Why should I choose an Ascent loan?

Ascent’s college loans provide more opportunities to qualify for a loan with a cosigner or without a cosigner. Ascent’s award-winning Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan (for undergraduate juniors and seniors only) considers more than just a credit score to give students the opportunity to qualify for a loan without a cosigner. Ascent also offers credit-based loans for graduate students. Ascent’s college loans are competitively priced. You can choose from affordable fixed or variable rates, customize your repayment terms, and pay off your loan early without any penalty. In addition, Ascent offers benefits that can help save money with a 1% Cash Back Reward upon graduation and an Automatic Payment Discount of at least 0.25% for Credit-Based Loans and in some cases up to 1.00% for Undergraduate Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loans. The Automatic Payment Discount is available if the borrower is enrolled in automatic payments from their personal checking account and the amount is successfully withdrawn from the authorized bank account each month. (See See Automatic Payment Discount Terms & Conditions .) Ascent offers a Student Success program, which is a two-tier program for students applying for Ascent undergraduate loans and for Ascent undergraduate borrowers. To learn more about the program, visit AscentFunding.com/Student-Success

Do I need a cosigner?

Not necessarily. Ascent considers several factors, including: creditworthiness, school, program, graduation date, major, cost of attendance, and other factors that allow for students to potentially obtain a loan in their own name without a cosigner. Nevertheless, applying with a cosigner may result in a lower interest rate. Students who are a U.S. citizen or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status may apply without a cosigner. Students who are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident may apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident. (See FAQ, Can students that are Non-U.S. citizens apply for an Ascent college loan? )

I want to see my exact rate, but I don't want my credit to be negatively impacted.

Don’t worry – our pre-qualification process uses a soft-inquiry tool that won’t affect your credit. If you pre-qualify for an Ascent loan, you’ll see your exact rates and repayment options with no impact on your credit. We’ll only continue to a hard credit check once you accept and agree to move forward with a loan option. Your pre-qualified rate and final rate after hard credit check may differ depending on changes to your credit score in the interim. Please note that a hard credit check may impact your credit score, and typically will stay on your credit report for about 2 years.

How do you determine interest rates?

Interest rates are based on different criteria depending on the type of loan you’re applying for: Cosigned Credit-Based Loans: When applying with a cosigner, we consider both the student’s credit score and the credit score of your cosigner. Both credit scores, as well as your chosen repayment plan and loan term, are used to determine your interest rate, and your cosigner must meet minimum income requirements to be eligible. Non-Cosigned Credit-Based Loans: For this loan option, only the student’s credit score is considered, along with their chosen repayment plan and loan term. The student must have a two-year credit history and a minimum credit score as well as meet minimum income and debt-to-income requirements to be eligible. Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan (eligible undergraduate juniors and seniors only): If a student has no credit score, their rates are created based on their chosen repayment plan. If a student meets the minimum credit score, with or without two years of credit history, their score may be used to calculate your interest rate. For more information, please visit our Repayment Examples .

What credit score do I need to get approved?

The minimum required credit score varies based on the loan product, credit history, and whether you’re applying with a cosigner. Our credit requirements vary for each loan product. Our pre-qualification tool can help you determine which product could be best for you based on your unique circumstances.

What credit score does my cosigner need to have?

Your cosigner’s credit score requirements are determined based on multiple factors, including the credit score of the student they’re cosigning for. You can use our pre-qualification tool to check your rates and determine which product is best for your situation.

Why can’t I find my college on the Ascent website?

Your college may not be on our list of eligible institutions at this time. Please contact your financial aid office for other financing options.

Can students who are Non-U.S. citizens apply for an Ascent college loan?

Yes. Non-U.S. citizens who meet certain eligibility criteria can apply for an Ascent college or bootcamp loan.Please see the required documentation and cosigner requirements below. Permanent Resident Required Documents: Unexpired Permanent Resident Card (If expired, provide extension letter) Social Security Card Cosigner requirements: You can apply as a solo applicant, or with a U.S Citizen or U.S PermanentResident Cosigner Temporary Resident: Required Documents: Unexpired VISA with an acceptable category as follows:F-1, F-3, G-1, H-1B, H-1C, H-2B, H-3, J-1, L-1, M-1, M-3, T-1, TN Social Security Card The following documents may also be submitted in lieu of a VISA and Social Security Card I-20 Form (pages 1 & 2 signed) (if applicable) Unexpired Passport from country of origin *Temporary Protected Status: See here for eligible countries: https://www.uscis.govhumanitarian/temporary-protected-status Required Documents: Form I-797, Notice of Action Unexpired Passport from country of origin Social Security Card (if applicable Cosigner requirements: You can apply with a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident cosigner. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): Required Documents: Unexpired Employment Authorization Card with your name and a C33 category code If expired or in process we need a Form I-797, Notice of Action or written notice of DACA and employment authorization Social Security Card Cosigner requirements: You can apply as a solo applicant, or with a U.S Citizen or U.S PermanentResident Cosigner NOTE: The option to apply to release the cosigner after making twelve (12) consecutive fullprincipal and interest payments on-time or an equivalent prepayment amount while also meeting the othereligibility criteria to qualify is only available to student borrowers that are U.S. citizens or have U.S.permanent resident status or DACA status. (See FAQ, “Can I eventually remove the cosigner from my loan?”)

Can I qualify for an Ascent college loan if I’m not full-time?

Students enrolled full-time or at least half-time at an eligible institution may qualify. Certain limitations may apply for such applicants that apply without a cosigner. For applicants approved for our Cosigned Credit-Based Loan or Non-Cosigned Credit-Based Loan, you may qualify when enrolled in a degree program at least half-time at an eligible institution. For applicants approved by for our Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan, you must be enrolled full-time*. *Applicants graduating within 9-months may be enrolled half-time under Ascent's Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan

What are the credit requirements for Ascent’s college loans?

Ascent’s credit decisioning criteria is proprietary and subject to change, but you can check what rates you pre-qualify for in just four (4) steps without impacting your credit score. We consider credit history and several other factors including, but not limited to, credit score. Cosigned Credit-Based Loan for undergraduate and graduate students Student borrowers must have a minimum credit score. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner. Cosigners must have a minimum credit score. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your borrower. Non-Cosigned Credit-Based Loan for undergraduate and graduate students Student borrowers must have more than two (2)years of credit history with a minimum credit score. Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan for undergraduate (juniors and seniors ONLY Eligible student borrowers with no credit score, or eligible students that meet aminimum credit score with or without two (2) years of credit history. (See Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan eligibility requirements.)

What are the income requirements for Ascent’s college loans?

If you are an undergraduate student borrower without a cosigner AND have less than two (2) years ofcredit history, OR any student borrower with a cosigner: There is no minimum income requirement. See NOTE below. If you are a student borrower without a cosigner and have at least two (2) years of credit history. You will be tested against the following criteria to determine your eligibility for the most favorable ratesand terms available: Minimum gross annual income of $30,000 Must meet a monthly debt-to-income (DTI) ratio If you are a cosigner: Must meet a minimum gross annual income of $30,000

How much can I apply for with Ascent’s college loans?

The maximum loan amount for an Ascent loan is limited to the total cost of attendance for a period not to exceed one full academic year, including any financial aid you receive, as certified by your school. Note: Your maximum loan amount may be less than the amount requested on your application due to school certification or other underwriting factors. Minimum: $2,001* Maximum (aggregate): $200,000 for Undergraduate Loans; $400,000 for Graduate Loans Maximum for academic year: Student borrowers may borrow up to their institution's cost of attendance as certified by the school and may not exceed the aggregate loan limits as stated above except for Ascent’s Undergraduate Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan, which has a maximum of $20,000 for the academic year. *The loan minimum amount is $2,001 except for the state of Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.

Do I need a cosigner?

Not necessarily. Ascent considers several factors including: creditworthiness, school, program, graduation date, major, GPA, cost of attendance, and other factors that allow for undergraduate students to potentially obtain a Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan in their own name without a cosigner. Nevertheless, applying with a cosigner may result in a lower interest rate. Students who are a U.S. citizen or have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status may apply without a cosigner. Students who are not a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident may apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident. ( See FAQ, “Can students that are Non-U.S. citizens apply for an Ascent college loan?” )

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220,000+ people have used Ascent to pay for school^**

4.8 out of 5

Competitive student loan rates

Fixed Rates

2.69%to 16.86% APR

Variable Rates

3.65%to 16.56% APR

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How Ascent outshines the competition:

Our priority is the success of our borrowers. That's why Ascent offers more flexible repayment options, competitive interest rates, and personalized help so you can navigate your education and career path along the way.

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Industry standard

Grace Period

9 months

6 months

Automatic Payment Discounts

0.5% - 1%

0.25%

No Fees on College Loans!

Cover up to 100% of school costs in under 3 minutes with or without a cosigner

Preparing for college is hard work, but applying for an Ascent student loan is fast and easy.

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No fees

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Smart options

Competitive fixed rates starting at 2.69% APR^* and variable rates starting at 3.65% APR^*

Easy repayment

Simple, flexible repayment options designed to fit your needs

Big advantages

Get access to benefits like paid internship opportunities and career coaching¹

A loan that fits your needs

School loans for your bright future. Explore Ascent’s award-winning undergraduate and graduate student loans. Find your best student loan option in minutes.

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Cosigned Loans

Our private student loans with a cosigner offer affordable fixed or variable rates starting at 2.69% APR^*.

Non-Cosigned Loans

If you don’t pre-qualify for our credit-based non-cosigned loan, eligible juniors and seniors may apply for our Outcomes-Based Loan without a cosigner.

Parent Student Loans

Our Parent Student Loans help parents, guardians, and sponsors pay for their students' education and invest in their financial future.

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Who is Ascent?

Ascent is a leading provider of innovative financial products and student support services that enable more students to access education and achieve academic and economic success. We are obsessed with driving positive student outcomes. Everything Ascent offers is designed with the best-in-class teams and technology to increase every student's ability to plan, pay, and succeed.

What types of private student loans does Ascent offer?

Ascent offers loan products to help undergraduate and graduate students pay for higher education.

Undergraduate students have the option to apply for a Cosigned Credit-Based Loan , Non-Cosigned Credit-Based Loan or Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan (for eligible juniors and seniors – see eligibility requirements.)
Graduate students have the option to apply for a Cosigned Credit-Based Loan or Non-Cosigned Credit-Based Loan. Ascent created customized repayment terms for:
- Business School (MBA)
- Dental School (DMD, DDS)
- Law School (JD, LLM)
- Medical School (MD, DO, DVM, VMD, DPM)
- General Graduate School (Health Professionals, Nursing, Pharmacy, MA, MS, PhD, etc.)

Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. See Terms and Conditions at AscentFunding.com/Rates and AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Loan features and information advertised are intended for Ascent college student loans and are subject to change at any time.

^*Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Rates displayed above are effective as of 6/1/2026 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% on credit-based college student loans submitted prior to 06/01/2025 or a 0.5% discount on credit-based college student loans submitted on or after 06/01/2025 when you enroll in automatic payments. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions. The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. Variable rates may increase after consummation.

^**Over 220,000 borrowers took out an Ascent loan for college or career training tuition or expenses between January 2018 and March 2026.

¹Comparison chart is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information obtained from competitor websites as of May 2026. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness, timeliness, or reliability of the data presented. Competitor terms, rates, and features may change without notice. This chart is intended to help users understand general differences among products and services and does not constitute financial advice, an endorsement, or a loan offer. Users should verify all information directly with the respective providers before making any financial decisions. Ascent loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. See Terms and Conditions at AscentFunding.com/Rates and AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time.