 2014 received both Sallie Mae and Navient equity awards, and holders of awards granted in 2014 received solely equity awards of their post-Spin-Off employer. Stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units and dividend equivalent units were adjusted into equity in the new companies by a specific conversion ratio per company, which was based upon the volume weighted average prices for each company at the time of the Spin-Off, in an effort to keep the value of the equity awards constant. Our performance stock units with vesting contingent upon performance were replaced with time-vesting restricted stock units. These adjustments were accounted for as modifications to the original awards. In general, the Sallie Mae and Navient awards are subject to substantially the same terms and conditions as the original pre-Spin-Off SLM awards. A comparison of the fair value of the modified awards with the fair value of the original awards immediately before the modification resulted in approximately $ 0.1 million of incremental expense related to fully-vested stock option awards and was expensed immediately and $ 0.6 million of incremental compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units which will be recorded over the remaining vesting period of the equity awards. Stock-Based Compensation The total stock-based compensation cost recognized in the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $21.6 million, $25.0 million and $15.7 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, there was $ 14.4 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock awards net of estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years . We amortize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the related vesting periods of each tranche of each award. Stock Options Stock options granted prior to 2012 expire 10 years after the grant date, and those granted since 2012 expire in 5 years. The exercise price must be equal to or greater than the market price of our common stock on the grant date. We have granted time-vested, price-vested and performance-vested options to our employees and non-employee directors. Time-vested options granted to management and non-management employees generally vest over three years . Price-vested options granted to management employees vest upon our common stock reaching a targeted closing price for a set number of days. Performance-vested options granted to management employees vest one-third per year for three years based on corporate earnings-related performance targets. Options granted to non-employee directors vest upon the director’s election to the Board. There were no options granted in the year ended December 31, 2015. The fair values of the options granted in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were estimated as of the grant date using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: Years Ended December 31, (Dollars per share) 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 0.76 % 0.65 % Expected volatility 26 % 31 % Expected dividend rate 2.48 % 3.35 % Expected life of the option 2.9 years 2.8 years Weighted average fair value of options granted $ 3.48 $ 3.11 The expected life of the options is based on observed historical exercise patterns. Groups of employees (and non-employee directors) that have received similar option grant terms are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected volatility is based on implied volatility from publicly traded options on our stock at the grant date and historical volatility of our stock consistent with the expected life of the option. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury spot rate at the grant date consistent with the expected life of the option. The dividend yield is based on the projected annual dividend payment per share based on the dividend amount at the grant date, divided by the stock price at the grant date. The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2015. (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) Outstanding at December 31, 2014 16,155,119 $ 9.91 Granted — — Exercised (2)(3) (2,709,554 ) 4.76 Canceled (1,534,589 ) 17.69 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (4) 11,910,976 $ 10.08 2.4 $ 10,214 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 10,599,378 $ 7.49 2.4 $ 10,137 (1) The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total intrinsic value (the aggregate difference between our closing stock price on December 31, 2015 and the exercise price of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders if all in-the-money options had been exercised on December 31, 2015. (2) The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $13.7 million, $11.4 million, and $8.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. (3) No cash was received from option exercises for the year ended December 31, 2015. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises totaled $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. (4) For net-settled options, gross number is reflected. Restricted Stock Restricted stock awards generally vest over three years and in some cases based on corporate earnings-related performance targets. Outstanding restricted stock is entitled to dividend equivalent units that vest subject to the same vesting requirements or lapse of transfer restrictions, as applicable, as the underlying restricted stock award. The fair value of restricted stock awards is based on our stock price at the grant date. The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2015. (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at December 31, 2014 54,968 $ 9.12 Granted 86,174 8.94 Vested (1) (54,968 ) 8.19 Canceled — — Non-vested at December 31, 2015 (2) 86,174 $ 8.94 (1) The total fair value of shares that vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $0.5 million, $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively. (2) As of December 31, 2015, there was $0.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock net of estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.5 years . Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance stock units (“PSUs”) are equity awards granted to employees that entitle the holder to shares of our common stock when the award vests. RSUs may be time-vested over three years or vested at grant but subject to transfer restrictions, while PSUs vest based on corporate earnings-related performance targets over a three -year period. In April 2014, our PSUs with vesting contingent upon performance were replaced with time-vesting RSUs. This conversion was made prior to the Spin-Off and was assessed to yield no incremental expense. Outstanding RSUs are entitled to dividend equivalent units that vest subject to the same vesting requirements or lapse of transfer restrictions, as applicable, as the underlying award. The fair value of RSUs is based on our stock price at the grant date. The following table summarizes RSU and PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2015. (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) Number of RSUs/ PSUs Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2014 6,279,743 $ 10.95 Granted 2,466,593 9.45 Vested and converted to common stock (1) (2,796,739 ) 6.78 Canceled (109,209 ) 8.57 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (2) 5,840,388 $ 8.52 (1) The total fair value of RSUs/PSUs that vested and converted to common stock during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $18.9 million, $12.6 million and $6.4 million, respectively. (2) As of December 31, 2015, there was $13.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs net of estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years . Employee Stock Purchase Plan In the third quarter of 2014, we resumed offering the opportunity for employees to enroll in our ESPP. Employees may purchase shares of our common stock at the end of a 12 -month offering period at a price equal to the share price at the beginning of the 12-month period, less 15 percent , up to a maximum purchase price of $7,500 (whole dollars). The purchase price for each offering is determined at the beginning of the offering period on August 1. The fair values of the stock purchase rights of the ESPP offerings were calculated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions. Years Ended December 31, (Dollars per share) 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 0.33 % 0.13 % 0.15 % Expected volatility 27 % 25 % 29 % Expected dividend rate — % — % 3.51 % Expected life of the option 1 year 1 year 1 year Weighted average fair value of stock purchase rights $ 1.74 $ 1.66 $ 2.95 The expected volatility is based on implied volatility from publicly traded options on our stock at the grant date and historical volatility of our stock consistent with the expected life. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury spot rate at the grant date consistent with the expected life. The dividend yield is zero , as we have not paid dividends nor do we anticipate paying dividends on our common stock in 2016. The fair values were amortized to compensation cost on a straight-line basis over a one -year vesting period. As of December 31, 2015, there was $0.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to the ESPP net of estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized by July 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2015, plan participants purchased 163,136 shares of our common stock. As our ESPP resumed in late 2014, no shares were purchased for the year ended December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2013, plan participants purchased 47,176 shares of our common stock.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements We use estimates of fair value in applying various accounting standards for our financial statements. We categorize our fair value estimates based on a hierarchal framework associated with three levels of price transparency utilized in measuring financial instruments at fair value. For additional information regarding our policies for determining fair value and the hierarchical framework, see Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies — Fair Value Measurement.” The following table summarizes the valuation of our financial instruments that are marked-to-fair value on a recurring basis. Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Mortgage-backed securities $ — $ 195,391 $ — $ 195,391 $ — $ 168,934 $ — $ 168,934 Derivative instruments — 15,314 — 15,314 — 5,238 — 5,238 Total $ — $ 210,705 $ — $ 210,705 $ — $ 174,172 $ — $ 174,172 Liabilities Derivative instruments $ — $ (30,497 ) $ — $ (30,497 ) $ — $ (28,688 ) $ — $ (28,688 ) Total $ — $ (30,497 ) $ — $ (30,497 ) $ — $ (28,688 ) $ — $ (28,688 ) The following table summarizes the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities, including derivative financial instruments. December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Carrying Value Difference Fair Value Carrying Value Difference Earning assets Loans held for investment, net $ 12,343,726 $ 11,630,591 $ 713,135 $ 10,228,399 $ 9,509,786 $ 718,613 Cash and cash equivalents 2,416,219 2,416,219 — 2,359,780 2,359,780 — Available for sale investments 195,391 195,391 — 168,934 168,934 — Accrued interest receivable 564,496 564,496 — 469,697 469,697 — Tax indemnification receivable 186,076 186,076 — 240,311 240,311 — Derivative instruments 15,314 15,314 — 5,238 5,238 — Total earning assets $ 15,721,222 $ 15,008,087 $ 713,135 $ 13,472,359 $ 12,753,746 $ 718,613 Interest-bearing liabilities Money-market and savings accounts $ 5,556,254 $ 5,556,254 $ — $ 5,231,736 $ 5,231,736 $ — Certificates of deposit 5,928,450 5,931,453 3,003 5,313,645 5,308,818 (4,827 ) Short-term borrowings 500,175 500,175 — — — — Long-term borrowings 567,468 579,101 11,633 — — — Accrued interest payable 16,385 16,385 — 16,082 16,082 — Derivative instruments 30,497 30,497 — 28,688 28,688 — Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 12,599,229 $ 12,613,865 14,636 $ 10,590,151 $ 10,585,324 $ (4,827 ) Excess of net asset fair value over carrying value $ 727,771 $ 713,786 The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments are as follows: Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost. Carrying value approximated fair value for disclosure purposes. These are level 1 valuations. Investments Investments are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value in the consolidated financial statements. Investments in mortgage-backed securities are valued using observable market prices of similar assets. As such, these are level 2 valuations. Loans Held For Investment Our Private Education Loans and FFELP Loans are accounted for at cost or at the lower of cost or market if the loan is held-for-sale. For both Private Education Loans and FFELP Loans, fair value was determined by modeling expected loan level cash flows using stated terms of the assets and internally developed assumptions to determine aggregate portfolio yield, net present value and average life. The significant assumptions used to determine fair value are prepayment speeds, default rates, cost of funds and required return on equity. Significant inputs into the model are not observable. However, we do calibrate the model based on market transactions when appropriate. As such, these are level 3 valuations. Accrued Interest Receivable Accrued interest receivable is carried at cost. The carrying value approximates fair value due to its short-term nature. This is a level 1 valuation. Tax Indemnification Receivable Tax indemnification receivable is carried at cost. The carrying value approximates fair value. This is a level 1 valuation. Money Market and Savings Accounts The fair value of money market and savings accounts equal the amounts payable on demand at the balance sheet date and are reported at their carrying value. These are level 1 valuations. Certificates of Deposit The fair value of CDs are estimated using discounted cash flows based on rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. These are level 2 valuations. Accrued Interest Payable Accrued interest payable is carried at cost. The carrying value approximates fair value due to its short-term nature. This is a level 1 valuation. Borrowings Borrowings are accounted for at cost in the consolidated financial statements. The carrying value of short-term borrowings approximated fair value for disclosure purposes, due to the short-term nature of those borrowings. This is a level 1 valuation. The fair value of long-term borrowings is estimated using current market prices. This is a level 2 valuation. Derivatives All derivatives are accounted for at fair value in the consolidated financial statements. The fair value of derivative financial instruments was determined by a standard derivative pricing and option model using the stated terms of the contracts and observable market inputs. It is our policy to compare the derivative fair values to those received from our counterparties in order to evaluate the model’s outputs. When determining the fair value of derivatives, we take into account counterparty credit risk for positions where we are exposed to the counterparty on a net basis by assessing exposure net of collateral held. When the counterparty has exposure to us under derivative contracts with the Company, we fully collateralize the exposure (subject to certain thresholds). Interest rate swaps are valued using a standard derivative cash flow model with a LIBOR swap yield curve, which is an observable input from an active market. These derivatives are level 2 fair value estimates in the hierarchy. The carrying value of borrowings designated as the hedged item in a fair value hedge is adjusted for changes in fair value due to changes in the benchmark interest rate (one-month LIBOR). These valuations are determined through standard pricing models using the stated terms of the borrowings and observable yield curves.

Arrangements with Navient Corpo

Arrangements with Navient Corporation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Arrangements with Navient Corporation	Arrangements with Navient Corporation In connection with the Spin-Off, the Company entered into a separation and distribution agreement with Navient (the “Separation and Distribution Agreement”). In connection therewith, the Company also entered into various other ancillary agreements with Navient to effect the Spin-Off and provide a framework for its relationship with Navient thereafter, such as a transition services agreement, a tax sharing agreement, an employee matters agreement, a loan servicing and administration agreement, a joint marketing agreement, a key services agreement, a data sharing agreement and a master sublease agreement. The majority of these agreements are transitional in nature with most having terms of two years or less from the date of the Spin-Off. We continue to have exposure to risks related to Navient’s creditworthiness. If we are unable to obtain indemnification payments from Navient, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. Pursuant to the terms of the Spin-Off and applicable law, Navient assumed responsibility for all liabilities (whether accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether known or unknown) arising out of or resulting from the conduct of pre-Spin-Off SLM and its subsidiaries’ businesses prior to the Spin-Off, other than certain specifically identified liabilities relating to the conduct of our consumer banking business. Nonetheless, given the prior usage of the Sallie Mae and SLM names by entities now owned by Navient, we and our subsidiaries may from time to time be improperly named as defendants in legal proceedings where the allegations at issue are the legal responsibility of Navient. Most of these legal proceedings involve matters that arose in whole or in part in the ordinary course of business of pre-Spin-Off SLM. Likewise, as the period of time since the Spin-Off increases, so does the likelihood any allegations that may be made may be in part for our own actions in a post-Spin-Off time period and in part for Navient’s conduct in a pre-Spin-Off time period. We will not be providing information on these proceedings unless there are material issues of fact or disagreement with Navient as to the bases of the proceedings or responsibility therefor that we believe could have a material, adverse impact on our business, assets, financial condition, liquidity or outlook if not resolved in our favor. We briefly summarize below some of the most significant agreements and relationships we continue to have with Navient. For additional information regarding the Separation and Distribution Agreement and the other ancillary agreements, see our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2014. Separation and Distribution Agreement The Separation and Distribution Agreement addresses, among other things, the following ongoing activities: • the obligation of each party to indemnify the other against liabilities retained or assumed by that party pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement and in connection with claims of third-parties; • the allocation among the parties of rights and obligations under insurance policies; • the agreement of the Company and Navient (i) not to engage in certain competitive business activities for a period of five years , (ii) as to the effect of the non-competition provisions on post-spin merger and acquisition activities of the parties and (iii) regarding “first look” opportunities; and • the creation of a governance structure, including a separation oversight committee of representatives from the Company and Navient, by which matters related to the separation and other transactions contemplated by the Separation and Distribution Agreement will be monitored and managed. The Separation and Distribution Agreement provides specific processes and procedures pursuant to which we may submit claims for indemnification to Navient and, to date, Navient has acknowledged and accepted substantially all claims that we have submitted. Nonetheless, if for any reason Navient is unable or unwilling to pay claims made against it, our costs, operating expenses, cash flows and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected over time. Transition Services During a transition period, Navient and its affiliates provided the Bank with significant servicing capabilities with respect to Private Education Loans held by the Company and its subsidiaries. On October 13, 2014, we transitioned the Private Education Loan servicing to our own platform. In the second quarter of 2015, we completed the build-out of our operational infrastructure to independently originate Private Education Loans. It is currently anticipated that Navient will continue to service Private Education Loans owned by the Company or its subsidiaries with respect to individual borrowers who also have Private Education Loans that are owned by Navient, in order to optimize the customer’s experience. In addition, Navient will continue to service and collect the Bank’s portfolio of FFELP Loans indefinitely. Indemnification Obligations Navient has also agreed to be responsible, and indemnify us, for all claims, actions, damages, losses or expenses that may arise from the conduct of all activities of pre-Spin-Off SLM occurring prior to the Spin-Off other than those specifically excluded in the Separation and Distribution Agreement. Some significant examples of the types of indemnification obligations Navient has under the Separation and Distribution Agreement and related ancillary agreements include: • Pursuant to a tax sharing agreement, Navient has agreed to indemnify us for $283 million in deferred taxes that the Company will be legally responsible for but that relate to gains recognized by the Company’s predecessor on debt repurchases made prior to the Spin-Off. The remaining amount of this indemnification at December 31, 2015, is $170 million . In addition, Navient has agreed to indemnify us for tax assessments incurred related to identified uncertain tax positions taken prior to the date of the Spin-Off. At December 31, 2015, we have recorded a receivable of $16 million related to this indemnification. • Navient has responsibility to assume new or ongoing litigation matters relating to the conduct of most pre-Spin-Off SLM businesses operated or conducted prior to the Spin-Off. • Separate and apart from Navient's direct responsibility for its own actions and those of its subsidiaries, Navient will indemnify the Company and the Bank for any liabilities, costs or expenses they may incur arising from any action or threatened action related to the servicing, operations and collections activities of pre-Spin-Off SLM and its subsidiaries with respect to Private Education Loans and FFELP Loans that were assets of the Bank or Navient at the time of the Spin-Off; provided that written notice is provided to Navient prior to the third anniversary date of the Spin-Off, April 30, 2017. Navient will not indemnify for changes in law or changes in prior existing interpretations of law that occur on or after April 30, 2014. • At the time of this filing, the Bank remains subject to a Consent Order, Order to Pay Restitution and Order to Pay Civil Money Penalty dated May 13, 2014 issued by the FDIC (the “FDIC Consent Order”). The FDIC Consent Order replaces a prior cease and desist order jointly issued in August 2008 by the FDIC and the UDFI which was terminated on July 15, 2014. Specifically, on May 13, 2014, the Bank reached settlements with the FDIC and the Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) regarding disclosures and assessments of certain late fees, as well as compliance with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (“SCRA”). The DOJ Consent Order (the "DOJ Consent Order") was approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware on September 29, 2014. Under the FDIC Consent Order, the Bank agreed to pay $3.3 million in fines and oversee the refund of up to $30 million in late fees assessed on loans owned or originated by the Bank since its inception in November 2005. Navient is responsible for funding all liabilities, restitution and compensation under orders such as these, other than fines directly levied against the Bank. Long-Term Arrangements The loan servicing and administration agreement governs the terms by which Navient provides servicing, administration and collection services for the Bank’s portfolio of FFELP Loans and Private Education Loans, as well as servicing history information with respect to Private Education Loans previously serviced by Navient and access to certain promissory notes in Navient’s possession. The loan servicing and administration agreement has a fixed term with a renewal option in favor of the Bank. The data sharing agreement states the Bank will continue to have the right to obtain from Navient certain post-Spin-Off performance data relating to Private Education Loans owned or serviced by Navient to support and facilitate ongoing underwriting, originations, forecasting, performance and reserve analyses. The tax sharing agreement governs the respective rights, responsibilities and obligations of the Company and Navient after the Spin-Off relating to taxes, including with respect to the payment of taxes, the preparation and filing of tax returns and the conduct of tax contests. Under this agreement, each party is generally liable for taxes attributable to its business. The agreement also addresses the allocation of tax liabilities that are incurred as a result of the Spin-Off and related transactions. Additionally, the agreement restricts the parties from taking certain actions that could prevent the Spin-Off from qualifying for the anticipated tax treatment. Amended Loan Participation and Purchase Agreement Prior to the Spin-Off, the Bank sold substantially all of its Private Education Loans to several former affiliates, now subsidiaries of Navient (collectively, the “Purchasers”), pursuant to this agreement. This agreement predates the Spin-Off but has been significantly amended and reduced in scope in connection with the Spin-Off. Post-Spin-Off, the Bank retains only the right to require the Purchasers to purchase Split Loans (at fair value) for which the borrower also has a separate lending relationship with Navient when the Split Loans either (1) are more than 90 days past due; (2) have been restructured; (3) have been granted a hardship forbearance or more than 6 months of administrative forbearance; or (4) have a borrower or cosigner who has filed for bankruptcy. At December 31, 2015, we held approximately $89 million of Split Loans. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Bank separately sold loans to the Purchasers in the amount of $ 27.0 million in principal and $ 0.6 million in accrued interest income. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Bank separately sold loans to the Purchasers in the amount of $804.7 million in principal and $5.7 million in accrued interest income. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Bank sold loans to the Purchasers in the amount of $2,415.8 million in principal and $67.0 million in accrued interest income. There was no gain or loss resulting from loans sold to the Purchasers in the year ended December 31, 2015. The gain resulting from loans sold to the Purchasers was $35.8 million and $196.6 million in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Total write-downs to fair value for loans sold to the Purchasers with a fair value lower than par totaled $ 7.6 million, $53.5 million and $68.4 million in the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Navient is the servicer for all of these loans.

Regulatory Capital

Regulatory Capital	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Regulatory Capital	6.5 % Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,734,315 14.4 % $ 962,017 > 8.0 % Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,848,528 15.4 % $ 1,202,521 > 10.0 % Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) $ 1,734,315 12.3 % $ 704,979 > 5.0 % As of December 31, 2014: Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,413,988 15.0 % $ 565,148 > 6.0 % Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,497,830 15.9 % $ 941,913 > 10.0 % Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) $ 1,413,988 11.5 % $ 614,709 > 5.0 % Bank Dividends The Bank is chartered under the laws of the State of Utah and its deposits are insured by the FDIC. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends is subject to the laws of Utah and the regulations of the FDIC. Generally, under Utah’s industrial bank laws and regulations as well as FDIC regulations, the Bank may pay dividends from its net profits without regulatory approval if, following the payment of the dividend, the Bank’s capital and surplus would not be impaired. The Bank paid no dividends for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Bank paid dividends of $120.0 million to an entity that is now a subsidiary of Navient. For the foreseeable future, we expect the Bank to only pay dividends to the Company as may be necessary to provide for regularly scheduled dividends payable on the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock." id="sjs-B4">Regulatory Capital The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking authorities. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material adverse effect on our financial condition. Under the Basel III capital framework (“U.S. Basel III”) and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital standards that involve quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and its classification under the prompt corrective action framework are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components of capital, risk weightings and other factors. As of January 1, 2015, the Bank was required to report regulatory capital and ratios in accordance with U.S. Basel III. Among other things, U.S. Basel III establishes Common Equity Tier 1 as a new tier of capital, modifies methods for calculating risk-weighted assets, introduces a new capital conservation buffer, and revises the capital thresholds of the prompt corrective action framework, including the “well capitalized” standard. The Bank’s regulatory capital reported as of December 31, 2014 was calculated according to the regulatory capital framework in effect at that date. “Well capitalized” regulatory requirements are the quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy. To qualify as “well capitalized,” the Bank must maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and Total capital to risk-weighted assets and of Tier 1 capital to average assets. The following capital amounts and ratios are based upon the Bank's assets. Actual "Well Capitalized" Regulatory Requirements Amount Ratio Amount Ratio As of December 31, 2015: Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,734,315 14.4 % $ 781,638 > 6.5 % Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,734,315 14.4 % $ 962,017 > 8.0 % Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,848,528 15.4 % $ 1,202,521 > 10.0 % Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) $ 1,734,315 12.3 % $ 704,979 > 5.0 % As of December 31, 2014: Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,413,988 15.0 % $ 565,148 > 6.0 % Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,497,830 15.9 % $ 941,913 > 10.0 % Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) $ 1,413,988 11.5 % $ 614,709 > 5.0 % Bank Dividends The Bank is chartered under the laws of the State of Utah and its deposits are insured by the FDIC. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends is subject to the laws of Utah and the regulations of the FDIC. Generally, under Utah’s industrial bank laws and regulations as well as FDIC regulations, the Bank may pay dividends from its net profits without regulatory approval if, following the payment of the dividend, the Bank’s capital and surplus would not be impaired. The Bank paid no dividends for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Bank paid dividends of $120.0 million to an entity that is now a subsidiary of Navient. For the foreseeable future, we expect the Bank to only pay dividends to the Company as may be necessary to provide for regularly scheduled dividends payable on the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock.

Defined Contribution Plans

Defined Contribution Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plans	Defined Contribution Plans We participate in a defined contribution plan which is intended to qualify under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Sallie Mae 401(k) Savings Plan covers substantially all employees. After six months of service, effective January 2013, and after one year of service prior to that time, up to 3 percent of contributions are matched 100 percent with the next 2 percent matched at 50 percent for eligible employees. After one month of service, eligible employees receive a 1 percent core employer contribution. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we contributed $ 3.8 million, $ 3.1 million and $2.8 million, respectively, to this plan.

Commitments, Contingencies and

Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees	Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees Commitments When we approve a Private Education Loan at the beginning of an academic year, that approval may cover the borrowing for the entire academic year. As such, we do not always disburse the full amount of the loan at the time of origination but instead have a commitment to fund a portion of the loan at a later date (usually at the start of the second semester or subsequent trimesters). At December 31, 2015, we had $ 1.5 billion of outstanding contractual loan commitments which we expect to fund during the remainder of the 2015/2016 academic year. At December 31, 2015, we had a $2 million reserve recorded in "Other Liabilities" to cover expected losses that may occur during the one year loss emergence period on these unfunded commitments. Regulatory Matters At the time of this filing, the Bank remains subject to the FDIC Consent Order. On May 13, 2014, the Bank reached settlements with the FDIC and the DOJ regarding disclosures and assessments of certain late fees, as well as compliance with the SCRA. Under the FDIC Consent Order, the Bank agreed to pay $3.3 million in fines and oversee the refund of up to $30 million in late fees assessed on loans owned or originated by the Bank since its inception in November 2005. Under the terms of the Separation and Distribution Agreement between the Company and Navient, Navient is responsible for funding all liabilities under the regulatory orders, other than fines directly levied against the Bank in connection with these matters. Under the DOJ Consent Order, Navient is solely responsible for reimbursing SCRA benefits and related compensation on behalf of both its subsidiary, Navient Solutions, Inc., and the Bank. As required by the FDIC Consent Order and the DOJ Consent Order, the Bank has implemented new SCRA policies, procedures and training, has updated billing statement disclosures, and is taking additional steps to ensure its third-party service providers are also fully compliant in these regards. The FDIC Consent Order also requires the Bank to have its current compliance with consumer protection regulations and its compliance management system audited by independent qualified audit personnel. The Bank is focused on sustaining timely and comprehensive remediation of each item contained in the orders and on further enhancing its policies and practices to promote responsible financial practices, customer experience and compliance. In May 2014, the Bank received a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) from the CFPB as part of the CFPB’s separate investigation relating to customer complaints, fees and charges assessed in connection with the servicing of student loans and related collection practices of pre-Spin-Off SLM by entities now subsidiaries of Navient during a time period prior to the Spin-Off. Two state attorney generals have provided the Bank identical CIDs and others have become involved in the inquiry over time. To the extent requested, we have been cooperating fully with the CFPB and the attorney generals but are not in a position at this time to predict the duration or outcome of the investigation. Given the timeframe covered by this demand and the focus on practices and procedures previously conducted by Navient and its servicing subsidiaries, Navient is leading the response to this investigation and has accepted responsibility for all costs, expenses, losses or remediation that may arise from this investigation. Contingencies In the ordinary course of business, we and our subsidiaries are routinely defendants in or parties to pending and threatened legal actions and proceedings, including actions brought on behalf of various classes of claimants. These actions and proceedings may be based on alleged violations of consumer protection, securities, employment and other laws. In certain of these actions and proceedings, claims for substantial monetary damage may be asserted against us and our subsidiaries. It is common for the Company, our subsidiaries and affiliates to receive information and document requests and investigative demands from state attorneys general, legislative committees, and administrative agencies. These requests may be for informational or regulatory purposes and may relate to our business practices, the industries in which we operate, or other companies with whom we conduct business. Our practice has been and continues to be to cooperate with these bodies and be responsive to any such requests. We are required to establish reserves for litigation and regulatory matters where those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and estimable. When loss contingencies are not both probable and estimable, we do not establish reserves. Based on current knowledge, management does not believe there are loss contingencies, if any, arising from pending investigations, litigation or regulatory matters for which reserves should be established.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Reconciliations of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rates to our effective tax rate for continuing operations follow: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State tax, net of federal benefit 3.0 2.9 2.6 Impact of state rate change on net deferred tax liabilities, net of federal benefit 0.5 4.4 — State, valuation allowance adjustments on net operating losses (0.2 ) (4.0 ) — Unrecognized tax benefits, U.S. federal and state, net of federal benefit (0.5 ) 4.8 — Other, net (0.3 ) (1.2 ) 0.6 Effective tax rate 37.5 % 41.9 % 38.2 % The effective tax rate varies from the statutory U.S. federal rate of 35 percent primarily due to the impact of state taxes, net of federal benefit, for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Income tax expense consists of: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current provision: Federal $ 215,950 $ 137,573 $ 130,854 State 26,057 43,282 13,513 Total current provision 242,007 180,855 144,367 Deferred (benefit)/provision: Federal (69,546 ) (40,370 ) 13,240 State (7,681 ) (518 ) 1,327 Total deferred (benefit)/provision (77,227 ) (40,888 ) 14,567 Provision for income tax expense $ 164,780 $ 139,967 $ 158,934 The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities include the following: December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Loan reserves $ 45,082 $ 33,570 Stock-based compensation plans 16,939 16,342 Deferred revenue 209 418 Operating loss and credit carryovers 16,106 14,324 Unrealized losses 9,949 7,185 Accrued expenses not currently deductible 10,696 10,606 Unrecorded tax benefits 15,251 19,798 Other 9,871 8,918 Total deferred tax assets 124,103 111,161 Deferred tax liabilities: Gains on repurchased debt 190,936 251,671 Fixed assets 6,237 5,849 Acquired intangible assets 6,724 6,151 Student loan premiums and discounts, net — 3,050 Other 1,794 2,656 Total deferred tax liabilities 205,691 269,377 Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets $ (81,588 ) $ (158,216 ) Included in operating loss carryovers is a valuation allowance of $ 83.7 million as of December 31, 2015, against a portion of our state net operating loss carryovers that management believes is more likely than not will expire prior to being realized. As of December 31, 2015, we have apportioned state net operating loss carryforwards of $25.6 million which begin to expire in 2029. Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes The following table summarizes changes in unrecognized tax benefits: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year $ 59,405 $ 7,344 $ 3,951 Increases resulting from tax positions taken during a prior period 3,456 45,184 574 Decreases resulting from tax positions taken during a prior period (10,121 ) — — Increases resulting from tax positions taken during the current period 3,447 7,713 2,819 Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities (7,481 ) (236 ) — Reductions related to the lapse of statute of limitations (1,597 ) (600 ) — Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year $ 47,109 $ 59,405 $ 7,344 As of December 31, 2015, the gross unrecognized tax benefits are $47.1 million. Included in the $47.1 million are $25.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate. As a part of the Spin-Off, the Company recorded a liability related to uncertain tax positions for which it is indemnified by Navient. See Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies - Income Taxes,” for additional details. Tax related interest expense is reported as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the total amount of income tax-related accrued interest, net of related benefit, recognized in the consolidated balance sheets was $ 7.0 million and $ 5.9 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the total amount of income tax-related accrued interest, net of related tax benefit, recognized in the consolidated statements of income was $ 1.4 million, $ 2.3 million and $ 0.1 million, respectively. The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns at the U.S. federal level and in most U.S. states. U.S. federal income tax returns filed for years 2010 and prior have either been audited or surveyed and are now resolved. Various combinations of subsidiaries, tax years, and jurisdictions remain open for review, subject to statute of limitations periods (typically 3 to 4 prior years). We do not expect the resolution of open audits to have a material impact on our unrecognized tax benefits.

Concentrations of Risk

Concentrations of Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentrations of Risk	Concentrations of Risk Our business is primarily focused in providing and/or servicing to help students and their families save, plan and pay for college. We primarily originate, service and/or collect loans made to students and their families to finance the cost of their education. We provide funding, delivery and servicing support for education loans in the United States through our Private Education Loan programs. Because of this concentration in one industry, we are exposed to credit, legislative, operational, regulatory, and liquidity risks associated with the student loan industry. Concentration Risk in the Revenues Associated with Private Education Loans We compete in the Private Education Loan market with banks and other consumer lending institutions, some with strong consumer brand name recognition and greater financial resources. We compete based on our products, origination capability and customer service. To the extent our competitors compete aggressively or more effectively, we could lose market share to them or subject our existing loans to refinancing risk. Our product offerings may not prove to be profitable and may result in higher than expected losses. We are a leading provider of saving- and paying-for-college products and programs. This concentration gives us a competitive advantage in the marketplace. This concentration also creates risks in our business, particularly in light of our concentrations as a Private Education Loan lender. If population demographics result in a decrease in college-age individuals, if demand for higher education decreases, if the cost of attendance of higher education decreases, if public resistance to higher education costs strengthens, or if the demand for higher education loans decreases, our consumer lending business could be negatively affected. In addition, the federal government, through the Direct Student Loan Program ("DSLP"), poses significant competition to our private credit loan products. If loan limits under the DSLP increase, DSLP loans could be more widely available to students and their families and DSLP loans could increase, resulting in further decreases in the size of the Private Education Loan market and demand for our Private Education Loan products.

Parent Only Statements

Parent Only Statements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Parent Only Statements	Parent Only Statements The following parent company-only financial information should be read in conjunction with the other notes to the consolidated financial statements. The accounting policies for the parent company-only financial statements are the same as those used in the presentation of the consolidated financial statements other than the parent company-only financial statements account for the parent company's investments in its subsidiaries under the equity method. Parent Only Condensed Balance Sheets December 31, 2015 2014 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 282,036 $ 434,245 Total investments in subsidiaries (primarily Sallie Mae Bank) 1,810,567 1,389,995 Tax indemnification receivable 186,076 240,311 Due from subsidiaries, net 21,396 32,408 Other assets 1,352 1,943 Total assets $ 2,301,427 $ 2,098,902 Liabilities and Equity Liabilities Income taxes payable, net $ 189,215 $ 245,782 Payable due to Navient 1,990 8,764 Other liabilities 13,899 14,398 Total liabilities $ 205,104 268,944 Equity Preferred stock, par value $0.20 per share, 20 million shares authorized: Series A: 3.3 million and 3.3 million shares issued, respectively, at stated value of $50 165,000 165,000 Series B: 4 million and 4 million shares issued, respectively, at stated value of $100 per share 400,000 400,000 Common stock, par value $0.20 per share, 1.125 billion shares authorized: 430.7 million and 424.8 million shares issued, respectively 86,136 84,961 Additional paid-in capital 1,135,860 1,090,511 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax benefit of $9,949 and $7,186, respectively (16,059 ) (11,393 ) Retained earnings 366,609 113,066 Total SLM Corporation stockholders' equity before treasury stock 2,137,546 1,842,145 Less: common stock held in treasury at cost: 4.4 million and 1.4 million shares, respectively (41,223 ) (12,187 ) Total equity 2,096,323 1,829,958 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,301,427 $ 2,098,902 Parent Only Condensed Statements of Income Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Interest income $ 6,414 $ 4,980 $ — Interest expense — — — Net interest income 6,414 4,980 — Other (loss) income (239 ) 1,097 — Operating expenses 36,141 36,967 3,556 Loss before income tax expense (benefit) and equity in net income from subsidiaries (29,966 ) (30,890 ) (3,556 ) Income tax (benefit) expense (8,612 ) (13,196 ) 133,121 Equity in net income from subsidiaries (primarily Sallie Mae Bank) 295,638 211,479 394,270 Net income 274,284 193,785 257,593 Preferred stock dividends 19,595 12,933 — Net income attributable to common stock $ 254,689 $ 180,852 $ 257,593 Parent Only Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 274,284 $ 193,785 $ 257,593 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries (295,638 ) (211,479 ) (394,270 ) Interest income on tax indemnification receivable (5,398 ) (5,904 ) — (Increase) decrease in investment in subsidiaries, net (103,602 ) 278,365 136,677 Decrease in tax indemnification receivable 59,633 44,724 — Decrease (increase) in due from subsidiaries, net 11,012 (32,408 ) — Increase in other assets (14,366 ) (5,447 ) — Decrease in income taxes payable, net (54,907 ) (312,770 ) — (Decrease) increase in payable due to entity that is a subsidiary of Navient (6,774 ) 8,764 — Increase in other liabilities 1,402 14,398 — Total adjustments (408,638 ) (221,757 ) (257,593 ) Net cash used in operating activities (134,354 ) (27,972 ) — Cash flows from investing activities: Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities — — — Cash flows from financing activities: Special cash contribution from Navient — 472,718 — Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock-based awards 1,740 2,432 — Preferred stock dividends paid (19,595 ) (12,933 ) — Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (17,855 ) 462,217 — Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (152,209 ) 434,245 — Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 434,245 — — Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 282,036 $ 434,245 $ —

Selected Quarterly Financial In

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)	Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) 2015 First Second Third Fourth (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Net interest income $ 170,954 $ 168,257 $ 175,442 $ 187,846 Less: provisions for credit losses 16,618 15,558 27,497 30,382 Net interest income after provisions for credit losses 154,336 152,699 147,945 157,464 Gains on sales of loans, net — 76,874 — 58,484 Gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net 3,292 1,602 (547 ) 953 Other income 8,007 10,912 10,455 12,561 Operating expenses 81,187 89,799 92,864 85,245 Acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization expense 370 370 370 370 Restructuring and other reorganization expenses 4,657 744 910 (913 ) Income tax expense 31,722 60,158 17,985 54,915 Net income attributable to SLM Corporation 47,699 91,016 45,724 89,845 Preferred stock dividends 4,823 4,870 4,913 4,989 Net income attributable to SLM Corporation common stock $ 42,876 $ 86,146 $ 40,811 $ 84,856 Basic earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation $ 0.10 $ 0.20 $ 0.10 $ 0.20 Diluted earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation $ 0.10 $ 0.20 $ 0.09 $ 0.20 2014 First Second Third Fourth (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Net interest income $ 139,238 $ 144,539 $ 144,026 $ 150,676 Less: provisions for credit losses 39,159 1,014 14,898 30,458 Net interest income after provisions for credit losses 100,079 143,525 129,128 120,218 Gains on sales of loans, net 33,888 1,928 85,147 396 (Losses) gains on derivative and hedging activities, net (764 ) (9,458 ) 5,401 825 Other income 8,136 15,229 5,461 11,095 Operating expenses 63,671 60,479 72,079 78,724 Acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization expense 1,767 1,156 1,150 (855 ) Restructuring and other reorganization expenses 229 13,520 14,079 10,483 Income tax expense 28,658 31,941 54,903 24,465 Net income 47,014 44,128 82,926 19,717 Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (434 ) — — — Net income attributable to SLM Corporation 47,448 44,128 82,926 19,717 Preferred stock dividends — 3,228 4,850 4,855 Net income attributable to SLM Corporation common stock $ 47,448 $ 40,900 $ 78,076 $ 14,862 Basic earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation $ 0.11 $ 0.1 $ 0.18 $ 0.04 Diluted earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation $ 0.11 $ 0.09 $ 0.18 $ 0.03

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event On February 25, 2016, we amended and extended the maturity of the ABCP Facility, discussed in Note 9, “Borrowings.” The amended ABCP Facility is a $ 750.0 million ABCP Facility, under which the full $ 750.0 million is available for us to draw. Under the amended ABCP Facility, we incur financing costs of between 0.35 percent and 0.45 percent on unused borrowing capacity and approximately 3 month LIBOR plus 1.00 percent on outstandings. The amended ABCP Facility extends the revolving period, during which we may borrow, repay and reborrow funds, until February 23, 2017. The scheduled amortization period, during which amounts outstanding under the ABCP Facility must be repaid, ends on February 23, 2018 (or earlier, if certain material adverse events occur).

Significant Accounting Polici33

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The financial reporting and accounting policies of SLM Corporation conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). In conjunction with the Spin-Off, our consolidated financial statements are comprised of financial information relating to the Bank and Upromise. Also included in our financial statements, for periods before the Spin-Off, are certain general corporate overhead expenses allocated to the Company. The timing and steps necessary to complete the Spin-Off and comply with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) reporting requirements, including the replacement of pre-Spin-Off SLM with our current publicly traded registrant, have resulted in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on February 19, 2014, and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, filed with the SEC on May 12, 2014, providing business results and financial information for the periods reported therein on the basis of the consolidated businesses of pre-Spin-Off SLM. While information contained in those prior reports may provide meaningful historical context for our business, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 was our first periodic report made on the basis of the post-Spin-Off business. For periods before the Spin-Off, these financial statements are presented on a basis of accounting that reflects a change in reporting entity and have been adjusted for the effects of the Spin-Off. These carved-out financial statements and selected financial information represent only those operations, assets, liabilities and equity that form Sallie Mae on a stand-alone basis. Because the Spin-Off occurred on April 30, 2014, these financial statements include the carved-out financial results for the first four months of 2014. All prior period amounts represent comparably determined carved-out amounts. The year ended December 31, 2015 was the first full year where the financial results did not include the effect of carved-out amounts.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions	Use of Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Key accounting policies that include significant judgments and estimates include the valuation of allowance for loan losses, fair value measurements and derivative accounting.
Consolidation	Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SLM Corporation and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries after eliminating the effects of intercompany accounts and transactions. We consolidate any variable interest entity (“VIE”) where we have determined we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity which has both: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash held in the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRB”) and commercial bank accounts, and other short-term liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less. Fees associated with investing cash and cash equivalents are amortized into interest income using the effective interest rate method
Investments	Investments Investments consisted of only mortgage-backed securities in 2015 and 2014. We record our investment purchases and sales on a trade date basis. The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are amortized using the effective interest rate method. Our investments are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale investments are recorded in equity and are reported as a component of other comprehensive income/(loss), net of applicable income taxes, unless a decline in the investment’s value is considered to be other-than-temporary, in which case the loss is recorded directly to earnings. Management reviews all investments at least quarterly to determine whether any impairment is other-than-temporary. Impairment is evaluated by considering several factors, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability to retain the investment to allow for an anticipated recovery in fair value. If, based on the analysis, it is determined that the impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment is written down to fair value and a loss is recognized through earnings.
Loans Held for Investment	Loans Held for Investment Loans, consisting of Private Education Loans and FFELP loans, that we have the ability and intent to hold for the foreseeable future are classified as held for investment, and are carried at amortized cost. Amortized cost includes the unamortized premiums, discounts, and capitalized origination costs and fees, all of which are amortized to interest income as discussed under “Loan Interest Income.” Loans which are held for investment are reported net of an allowance for loan losses. Prior to the Spin-Off, we participated in FFELP rehabilitation loan auctions whereby we bid on portfolios of rehabilitated FFELP loans offered for sale by guarantors. For a loan to be eligible for rehabilitation, the guaranty agency must have received reasonable and affordable payments for 9 out of 10 months , at which time the borrower may request that the loan be rehabilitated. Because monthly payments are usually greater after rehabilitation, not all borrowers request rehabilitation. Upon rehabilitation, a borrower is again eligible for all of the benefits under the Higher Education Act that he or she was not eligible for as a borrower on a defaulted loan, such as new federal aid, and the default on the borrower’s credit record is expunged. No student loan may be rehabilitated more than once.
Restricted Cash and Investments	Restricted Cash and Investments Restricted cash and investments primarily include amounts held in student loan securitization trusts and other secured borrowings. This cash must be used to make payments related to trust obligations. Amounts on deposit in these accounts are primarily the result of timing differences between when principal and interest is collected on the trust assets and when principal and interest is paid on trust liabilities.
Allowance for Loan Losses	Allowance for Loan Losses We consider a loan to be impaired when, based on current information, a loss has been incurred and it is probable that we will not receive all contractual amounts due. When making our assessment as to whether a loan is impaired, we also take into account more than insignificant delays in payment. We generally evaluate impaired loans on an aggregate basis by grouping similar loans. We maintain an allowance for loan losses at an amount sufficient to absorb probable losses incurred in our portfolios, as well as future loan commitments, at the reporting date based on a projection of estimated probable credit losses incurred in the portfolio. We analyze our portfolios to determine the effects that the various stages of delinquency and forbearance have on borrower default behavior and ultimate charge off. We estimate the allowance for loan losses for our loan portfolios using a roll rate analysis of delinquent and current accounts. A “roll rate analysis” is a technique used to estimate the likelihood that a loan receivable may progress through the various delinquency stages and ultimately charge off. We also take into account the current and future economic environment and certain other qualitative factors when calculating the allowance for loan losses. The evaluation of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective, as it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant changes. Our default estimates are based on a loss emergence period of one year for Private Education Loans and two years for FFELP Loans. A loss emergence period represents the expected period between the first occurrence of an event likely to cause a loss on a loan and the date the loan is expected to be charged off, taking into consideration account management practices that affect the timing of a loss, such as the usage of forbearance. The loss emergence period underlying the allowance for loan losses is subject to a number of assumptions. If actual future performance in delinquency, charge-offs and recoveries are significantly different than estimated, or account management assumptions or practices were to change, this could materially affect the estimate of the allowance for loan losses, the timing of when losses are recognized, and the related provision for credit losses on our consolidated statements of income.
Allowance for Private Education Loan Losses	Allowance for Private Education Loan Losses We maintain an allowance for loan losses at an amount sufficient to absorb probable losses incurred in our portfolios at the reporting date based on a projection of estimated probable credit losses incurred in the portfolio. In determining the allowance for loan losses on our Private Education Loans that are not troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), we estimate the principal amount of loans that will default over the next year ( one year being the expected period between a loss event and default) and how much we expect to recover over the same one year period related to the defaulted amount. The expected defaults less our expected recoveries adjusted for any qualitative factors (discussed below) equal the allowance related to this portfolio. Our historical experience indicates that, on average, the time between the date that a customer experiences a default causing event (i.e., the loss trigger event) and the date that we charge off the unrecoverable portion of that loan is one year. In estimating both the non-TDR and TDR allowance amounts, we start with historical experience of customer delinquency and default behavior. We make judgments about which historical period to start with and then make further judgments about whether that historical experience is representative of future expectations and whether additional adjustments may be needed to those historical default rates. We may also take certain other qualitative factors into consideration when calculating the allowance for loan losses. These qualitative factors include, but are not limited to, changes in the economic environment, changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collection, charge-off and recovery practices not already included in the analysis, and the effect of other external factors such as legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses. Our non-TDR allowance for loan losses is estimated using an analysis of delinquent and current accounts. Our model is used to estimate the likelihood that a loan receivable may progress through the various delinquency stages and ultimately charge off. Once a charge-off forecast is estimated, a recovery assumption is layered on top. In estimating recoveries, we use both estimates of what we would receive from the sale of delinquent loans as well as historical borrower payment behavior to estimate the timing and amount of future recoveries on charged-off loans. In fourth quarter 2015, we stopped selling defaulted loans to third-parties and began collecting on defaulted loans in-house. It is our expectation that in the future we will continue to collect on defaulted loans in-house as well as sell defaulted loans to third-parties. Prior to this change in practice, we only used estimates of what we would receive from the sale of delinquent loans in estimating recoveries. For December, 31, 2015, we used both an estimate of recovery rates from in-house collections as well as expectations of future sales of defaulted loans to estimate the timing and amount of future recoveries on charged-off loans. The roll rate analysis model is based upon actual experience using the 120 day charge-off default aversion strategies. Once the quantitative calculation is performed, we review the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and determine if qualitative adjustments need to be considered. In connection with the Spin-Off, the agreement under which the Bank previously made sales of defaulted loans to an affiliate was amended so that the Bank now has the right to require Navient to purchase (at fair value) loans only where (a) the borrower has a lending relationship with both the Bank and Navient (“Split Loans”) and (b) the Split Loans either (1) are more than 90 days past due; (2) have been restructured; (3) have been granted a hardship forbearance or more than six months of administrative forbearance; or (4) have a borrower or cosigner who has filed for bankruptcy. At December 31, 2015, we held approximately $89 million of Split Loans. Pre-Spin-Off SLM charged off loans when they were 212 days delinquent. As such, default aversion strategies were focused on the final stages of delinquency, from 150 days to 212 days . In connection with the Spin-Off, we changed our charge-off policy for Private Education Loans to charging off loans when they reach 120 days delinquent. As a result of changing our corporate charge-off policy and greatly reducing the number of potentially delinquent loans we sell to Navient, our default aversion strategies now focus on loans 30 to 120 days delinquent. This change has the effect of accelerating the recognition of losses due to the shorter charge-off period ( 120 days ). In addition, at the time of the Spin-Off, we changed our loss emergence period from two years to one year to reflect the shorter charge-off policy and our revised servicing practices. These two changes resulted in recognizing a $14 million net reduction in our allowance for loan losses in second quarter 2014 because we are now only reserving for one year of losses as compared with two years under the prior policy, which more than offset the impact of the shorter charge-off period. Troubled Debt Restructurings Separately, for our TDR portfolio, we estimate an allowance amount sufficient to cover life-of-loan expected losses through an impairment calculation based on the difference between the loan’s basis and the present value of expected future cash flows (which would include life-of-loan default and recovery assumptions) discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate. Our TDR portfolio is comprised mostly of loans with interest rate reductions and forbearance usage greater than three months . We modify the terms of loans for certain borrowers when we believe such modifications may increase the ability and willingness of a borrower to make payments and thus increase the ultimate overall amount collected on a loan. These modifications generally take the form of a forbearance, a temporary interest rate reduction or an extended repayment plan. In the first nine months after a loan enters full principal and interest repayment, the loan may be in forbearance for up to six months without it being classified as a TDR. Once the initial nine -month period described above is over, however, any loan that receives more than three months of forbearance in a twenty-four month period is classified as a TDR. Also, a loan becomes a TDR when it is modified to reduce the interest rate on the loan (regardless of when such modification occurs and/or whether such interest rate is temporary). The majority of our loans that are considered TDRs involve a temporary forbearance of payments and do not change the contractual interest rate of the loan. Approximately 23 percent and 10 percent of the loans granted forbearance as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, have been classified as TDRs due to their forbearance status. Key Credit Quality Indicators We determine the collectability of our Private Education Loan portfolio by evaluating certain risk characteristics. We consider credit score, existence of a cosigner, loan status and loan seasoning as the key credit quality indicators because they have the most significant effect on the determination of the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses. Credit scores are an indicator of the creditworthiness of a borrower and the higher the credit score the more likely it is the borrower will be able to make all of their contractual payments. Loan status affects the credit risk because a past due loan is more likely to result in a credit loss than an up-to-date loan. Additionally, loans in the deferred payment status have different credit risk profiles compared with those in current pay status. Loan seasoning affects credit risk because a loan with a history of making payments generally has a lower incidence of default than a loan with a history of making infrequent or no payments. The existence of a cosigner lowers the likelihood of default. We monitor and update these credit quality indicators in the analysis of the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis. Certain Private Education Loans do not require borrowers to begin repayment until six months after they have graduated or otherwise left school. Consequently, the loss estimates for these loans is generally low while the borrower is in school. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, 32 percent and 36 percent , respectively, of the principal balance in the Private Education Loan portfolio was related to borrowers who are in an in-school (fully deferred), grace, or deferment status and not required to make payments. As this population of borrowers leaves school, they will be required to begin payments on their loans, and the allowance for losses may change accordingly. Similar to the rules governing FFELP payment requirements, our collection policies allow for periods of nonpayment for borrowers requesting additional payment grace periods upon leaving school or experiencing temporary difficulty meeting payment obligations. This is referred to as forbearance status and is considered separately in the allowance for loan losses. The loss emergence period is in alignment with the typical collection cycle and takes into account these periods of nonpayment. As part of concluding on the adequacy of the allowance for loan loss, we review key allowance and loan metrics. The most relevant of these metrics considered are the allowance coverage of charge-offs ratio; the allowance as a percentage of total loans and of loans in repayment; and delinquency and forbearance percentages. We consider a loan to be delinquent 31 days after the last payment was contractually due. We use a model to estimate the amount of uncollectible accrued interest on Private Education Loans and reserve for that amount against current period interest income.
Allowance for FFELP Loan Losses	Allowance for FFELP Loan Losses FFELP Loans are insured as to their principal and accrued interest in the event of default subject to a Risk Sharing level based on the date of loan disbursement. These insurance obligations are supported by contractual rights against the United States. For loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2006, we receive 97 percent reimbursement. For loans disbursed after October 1, 1993, and before July 1, 2006, we receive 98 percent reimbursement on all qualifying default claims. For loans disbursed prior to October 1, 1993, we receive 100 percent reimbursement. The allowance for FFELP Loan losses uses historical experience of customer default behavior and a two-year loss emergence period to estimate the credit losses incurred in the loan portfolio at the reporting date. We apply the default rate projections, net of applicable Risk Sharing, to each category for the current period to perform our quantitative calculation. Once the quantitative calculation is performed, we review the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and determine if qualitative adjustments need to be considered.
Deposits	Deposits Our deposit accounts are principally certificates of deposit (“CD”), money market deposit accounts (“MMDA”) and high yield savings (“HYS”) accounts. CDs are accounts that have a stipulated maturity and interest rate. Early withdrawal of brokered CDs is prohibited (except in the case of death or legal incapacity). Retail CDs may be withdrawn early, but a penalty is assessed. MMDA and HYS accounts are both interest and non-interest bearing accounts that have no maturity or expiration date. The depositor is not required by the deposit contract, but may at any time be required by the Company, to give written notice of any intended withdrawal not less than seven days before the withdrawal is made.
Upromise related liabilities	Upromise related liabilities Upromise related liabilities represent amounts owed to Upromise rewards members for rebates they have earned from qualifying purchases from Upromise’s participating merchants. These amounts are held in trust for the benefit of the members until distributed in accordance with the Upromise member’s request and/or the terms of the Upromise service agreement. Upromise, which acts as the trustee for the trust, has deposited a majority of the cash with the Bank pursuant to a money market deposit account agreement between the Bank and Upromise as trustee of the trust.
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement We use estimates of fair value in applying various accounting standards for our financial statements. Fair value measurements are used in one of four ways: • In the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statement of income; • In the consolidated balance sheet with changes in fair value recorded in the accumulated other comprehensive income section of the consolidated statement of changes in equity; • In the consolidated balance sheet for instruments carried at lower of cost or fair value with impairment charges recorded in the consolidated statement of income; and • In the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Fair value is defined as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing and able market participants. In general, our policy in estimating fair value is to first look at observable market prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets, where available. When these are not available, other inputs are used to model fair value such as prices of similar instruments, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, default rates and credit spreads (including for our liabilities), relying first on observable data from active markets. Depending on current market conditions, additional adjustments to fair value may be based on factors such as liquidity, credit, and bid/offer spreads. Transaction costs are not included in the determination of fair value. When possible, we seek to validate the model’s output to market transactions. Depending on the availability of observable inputs and prices, different valuation models could produce materially different fair value estimates. The values presented may not represent future fair values and may not be realizable. We categorize our fair value estimates based on a hierarchical framework associated with three levels of price transparency utilized in measuring financial instruments at fair value. Classification is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value of the instrument. The three levels are as follows: • Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access at the measurement date. The types of financial instruments included in level 1 are highly liquid instruments with quoted prices. • Level 2 — Inputs from active markets, other than quoted prices for identical instruments, are used to determine fair value. Significant inputs are directly observable from active markets for substantially the full term of the asset or liability being valued. • Level 3 — Pricing inputs significant to the valuation are unobservable. Inputs are developed based on the best information available. However, significant judgment is required by us in developing the inputs.
Loan Interest Income	Loan Interest Income For loans classified as held for investment, we recognize interest income as earned, adjusted for the amortization of deferred direct origination costs. This adjustment is recognized based upon the expected yield of the loan over its life after giving effect to prepayments and extensions. The estimate of the prepayment speed includes the effect of voluntary prepayments, student loan defaults, and consolidation (if the loan is consolidated to a third-party), all of which shorten the life-of-loan. Prepayment speed estimates also consider the utilization of deferment, forbearance, and extended repayment plans, which lengthen the life-of-loan. We regularly evaluate the assumptions used to estimate the prepayment speeds. In instances where there are changes to the assumptions, amortization is adjusted on a cumulative basis to reflect the change since the origination of the loan. We also pay to the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) an annual 105 basis point consolidation loan rebate fee on FFELP consolidation loans, which is netted against loan interest income. Additionally, interest earned on education loans reflects potential non-payment adjustments in accordance with our uncollectible interest recognition policy as discussed further in “Allowance for Loan Losses” of this Note 2. We do not amortize any adjustments to the basis of education loans when they are classified as held-for-sale. We recognize certain fee income (primarily late fees) on education loans when earned according to the contractual provisions of the promissory notes, as well as our expectation of collectability. Fee income is recorded when earned in “other non-interest income” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Interest Expense	Interest Expense Interest expense is based upon contractual interest rates adjusted for the amortization of issuance costs. We incur interest expense on interest bearing deposits comprised of non-maturity savings deposits, brokered and retail CDs, brokered MMDAs and secured financings. Interest expense is recognized when amounts are contractually due to deposit and debt holders and is adjusted for net payments/receipts related to interest rate swap agreements that qualify and are designated hedges of interest bearing liabilities. Interest expense also includes the amortization of deferred gains and losses on closed hedge transactions that qualified as hedges. Amortization of debt issuance costs, premiums, discounts and terminated hedge-basis adjustments are recognized using the effective interest rate method. We incur certain fees related to our Private Education Loan asset-backed commercial paper facility (the “ABCP Facility”), including an unused ABCP Facility fee, and also incur fees related to our term asset-backed securities ("ABS"). These fees are included in interest expense.
Gains on Sale of Loans, Net	Gains on Sale of Loans, Net We participate and sell loans to third-parties and affiliates, including entities that were related parties prior to the Spin-Off. These sales may occur through whole loan sales or securitization transactions that qualify for sales treatment. If a transfer of loans qualifies as a sale, we derecognize the loan and recognize a gain or loss as the difference between the carry basis of the loan sold and liabilities retained and the compensation received. We recognize the results of a transfer of loans based upon the settlement date of the transaction. These loans were initially recorded as held for investment, and were transferred to held-for-sale immediately prior to sale or securitization.
Other Income	Other Income Our Upromise subsidiary has a number of programs that encourage consumers to save for the cost of college education. We have established a consumer savings network, which is designed to promote college savings by consumers who are members of this program by encouraging them to purchase goods and services from the merchants that participate in the program. Participating merchants generally pay Upromise fees based on member purchase volume, either online or in stores depending on the contractual arrangement with the merchant. We recognize revenue as marketing and administrative services are rendered, based upon contractually determined rates and member purchase volumes.
Securitization Accounting	Securitization Accounting Our securitizations transactions use a two-step structure with a special purpose entity (variable interest entity (“VIE”)) that legally isolates the transferred assets from us in the event of bankruptcy or receivership. Transactions receiving sale treatment are also structured to ensure that the holders of the beneficial interests issued are not constrained from pledging or exchanging their interests, and that we do not maintain effective control over the transferred assets. If these criteria are not met, then the transaction is accounted for as an on-balance sheet secured borrowing. If a securitization qualifies as a sale, we then assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of the securitization trust and are required to consolidate such trust. We are considered the primary beneficiary if we have both: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. There can be considerable judgment as it relates to determining the primary beneficiary of the VIEs. There are no “bright line” tests. Rather, the assessment of who has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance and who has the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE can be very qualitative and judgmental in nature. If we are the primary beneficiary then no gain or loss is recognized. We have determined that as the sponsor and servicer of Sallie Mae securitization trusts, we meet the first primary beneficiary criterion because we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance. Irrespective of whether a securitization receives sale or on-balance sheet treatment, our continuing involvement with our securitization trusts is generally limited to: • Owning the equity certificates of certain trusts. • The servicing of the student loan assets within the securitization trusts, on both a pre- and post-default basis. • Our acting as administrator for the securitization transactions we sponsored. • Our responsibilities relative to representation and warranty violations. • The option to exercise the clean-up call and purchase the student loans from the trust when the pool balance is 10 percent or less of the original pool balance. In 2015 and 2014, we executed both secured financing and securitized loan sale transactions. Based upon our relationships with these securitizations, we believe the consolidation assessment is straightforward. We consolidated our secured financing transactions because either we did not meet the accounting criterion for sales treatment or we determined we were the primary beneficiary of the VIE because we retained (a) the residual interest in the securitization and therefore had the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE as well as (b) the power to direct the activities of the VIE in our role as servicer. For those accounted for as securitized loan sales, we were not the primary beneficiary because we have no obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The investors in our securitization trusts have no recourse to our other assets should there be a failure of the trust to pay when due. Generally, the only recourse the securitization trusts have to us is in the event we breach a seller representation or warranty or our duties as master servicer and servicer, in which event we agree to repurchase the related loans from the trust. We did not record a servicing asset or servicing liability related to our securitization transactions because we determined the servicing fees we receive are at market rate.
Derivative Accounting	Derivative Accounting We account for our derivatives, consisting of interest rate swaps, at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability. Derivative positions are recorded as net positions by counterparty based on master netting arrangements (see Note 11, “Derivative Financial Instruments”) exclusive of accrued interest and cash collateral held or pledged. We determine the fair value for our derivative contracts primarily using pricing models that consider current market conditions and the contractual terms of the derivative contract. These factors include interest rates, time value, forward interest rate curves, and volatility factors. Inputs are generally from active financial markets. The majority of our derivatives qualify as effective hedges. For these derivatives, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged items (including the hedged risk and method for assessing effectiveness), as well as the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship, is documented. Each derivative is designated to a specific (or pool of) liability(ies) on the consolidated balance sheets, and is designated as either a “fair value” hedge or a “cash flow” hedge. Fair value hedges are designed to hedge our exposure to changes in fair value of a fixed-rate liability. For effective fair value hedges, both the hedge and the hedged item (for the risk being hedged) are recorded at fair value with any difference reflecting ineffectiveness which is recorded immediately in the consolidated statements of income. Cash flow hedges are designed to hedge our exposure to variability in cash flows related to variable rate deposits. The assessment of the hedge’s effectiveness is performed at inception and on an ongoing basis, generally using regression testing. For hedges of a pool of liabilities, tests are performed to demonstrate the similarity of individual instruments of the pool. When it is determined that a derivative is not currently an effective hedge, ineffectiveness is recognized for the full change in fair value of the derivative with no offsetting amount from the hedged item since the last time it was effective. If it is also determined the hedge will not be effective in the future, we discontinue the hedge accounting prospectively and begin amortization of any basis adjustments that exist related to the hedged item.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation We recognize stock-based compensation cost in our consolidated statements of income using the fair value method. Under this method, we determine the fair value of the stock-based compensation at the time of the grant and recognize the resulting compensation expense over the vesting period of the stock-based grant.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We account for income taxes under the asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of our assets and liabilities. To the extent tax laws change, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted in the period that the tax change is enacted. “Income tax expense/(benefit)” includes (i) deferred tax expense/(benefit), which represents the net change in the deferred tax asset or liability balance during the year when applicable, and (ii) current tax expense/(benefit), which represents the amount of tax currently payable to or receivable from a tax authority plus amounts accrued for unrecognized tax benefits. Income tax expense/(benefit) excludes the tax effects related to adjustments recorded in equity. An uncertain tax position is recognized only if it is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. The amount of tax benefit recognized in the consolidated financial statements is the largest amount of benefit that is more than fifty percent likely of being sustained upon ultimate settlement of the uncertain tax position. We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense/(benefit), and penalties, if any, in operating expenses.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the balances as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, to be consistent with classifications adopted for 2015, which had no effect on net income, total assets or total liabilities.
Recently Issued but Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued but Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective on January 1, 2018. Early application is not permitted. The adoption of this guidance by the Company is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. On April 7, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” The ASU requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance by the Company is not expected to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. On April 15, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, “Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement.” The ASU amends its guidance on internal use software to clarify how customers in cloud computing arrangements should determine whether the arrangement includes a software license. The new standard is effective for annual periods, including interim periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. On January 5, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” which changes the income statement impact of equity investments, and the recognition of changes in fair value of financial liabilities when the fair value option is elected. The new standard is effective on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements On February 18, 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis,” which amends the current consolidation guidance. The amendments reduce the number of consolidation models through the elimination of the indefinite deferral of ASC 810 and place more emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest. The standard is effective January 1, 2016, with early adoption permitted during an interim period in fiscal year 2015. In the third quarter of 2015, we elected to early adopt the new accounting guidance retrospectively to July 1, 2015. The early adoption of this standard had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Securities Available-for-sale	The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale are as follows: As of December 31, 2015 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Available for sale: Mortgage-backed securities $ 196,402 $ 1,370 $ (2,381 ) $ 195,391 As of December 31, 2014 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Available for sale: Mortgage-backed securities $ 167,740 $ 2,686 $ (1,492 ) $ 168,934
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	The following table summarizes the amount of gross unrealized losses for our mortgage-backed securities and the estimated fair value by length of time the securities have been in an unrealized loss position: Less than 12 months 12 months or more Total Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value Gross unrealized losses Estimated fair value As of December 31, 2015: Mortgage-backed securities $ (827 ) $ 73,802 $ (1,554 ) $ 39,271 $ (2,381 ) $ 113,073 As of December 31, 2014: Mortgage-backed securities $ (27 ) $ 12,147 $ (1,465 ) $ 41,462 $ (1,492 ) $ 53,609
Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Securities by Contractual Maturities	As of December 31, 2015, the amortized cost and fair value of securities, by contractual maturities, are summarized below. Contractual maturities versus actual maturities may differ due to the effect of prepayments. Year of Maturity Amortized Cost Estimated Fair Value 2038 $ 284 $ 307 2039 7,539 8,054 2042 22,336 21,282 2043 59,961 60,165 2044 47,833 47,815 2045 58,449 57,768 Total $ 196,402 $ 195,391

Loans Held for Investment (Tabl

Loans Held for Investment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans held for investment	Loans held for investment are summarized as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 Private Education Loans $ 10,596,437 $ 8,311,376 Deferred origination costs 27,884 13,845 Allowance for loan losses (108,816 ) (78,574 ) Total Private Education Loans, net 10,515,505 8,246,647 FFELP Loans 1,115,663 1,264,807 Unamortized acquisition costs, net 3,114 3,600 Allowance for loan losses (3,691 ) (5,268 ) Total FFELP Loans, net 1,115,086 1,263,139 Loans held for investment, net $ 11,630,591 $ 9,509,786 The estimated weighted average life of education loans in our portfolio was approximately 6.2 years at both December 31, 2015 and 2014. The average balance and the respective weighted average interest rates are summarized as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Average Balance Weighted Average Interest Rate Average Balance Weighted Average Interest Rate Average Balance Weighted Average Interest Rate Private Education Loans $ 9,819,053 7.93 % $ 7,563,356 8.16 % $ 5,996,651 8.16 % FFELP Loans 1,179,723 3.26 1,353,497 3.24 1,142,979 3.32 Total portfolio $ 10,998,776 $ 8,916,853 $ 7,139,630
Loans held for investment by Region	At December 31, 2015, 39.8 percent of total education loans were concentrated in the following states: 2015 New York 10.1 % California 9.6 Pennsylvania 8.1 New Jersey 6.7 Illinois 5.3 39.8 % At December 31, 2014, 38.8 percent of total education loans were concentrated in the following states: 2014 California 10.1 % New York 9.5 Pennsylvania 7.7 New Jersey 6.3 Illinois 5.2 38.8 %

Allowance for Loan Losses (Tabl

Allowance for Loan Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investments in Loans	Allowance for Loan Losses Metrics Allowance for Loan Losses Year Ended December 31, 2015 FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Total Allowance for Loan Losses Beginning balance $ 5,268 $ 78,574 $ 83,842 Total provision 1,005 87,344 88,349 Net charge-offs: Charge-offs (2,582 ) (55,357 ) (57,939 ) Recoveries — 5,820 5,820 Net charge-offs (2,582 ) (49,537 ) (52,119 ) Loan sales (1) — (7,565 ) (7,565 ) Ending Balance $ 3,691 $ 108,816 $ 112,507 Allowance: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ — $ 43,480 $ 43,480 Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment $ 3,691 $ 65,336 $ 69,027 Loans: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ — $ 265,831 $ 265,831 Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment $ 1,115,663 $ 10,330,606 $ 11,446,269 Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment (2) 0.30 % 0.82 % Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance 0.33 % 1.03 % Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment (2) 0.45 % 1.57 % Allowance coverage of net charge-offs 1.43 2.20 Ending total loans, gross $ 1,115,663 $ 10,596,437 Average loans in repayment (2) $ 857,359 $ 6,031,741 Ending loans in repayment (2) $ 813,815 $ 6,927,266 ____________ (1) Represents fair value adjustments on loans sold. (2) Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only and fixed payments as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status. Allowance for Loan Losses Year Ended December 31, 2014 FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Total Allowance for Loan Losses Beginning balance $ 6,318 $ 61,763 $ 68,081 Total provision 1,946 83,583 85,529 Net charge-offs: Charge-offs (1) (2,996 ) (14,442 ) (17,438 ) Recoveries — 1,155 1,155 Net charge-offs (2,996 ) (13,287 ) (16,283 ) Loan sales (2) — (53,485 ) (53,485 ) Ending Balance $ 5,268 $ 78,574 $ 83,842 Allowance: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ — $ 9,815 $ 9,815 Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment $ 5,268 $ 68,759 $ 74,027 Loans: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ — $ 59,402 $ 59,402 Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment $ 1,264,807 $ 8,251,974 $ 9,516,781 Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment (3) 0.31 % 0.30 % Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance 0.42 % 0.95 % Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment (3) 0.57 % 1.53 % Allowance coverage of net charge-offs 1.76 5.91 Ending total loans, gross $ 1,264,807 $ 8,311,376 Average loans in repayment (3) $ 972,390 $ 4,495,709 Ending loans in repayment (3) $ 926,891 $ 5,149,215 ____________ (1) Prior to the Spin-Off, we sold all loans greater than 90 days delinquent to an entity that is now a subsidiary of Navient Corporation, prior to being charged-off. Consequently, many of the pre-Spin-Off, historical credit indicators and period-over-period trends are not comparable and may not be indicative of future performance. (2) Represents fair value adjustments on loans sold. (3) Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only and fixed payments as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status. Allowance for Loan Losses Year Ended December 31, 2013 FFELP Loans Private Education Loans Total Allowance for Loan Losses Beginning balance $ 3,971 $ 65,218 $ 69,189 Total provision 4,384 64,955 69,339 Net charge-offs: Charge-offs (1) (2,037 ) — (2,037 ) Recoveries — — — Net charge-offs (2,037 ) — (2,037 ) Loan sales (2) — (68,410 ) (68,410 ) Ending Balance $ 6,318 $ 61,763 $ 68,081 Allowance: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ — $ — $ — Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment $ 6,318 $ 61,763 $ 68,081 Loans: Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment $ — $ — $ — Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment $ 1,426,972 $ 6,563,342 $ 7,990,314 Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment (3) 0.23 % — % Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance 0.44 % 0.94 % Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment (3) 0.62 % 1.55 % Allowance coverage of net charge-offs 3.10 — Ending total loans, gross $ 1,426,972 $ 6,563,342 Average loans in repayment (3) $ 870,460 $ 3,509,502 Ending loans in repayment (3) $ 1,023,471 $ 3,972,317 ____________ (1) Prior to the Spin-Off, we sold all loans greater than 90 days delinquent to an entity that is now a subsidiary of Navient Corporation, prior to being charged-off. Consequently, many of the pre-Spin-Off, historical credit indicators and period-over-period trends are not comparable and may not be indicative of future performance. (2) Represents fair value adjustments on loans sold. (3) Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only and fixed payments as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status.
Recorded Investment, Unpaid Principal Balance and Related Allowance for TDR Loans	At December 31, 2015 and 2014, all of our TDR loans had a related allowance recorded. The following table provides the recorded investment, unpaid principal balance and related allowance for our TDR loans. Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance Allowance December 31, 2015 TDR Loans $ 269,628 $ 265,831 $ 43,480 December 31, 2014 TDR Loans $ 60,278 $ 59,402 $ 9,815
Average recorded investment and interest income recognized	The following table provides the average recorded investment and interest income recognized for our TDR loans. Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Average Recorded Investment Interest Income Recognized Average Recorded Investment Interest Income Recognized TDR Loans $ 174,087 $ 14,081 $ 23,290 $ 1,105
Modified Loans Accounts For Troubled Debt Restructuring	The following table provides the amount of modified loans (which includes forbearance and reductions in interest rates) that became TDRs in the periods presented. Additionally, for the periods presented, the table summarizes charge-offs occurring in the TDR portfolio, as well as TDRs for which a payment default occurred in the relevant period presented and within 12 months of the loan first being designated as a TDR. We define payment default as 60 days past due for this disclosure. Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 Modified Loans (1) Charge-offs Payment-Default Modified Loans (1) Charge-offs Payment-Default TDR Loans $ 244,890 $ 10,877 $ 51,602 $ 59,402 $ 948 $ 325 _______ (1) Represents the principal balance of loans that have been modified during the period and resulted in a TDR.
Private Education Loan Portfolio Stratified by Key Credit Quality Indicators	The following table highlights the gross principal balance of our Private Education Loan portfolio stratified by key credit quality indicators. December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Credit Quality Indicators: Balance (1) % of Balance Balance (1) % of Balance Cosigners: With cosigner $ 9,515,136 90 % $ 7,465,339 90 % Without cosigner 1,081,301 10 846,037 10 Total $ 10,596,437 100 % $ 8,311,376 100 % FICO at Origination: Less than 670 $ 700,779 7 % $ 558,801 7 % 670-699 1,554,959 15 1,227,860 15 700-749 3,403,823 32 2,626,238 32 Greater than or equal to 750 4,936,876 46 3,898,477 46 Total $ 10,596,437 100 % $ 8,311,376 100 % Seasoning (2) : 1-12 payments $ 3,059,901 29 % $ 2,373,117 29 % 13-24 payments 2,096,412 20 1,532,042 18 25-36 payments 1,084,818 10 755,143 9 37-48 payments 513,125 5 411,493 5 More than 48 payments 414,217 4 212,438 3 Not yet in repayment 3,427,964 32 3,027,143 36 Total $ 10,596,437 100 % $ 8,311,376 100 % ___________ (1) Balance represents gross Private Education Loans. (2) Number of months in active repayment (whether interest only payment, fixed payment, or full principal and interest payment status) for which a scheduled payment was due
Age Analysis of Past Due Loans Delinquencies	The following table provides information regarding the loan status of our Private Education Loans and the aging of our past due Private Education Loans. Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only and fixed payments as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status. Private Education Loan Delinquencies December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Balance % Balance % Balance % Loans in-school/grace/deferment (1) $ 3,427,964 $ 3,027,143 $ 2,574,711 Loans in forbearance (2) 241,207 135,018 16,314 Loans in repayment and percentage of each status: Loans current 6,773,095 97.8 % 5,045,600 98.0 % 3,933,143 99.0 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (3) 91,129 1.3 63,873 1.2 28,854 0.7 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (3) 42,048 0.6 29,041 0.6 10,280 0.3 Loans delinquent greater than 90 days (3) 20,994 0.3 10,701 0.2 40 — Total Private Education Loans in repayment 6,927,266 100.0 % 5,149,215 100.0 % 3,972,317 100.0 % Total Private Education Loans, gross 10,596,437 8,311,376 6,563,342 Private Education Loans deferred origination costs 27,884 13,845 5,063 Total Private Education Loans 10,624,321 8,325,221 6,568,405 Private Education Loans allowance for losses (108,816 ) (78,574 ) (61,763 ) Private Education Loans, net $ 10,515,505 $ 8,246,647 $ 6,506,642 Percentage of Private Education Loans in repayment (4) 65.4 % 62.0 % 60.5 % Delinquencies as a percentage of Private Education Loans in repayment (4) 2.2 % 2.0 % 1.0 % Loans in forbearance as a percentage of loans in repayment and forbearance (4) 3.4 % 2.6 % 0.4 % (1) Deferment includes customers who have returned to school or are engaged in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on the loans (e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation). (2) Loans for customers who have requested extension of grace period generally during employment transition or who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors, consistent with established loan program servicing policies and procedures. (3) The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due. (4) Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only and fixed payments as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status. The following table provides information regarding the loan status and aging of TDR loans. December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 Balance % Balance % TDR loans in in-school/grace/deferment (1) $ 6,869 $ 2,915 TDR loans in forbearance (2) 43,756 18,620 TDR loans in repayment (3) and percentage of each status: Loans current 185,936 86.4 % 34,554 91.2 % Loans delinquent 31-60 days (4) 14,948 6.9 1,953 5.2 Loans delinquent 61-90 days (4) 9,239 4.3 983 2.6 Loans delinquent greater than 90 days (4) 5,083 2.4 377 1.0 Total TDR loans in repayment 215,206 100.0 % 37,867 100.0 % Total TDR loans, gross $ 265,831 $ 59,402 _____ (1) Deferment includes customers who have returned to school or are engaged in other permitted educational activities and are not yet required to make payments on the loans (e.g., residency periods for medical students or a grace period for bar exam preparation). (2) Loans for customers who have requested extension of grace period generally during employment transition or who have temporarily ceased making full payments due to hardship or other factors, consistent with established loan program servicing policies and procedures. (3) Loans in repayment include loans on which borrowers are making interest only and fixed payments as well as loans that have entered full principal and interest repayment status. (4) The period of delinquency is based on the number of days scheduled payments are contractually past due.
Accrued Interest Receivable	The following table provides information regarding accrued interest receivable on our Private Education Loans. The table also discloses the amount of accrued interest on loans greater than 90 days past due as compared to our allowance for uncollectible interest. The allowance for uncollectible interest exceeds the amount of accrued interest on our 90 days past due portfolio for all periods presented. Private Education Loan Accrued Interest Receivable Total Interest Receivable Greater Than 90 Days Past Due Allowance for Uncollectible Interest December 31, 2015 $ 542,919 $ 791 $ 3,332 December 31, 2014 $ 445,710 $ 443 $ 3,517

Premises and Equipment, Net (Ta

Premises and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	The following is a summary of our premises and equipment. December 31, 2015 2014 Land and land improvements $ 12,574 $ 10,927 Buildings and leasehold improvements 56,446 56,772 Furniture, fixtures and equipment 12,275 10,898 Software 39,530 31,988 Premises and equipment, gross 120,825 110,585 Accumulated depreciation (39,552 ) (32,115 ) Premises and equipment, net $ 81,273 $ 78,470

Deposits (Tables)

Deposits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Deposits [Abstract]
Schedule of Deposits	The following table summarizes total deposits at December 31, 2015 and 2014. December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 Deposits - interest bearing $ 11,487,006 $ 10,539,953 Deposits - non-interest bearing 701 602 Total deposits $ 11,487,707 $ 10,540,555
Interest Bearing Deposits	Interest bearing deposits at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Amount Year-End Weighted Average Stated Rate (1) Amount Year-End Weighted Average Stated Rate (1) Money market $ 4,886,299 1.19 % $ 4,527,448 1.15 % Savings 669,254 0.82 703,687 0.81 Certificates of deposit 5,931,453 0.98 5,308,818 1.00 Deposits - interest bearing $ 11,487,006 $ 10,539,953 ___ (1) Includes the effect of interest rate swaps in effective hedge relationships.
Schedule of Maturities of Time Deposits	Certificates of deposit remaining maturities are summarized as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 One year or less $ 2,667,980 $ 1,717,891 After one year to two years 1,210,429 1,038,778 After two years to three years 1,053,442 948,490 After three years to four years 630,851 846,976 After four years to five years 203,704 577,827 After five years 165,047 178,856 Total $ 5,931,453 $ 5,308,818

Borrowings (Tables)

Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Secured borrowings	The following table summarizes our secured borrowings at December 31, 2015. We had no secured borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2014. December 31, 2015 Short-Term Long-Term Total Secured borrowings: Private Education Loan term securitizations $ — $ 579,101 $ 579,101 ABCP Facility 500,175 — 500,175 Total $ 500,175 $ 579,101 $ 1,079,276
Short-term borrowings	The following table summarizes the outstanding short-term borrowings, the weighted average interest rates at the end of the period and the related average balance and weighted average interest rates during the period. The ABCP Facility's contractual maturity is two years from the date of inception or renewal ( one year revolving period plus a one year amortization period); however, we classify advances under our ABCP Facility as short term borrowings because it is our intention to repay those advances within one-year. Rates reflect stated interest of borrowings and related discounts and premiums. December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Ending Balance Weighted Average Interest Rate Average Balance Weighted Average Interest Rate Short-term borrowings: ABCP Facility $ 500,175 0.84 % $ 135,064 3.10 % Maximum outstanding at any month end $ 710,005
Long-term borrowings	The following table summarizes the outstanding long-term borrowings, the weighted average interest rates at the end of the period and the related average balance during the period. Rates reflect stated interest of borrowings and related discounts and premiums. The long-term borrowings amortize over time and mature serially from 2023 to 2040. December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Ending Balance Weighted Average Interest Rate Average Balance Floating rate borrowings $ 337,098 1.38 % $ 151,373 Fixed rate borrowings $ 242,003 3.11 % $ 102,386 Total long-term borrowings $ 579,101 2.10 % $ 253,759
Secured borrowings maturity dates
Secured financing	Secured Financings Issue Date Issued Total Issued To Third-Parties Weighted Average Cost of Funds (1) Weighted Average Life Private Education: 2015-B July 2015 $ 630,800 1 month LIBOR plus 1.53% 4.82 Total notes issued in 2015 $ 630,800 Total loan amount securitized in secured financing in 2015 $ 745,580 ____________ (1) Represents LIBOR equivalent cost of funds for floating and fixed rate bonds, excluding issuance costs.
Schedule of variable interest entities	We consolidate the following financing VIEs as of December 31, 2015: December 31, 2015 Debt Outstanding Carrying Amount of Assets Securing Debt Outstanding Short-Term Long-Term Total Loans Restricted Cash Other Assets (1) Total Secured borrowings: Private Education Loan term securitization $ — $ 579,101 $ 579,101 $ 687,298 $ 9,996 $ 45,566 $ 742,860 ABCP Facility 500,175 — 500,175 923,687 12,443 58,095 994,225 Total $ 500,175 $ 579,101 $ 1,079,276 $ 1,610,985 $ 22,439 $ 103,661 $ 1,737,085 ________ (1) Other assets primarily represents accrued interest receivable.

Derivative Financial Instrume40

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Impact of Derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	The following tables summarize the fair values and notional amounts of all derivative instruments at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and their impact on other comprehensive income and earnings for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Impact of Derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheet Cash Flow Hedges Fair Value Hedges Trading Total December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Fair Values (1) Hedged Risk Exposure Derivative Assets: (2) Interest rate swaps Interest rate $ — $ — $ 15,231 $ 5,012 $ 83 $ 226 $ 15,314 $ 5,238 Derivative Liabilities: (2) Interest rate swaps Interest rate (27,512 ) (21,435 ) (2,339 ) (5,883 ) (646 ) (1,370 ) (30,497 ) (28,688 ) Total net derivatives $ (27,512 ) $ (21,435 ) $ 12,892 $ (871 ) $ (563 ) $ (1,144 ) $ (15,183 ) $ (23,450 ) (1) Fair values reported are exclusive of collateral held and pledged and accrued interest. Assets and liabilities are presented without consideration of master netting agreements. Derivatives are carried on the balance sheet based on net position by counterparty under master netting agreements, and classified in other assets or other liabilities depending on whether in a net positive or negative position. (2) The following table reconciles gross positions with the impact of master netting agreements to the balance sheet classification: Other Assets Other Liabilities December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Gross position $ 15,314 $ 5,238 $ (30,497 ) $ (28,688 ) Impact of master netting agreement (9,278 ) (4,045 ) 9,278 4,045 Derivative values with impact of master netting agreements (as carried on balance sheet) 6,036 1,193 (21,219 ) (24,643 ) Cash collateral (held) pledged (1) (1,070 ) (900 ) 54,845 72,478 Net position $ 4,966 $ 293 $ 33,626 $ 47,835 (1) Cash collateral amount calculations include outstanding accrued interest payable/receivable.
Offsetting Assets	The following table reconciles gross positions with the impact of master netting agreements to the balance sheet classification: Other Assets Other Liabilities December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Gross position $ 15,314 $ 5,238 $ (30,497 ) $ (28,688 ) Impact of master netting agreement (9,278 ) (4,045 ) 9,278 4,045 Derivative values with impact of master netting agreements (as carried on balance sheet) 6,036 1,193 (21,219 ) (24,643 ) Cash collateral (held) pledged (1) (1,070 ) (900 ) 54,845 72,478 Net position $ 4,966 $ 293 $ 33,626 $ 47,835 (1) Cash collateral amount calculations include outstanding accrued interest payable/receivable.
Offsetting Liabilities	The following table reconciles gross positions with the impact of master netting agreements to the balance sheet classification: Other Assets Other Liabilities December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Gross position $ 15,314 $ 5,238 $ (30,497 ) $ (28,688 ) Impact of master netting agreement (9,278 ) (4,045 ) 9,278 4,045 Derivative values with impact of master netting agreements (as carried on balance sheet) 6,036 1,193 (21,219 ) (24,643 ) Cash collateral (held) pledged (1) (1,070 ) (900 ) 54,845 72,478 Net position $ 4,966 $ 293 $ 33,626 $ 47,835 (1) Cash collateral amount calculations include outstanding accrued interest payable/receivable.
Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions	Cash Flow Fair Value Trading Total December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Notional Values Interest rate swaps $ 1,109,933 $ 1,106,920 $ 3,080,167 $ 3,044,492 $ 1,305,757 $ 973,539 $ 5,495,857 $ 5,124,951
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	Impact of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Fair Value Hedges Interest rate swaps: Hedge ineffectiveness gains (losses) recorded in earnings $ 2,695 $ 1,718 $ (558 ) Realized gains recorded in interest expense 29,940 20,958 28,668 Total $ 32,635 $ 22,676 $ 28,110 Cash Flow Hedges Interest rate swaps: Hedge ineffectiveness losses recorded in earnings $ (1,427 ) $ (520 ) $ — Realized losses recorded in interest expense (21,475 ) (9,070 ) — Total $ (22,902 ) $ (9,590 ) $ — Trading Interest rate swaps: Interest reclassification $ 3,451 $ (2,250 ) $ 1,285 Change in fair value of future interest payments recorded in earnings 581 (2,944 ) (87 ) Total (1) 4,032 (5,194 ) 1,198 Total $ 13,765 $ 7,892 $ 29,308 (1) Amounts included in "gains (losses) on derivatives and hedging activities, net."
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Impact of Derivatives on the Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Amount of loss recognized in other comprehensive income $ (26,699 ) $ (28,842 ) $ — Amount of loss reclassified in interest expense (1) (21,475 ) (9,070 ) — Total change in other comprehensive income for unrealized losses on derivatives, before income tax benefit $ (5,224 ) $ (19,772 ) $ — (1) Amounts included in “realized losses recorded in interest expense” in the “Impact of Derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Income” table.

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Class of Treasury Stock	The following table summarizes our common share repurchases and issuances associated with these programs. Years Ended December 31, (Shares and per share amounts in actuals) 2015 2014 2013 Shares repurchased related to employee stock-based compensation plans (1) 3,008,913 1,365,277 6,365,002 Average purchase price per share $ 9.65 $ 8.93 $ 21.76 Common shares issued (2) 5,873,309 2,013,805 9,702,976 (1) Comprises shares withheld from stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock for employees’ tax withholding obligations and shares tendered by employees to satisfy option exercise costs. (2) Common shares issued under our various compensation and benefit plans.
Schedule of Investments in and Advances to Affiliates	The components of the net transfers (to)/from the entity that is now a subsidiary of Navient are summarized below for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. There were no transfers in the year ended December 31, 2015. Years Ended December 31, 2014 2013 Capital contributions: Loan origination activities $ 32,452 $ 124,722 Loan sales 45 35 Corporate overhead activities 21,216 62,031 Special cash contribution 472,718 — Other 19,650 2,004 Total capital contributions 546,081 188,792 Dividend — (120,000 ) Corporate push-down 4,977 3,093 Net change in income tax accounts 15,659 (134,219 ) Net change in receivable/payable (87,277 ) (101,044 ) Other (31 ) — Total net transfers (to)/from the entity that is now a subsidiary of Navient $ 479,409 $ (163,378 )

Earnings Per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS calculations follows. Years Ended December 31, (In thousands, except per share data) 2015 2014 2013 Numerator: Net income attributable to SLM Corporation $ 274,284 $ 194,219 $ 258,945 Preferred stock dividends 19,595 12,933 — Net income attributable to SLM Corporation common stock $ 254,689 $ 181,286 $ 258,945 Denominator: Weighted average shares used to compute basic EPS 425,574 423,970 440,108 Effect of dilutive securities: Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") (1)(2) 6,660 8,299 8,441 Weighted average shares used to compute diluted EPS 432,234 432,269 448,549 Basic earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation $ 0.60 $ 0.43 $ 0.59 Diluted earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation $ 0.59 $ 0.42 $ 0.58 __________ (1) Includes the potential dilutive effect of additional common shares that are issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and the outstanding commitment to issue shares under the ESPP, determined by the treasury stock method. (2) For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, securities covering approximately 2 million, 3 million and 3 million shares, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive.

Stock-Based Compensation Plan43

Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Black-Scholes Model Assumptions for Calculating Stock Option Fair Values	The fair values of the options granted in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were estimated as of the grant date using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: Years Ended December 31, (Dollars per share) 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 0.76 % 0.65 % Expected volatility 26 % 31 % Expected dividend rate 2.48 % 3.35 % Expected life of the option 2.9 years 2.8 years Weighted average fair value of options granted $ 3.48 $ 3.11
Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2015. (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (1) Outstanding at December 31, 2014 16,155,119 $ 9.91 Granted — — Exercised (2)(3) (2,709,554 ) 4.76 Canceled (1,534,589 ) 17.69 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (4) 11,910,976 $ 10.08 2.4 $ 10,214 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 10,599,378 $ 7.49 2.4 $ 10,137 (1) The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total intrinsic value (the aggregate difference between our closing stock price on December 31, 2015 and the exercise price of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders if all in-the-money options had been exercised on December 31, 2015. (2) The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $13.7 million, $11.4 million, and $8.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. (3) No cash was received from option exercises for the year ended December 31, 2015. The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises totaled $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. (4) For net-settled options, gross number is reflected.
Restricted Stock Activity	The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2015. (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at December 31, 2014 54,968 $ 9.12 Granted 86,174 8.94 Vested (1) (54,968 ) 8.19 Canceled — — Non-vested at December 31, 2015 (2) 86,174 $ 8.94 (1) The total fair value of shares that vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $0.5 million, $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively. (2) As of December 31, 2015, there was $0.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock net of estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.5 years .
Restricted Stock Unit and Performance Stock Unit Activity	The following table summarizes RSU and PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2015. (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) Number of RSUs/ PSUs Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2014 6,279,743 $ 10.95 Granted 2,466,593 9.45 Vested and converted to common stock (1) (2,796,739 ) 6.78 Canceled (109,209 ) 8.57 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (2) 5,840,388 $ 8.52 (1) The total fair value of RSUs/PSUs that vested and converted to common stock during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $18.9 million, $12.6 million and $6.4 million, respectively. (2) As of December 31, 2015, there was $13.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs net of estimated forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years .
Black-Scholes Model Assumptions for Calculating ESPP Fair Values	The fair values of the stock purchase rights of the ESPP offerings were calculated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions. Years Ended December 31, (Dollars per share) 2015 2014 2013 Risk-free interest rate 0.33 % 0.13 % 0.15 % Expected volatility 27 % 25 % 29 % Expected dividend rate — % — % 3.51 % Expected life of the option 1 year 1 year 1 year Weighted average fair value of stock purchase rights $ 1.74 $ 1.66 $ 2.95

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Valuation of Financial Instruments that are Marked-To-Market on Recurring Basis	The following table summarizes the valuation of our financial instruments that are marked-to-fair value on a recurring basis. Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Mortgage-backed securities $ — $ 195,391 $ — $ 195,391 $ — $ 168,934 $ — $ 168,934 Derivative instruments — 15,314 — 15,314 — 5,238 — 5,238 Total $ — $ 210,705 $ — $ 210,705 $ — $ 174,172 $ — $ 174,172 Liabilities Derivative instruments $ — $ (30,497 ) $ — $ (30,497 ) $ — $ (28,688 ) $ — $ (28,688 ) Total $ — $ (30,497 ) $ — $ (30,497 ) $ — $ (28,688 ) $ — $ (28,688 )
Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities, Including Derivative Financial Instruments	The following table summarizes the fair values of our financial assets and liabilities, including derivative financial instruments. December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Carrying Value Difference Fair Value Carrying Value Difference Earning assets Loans held for investment, net $ 12,343,726 $ 11,630,591 $ 713,135 $ 10,228,399 $ 9,509,786 $ 718,613 Cash and cash equivalents 2,416,219 2,416,219 — 2,359,780 2,359,780 — Available for sale investments 195,391 195,391 — 168,934 168,934 — Accrued interest receivable 564,496 564,496 — 469,697 469,697 — Tax indemnification receivable 186,076 186,076 — 240,311 240,311 — Derivative instruments 15,314 15,314 — 5,238 5,238 — Total earning assets $ 15,721,222 $ 15,008,087 $ 713,135 $ 13,472,359 $ 12,753,746 $ 718,613 Interest-bearing liabilities Money-market and savings accounts $ 5,556,254 $ 5,556,254 $ — $ 5,231,736 $ 5,231,736 $ — Certificates of deposit 5,928,450 5,931,453 3,003 5,313,645 5,308,818 (4,827 ) Short-term borrowings 500,175 500,175 — — — — Long-term borrowings 567,468 579,101 11,633 — — — Accrued interest payable 16,385 16,385 — 16,082 16,082 — Derivative instruments 30,497 30,497 — 28,688 28,688 — Total interest-bearing liabilities $ 12,599,229 $ 12,613,865 14,636 $ 10,590,151 $ 10,585,324 $ (4,827 ) Excess of net asset fair value over carrying value $ 727,771 $ 713,786

Regulatory Capital (Tables)

Regulatory Capital (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Schedule of Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations	6.5 % Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,734,315 14.4 % $ 962,017 > 8.0 % Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,848,528 15.4 % $ 1,202,521 > 10.0 % Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) $ 1,734,315 12.3 % $ 704,979 > 5.0 % As of December 31, 2014: Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,413,988 15.0 % $ 565,148 > 6.0 % Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,497,830 15.9 % $ 941,913 > 10.0 % Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) $ 1,413,988 11.5 % $ 614,709 > 5.0 %" id="sjs-B4" xml:space="preserve"> Actual "Well Capitalized" Regulatory Requirements Amount Ratio Amount Ratio As of December 31, 2015: Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,734,315 14.4 % $ 781,638 > 6.5 % Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,734,315 14.4 % $ 962,017 > 8.0 % Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,848,528 15.4 % $ 1,202,521 > 10.0 % Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) $ 1,734,315 12.3 % $ 704,979 > 5.0 % As of December 31, 2014: Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,413,988 15.0 % $ 565,148 > 6.0 % Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) $ 1,497,830 15.9 % $ 941,913 > 10.0 % Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) $ 1,413,988 11.5 % $ 614,709 > 5.0 %

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliations of Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Rates to Our Effective Tax Rate for Continuing Operations	Reconciliations of the statutory U.S. federal income tax rates to our effective tax rate for continuing operations follow: Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State tax, net of federal benefit 3.0 2.9 2.6 Impact of state rate change on net deferred tax liabilities, net of federal benefit 0.5 4.4 — State, valuation allowance adjustments on net operating losses (0.2 ) (4.0 ) — Unrecognized tax benefits, U.S. federal and state, net of federal benefit (0.5 ) 4.8 — Other, net (0.3 ) (1.2 ) 0.6 Effective tax rate 37.5 % 41.9 % 38.2 %
Components of Provision for Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Income tax expense consists of: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Current provision: Federal $ 215,950 $ 137,573 $ 130,854 State 26,057 43,282 13,513 Total current provision 242,007 180,855 144,367 Deferred (benefit)/provision: Federal (69,546 ) (40,370 ) 13,240 State (7,681 ) (518 ) 1,327 Total deferred (benefit)/provision (77,227 ) (40,888 ) 14,567 Provision for income tax expense $ 164,780 $ 139,967 $ 158,934
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities include the following: December 31, 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Loan reserves $ 45,082 $ 33,570 Stock-based compensation plans 16,939 16,342 Deferred revenue 209 418 Operating loss and credit carryovers 16,106 14,324 Unrealized losses 9,949 7,185 Accrued expenses not currently deductible 10,696 10,606 Unrecorded tax benefits 15,251 19,798 Other 9,871 8,918 Total deferred tax assets 124,103 111,161 Deferred tax liabilities: Gains on repurchased debt 190,936 251,671 Fixed assets 6,237 5,849 Acquired intangible assets 6,724 6,151 Student loan premiums and discounts, net — 3,050 Other 1,794 2,656 Total deferred tax liabilities 205,691 269,377 Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets $ (81,588 ) $ (158,216 )
Summary of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits	The following table summarizes changes in unrecognized tax benefits: December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year $ 59,405 $ 7,344 $ 3,951 Increases resulting from tax positions taken during a prior period 3,456 45,184 574 Decreases resulting from tax positions taken during a prior period (10,121 ) — — Increases resulting from tax positions taken during the current period 3,447 7,713 2,819 Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities (7,481 ) (236 ) — Reductions related to the lapse of statute of limitations (1,597 ) (600 ) — Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year $ 47,109 $ 59,405 $ 7,344

Parent Only Statements (Tables)

Parent Only Statements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Parent Only Condensed Balance Sheets	Parent Only Condensed Balance Sheets December 31, 2015 2014 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 282,036 $ 434,245 Total investments in subsidiaries (primarily Sallie Mae Bank) 1,810,567 1,389,995 Tax indemnification receivable 186,076 240,311 Due from subsidiaries, net 21,396 32,408 Other assets 1,352 1,943 Total assets $ 2,301,427 $ 2,098,902 Liabilities and Equity Liabilities Income taxes payable, net $ 189,215 $ 245,782 Payable due to Navient 1,990 8,764 Other liabilities 13,899 14,398 Total liabilities $ 205,104 268,944 Equity Preferred stock, par value $0.20 per share, 20 million shares authorized: Series A: 3.3 million and 3.3 million shares issued, respectively, at stated value of $50 165,000 165,000 Series B: 4 million and 4 million shares issued, respectively, at stated value of $100 per share 400,000 400,000 Common stock, par value $0.20 per share, 1.125 billion shares authorized: 430.7 million and 424.8 million shares issued, respectively 86,136 84,961 Additional paid-in capital 1,135,860 1,090,511 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax benefit of $9,949 and $7,186, respectively (16,059 ) (11,393 ) Retained earnings 366,609 113,066 Total SLM Corporation stockholders' equity before treasury stock 2,137,546 1,842,145 Less: common stock held in treasury at cost: 4.4 million and 1.4 million shares, respectively (41,223 ) (12,187 ) Total equity 2,096,323 1,829,958 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,301,427 $ 2,098,902
Parent Only Condensed Statements of Income	Parent Only Condensed Statements of Income Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Interest income $ 6,414 $ 4,980 $ — Interest expense — — — Net interest income 6,414 4,980 — Other (loss) income (239 ) 1,097 — Operating expenses 36,141 36,967 3,556 Loss before income tax expense (benefit) and equity in net income from subsidiaries (29,966 ) (30,890 ) (3,556 ) Income tax (benefit) expense (8,612 ) (13,196 ) 133,121 Equity in net income from subsidiaries (primarily Sallie Mae Bank) 295,638 211,479 394,270 Net income 274,284 193,785 257,593 Preferred stock dividends 19,595 12,933 — Net income attributable to common stock $ 254,689 $ 180,852 $ 257,593
Parent Only Condensed Statements of Cash Flows	Parent Only Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 274,284 $ 193,785 $ 257,593 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries (295,638 ) (211,479 ) (394,270 ) Interest income on tax indemnification receivable (5,398 ) (5,904 ) — (Increase) decrease in investment in subsidiaries, net (103,602 ) 278,365 136,677 Decrease in tax indemnification receivable 59,633 44,724 — Decrease (increase) in due from subsidiaries, net 11,012 (32,408 ) — Increase in other assets (14,366 ) (5,447 ) — Decrease in income taxes payable, net (54,907 ) (312,770 ) — (Decrease) increase in payable due to entity that is a subsidiary of Navient (6,774 ) 8,764 — Increase in other liabilities 1,402 14,398 — Total adjustments (408,638 ) (221,757 ) (257,593 ) Net cash used in operating activities (134,354 ) (27,972 ) — Cash flows from investing activities: Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities — — — Cash flows from financing activities: Special cash contribution from Navient — 472,718 — Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock-based awards 1,740 2,432 — Preferred stock dividends paid (19,595 ) (12,933 ) — Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (17,855 ) 462,217 — Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (152,209 ) 434,245 — Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 434,245 — — Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 282,036 $ 434,245 $ —

Selected Quarterly Financial 48

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	2015 First Second Third Fourth (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Net interest income $ 170,954 $ 168,257 $ 175,442 $ 187,846 Less: provisions for credit losses 16,618 15,558 27,497 30,382 Net interest income after provisions for credit losses 154,336 152,699 147,945 157,464 Gains on sales of loans, net — 76,874 — 58,484 Gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net 3,292 1,602 (547 ) 953 Other income 8,007 10,912 10,455 12,561 Operating expenses 81,187 89,799 92,864 85,245 Acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization expense 370 370 370 370 Restructuring and other reorganization expenses 4,657 744 910 (913 ) Income tax expense 31,722 60,158 17,985 54,915 Net income attributable to SLM Corporation 47,699 91,016 45,724 89,845 Preferred stock dividends 4,823 4,870 4,913 4,989 Net income attributable to SLM Corporation common stock $ 42,876 $ 86,146 $ 40,811 $ 84,856 Basic earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation $ 0.10 $ 0.20 $ 0.10 $ 0.20 Diluted earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation $ 0.10 $ 0.20 $ 0.09 $ 0.20 2014 First Second Third Fourth (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Net interest income $ 139,238 $ 144,539 $ 144,026 $ 150,676 Less: provisions for credit losses 39,159 1,014 14,898 30,458 Net interest income after provisions for credit losses 100,079 143,525 129,128 120,218 Gains on sales of loans, net 33,888 1,928 85,147 396 (Losses) gains on derivative and hedging activities, net (764 ) (9,458 ) 5,401 825 Other income 8,136 15,229 5,461 11,095 Operating expenses 63,671 60,479 72,079 78,724 Acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization expense 1,767 1,156 1,150 (855 ) Restructuring and other reorganization expenses 229 13,520 14,079 10,483 Income tax expense 28,658 31,941 54,903 24,465 Net income 47,014 44,128 82,926 19,717 Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (434 ) — — — Net income attributable to SLM Corporation 47,448 44,128 82,926 19,717 Preferred stock dividends — 3,228 4,850 4,855 Net income attributable to SLM Corporation common stock $ 47,448 $ 40,900 $ 78,076 $ 14,862 Basic earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation $ 0.11 $ 0.1 $ 0.18 $ 0.04 Diluted earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation $ 0.11 $ 0.09 $ 0.18 $ 0.03

Organization and Business - Add

Organization and Business - Additional Information (Detail)	Apr. 30, 2014entityshares
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of publicly-traded entities | entity	2
Number of shares issued for each share prior to spin-off | shares	1

Significant Accounting Polici50

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	Apr. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)payment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans purchased						$ 0
Private Education Loan loss confirmation period (in years)						1 year
FFELP Loan loss confirmation period (in years)						2 years
Loan delinquent period				90 days
Minimum days past due for spin off loan purchase						90 days
Period of hardship forbearance						6 months
Period after grace period for forbearance allowance for loans						9 months
Private education loans					$ 8,246,647,000	$ 10,515,505,000	$ 8,246,647,000
Loss confirmation period	2 years					1 year
Interest rate reduction and forbearance usage (greater than)						3 months
Forbearance period after grace period for loans						6 months
Period of forbearance period to be classified as TDR						3 months
Percentage of loans granted forbearance					10.00%	23.00%	10.00%
Percentage of Private Education Loans related to borrowers inschool, grace or deferment					36.00%	32.00%	36.00%
Dollar amount of change in allowance due to policy change		$ 14,000,000
Period after last payment contractually due private education loan considered to be delinquent						31 days
Percentage reimbursement on all qualifying default claims period two						97.00%
Percentage reimbursement on all qualifying default claims period one						98.00%
Percentage reimbursement on all qualifying default claims period three						100.00%
Period of notification for withdrawal of deposits (less than or equal to)						7 days
Consolidation loan rebate fee						1.05%
Loans sold							$ 805,000,000	$ 2,400,000,000
Gains on sales of loans, net			$ 36,000,000		$ 85,000,000	$ 135,358,000	121,359,000	$ 196,593,000
Asset balance related to securitization trust (Percent)						10.00%
Tax indemnification receivable					240,311,000	$ 186,076,000	240,311,000
Remaining amount of indemnification						170,000,000
Deferred tax asset discount						16,000,000
Deferred taxes			283,000,000		$ 158,216,000	$ 81,588,000	158,216,000
Minimum
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan delinquent period	150 days					30 days
Maximum
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loan delinquent period	212 days					120 days
FFELP Loans Rehabilitated
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Payment period for rehabilitation qualification | payment						9
Period of Loan Rehabilitation						10 months
Loans purchased						$ 0	$ 7,464,000
Percent of loan par value					101.67%		101.67%
Split Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Private education loans						89,000,000
Navient
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Tax indemnification receivable			291,000,000			186,076,000
Remaining amount of indemnification						170,000,000
Deferred tax asset discount			27,000,000			16,000,000
Deferred tax liability			310,000,000			207,000,000
Deferred taxes			283,000,000			$ 191,000,000
Deferred tax assets			310,000,000
Deferred tax asset discount			$ 19,000,000
ABCP borrowings
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Contractual maturity related to ABCP facility						2 years

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Deta

Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash due from Federal Reserve Bank	$ 2,400,000,000	$ 2,340,000,000
Cash due from depository institutions	22,400,000	14,900,000
Outstanding cash equivalents	0	0
Interest income from term deposit facility	300,000	1,200,000
Funds on deposit under the Term Deposit Facility program	0	0
Average reserve balances with Federal Reserve	$ 1,200,000	$ 300,000

Investments Investments - Amort

Investments Investments - Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Securities Available for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 196,402	$ 167,740
Mortgage-backed securities	195,391	168,934
Mortgage-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	196,402	167,740
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,370	2,686
Gross Unrealized Losses	(2,381)	(1,492)
Mortgage-backed securities	$ 195,391	$ 168,934

Investments - Gross Unrealized

Investments - Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value for Mortgage-Backed in Unrealized Loss Position (Details) - Mortgage-backed securities - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, Gross unrealized losses	$ (827)	$ (27)
12 months or more, Gross unrealized losses	(1,554)	(1,465)
Total, Gross unrealized losses	(2,381)	(1,492)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Less than 12 months, Estimated fair value	73,802	12,147
12 months or more, Estimated fair value	39,271	41,462
Total, Estimated fair value	$ 113,073	$ 53,609

Investments - Additional Inform

Investments - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)security	Oct. 31, 2013USD ($)
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments at cost	$ 196,402	$ 167,740
Gain on sale of asset-backed security			$ 63,800
Par value of mortgage-backed securities pledged to FRB	188,300	160,900
Mortgage-backed securities
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments at cost	$ 196,402	$ 167,740
Number of mortgage-backed securities with unrealized losses | security	35	13
Number of mortgage-backed securities | security	74	56
Ginnie Mae | Mortgage-backed securities
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments at cost	$ 93,600
Number of mortgage-backed securities with unrealized losses | security	14	9
Number of mortgage-backed securities | security	35
Fannie Mae | Mortgage-backed securities
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments at cost	$ 78,700
Freddie Mac | Mortgage-backed securities
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Investments at cost	$ 24,100

Investments - Maturity Table (D

Investments - Maturity Table (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments at cost	$ 196,402	$ 167,740
Mortgage-backed securities	195,391	$ 168,934
Maturity 2,038
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments at cost	284
Mortgage-backed securities	307
Maturity 2,039
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments at cost	7,539
Mortgage-backed securities	8,054
Maturity 2,042
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments at cost	22,336
Mortgage-backed securities	21,282
Maturity 2,043
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments at cost	59,961
Mortgage-backed securities	60,165
Maturity 2,044
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments at cost	47,833
Mortgage-backed securities	47,815
Maturity 2,045
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments at cost	58,449
Mortgage-backed securities	$ 57,768

Loans Held for Investment - Add

Loans Held for Investment - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)payment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2006	Jun. 30, 2006	Sep. 30, 1993
Finance Receivable Transferred To Held For Sale [Line Items]
Percent of private loans indexed to LIBOR	81.00%
Tier 1 of government guarantee			97.00%
Tier 2 of government guarantee				98.00%
Tier 3 of government guarantee					100.00%
Estimated weighted average life of student loans	6 years 2 months 6 days	6 years 2 months 12 days
Number of payments to qualify for Private Education Loan program | payment	3
Period of interest rate reduction	24 months
Period of loans past due that have accrued interest	90 days
Loans in nonaccrual status	$ 0	$ 0
FFELP Loans
Finance Receivable Transferred To Held For Sale [Line Items]
90 or more days delinquent	122,900,000	201,700,000
Private Education Loans
Finance Receivable Transferred To Held For Sale [Line Items]
90 or more days delinquent	20,900,000	10,700,000
FFELP Loans
Finance Receivable Transferred To Held For Sale [Line Items]
Loans pledged to Borrower in Custody	0	0
Private Education Loans
Finance Receivable Transferred To Held For Sale [Line Items]
Loans pledged to Borrower in Custody	$ 1,660,000,000	$ 1,410,000,000

Loans Held for Investment - Stu

Loans Held for Investment - Student Loan Portfolio by Program (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Private Education Loans	$ 10,596,437	$ 8,311,376
Deferred origination costs	27,884	13,845
Allowance for loan losses	(108,816)	(78,574)
Total Private Education Loans, net	10,515,505	8,246,647
FFELP Loans	1,115,663	1,264,807
Unamortized acquisition costs, net	3,114	3,600
Allowance for loan losses	(3,691)	(5,268)
Total FFELP Loans, net	1,115,086	1,263,139
Loans held for investment, net	$ 11,630,591	$ 9,509,786

Loans Held for Investment - S58

Loans Held for Investment - Student Loan Portfolio Average Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]
Average balance of Private Education Loans	$ 9,819,053	$ 7,563,356	$ 5,996,651
Average Balance, FFELP Loans	1,179,723	1,353,497	1,142,979
Average Balance, Total portfolio	$ 10,998,776	$ 8,916,853	$ 7,139,630
Weighted Average Interest Rate, Private Education Loans	7.93%	8.16%	8.16%
Weighted Average Interest Rate, FFELP Loans	3.26%	3.24%	3.32%

Loans Held for Investment - by

Loans Held for Investment - by Region (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Loans held for investment by Region [Line Items]
Percentage of Loans concentrated in major states	39.80%	38.80%
California
Loans held for investment by Region [Line Items]
Percentage of Loans held in state	10.10%	10.10%
New York
Loans held for investment by Region [Line Items]
Percentage of Loans held in state	9.60%	9.50%
Pennsylvania
Loans held for investment by Region [Line Items]
Percentage of Loans held in state	8.10%	7.70%
New Jersey
Loans held for investment by Region [Line Items]
Percentage of Loans held in state	6.70%	6.30%
Illinois
Loans held for investment by Region [Line Items]
Percentage of Loans held in state	5.30%	5.20%

Allowance for Loan Losses - All

Allowance for Loan Losses - Allowance for Credit Losses and Recorded Investments in Loans (Detail) $ in Thousands	Apr. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)SecurityLoan	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)SecurityLoan	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Allowance for Loan Losses
Beginning balance		$ 83,842	$ 68,081	$ 69,189
Total provision		88,349	85,529	69,339
Charge-offs		(57,939)	(17,438)	(2,037)
Recoveries		5,820	1,155	0
Net charge-offs		(52,119)	(16,283)	(2,037)
Student loan sales		(7,565)	(53,485)	(68,410)
Ending Balance		112,507	83,842	68,081
Allowance:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		43,480	9,815	0
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment		69,027	74,027	68,081
Loans:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		265,831	59,402	0
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment		11,446,269	9,516,781	7,990,314
Period of delinquent loans sold to subsidiary (greater than)	90 days
FFELP Loans
Allowance for Loan Losses
Beginning balance		5,268	6,318	3,971
Total provision		1,005	1,946	4,384
Charge-offs		(2,582)	(2,996)	(2,037)
Recoveries		0	0	0
Net charge-offs		(2,582)	(2,996)	(2,037)
Student loan sales		0	0	0
Ending Balance		3,691	5,268	6,318
Allowance:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		0	0	0
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment		3,691	5,268	6,318
Loans:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		0	0	0
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment		$ 1,115,663	$ 1,264,807	$ 1,426,972
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment		0.30%	0.31%	0.23%
Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance		0.33%	0.42%	0.44%
Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment		0.45%	0.57%	0.62%
Allowance coverage of net charge-offs		1.43	1.76	3.10
Ending total loans, gross		$ 1,115,663	$ 1,264,807	$ 1,426,972
Average loans in repayment		857,359	972,390	870,460
Ending loans in repayment		813,815	926,891	1,023,471
Private Education Loans
Allowance for Loan Losses
Beginning balance		78,574	61,763	65,218
Total provision		87,344	83,583	64,955
Charge-offs		(55,357)	(14,442)	0
Recoveries		5,820	1,155	0
Net charge-offs		(49,537)	(13,287)	0
Student loan sales		(7,565)	(53,485)	(68,410)
Ending Balance		108,816	78,574	61,763
Allowance:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		43,480	9,815	0
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment		65,336	68,759	61,763
Loans:
Ending balance: individually evaluated for impairment		265,831	59,402	0
Ending balance: collectively evaluated for impairment		$ 10,330,606	$ 8,251,974	$ 6,563,342
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans in repayment		0.82%	0.30%	0.00%
Allowance as a percentage of the ending total loan balance		1.03%	0.95%	0.94%
Allowance as a percentage of the ending loans in repayment		1.57%	1.53%	1.55%
Allowance coverage of net charge-offs		2.20	5.91	0
Ending total loans, gross		$ 10,596,437	$ 8,311,376	$ 6,563,342
Average loans in repayment		6,031,741	4,495,709	3,509,502
Ending loans in repayment		$ 6,927,266	$ 5,149,215	$ 3,972,317

Allowance for Loan Losses - Add

Allowance for Loan Losses - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Apr. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 01, 2006
Schedule Of Allowance For Credit Losses And Recorded Investment In Financing Receivables Table [Line Items]
Period of loans delinquent sold to subsidiary	90 days
Period after grace period for forbearance allowance for loans		9 months
Forbearance period after grace period for loans		6 months
Period of forbearance period to be classified as TDR		3 months
Percentage of loans granted forbearance		23.00%	10.00%
Criteria for loans to be considered as nonperforming		90 days
Tier 1 of government guarantee				97.00%
TDR payment default period		60 days
Period of loans past due that have accrued interest		90 days
FFELP Loans
Schedule Of Allowance For Credit Losses And Recorded Investment In Financing Receivables Table [Line Items]
Tier 1 of government guarantee		97.00%
Private Education Loans
Schedule Of Allowance For Credit Losses And Recorded Investment In Financing Receivables Table [Line Items]
Troubled debt restructuring		$ 307.2

Allowance for Loan Losses - Rec

Allowance for Loan Losses - Recorded Investment, Unpaid Principal Balance and Related Allowance for TDR Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
TDR Loans, Recorded Investment	$ 269,628	$ 60,278
TDR Loans, Unpaid Principal Balance	265,831	59,402
TDR Loans, Allowance	$ 43,480	$ 9,815

Allowance for Loan Losses - Ave

Allowance for Loan Losses - Average Recorded Investment and Interest Income Recognized for TDR (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
TDR Loans, Average Recorded Investment	$ 174,087	$ 23,290
TDR Loans, Interest Income Recognized	$ 14,081	$ 1,105

Allowance for Loan Losses - Age

Allowance for Loan Losses - Age Analysis of Past Due Loan Delinquencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
TDR loans in repayment(3) and percentage of each status:
Private Education Loans allowance for losses	$ (112,507)	$ (83,842)	$ (68,081)	$ (69,189)
Troubled Debt Restructured Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans in in-school/grace/deferment	6,869	2,915
Loans in forbearance	43,756	18,620
TDR loans in repayment(3) and percentage of each status:
Loans current	185,936	34,554
Total TDR loans in repayment	$ 215,206	$ 37,867
Loans current, in percentage	86.40%	91.20%
Loans in repayment, in percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Total TDR loans, gross	$ 265,831	$ 59,402
Private Education Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans in in-school/grace/deferment	3,427,964	3,027,143	2,574,711
Loans in forbearance	241,207	135,018	16,314
TDR loans in repayment(3) and percentage of each status:
Loans current	6,773,095	5,045,600	3,933,143
Total TDR loans in repayment	$ 6,927,266	$ 5,149,215	$ 3,972,317
Loans current, in percentage	97.80%	98.00%	99.00%
Loans in repayment, in percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Total TDR loans, gross	$ 10,596,437	$ 8,311,376	$ 6,563,342
Private Education Loans deferred origination costs	27,884	13,845	5,063
Total Private Education Loans	10,624,321	8,325,221	6,568,405
Private Education Loans allowance for losses	(108,816)	(78,574)	(61,763)	$ (65,218)
Percentage of Private Education Loans in repayment(4)	$ 10,515,505	$ 8,246,647	$ 6,506,642
Percentage of Private Education Loans in repayment(4)	65.40%	62.00%	60.50%
Delinquencies as a percentage of Private Education Loans in repayment(4)	2.20%	2.00%	1.00%
Loans in forbearance as a percentage of loans in repayment and forbearance(4)	3.40%	2.60%	0.40%
31 to 60 Days Past Due | Troubled Debt Restructured Loans
TDR loans in repayment(3) and percentage of each status:
Loans delinquent 31-60 days	$ 14,948	$ 1,953
Loans delinquent 31-60 days, in percentage	6.90%	5.20%
31 to 60 Days Past Due | Private Education Loans
TDR loans in repayment(3) and percentage of each status:
Loans delinquent 31-60 days	$ 91,129	$ 63,873	$ 28,854
Loans delinquent 31-60 days, in percentage	1.30%	1.20%	0.70%
61 to 90 Days Past Due | Troubled Debt Restructured Loans
TDR loans in repayment(3) and percentage of each status:
Loans delinquent 31-60 days	$ 9,239	$ 983
Loans delinquent 31-60 days, in percentage	4.30%	2.60%
61 to 90 Days Past Due | Private Education Loans
TDR loans in repayment(3) and percentage of each status:
Loans delinquent 31-60 days	$ 42,048	$ 29,041	$ 10,280
Loans delinquent 31-60 days, in percentage	0.60%	0.60%	0.30%
Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due | Troubled Debt Restructured Loans
TDR loans in repayment(3) and percentage of each status:
Loans delinquent 31-60 days	$ 5,083	$ 377
Loans delinquent 31-60 days, in percentage	2.40%	1.00%
Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due | Private Education Loans
TDR loans in repayment(3) and percentage of each status:
Loans delinquent 31-60 days	$ 20,994	$ 10,701	$ 40
Loans delinquent 31-60 days, in percentage	0.30%	0.20%	0.00%

Allowance for Loan Losses - Mod

Allowance for Loan Losses - Modified Loan Accounts for TDR (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Modified Loans(1)	$ 244,890	$ 59,402
Charge-offs	10,877	948
Payment-Default	$ 51,602	$ 325

Allowance for Loan Losses - Pri

Allowance for Loan Losses - Private Education Loan Portfolio Stratified by Key Credit Quality Indicators (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total	$ 10,596,437	$ 8,311,376
Private Education Loans | Cosigners
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Private Education Loans with cosigner	9,515,136	7,465,339
Private Education Loans without cosigner	$ 1,081,301	$ 846,037
Private Education Loans with cosigner in percent	90.00%	90.00%
Private Education Loans without cosigner in percent	10.00%	10.00%
Total	$ 10,596,437	$ 8,311,376
Total in percent	100.00%	100.00%
Private Education Loans | School Type/FICO Scores
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total	$ 10,596,437	$ 8,311,376
Total in percent	100.00%	100.00%
Private Education Loans | Seasoning
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total	$ 10,596,437	$ 8,311,376
Seasoning - based on monthly scheduled payments due from 1-12 payments	3,059,901	2,373,117
Seasoning - based on monthly scheduled payments due from 13-24 payments	2,096,412	1,532,042
Seasoning - based on monthly scheduled payments due from 25-36 payments	1,084,818	755,143
Seasoning - based on monthly scheduled payments due from 37-48 payments	513,125	411,493
Seasoning - based on monthly scheduled payments due from more than 48 payments	414,217	212,438
Seasoning - based on monthly scheduled payments due from not yet in repayment	$ 3,427,964	$ 3,027,143
Seasoning based on monthly scheduled payments due from 1-12 payments, in percent	29.00%	29.00%
Seasoning based on monthly scheduled payments due from 13 - 24 payments, in percent	20.00%	18.00%
Seasoning based on monthly scheduled payments due from 25 - 36 payments, in percent	10.00%	9.00%
Seasoning based on monthly scheduled payments due from 37 - 48 payments, in percent	5.00%	5.00%
Seasoning based on monthly scheduled payments due from more than 48 payments, in percent	4.00%	3.00%
Seasoning - based on monthly scheduled payments due from not yet in repayment, in percent	32.00%	36.00%
Total in percent	100.00%	100.00%
FICO score greater than 670 | Private Education Loans | School Type/FICO Scores
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total	$ 700,779	$ 558,801
Total in percent	7.00%	7.00%
FICO score 670-709 | Private Education Loans | School Type/FICO Scores
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total	$ 1,554,959	$ 1,227,860
Total in percent	15.00%	15.00%
FICO score 710-749 | Private Education Loans | School Type/FICO Scores
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total	$ 3,403,823	$ 2,626,238
Total in percent	32.00%	32.00%
FICO score greater than 750 | Private Education Loans | School Type/FICO Scores
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total	$ 4,936,876	$ 3,898,477
Total in percent	46.00%	46.00%

Allowance for Loan Losses - Acc

Allowance for Loan Losses - Accrued Interest Receivable (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Accrued Interest Receivable On Private Education Loans	$ 542,919	$ 445,710
Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	791	443
Allowance For Uncollectible Accrued Interest	$ 3,332	$ 3,517

Premises and Equipment, Net (De

Premises and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, gross	$ 120,825	$ 110,585
Accumulated depreciation	(39,552)	(32,115)
Premises and equipment, net	81,273	78,470
Depreciation [Abstract]
Depreciation of premises and equipment	7,437	6,099	$ 5,059
Land and Land Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, gross	12,574	10,927
Buildings and Leasehold Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, gross	56,446	56,772
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, gross	12,275	10,898
Software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Premises and equipment, gross	$ 39,530	$ 31,988

Deposits - Summary (Details)

Deposits - Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deposits [Abstract]
Deposits - interest bearing	$ 11,487,006	$ 10,539,953
Deposits - non-interest bearing	701	602
Total deposits	$ 11,487,707	$ 10,540,555

Deposits - Additional Informati

Deposits - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deposits [Abstract]
Brokered deposit placement fee	$ 10,500	$ 10,300	$ 9,800
Third party broker fees paid	4,100	15,200	$ 12,100
Deposits exceeding FDIC insurance limits	709,900	254,000
Accrued interest on deposits	15,700	16,100
Deposits - non-interest bearing	$ 701	$ 602

Deposits - Interest Bearing Dep

Deposits - Interest Bearing Deposits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Interest-bearing Deposit Liabilities, Domestic, by Component [Abstract]
Money market	$ 4,886,299	$ 4,527,448
Savings	669,254	703,687
Certificates of deposit	5,931,453	5,308,818
Deposits - interest bearing	$ 11,487,006	$ 10,539,953
Year-End Weighted Average Stated Rate(1)
Money market	1.19%	1.15%
Savings	0.82%	0.81%
Certificates of deposit	0.98%	1.00%

Deposits - Certificates of Depo

Deposits - Certificates of Deposits Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Time Deposits, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
One year or less	$ 2,667,980	$ 1,717,891
After one year to two years	1,210,429	1,038,778
After two years to three years	1,053,442	948,490
After three years to four years	630,851	846,976
After four years to five years	203,704	577,827
After five years	165,047	178,856
Total	$ 5,931,453	$ 5,308,818

Borrowings - Additional (Detail

Borrowings - Additional (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 27, 2015	Apr. 23, 2015	Dec. 19, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured borrowings			$ 0
Amount drawn and outstanding under ABCP facility		$ 500,175,000
Discretionary uncommitted federal funds line of credit		100,000,000
Lendable value of collateral		$ 1,700,000,000	$ 1,400,000,000
Estimated weighted average life of student loans		6 years 2 months 6 days	6 years 2 months 12 days
Private Education Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Private education loan term accounted for as a secured financing	$ 714,000,000
Loans sold to third parties	630,800,000			$ 701,000,000	$ 738,000,000
Gross profit raised from loans sold to third parties	$ 623,000,000
Loans pledged as collateral		$ 687,300,000
Class A and B Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage on asset-backed financing	5.00%
Ownership interest amount of securitized or asset backed loan	$ 33,000,000
Estimated weighted average life of student loans	4 years 9 months 18 days
Class C Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage on asset-backed financing	100.00%
Ownership interest amount of securitized or asset backed loan	$ 50,000,000
Residual Certificates
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage on asset-backed financing	100.00%
ABCP borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Contractual maturity related to ABCP facility		2 years
Revolving period of contractual maturity		1 year
Amortization period of contractual maturity		1 year
Amount drawn and outstanding under ABCP facility		$ 500,175,000
Loans pledged as collateral		$ 923,700,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Class A and B Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.53%
Commercial Paper | ABCP borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Private education loan funding						$ 750,000,000
Ownership interest retained in ABCP facility (as a percent)		5.00%				5.00%
Line of Credit, Required Ownership Interest						$ 37,500,000
Funds available to draw						$ 712,500,000
Unused borrowing capacity fee (as a percent)		0.40%
Commercial Paper | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | ABCP borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		0.80%

Borrowings - Secured Borrowings

Borrowings - Secured Borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Secured borrowings:
Short-Term	$ 500,175
Long-Term	579,101	$ 0
Total	1,079,276
Private Education Loan term securitizations
Secured borrowings:
Short-Term	0
Long-Term	579,101
Total	579,101
ABCP borrowings
Secured borrowings:
Short-Term	500,175
Long-Term	0
Total	$ 500,175

Borrowings - Short Term Borrowi

Borrowings - Short Term Borrowings (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Short-term borrowings:
Short-Term	$ 500,175
Maximum outstanding at any month end	710,005
ABCP borrowings
Short-term borrowings:
Short-Term	$ 500,175
Weighted Average Interest Rate	0.84%
Average Balance	$ 135,064
Weighted Average Interest Rate	3.10%

Borrowings - Long Term Borrowi

Borrowings - Long Term Borrowings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings	$ 579,101	$ 0
Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.10%
Average Balance	$ 253,759
Floating rate borrowings
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings	$ 337,098
Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.38%
Average Balance	$ 151,373
Fixed rate borrowings
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings	$ 242,003
Weighted Average Interest Rate	3.11%
Average Balance	$ 102,386

Borrowings - Secured Financing

Borrowings - Secured Financing (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Jul. 30, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Issued To Third-Parties	$ 630,800
Total loan amount securitized in secured financing in 2015	$ 745,580
Issuance 2015-B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Issued To Third-Parties		$ 630,800
Weighted Average Life	4 years 8 months 55 days
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Issuance 2015-B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative basis spread on variable rate			1.53%

Borrowings - Variable Interest

Borrowings - Variable Interest Entity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Secured borrowings:
Short-Term	$ 500,175
Long-term borrowings	579,101	$ 0
Total	1,079,276
Restricted cash and investments	27,980	4,804
Other assets	55,482	$ 64,757
Private Education Loan term securitizations
Secured borrowings:
Short-Term	0
Long-term borrowings	579,101
Total	579,101
ABCP borrowings
Secured borrowings:
Short-Term	500,175
Long-term borrowings	0
Total	500,175
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Secured borrowings:
Short-Term	500,175
Long-term borrowings	579,101
Total	1,079,276
Loans	1,610,985
Restricted cash and investments	22,439
Other assets	103,661
Total	1,737,085
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Private Education Loan term securitizations
Secured borrowings:
Short-Term	0
Long-term borrowings	579,101
Total	579,101
Loans	687,298
Restricted cash and investments	9,996
Other assets	45,566
Total	742,860
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | ABCP borrowings
Secured borrowings:
Short-Term	500,175
Long-term borrowings	0
Total	500,175
Loans	923,687
Restricted cash and investments	12,443
Other assets	58,095
Total	$ 994,225

Private Education Loan Term S79

Private Education Loan Term Securitizations Private Education Loan Term Securitizations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Oct. 27, 2015	Apr. 23, 2015
Private Education Loans
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Loans sold to third parties	$ 630.8			$ 701	$ 738
Pre-tax gain on sale of loans		$ 58	$ 77
Percentage premium of private education loan term		7.80%	10.40%
Private education loan term accounted for as a secured financing	714
Private education loans encumbered		$ 687.3
Gross profit raised from loans sold to third parties	$ 623
Class A and B Notes
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage on asset-backed financing	5.00%
Class C Notes
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage on asset-backed financing	100.00%
Residual Certificates
Securitization or Asset-backed Financing Arrangement, Financial Asset for which Transfer is Accounted as Sale [Line Items]
Ownership interest percentage on asset-backed financing	100.00%

Derivative Financial Instrume80

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Net positive exposure	$ 50,100	$ 60,800
Estimated reclassification of AOCI to interest expense	15,000
Cash collateral held	1,070	900
Cash collateral pledged	$ 54,845	$ 72,478

Derivative Financial Instrume81

Derivative Financial Instruments - Impact of Derivatives on Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	$ 15,314	$ 5,238
Gross position	(30,497)	(28,688)
Interest Rate Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	15,314	5,238
Gross position	(30,497)	(28,688)
Total net derivatives	(15,183)	(23,450)
Trading | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	83	226
Gross position	(646)	(1,370)
Total net derivatives	(563)	(1,144)
Cash Flow | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	0	0
Gross position	(27,512)	(21,435)
Total net derivatives	(27,512)	(21,435)
Fair Value | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	15,231	5,012
Gross position	(2,339)	(5,883)
Total net derivatives	$ 12,892	$ (871)

Derivative Financial Instrume82

Derivative Financial Instruments - Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Assets
Gross position	$ 15,314	$ 5,238
Impact of master netting agreement	(9,278)	(4,045)
Derivative values with impact of master netting agreements (as carried on balance sheet)	6,036	1,193
Cash collateral (held) pledged	(1,070)	(900)
Net position	4,966	293
Other Liabilities
Gross position	(30,497)	(28,688)
Impact of master netting agreement	9,278	4,045
Derivative values with impact of master netting agreements (as carried on balance sheet)	21,219	24,643
Cash collateral (held) pledged	54,845	72,478
Net position	$ 33,626	$ 47,835

Derivative Financial Instrume83

Derivative Financial Instruments - Notional Values (Details) - Interest Rate Swaps - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Values	$ 5,495,857	$ 5,124,951
Trading
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Values	1,305,757	973,539
Cash Flow
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Values	1,109,933	1,106,920
Fair Value
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Values	$ 3,080,167	$ 3,044,492

Derivative Financial Instrume84

Derivative Financial Instruments - Impact of Derivatives on Consolidated Statements of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest rate swaps:
Total	$ 953	$ (547)	$ 1,602	$ 3,292	$ 825	$ 5,401	$ (9,458)	$ (764)	$ 13,765	$ 7,892	$ 29,308
Interest Rate Swaps | Fair Value
Interest rate swaps:
Hedge ineffectiveness gains (losses) recorded in earnings									2,695	1,718	(558)
Realized gains recorded in interest expense									29,940	20,958	28,668
Total									32,635	22,676	28,110
Interest Rate Swaps | Cash Flow
Interest rate swaps:
Total									(22,902)	(9,590)	0
Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net									(1,427)	(520)	0
Gain (Loss) from Components Excluded from Assessment of Cash Flow Hedge Effectiveness, Net									(21,475)	(9,070)	0
Interest Rate Swaps | Trading
Interest rate swaps:
Interest reclassification									3,451	(2,250)	1,285
Change in fair value of future interest payments recorded in earnings									581	(2,944)	(87)
Total									$ 4,032	$ (5,194)	$ 1,198

Derivative Financial Instrume85

Derivative Financial Instruments - Impact of Derivatives on the Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of loss recognized in other comprehensive income	$ (26,699)	$ (28,842)	$ 0
Amount of loss reclassified in interest expense	0	0	(63,813)
Total change in other comprehensive income for unrealized losses on derivatives, before income tax benefit	(5,224)	(19,772)	0
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of loss reclassified in interest expense	$ (21,475)	$ (9,070)	$ 0

Stockholders' Equity - Addition

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	1,125,000,000	1,125,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Common stock shares outstanding (in shares)	426,000,000
Common shares unissued but encumbered (in shares)	52,000,000
Common stock dividends	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Separation adjustments related to Spin-Off of Navient Corporation		$ 0
Series A Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock shares outstanding (in shares)	3,300,000	3,300,000
Preferred stock dividend rate	6.97%
Preferred stock dividend rate (in dollars per share)	$ 3.485
Preferred stock liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$ 50
Series B Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock shares outstanding (in shares)	4,000,000	4,000,000
Preferred stock liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$ 100
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Share price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.52
Three Month LIBOR | Series B Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividend rate	1.70%
Additional Paid-in Capital
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Separation adjustments related to Spin-Off of Navient Corporation	$ 1,660,000	$ 1,062,519,000

Stockholders' Equity - Common S

Stockholders' Equity - Common Stock Repurchased (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Shares repurchased related to employee stock-based compensation plans (in shares)	3,008,913	1,365,277	6,365,002
Average purchase price per share (in dollars per share)	$ 9.65	$ 8.93	$ 21.76
Common shares issued (in shares)	5,873,309	2,013,805	9,702,976

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Net Transfers To/From Navient Subsidiary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Transfers To and From Affiliate [Line Items]
Total capital contributions	$ 546,081	$ 188,792
Dividend	0	(120,000)
Corporate push-down	4,977	3,093
Net change in income tax accounts	15,659	(134,219)
Net change in receivable/payable	(87,277)	(101,044)
Other	(31)	0
Total net transfers (to)/from the entity that is now a subsidiary of Navient	479,409	(163,378)
Loan origination activities
Schedule of Transfers To and From Affiliate [Line Items]
Total capital contributions	32,452	124,722
Loan sales
Schedule of Transfers To and From Affiliate [Line Items]
Total capital contributions	45	35
Corporate overhead activities
Schedule of Transfers To and From Affiliate [Line Items]
Total capital contributions	21,216	62,031
Special cash contribution
Schedule of Transfers To and From Affiliate [Line Items]
Total capital contributions	472,718	0
Other
Schedule of Transfers To and From Affiliate [Line Items]
Total capital contributions	$ 19,650	$ 2,004

Earnings Per Common Share (Deta

Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Numerator:
Net income attributable to SLM Corporation	$ 89,845	$ 45,724	$ 91,016	$ 47,699	$ 19,717	$ 82,926	$ 44,128	$ 47,448	$ 274,284	$ 194,219	$ 258,945
Preferred stock dividends	4,989	4,913	4,870	4,823	4,855	4,850	3,228	0	19,595	12,933	0
Net income attributable to SLM Corporation common stock	$ 84,856	$ 40,811	$ 86,146	$ 42,876	$ 14,862	$ 78,076	$ 40,900	$ 47,448	$ 254,689	$ 181,286	$ 258,945
Denominator:
Weighted average shares used to compute basic EPS (in shares)									425,574	423,970	440,108
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) (in shares)									6,660	8,299	8,441
Weighted average shares used to compute diluted EPS (in shares)									432,234	432,269	448,549
Basic earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.10	$ 0.20	$ 0.10	$ 0.04	$ 0.18	$ 0.10	$ 0.11	$ 0.60	$ 0.43	$ 0.59
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.09	$ 0.20	$ 0.10	$ 0.03	$ 0.18	$ 0.09	$ 0.11	$ 0.59	$ 0.42	$ 0.58
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share									2,000	3,000	3,000

Stock-Based Compensation Plan90

Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail)	Apr. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)compensation_planshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)shares	Jun. 25, 2014shares	May. 24, 2012shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of active stock-based compensation plans | compensation_plan		1
Incremental expense on vested awards	$ 100,000
Incremental expense on unvested equity awards	$ 600,000
Stock-based compensation cost		$ 21,598,000	$ 24,971,000	$ 15,681,000
Unrecognized compensation cost		$ 14,400,000
Weighted average period for total unrecognized compensation cost		1 year 9 months 15 days
Vesting period		3 years
Options granted in period (in shares) | shares		0
Offering period of employee stock purchase plan		12 months
Maximum contribution amount per employee to ESPP		$ 7,500
SLM Corporation 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized to be issued under plan | shares		29,000,000
Grants made in 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum term for stock options (in years)		5 years
Grants made prior to 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum term for stock options (in years)		10 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Performance Vesting Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Performance Vesting Stock Options | Tranche 1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage per year of performance-vested options granted to management		33.33%
Performance Vesting Stock Options | Tranche 2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage per year of performance-vested options granted to management		33.33%
Performance Vesting Stock Options | Tranche 3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage per year of performance-vested options granted to management		33.33%
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost		$ 400,000
Weighted average period for total unrecognized compensation cost		6 months
Vesting period		3 years
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized to be issued under plan | shares					15,000,000	6,000,000
Unrecognized compensation cost		$ 200,000
Vesting period		1 year
Percentage of discount available to employees under ESPP		15.00%
Expected dividend rate		0.00%	0.00%	3.51%
Company's common stock purchased by ESPP participants | shares		163,136	0	47,176

Stock-Based Compensation Plan91

Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Arrangements - Black-Scholes Model Assumptions for Calculating Stock Option and ESPP Fair Values (Detail) - Stock Options - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.76%	0.65%
Expected volatility	26.00%	31.00%
Expected dividend rate	2.48%	3.35%
Expected life of the option	2 years 10 months 18 days	2 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted average fair value of stock purchase rights	$ 3.48	$ 3.11

Stock-Based Compensation Plan92

Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Arrangements - Stock Option Activity (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Number of Options
Outstanding at December 31, 2014	16,155,119
Granted	0
Exercised	(2,709,554)
Canceled	(1,534,589)
Outstanding at December 31, 2015	11,910,976	16,155,119
Exercisable at December 31, 2015	10,599,378
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$ 9.91
Granted (in dollars per share)	0
Exercised (in dollars per share)	4.76
Canceled (in dollars per share)	17.69
Outstanding at December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)	10.08	$ 9.91
Exercisable at December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 7.49
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding, ending balance	2 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable, ending balance	2 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding, ending balance	$ 10,214,000
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable, ending balance	10,137,000
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	13,700,000	$ 11,400,000	$ 8,500,000
Cash received from option exercises	0
Tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options	$ 3,700,000

Stock-Based Compensation Plan93

Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Arrangements - Restricted Stock and Performance Stock Unit Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 14.4
Weighted average period for total unrecognized compensation cost	1 year 9 months 15 days
Restricted Stock
Number of Shares
Non-vested at December 31, 2014	54,968
Granted	86,174
Vested and converted to common stock	(54,968)
Canceled	0
Non-vested at December 31, 2015	86,174	54,968
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$ 9.12
Granted (in dollars per share)	8.94
Vested and converted to common stock (in dollars per share)	8.19
Canceled (in dollars per share)	0
Non-vested at December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 8.94	$ 9.12
Fair value of shares vested	$ 0.5	$ 0.4	$ 0.6
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 0.4
Weighted average period for total unrecognized compensation cost	6 months
Restricted Stock Units And Performance Stock Units
Number of Shares
Non-vested at December 31, 2014	6,279,743
Granted	2,466,593
Vested and converted to common stock	(2,796,739)
Canceled	(109,209)
Non-vested at December 31, 2015	5,840,388	6,279,743
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2014 (in dollars per share)	$ 10.95
Granted (in dollars per share)	9.45
Vested and converted to common stock (in dollars per share)	6.78
Canceled (in dollars per share)	8.57
Non-vested at December 31, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 8.52	$ 10.95
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 13.8
Weighted average period for total unrecognized compensation cost	1 year 10 months 24 days
Fair value of restricted and performance stock vested	$ 18.9	$ 12.6	$ 6.4

Stock-Based Compensation Plan94

Stock-Based Compensation Plans and Arrangements - Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Details) - Employee Stock Purchase Plan - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.33%	0.13%	0.15%
Expected volatility	27.00%	25.00%	29.00%
Expected dividend rate	0.00%	0.00%	3.51%
Expected life of the option	1 year	1 year	1 year
Weighted average fair value of stock purchase rights	$ 1.74	$ 1.66	$ 2.95

Fair Value Measurements - Valua

Fair Value Measurements - Valuation of Financial Instruments that are Marked-to-Market on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Mortgage-backed securities	$ 195,391	$ 168,934
Derivative instruments	6,036	1,193
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	(21,219)	(24,643)
Fair Value Measurements Recurring
Assets
Mortgage-backed securities	195,391	168,934
Derivative instruments	15,314	5,238
Total	210,705	174,172
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	(30,497)	(28,688)
Fair Value Measurements Recurring | Level 1
Assets
Mortgage-backed securities	0	0
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total	0	0
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	0	0
Fair Value Measurements Recurring | Level 2
Assets
Mortgage-backed securities	195,391	168,934
Derivative instruments	15,314	5,238
Total	210,705	174,172
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	(30,497)	(28,688)
Fair Value Measurements Recurring | Level 3
Assets
Mortgage-backed securities	0	0
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total	0	0
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	$ 0	$ 0

Fair value Measurements - Fair

Fair value Measurements - Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities, Including Derivative Financial Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earning assets
Tax indemnification receivable	$ 186,076	$ 240,311
Derivative instruments	6,036	1,193
Interest-bearing liabilities
Derivative instruments	21,219	24,643
Fair Value
Earning assets
Loans held for investment, net	12,343,726	10,228,399
Cash and cash equivalents	2,416,219	2,359,780
Available for sale investments	195,391	168,934
Accrued interest receivable	564,496	469,697
Tax indemnification receivable	186,076	240,311
Derivative instruments	15,314	5,238
Total	15,721,222	13,472,359
Interest-bearing liabilities
Accrued interest payable	16,385	16,082
Derivative instruments	30,497	28,688
Total interest-bearing liabilities	12,599,229	10,590,151
Fair Value | Money-market and savings accounts
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits	5,556,254	5,231,736
Fair Value | Certificates of Deposit
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits	5,928,450	5,313,645
Fair Value | Short-term borrowings
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits	500,175	0
Fair Value | Long-term borrowings
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits	567,468	0
Carrying Value
Earning assets
Loans held for investment, net	11,630,591	9,509,786
Cash and cash equivalents	2,416,219	2,359,780
Available for sale investments	195,391	168,934
Accrued interest receivable	564,496	469,697
Tax indemnification receivable	186,076	240,311
Derivative instruments	15,314	5,238
Total	15,008,087	12,753,746
Interest-bearing liabilities
Accrued interest payable	16,385	16,082
Derivative instruments	30,497	28,688
Total interest-bearing liabilities	12,613,865	10,585,324
Carrying Value | Money-market and savings accounts
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits	5,556,254	5,231,736
Carrying Value | Certificates of Deposit
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits	5,931,453	5,308,818
Carrying Value | Short-term borrowings
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits	500,175	0
Carrying Value | Long-term borrowings
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits	579,101	0
Difference
Earning assets
Loans held for investment, net	713,135	718,613
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Available for sale investments	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	0	0
Tax indemnification receivable	0	0
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total	713,135	718,613
Interest-bearing liabilities
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Derivative instruments	0	0
Total interest-bearing liabilities	14,636	(4,827)
Excess of net asset fair value over carrying value	727,771	713,786
Difference | Money-market and savings accounts
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits	0	0
Difference | Certificates of Deposit
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits	3,003	(4,827)
Difference | Short-term borrowings
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits	0	0
Difference | Long-term borrowings
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits	$ 11,633	$ 0

Arrangements with Navient Cor97

Arrangements with Navient Corporation Arrangements with Navient Corporation (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Agreements with Navient, period of term (or less)	2 years
Non-compete period	5 years
Deferred taxes	$ 283,000,000	$ 81,588,000	$ 158,216,000
Remaining amount of indemnification		170,000,000
Deferred tax asset discount		16,000,000
FDIC civil monetary penalties		3,300,000
Contingency refund		$ 30,000,000
Minimum days past due for spin off loan purchase		90 days
Period of hardship forbearance		6 months
Private education loans		$ 10,515,505,000	8,246,647,000
Interest income from related party		600,000	5,700,000	$ 67,000,000
Gain (Loss) resulting from loans sold		0	35,800,000	196,600,000
Write-down to fair value for loans sold to related party		7,600,000	53,500,000	68,400,000
Participated loans
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loans sold to related party		27,000,000	$ 804,700,000	$ 2,415,800,000
Split Loans
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Private education loans		$ 89,000,000

Regulatory Capital - Well Capit

Regulatory Capital - Well Capitalized Regulatory Requirements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Actual Amount
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)	$ 1,734,315
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)	1,734,315	$ 1,413,988
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)	1,848,528	1,497,830
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)	$ 1,734,315	$ 1,413,988
Actual Ratio
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)	14.40%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)	14.40%	15.00%
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)	15.40%	15.90%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)	12.30%	11.50%
Well Capitalized Regulatory Requirements, Amount
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)	$ 781,638
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)	962,017	$ 565,148
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)	1,202,521	941,913
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)	$ 704,979	$ 614,709
Well Capitalized Regulatory Requirements, Ratio
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)	6.50%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)	8.00%	6.00%
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)	10.00%	10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets)	5.00%	5.00%

Regulatory Capital - Additional

Regulatory Capital - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Dividends		$ 0	$ 120,000,000
Sallie Mae Bank
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Dividends	$ 0	$ 0	$ 120,000,000

Defined Contribution Plans (Det

Defined Contribution Plans (Details) - Sallie Mae 401(k) Savings Plan - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Requisite service period	6 months	1 month			1 year
Type 1 of defined benefit contribution		3.00%
Type 2 of defined contribution plan		2.00%
Percent of core employer contribution		1.00%
Employer contribution amount		$ 3.8	$ 3.1	$ 2.8
Maximum
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer matching contribution percentage		100.00%
Minimum
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer matching contribution percentage		50.00%

Commitments, Contingencies a101

Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)attorney_general
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contractual Obligation	$ 1,500,000,000
Other Liabilities Reserve	$ 2,000,000
Loss emergence period	1 year
FDIC civil monetary penalties	$ 3,300,000
Contingency refund	$ 30,000,000
Number of state attorney generals | attorney_general	2

Income Taxes - Reconciliations

Income Taxes - Reconciliations of Statutory U.S. Federal Income Tax Rates to Our Effective Tax Rate for Continuing Operations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State tax, net of federal benefit	3.00%	2.90%	2.60%
Impact of state rate change on net deferred tax liabilities, net of federal benefit	0.50%	4.40%	0.00%
State, valuation allowance adjustments on net operating losses	(0.20%)	(4.00%)	0.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits, U.S. federal and state, net of federal benefit	(0.50%)	4.80%	0.00%
Other, net	(0.30%)	(1.20%)	0.60%
Effective tax rate	37.50%	41.90%	38.20%

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Statutory U.S. federal rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance	$ 83,700,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	47,109,300	$ 59,404,900	$ 7,343,500	$ 3,951,100
Unrecognized tax benefits recognition impact on effective tax rate	25,200,000
Interest on income taxes accrued net of related benefit	7,000,000	5,900,000
Interest on income tax expense net of related tax benefit	1,400,000	$ 2,300,000	$ 100,000
State and Local Jurisdiction
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 26,000,000
Minimum
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Combination of subsidiaries (in years)	3 years
Maximum
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items]
Combination of subsidiaries (in years)	4 years

Income Taxes - Components of Pr

Income Taxes - Components of Provision for Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current provision:
Federal									$ 215,950	$ 137,573	$ 130,854
State									26,057	43,282	13,513
Total current provision									242,007	180,855	144,367
Deferred (benefit)/provision:
Federal									(69,546)	(40,370)	13,240
State									(7,681)	(518)	1,327
Total deferred (benefit)/provision									(77,227)	(40,888)	14,567
Provision for income tax expense	$ 54,915	$ 17,985	$ 60,158	$ 31,722	$ 24,465	$ 54,903	$ 31,941	$ 28,658	$ 164,780	$ 139,967	$ 158,934

Income Taxes - Schedule of Defe

Income Taxes - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Loan reserves	$ 45,082	$ 33,570
Stock-based compensation plans	16,939	16,342
Deferred revenue	209	418
Operating loss and credit carryovers	16,106	14,324
Unrealized losses	9,949	7,185
Accrued expenses not currently deductible	10,696	10,606
Unrecorded tax benefits	15,251	19,798
Other	9,871	8,918
Total deferred tax assets	124,103	111,161
Deferred tax liabilities:
Gains on repurchased debt	190,936	251,671
Fixed assets	6,237	5,849
Acquired intangible assets	6,724	6,151
Student loan premiums and discounts, net	0	3,050
Other	1,794	2,656
Total deferred tax liabilities	205,691	269,377
Net deferred tax (liabilities) assets	$ (81,588)	$ (158,216)	$ (283,000)

Income Taxes - Summary of Chang

Income Taxes - Summary of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year	$ 59,404,900	$ 7,343,500	$ 3,951,100
Increases resulting from tax positions taken during a prior period	3,456,100	45,184,200	573,900
Decreases resulting from tax positions taken during a prior period	(10,120,900)	0	0
Increases resulting from tax positions taken during the current period	3,447,300	7,712,500	2,818,500
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities	(7,481,200)	(235,700)	0
Reductions related to the lapse of statute of limitations	(1,596,900)	(599,600)	0
Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year	$ 47,109,300	$ 59,404,900	$ 7,343,500

Parent Only Statements - Balanc

Parent Only Statements - Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,416,219	$ 2,359,780	$ 2,182,865	$ 1,599,082
Tax indemnification receivable	186,076	240,311
Other assets	55,482	64,757
Total assets	15,214,098	12,972,243
Liabilities
Income taxes payable, net	166,662	191,499
Other liabilities	108,746	117,227
Total liabilities	13,117,775	11,142,285
Preferred stock, par value $0.20 per share, 20 million shares authorized
Common stock, par value $0.20 per share, 1.125 billion shares authorized: 430.7 million and 424.8 million shares issued, respectively	86,136	84,961
Additional paid-in capital	1,135,860	1,090,511
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax benefit of $9,949 and $7,186, respectively	(16,059)	(11,393)
Retained earnings	366,609	113,066
Total SLM Corporation's stockholders' equity before treasury stock	2,137,546	1,842,145
Less: common stock held in treasury at cost: 4.4 million and 1.4 million shares, respectively	(41,223)	(12,187)
Total liabilities and equity	15,214,098	12,972,243
Parent Company
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	282,036	434,245	$ 0	$ 0
Total investments in subsidiaries (primarily Sallie Mae Bank)	1,810,567	1,389,995
Tax indemnification receivable	186,076	240,311
Due from subsidiaries, net	21,396	32,408
Other assets	1,352	1,943
Total assets	2,301,427	2,098,902
Liabilities
Income taxes payable, net	189,215	245,782
Payable due to Navient	1,990	8,764
Other liabilities	13,899	14,398
Total liabilities	205,104	268,944
Preferred stock, par value $0.20 per share, 20 million shares authorized
Common stock, par value $0.20 per share, 1.125 billion shares authorized: 430.7 million and 424.8 million shares issued, respectively	86,136	84,961
Additional paid-in capital	1,135,860	1,090,511
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (net of tax benefit of $9,949 and $7,186, respectively	(16,059)	(11,393)
Retained earnings	366,609	113,066
Total SLM Corporation's stockholders' equity before treasury stock	2,137,546	1,842,145
Less: common stock held in treasury at cost: 4.4 million and 1.4 million shares, respectively	(41,223)	(12,187)
Total SLM Corporation stockholders' equity	2,096,323	1,829,958
Total liabilities and equity	2,301,427	2,098,902
Parent Company | Series A Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, par value $0.20 per share, 20 million shares authorized
Preferred stock issued	165,000	165,000
Parent Company | Series B Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, par value $0.20 per share, 20 million shares authorized
Preferred stock issued	$ 400,000	$ 400,000

Parent Only Statements - Bal108

Parent Only Statements - Balance Sheets (Additional Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, stated value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Common stock, shares authorized	1,125,000,000	1,125,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	430,700,000	424,800,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss tax benefit	$ (9,949)	$ (7,186)
Common stock held in treasury	4,400,000	1,400,000
Series A Preferred Stock
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, stated value (in dollars per share)	$ 50	$ 50
Series B Preferred Stock
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, stated value (in dollars per share)	100	100
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, stated value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Common stock, shares authorized	1,125,000,000	1,125,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	431,000,000	425,000,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss tax benefit	$ 9,949	$ 7,186
Common stock held in treasury	4,000,000	1,000,000
Parent Company | Series A Preferred Stock
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, stated value (in dollars per share)	$ 50	$ 50
Preferred stock, shares issued	3,300,000	3,300,000
Parent Company | Series B Preferred Stock
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, stated value (in dollars per share)	$ 100	$ 100
Preferred stock, shares issued	4,000,000	4,000,000

Parent Only Statements - Statem

Parent Only Statements - Statements of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest income									$ 831,118	$ 674,294	$ 551,200
Interest expense									128,619	95,815	89,085
Net interest income	$ 187,846	$ 175,442	$ 168,257	$ 170,954	$ 150,676	$ 144,026	$ 144,539	$ 139,238	702,499	578,479	462,115
Other income	12,561	10,455	10,912	8,007	11,095	5,461	15,229	8,136	41,935	39,921	37,222
Operating expenses	85,245	92,864	89,799	81,187	78,724	72,079	60,479	63,671	349,095	274,881	270,474
Income tax expense	54,915	17,985	60,158	31,722	24,465	54,903	31,941	28,658	164,780	139,967	158,934
Net income					19,717	82,926	44,128	47,014	274,284	193,785	257,593
Preferred stock dividends	(4,989)	(4,913)	(4,870)	(4,823)	(4,855)	(4,850)	(3,228)	0	(19,595)	(12,933)	0
Net income attributable to SLM Corporation common stock	$ 84,856	$ 40,811	$ 86,146	$ 42,876	$ 14,862	$ 78,076	$ 40,900	$ 47,448	254,689	181,286	258,945
Parent Company
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest income									6,414	4,980	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Net interest income									6,414	4,980	0
Other income									(239)	1,097	0
Operating expenses									36,141	36,967	3,556
Loss before income tax expense (benefit) and equity in net income from subsidiaries									(29,966)	(30,890)	(3,556)
Income tax expense									(8,612)	(13,196)	133,121
Equity in net income from subsidiaries (primarily Sallie Mae Bank)									295,638	211,479	394,270
Net income									274,284	193,785	257,593
Preferred stock dividends									19,595	12,933	0
Net income attributable to SLM Corporation common stock									$ 254,689	$ 180,852	$ 257,593

Parent Only Statements - Sta110

Parent Only Statements - Statements of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 19,717	$ 82,926	$ 44,128	$ 47,014	$ 274,284	$ 193,785	$ 257,593
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Interest income on tax indemnification receivable					(5,398)	(5,904)	0
Decrease in tax indemnification receivable					59,633	44,724	0
Increase in other assets					(18,070)	(24,959)	(2,357)
Increase (decrease) in income tax payable, net					56,813	(221,222)	56,784
(Decrease) increase in payable due to entity that is a subsidiary of Navient					(6,774)	8,764	147,379
Increase in other liabilities					(14,731)	(2,652)	39,096
Total adjustments					(365,487)	(630,558)	(187,573)
Total net cash (used in) provided by operating activities					(91,203)	(436,773)	70,020
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities					(1,847,509)	(1,388,371)	(731,116)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Special cash contribution from Navient					0	472,718	0
Excess tax benefit from the exercise of stock-based awards					6,140	3,271	6,258
Preferred stock dividends paid					(19,595)	(12,933)	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities					1,995,151	2,002,059	1,244,879
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents					56,439	176,915	583,783
Cash and cash equivalents	2,359,780				2,416,219	2,359,780	2,182,865	$ 1,599,082
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	2,359,780				2,416,219	2,359,780	2,182,865
Parent Company
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income					274,284	193,785	257,593
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Undistributed earnings of subsidiaries					(295,638)	(211,479)	(394,270)
Interest income on tax indemnification receivable					(5,398)	(5,904)	0
(Increase) decrease in investment in subsidiaries, net					(103,602)	278,365	136,677
Decrease in tax indemnification receivable					59,633	44,724	0
Decrease (increase) in due from subsidiaries, net					11,012	(32,408)	0
Increase in other assets					(14,366)	(5,447)	0
Increase (decrease) in income tax payable, net					(54,907)	(312,770)	0
(Decrease) increase in payable due to entity that is a subsidiary of Navient					(6,774)	8,764	0
Increase in other liabilities					1,402	14,398	0
Total adjustments					(408,638)	(221,757)	(257,593)
Total net cash (used in) provided by operating activities					(134,354)	(27,972)	0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities					0	0	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Special cash contribution from Navient					0	472,718	0
Excess tax benefit from the exercise of stock-based awards					1,740	2,432	0
Preferred stock dividends paid					(19,595)	(12,933)	0
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities					(17,855)	462,217	0
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents					(152,209)	434,245	0
Cash and cash equivalents	434,245				282,036	434,245	0	$ 0
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 434,245				$ 282,036	$ 434,245	$ 0

Selected Quarterly Financial111

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest income, net	$ 187,846	$ 175,442	$ 168,257	$ 170,954	$ 150,676	$ 144,026	$ 144,539	$ 139,238	$ 702,499	$ 578,479	$ 462,115
Less: provisions for credit losses	30,382	27,497	15,558	16,618	30,458	14,898	1,014	39,159	90,055	85,529	69,339
Net interest income after provisions for credit losses	157,464	147,945	152,699	154,336	120,218	129,128	143,525	100,079	612,444	492,950	392,776
Gains on sales of loans, net	58,484	0	76,874	0	396	85,147	1,928	33,888
Gains (losses) on derivative and hedging activities, net	953	(547)	1,602	3,292	825	5,401	(9,458)	(764)	13,765	7,892	29,308
Other income	12,561	10,455	10,912	8,007	11,095	5,461	15,229	8,136	41,935	39,921	37,222
Operating expenses	85,245	92,864	89,799	81,187	78,724	72,079	60,479	63,671	349,095	274,881	270,474
Acquired intangible asset impairment and amortization expense	370	370	370	370	(855)	1,150	1,156	1,767	1,480	3,290	3,317
Restructuring and other reorganization expenses	(913)	910	744	4,657	10,483	14,079	13,520	229	5,398	38,311	726
Income tax (benefit) expense	54,915	17,985	60,158	31,722	24,465	54,903	31,941	28,658	164,780	139,967	158,934
Net income attributable to SLM Corporation	89,845	45,724	91,016	47,699	19,717	82,926	44,128	47,448	274,284	194,219	258,945
Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest					0	0	0	(434)	0	(434)	(1,352)
Net income attributable to SLM Corporation common stock	84,856	40,811	86,146	42,876	14,862	78,076	40,900	47,448	254,689	181,286	258,945
Preferred stock dividends	$ 4,989	$ 4,913	$ 4,870	$ 4,823	$ 4,855	$ 4,850	$ 3,228	$ 0	$ 19,595	$ 12,933	$ 0
Basic earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.10	$ 0.20	$ 0.10	$ 0.04	$ 0.18	$ 0.10	$ 0.11	$ 0.60	$ 0.43	$ 0.59
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to SLM Corporation (in dollars per share)	$ 0.20	$ 0.09	$ 0.20	$ 0.10	$ 0.03	$ 0.18	$ 0.09	$ 0.11	$ 0.59	$ 0.42	$ 0.58

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - Commercial Paper - ABCP borrowings - USD ($)	Feb. 25, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 19, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Amended ABCP credit facility			$ 750,000,000
Unused borrowing capacity fee (as a percent)		0.40%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		0.80%
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Amended ABCP credit facility	$ 750,000,000
Funds available to draw	$ 750,000,000
Subsequent Event | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Minimum | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Unused borrowing capacity fee (as a percent)	0.35%
Maximum | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Unused borrowing capacity fee (as a percent)	0.45%