In my experience, different servicers of federal SLs are all pretty much the same. Between DH and me, we have had federal SLs serviced by at least four companies, perhaps more that I've forgotten. Mine were originally through Citibank and were transferred to Sallie Mae a couple years ago when Citi got out of the SL business. I don't remember who DH's were originally through or whether they've gone through several companies, but they are currently serviced by Mohela. We've never had an issue with any company, including Sallie Mae. We also both have a private loan through Sallie Mae and no problems there, either. I can't speak to how they handle past due or defaulted loans, but as far as normal payments and periodic calls to customer service go, they are just fine.
That said, I received an email about a month ago saying that Sallie Mae is splitting their SL business into two companies: one will only do federal SLs and the other will do both. I hope the transition is seamless, as we're getting close to payoff on some of our loans.
