PenFed partnered with Ascent to help you pay for grad school.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re approaching the final year of graduate school, Ascent’s award-winning loans can help you get the money you need to pay for your masters, doctoral, or professional degree with or without a cosigner.
Get StartedCheck your rates without impacting your credit score.
What are others saying about Ascent?
The best thing about Ascent is the fact that they make the process easy. I was able to do everything online and the money was sent directly to my school.
Anjellica C.
Northern Arizona University
They talked to me and helped me out in the most possible way. They made sure I got the most that I possibly could.
Rnajee M.
Mississippi State University
Ascent was great because they were able to answer all of my questions. They made getting to college a lot easier for me.
Grace G.
Simmons College
Why PenFed recommends Ascent:
Most Flexible Options
Start payments up to 9 months after graduation and if you need to make lower payments, consider our Progressive Repayment option.
Fast Cosigner Release
Gain financial independence by removing your cosigner after making the first 12 consecutive full principal and interest on-time payments.
Scholarship Opportunities
Over $80,000 in scholarships awarded in 2022. Ascent offers more opportunities to pay for school with monthly scholarship giveaways.
Student Success Program
Ascent’s undergraduate borrowers get access to expert coaching and easy-to-use resources to help you complete your degree and launch a rewarding career.
Ascent's Student Loans
Ascent helps you cover up to 100% of your cost of attendance and other school-related expenses (up to $400,000*) at over 2,200 colleges nationwide by offering loans for students.
*The final amount approved depends on the borrower's year in school, credit history, certified cost of attendance, and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information.
MBA
Student Loans
For graduate students pursuing their MBA with or without a cosigner.
Variable* APR
7.74% - 15.85%
Fixed* APR
4.79% - 15.41%
View Details
Eligibility*:
- Enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school
- May apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
- Students who apply without a cosigner must have a valid social security number, at least 2 years of credit history and meet credit and minimum income requirements
Rewards:
- ACH discount: 0.25%
- 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward
- Monthly no-essay Scholarship giveaways on social media
- Refer a Friend: Earn up to $525 for each friend you refer
REPAYMENT OPTIONS (available while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school and during Grace Period)*
- Deferred Repayment
- Interest-Only Repayment
- $25 Minimum Payment
- Immediate Repayment*
Terms:
- 7, 10, 12, or 15-Years
(No penalty for early repayment)
Grace Period:
- Postpone full principal and interest payments up to 9-months after graduation or leaving the program, or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status
EXTENDED IN-SCHOOL PERIOD:
- Maximum in-school period is 36 months
Medical School
Student Loans
For graduate students pursuing their MD, DO, DVM, VMD, or DPM with or without a cosigner.
Variable* APR
7.74% - 16.10%
Fixed* APR
4.79% - 15.41%
View Details
Eligibility*:
- Enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school
- May apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
- Students who apply without a cosigner must have a valid social security number, at least 2 years of credit history and meet credit and minimum income requirements
Rewards:
- ACH discount: 0.25%
- 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward
- Monthly no-essay Scholarship giveaways on social media
- Refer a Friend: Earn up to $525 for each friend you refer
REPAYMENT OPTIONS (available while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school and during Grace Period)*
- Deferred Repayment
- Interest-Only Repayment
- $25 Minimum Payment
Terms:
- 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20-Years
(20-year term only available with a variable rate option. No penalty for early repayment)
Grace Period:
- Postpone full principal and interest payments up to 36-months after graduation, up to 9-months after leaving the program or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status
EXTENDED IN-SCHOOL PERIOD:
- Maximum in-school period is 48 months
Dental School
Student Loans
For graduate students pursuing their DMD or DDS with or without a cosigner.
Variable* APR
7.74% - 16.10%
Fixed* APR
4.79% - 15.41%
View Details
Eligibility*:
- Enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school
- May apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
- Students who apply without a cosigner must have a valid social security number, at least 2 years of credit history and meet credit and minimum income requirements
Rewards:
- ACH discount: 0.25%
- 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward
- Monthly no-essay Scholarship giveaways on social media
- Refer a Friend: Earn up to $525 for each friend you refer
REPAYMENT OPTIONS (available while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school and during Grace Period)*
- Deferred Repayment
- Interest-Only Repayment
- $25 Minimum Payment
Terms:
- 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20-Years
(20-year term only available with a variable rate option. No penalty for early repayment)
Grace Period:
- Postpone full principal and interest payments up to 12-months after graduation, up to 9-months after leaving the program or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status
EXTENDED IN-SCHOOL PERIOD:
- Maximum in-school period is 48-months
Law School
Student Loans
For graduate students pursuing their JD or LLM with or without a cosigner.
Variable* APR
7.74% - 15.85%
Fixed* APR
4.79% - 15.41%
View Details
Eligibility*:
- Enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school
- May apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
- Students who apply without a cosigner must have a valid social security number, at least 2 years of credit history and meet credit and minimum income requirements
Rewards:
- ACH discount: 0.25%
- 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward
- Monthly no-essay Scholarship giveaways on social media
- Refer a Friend: Earn up to $525 for each friend you refer
REPAYMENT OPTIONS (available while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school and during Grace Period)*
- Deferred Repayment
- Interest-Only Repayment
- $25 Minimum Payment
- Immediate Repayment*
Terms:
- 7, 10, 12, or 15-Years
(No penalty for early repayment)
Grace Period:
- Postpone full principal and interest payments up to 9-months after graduation or leaving the program, or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status
EXTENDED IN-SCHOOL PERIOD:
- Maximum in-school period is 36 months
General Graduate
Student Loans
For graduate students pursuing their MA, MS, PhD, or other graduate school programs with or without a cosigner.
Variable* APR
7.74% - 15.85%
Fixed* APR
4.79% - 15.41%
View Details
Eligibility*:
- Enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school
- May apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
- Students who apply without a cosigner must have a valid social security number, at least 2 years of credit history and meet credit and minimum income requirements
Rewards:
- ACH discount: 0.25%
- 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward
- Monthly no-essay Scholarship giveaways on social media
- Refer a Friend: Earn up to $525 for each friend you refer
REPAYMENT OPTIONS (available while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school and during Grace Period)*
- Deferred Repayment
- Interest-Only Repayment
- $25 Minimum Payment
- Immediate Repayment*
Terms:
- 7, 10, 12, or 15-Years
(No penalty for early repayment)
Grace Period:
- Postpone full principal and interest payments up to 9-months after graduation or leaving the program, or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status
EXTENDED IN-SCHOOL PERIOD:
- Maximum in-school period is 36 months
Parent
Credit-Based Loan
For parents, grandparents, guardians, and sponsors with a student attending an eligible school
Variable* APR
5.74% - 16.10%
Fixed* APR
4.70% - 15.86%
View Details
Eligibility*:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Must be a parent, grandparent, guardian, or sponsor with an eligible student who is enrolled less than half-time, half-time or full-time at a degree-granting, Title IV, Ascent eligible school
- Meet the minimum credit score and income requirements
Terms:
- 5, 7, 10, 12, or 15-Years
(No penalty for early repayment)
Parent
Credit-Based Loan
For parents, grandparents, guardians, and sponsors with a student attending an eligible school
Variable* APR
5.74% - 16.10%
Fixed* APR
4.70% - 15.86%
View Details
Eligibility*:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Must be a parent, grandparent, guardian, or sponsor with an eligible student who is enrolled less than half-time, half-time or full-time at a degree-granting, Title IV, Ascent eligible school
- Meet the minimum credit score and income requirements
Terms:
- 5, 7, 10, 12, or 15-Years
(No penalty for early repayment)
*Rates displayed above are effective as of 7/8/2024 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% for credit-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. The Full P&I (Immediate) Repayment option is only available for college loans (except for outcomes-based loans) originated on or after June 3, 2024. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Automatic Payment Discount 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 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 repayment examples below, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins.
Ascent also offers bootcamp loans to transform your career.
Learn MoreWe’re proud to provide award-winning loans for lifelong learners.
Tips & tools for financial success
To help you borrow responsibly, we incorporate financial wellness into our student loan application process and give you exclusive access to tips and resources to prepare you for financial success in college and after graduation.
Have questions about Ascent's loans?
We have answers
Do you offer graduate school scholarships?
Are there any discounts or incentives for the Ascent Graduate Student Loans?
Yes, borrowers are eligible to receive the following incentives:
Automatic Payment Discount: Borrowers can get a 0.25% interest rate discount if payments are made by automatic payment. 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. Learn More
1% Cash Back Graduation Reward: Borrowers are eligible to receive a 1% cash reward after graduation and upon meeting certain qualifying criteria.Learn More
Refer A Friend: Earn up to $525 for each friend you refer - There's no limit to what you can earn! See below for additional details or Learn More
What are the credit requirements for the Ascent's Graduate Student Loans?
What are the eligibility requirements for the Ascent's Graduate Student Loans?
Ascent considers several factors which may include: creditworthiness, school, program, GPA and cost of attendance.
Ascent Graduate Student Loans are for graduate students that are at least half-time enrolled in a degree program at an eligible institution.
Students applying without a cosigner must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status. Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents may apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
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