MOHELA: A Top Workplace Built on Values, Growth, and Community

In a world where many companies focus solely on profit margins and the bottom line, the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) stands out. It’s not just about competitive salaries or fancy perks; MOHELA’s success hinges on a deeper commitment: valuing and supporting its people – employees, borrowers, and community members alike. This commitment has earned MOHELA a coveted spot as a 2025 Top Workplace, solidifying its reputation as an employer that truly cares.

Growing Stronger Together: Navigating Growth with Grace

MOHELA’s recent journey is a testament to its resilience and adaptability. The company experienced significant growth, adding nearly 900 new employees due to a company divestiture, bringing the total workforce to approximately 2,000 individuals. Such rapid expansion can be challenging for any organization, potentially disrupting established workflows and creating integration hurdles. However, MOHELA navigated this period seamlessly, successfully integrating new team members from diverse backgrounds and experiences into a unified and cohesive group.

This growth wasn’t merely about increasing headcount. It was about welcoming new perspectives and ideas, fostering a culture of inclusivity where every employee feels valued and part of the team. MOHELA leaders attribute the success of this transition to the strong sense of collaboration and shared values that permeate the organization. Core principles like teamwork, agility, and respect were prioritized, ensuring a smooth and harmonious integration process.

Scott Giles, CEO and executive director, emphasizes MOHELA’s unwavering dedication to its mission: "At MOHELA, we understand that navigating the complexities of the student loan system can be challenging, and we are committed to guiding borrowers every step of the way. This recognition as a Top Workplace reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of teamwork, agility, and respect – values that drive our success and empower our people."

Values that Drive Success: More Than Just Buzzwords

MOHELA’s core values aren’t just empty slogans; they are the guiding principles that shape the company’s culture and inform its decision-making. These values are especially crucial during times of rapid change and expansion, providing a stable foundation and ensuring that the organization remains true to its mission.

Agility is a key element of MOHELA’s success. The company’s ability to adapt quickly and efficiently to changing circumstances has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of growth and the ever-evolving landscape of student loan management. Whether responding to sudden shifts in staffing or assisting borrowers with their unique financial situations, MOHELA’s agility allows it to remain at the forefront of the industry.

Equally important is the emphasis on respect and care. MOHELA understands that the way a job is done is just as important as the job itself. By fostering a culture of respect and empathy, the company creates a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued and empowered to excel.

Benefits that Support Work-Life Balance: Investing in Employees’ Well-being

MOHELA’s commitment to its employees extends beyond simply offering competitive salaries. The company provides a generous benefits package designed to support employees’ overall well-being and promote a healthy work-life balance. These benefits reflect MOHELA’s belief that its employees are its greatest asset.

"Our employees are the heart of MOHELA, and we are proud to offer them a supportive, mission-driven environment with meaningful benefits, like hybrid and remote work options, tuition reimbursement for self and dependents, and an 8% 401(k) match," says Chrissy Ellinger, human resources director. "This Top Workplace award is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our incredible team."

Beyond the comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans, MOHELA goes the extra mile to create a truly inclusive and supportive work environment. Employees are given the flexibility to choose which holidays they would like to take off, allowing them to celebrate their cultural and religious traditions. This simple gesture demonstrates MOHELA’s commitment to recognizing and respecting the diversity of its workforce.

The positive work environment at MOHELA is one where employees feel appreciated not only for their contributions but also as individuals. One team member shared, "It’s important to me to feel like I am appreciated, which happens here. I’m very happy."

Recognizing that employees may face unforeseen challenges, MOHELA offers the MOHELA Cares Program, which provides financial assistance for medical bills, disaster relief, and other emergencies. Since its inception in 2018, the program has distributed nearly $200,000 to employees in need, demonstrating MOHELA’s unwavering commitment to supporting its employees during difficult times.

More Than Just a Job: A Commitment to Community

MOHELA’s dedication to its stakeholders extends beyond the workplace and into the communities it serves. The company is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the lives of students and families in Missouri. Through its foundation, MOHELA provides scholarships, grants, and zero-interest loans to help individuals access higher education.

For example, the company recently awarded $4.7 million in scholarships through its Access EXTRA Scholarship Program, which will support 2,466 students in the 2024-25 academic year. This significant investment in education reflects MOHELA’s belief that access to higher education is essential for creating brighter futures.

As one scholarship recipient, Lily M., put it, "Paying for college out-of-pocket was never an option, so it is incredible that I can have the opportunity to attend school and possibly even graduate debt-free due to the generosity of donors and private scholarships, including the Access EXTRA Scholarship from MOHELA’s Foundation."

Creating Brighter Futures: A Place Where Employees Thrive

MOHELA is continuing to grow and evolve while remaining steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a supportive and inclusive workplace where every employee has the opportunity to thrive. With a mission-driven culture that prioritizes people, MOHELA is a Top Workplace where employees not only want to work but also want to build long-term careers.

For those seeking a fulfilling and rewarding career, MOHELA offers a unique opportunity to join a company that genuinely cares about its employees, its borrowers, and its community. MOHELA’s commitment to creating brighter futures is evident in everything it does, making it an employer of choice for individuals who want to make a difference. It is a place where a job becomes a calling, and where the success of the organization is inextricably linked to the well-being of its people.