Boston…American Student Assistance^®, the nonprofit federal student loan service provider with proven results in helping students successfully manage college debt, has been honored by the Boston Business Journal as one of the region’s best places to work. ASA placed 14 out of 20 in the large business (more than 500 employees) category on the annual list.

“We are delighted to be honored with this distinction,” said Lauren Rolfe, ASA’s vice president of human resources. “This achievement reflects our commitment to being the employer that cares.”

“The Best Places to Work are companies that invest in their employees, foster a positive work setting, and exhibit a team-oriented environment,” said Mike Olivieri, publisher, BBJ. “These leaders understand that employees are the foundation of the company, and the engine that drives the business forward. It creates a tangible difference with the competition.”

The “Best Places to Work” ranking is based on surveys of employees at each company. The surveys ask questions related to work environment, work-life balance, job satisfaction, advancement opportunities, and compensation and benefits. This year’s top-ranking firms were chosen from 392 nominations, a record number of submissions in the 6-year history of the “Best Places to Work.”

ASA attributes a large part of its achievement to the company’s focus on diversity and employee development. Its Council on Diversity and Engagement sponsors monthly, themed events that encourage associates to share their life stories and experiences with their coworkers and to celebrate diversity in the workplace.

ASA’s Leadership Development Academy identifies, motivates and retains potential ASA leaders. ASA associates who demonstrate leadership in the performance of their job are encouraged to apply for the year-long program, which affords participants the opportunity to develop and enhance their own individual leadership styles and skills.

In addition to the standard benefits of health and dental insurance, generous paid time off, a 401(a) retirement plan, and tuition reimbursement, ASA employees also enjoy a company-paid pension plan; a commuter subsidy; a student loan repayment benefit; an Employee Assistance Program; and an independent and confidential Ombudsman.

ASA’s own recent employee surveys have revealed high satisfaction rates: 85% of all employees say they are proud to work there, while 81% would recommend the company as a good place to work. Additionally, 24% of employees have been with ASA for 5 years or longer, and 1 in 4 of the 160 people hired last year was referred by an existing employee.

About American Student Assistance

American Student Assistance is a private, federally funded, nonprofit organization that helps students and parents manage higher education debt. Its unique Wellness programs give student loan borrowers the support they need to avoid default. Incorporated in 1956, ASA was the nation’s first private student loan guarantee agency and a model for the federal student loan program. As an administrator of the Federal Family Education Loan Program, ASA delivers quality default prevention, guarantee, origination and fund delivery services to students, parents, schools and lenders nationwide. ASA guarantees more than $2 billion in student loans annually and currently manages a student loan portfolio worth more than $45 billion. Based in Boston, American Student Assistance employs more than 700 associates nationwide and has been recognized by the Boston Business Journal and the Boston Globe as one of the region’s best places to work. Visit www.amsa.com or call 617.728.4631 for more information.