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
Being young I don’t have a strong credit history. Ascent made it possible for me to have my own loan without the help of others – I’m thankful I found them.
Nikara M.University of North Carolina at Charlotte
For a limited time: we've discounted our rates
Don’t miss out: take advantage of our lowest college loan rates this year, starting at 3.69% APR*
Apply Now
Low Fixed Rates
4.29% - 15.96%
3.69% - 14.71%
*Rates displayed above are effective as of 09/03/2024 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% on 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.
College loans designed with you in mind.
Ascent helps you cover up to 100% of your cost of attendance and other school-related expenses (up to $200,000 for undergraduate loans and $400,000 for graduate loans*) at over 2,200 colleges nationwide by offering undergraduate and graduate 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.
Cosigned
Credit-Based Loan
For students with a creditworthy cosigner - See eligibility requirements.
Variable* APR6.01% - 15.47%
Fixed* APR3.69% - 14.71%
Parent
Credit-Based Loan
For parents, grandparents, guardians, and sponsors with a student attending an eligible school - See eligibility requirements.
Variable* APR5.76% - 16.12%
Fixed* APR4.40% - 15.56%
Non-Cosigned
Credit-Based Loan
For students without a cosigner who qualify based on credit and minimum income - See eligibility requirements.
Variable* APR9.17% - 15.07%
Fixed* APR8.49% - 14.31%
Non-Cosigned
Outcomes-Based Loan
For juniors and seniors who meet our credit criteria - See eligibility requirements.
Graduate students have the option to apply for loans for Business School (MBA), Dental School (DMD, DDS), Law School (JD, LLM), Medical School (MD, DO, DVM, VMD, DPM), and General Graduate School (Health Professionals, Nursing, Pharmacy, MA, MS, PhD)
Cosigned
Credit-Based Loan
For graduate students with a creditworthy cosigner – See eligibility requirements.
Variable* APR7.86% - 15.47%
Fixed* APR4.69% - 14.71%
Parent
Credit-Based Loan
For parents, grandparents, guardians, and sponsors with a student attending an eligible school - See eligibility requirements.
Variable* APR5.76% - 16.12%
Fixed* APR4.40% - 15.56%
Non-Cosigned
Credit-Based Loan
For graduate students without a cosigner who qualify based on credit and minimum income - See eligibility requirements.
Variable* APR7.86% - 15.47%
Fixed* APR4.69% - 14.71%
Learn more ›
Cosigned
Credit-Based Loan
For students with a creditworthy cosigner - See eligibility requirements.
Variable* APR6.01% - 15.47%
Fixed* APR3.69% - 14.71%
Parent
Credit-Based Loan
For parents, grandparents, guardians, and sponsors with a student attending an eligible school - See eligibility requirements.
Variable* APR5.76% - 16.12%
Fixed* APR4.40% - 15.56%
*Rates displayed above are effective as of 09/03/2024 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% on credit-based loans and 1.00% discount on outcomes-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.
How to get your college student loan
You’ve already put a lot of work into preparing for college.
Step 1
Submit your pre-qualification
We ask you to provide important information such as your name, address, date of birth, the school you’re applying to, and employment information. If you’re applying with a cosigner, they’ll also enter their information.
Step 2
Customize your loan details
Once your completed loan application is approved, you’ll be able to view your loan details and select the loan terms that work best for you.
Step 3
Complete any open loan tasks in your Ascent portal
After you choose your loan terms, complete any loan application tasks in your Ascent portal.
Step 4
We pay the school
When your portal tasks are complete, we send your loan for school certification. Once certified, we’ll disburse your loan directly to the school.
Ready to start your loan application?
See your rates today without impacting your credit score.
Apply Now
Why choose an Ascent loan?
Ascent provides more opportunities for you and your family to apply for student loans with a cosigner, student loans without a cosigner, or our parent student loans as well as these additional benefits:
New 7 and 12-year repayment terms in addition to 5, 10, 15 and 20-year terms (depending on the loan you choose). See repayment examples
Start payments up to 9-months after graduation and if you need to make lower payments after graduation, consider our Progressive Repayment option.
Apply for Ascent’s Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan (for eligible juniors and seniors), or apply to release your cosigner after twelve (12) consecutive, full principal and interest payments on-time or an equivalent prepayment amount and meeting other criteria.
1.00% automatic debit discount for Ascent’s Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan (all credit-based loans are eligible for a 0.25% discount).
Stay up to date with your student loan and make payments using our AscentConnect mobile app. Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
No application, origination, or disbursem*nt fees AND there’s no penalty if you pay off your loan early.
1% Cash Back Reward upon graduation.
Ascent offers tips and resources that go beyond student loans to help you thrive in school and after graduation.
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 parent student loans do not qualify for the 1% cash back graduation reward.
What are the benefits of college loans?
Choosing private student loans for college allows you to:
Get the money you need to pay for college when federal loans aren’t enough.
Build credit for your future by making consecutive on-time payments.
Choose affordable variable or fixed interest rates.
Learn valuablefinancial wellness tips.
How else can Ascent help you and your family?
College student loans should expand your possibilities, not limit them. That’s why Ascent offers even more ways for you to earn money throughout the year.
We’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.
Resources
Student Loans 101What is Financial Wellness?4 Student Loan Tips for College GradsRead More
Have questions about student loans?
We have answers.
Ascent is the leading provider of innovative financial products and student support services that enable more students to access education and achieve academic and economic success.
Students attending an eligible institution and enrolled at least half-time in a degree program may apply for an Ascent loan.
Ascent’s credit decisioning criteria is proprietary and subject to change, but you can check your rates 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 students (juniors and seniors ONLY):
Student borrowers with no credit score, or students who meet a minimum credit score with or without two (2) years of credit history. (See Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan eligibility requirements.)
Yes. Non-U.S. citizens that meet certain eligibility criteria can apply for an Ascent undergraduate or graduate student loan, or an Ascent consumer loan for bootcamps.
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 Permanent Resident 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
Cosigner requirements: A U.S Citizen or U.S Permanent Resident Cosigner will be required with your application.
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 Permanent Resident Cosigner
NOTE: The option to apply to release the cosigner after making twelve (12) consecutive full principal and interest payments on-time or an equivalent prepayment amount while also meeting the other eligibility 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?”)
Yes. Students who are enrolled at least half-time at an eligible institution may qualify for Ascent’s Cosigned Credit-Based Loan option. Students who are enrolled half-time within 9-months of graduation in a degree-seeking program at an eligible institution may qualify for Ascent’s Non-Cosigned Outcomes-Based Loan option. Certain limitations may apply for applicants who apply without a cosigner.
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
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.
Your interest rate on the loan is the cost you pay to borrow the money. Your monthly payment is based on the interest rate for your total loan balance. You can choose between a fixed rate or a variable rate.
A fixed rate means your interest rate will not increase or decrease while you are making monthly payments until your loan is paid in full. It will stay the same for the life of the loan.
A variable rate means your actual interest rate could be lower or higher during your loan term than the rate you are given while completing the loan application.
Choosing a fixed rate versus a variable rate is entirely up to you but be sure to do your research beforehand on what will best fit your journey to financial wellness.
Ascent’s loan process is broken out into 4 easy steps:
Step 1: Submit your pre-qualification
Step 2: Select your repayment plan
Step 3: Complete your Ascent Portal tasks
Step 4: We pay your school
With federal student loans, you borrow money directly from the Department of Education. To apply for a federal student loan, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) application by visiting: https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out.
Private student loans help fill the gap between your college expenses, including books, school supplies, rent, groceries, parking, gas, and anything else not covered by FAFSA or scholarships. Ascent offers flexible options to help you manage your monthly payments as you enter repayment.
Private student loans generally have tougher eligibility requirements than federal loans. In addition to age, income and credit score minimums, students must be enrolled at an eligible school and use funds for specific expenses.
No.The Biden administration's student loan forgiveness plan only included federal student loans, but it was later struck down by the Supreme Court and never enacted. Private education loans don't qualify for loan forgiveness programs or income-driven repayment plans.
Most private student loans do not offer income-driven repayment plans. Private student loans do not qualify for teacher loan forgiveness or public service loan forgiveness. Private student loans have limited options for financial relief when a borrower experiences financial difficulty.
Private loans for students are credit-based. That means that a lender will look at your history of borrowing money and paying it back. Federal student loans, on the other hand, are generally based on financial situation and federal guidelines rather than credit.
If you apply for a private student loan on your own and are denied, it may be because you have insufficient personal credit history, which is common for full-time college students. Many students in this position will find a qualified co-signer to apply with them.
What credit score do you need for Sallie Mae? Sallie Mae doesn't disclose any credit score requirements for undergraduate private student loans. However, most lenders require a score of at least 670 to qualify.
If you took out your loans before July 1, 2014, they'll be forgiven after 25 years on IBR. Loans taken out after that date will be forgiven after 20 years. Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR): The ICR Plan is available to student or parent borrowers and limits payments to 20% of your discretionary income.
You can get out of private student loan debt by agreeing to a settlement, obtaining a discharge in bankruptcy, filing a lawsuit against the loan holder, or waiting for the debt to expire.
Private student loans are only forgiven when the borrower becomes permanently disabled or dies. Your relief options will depend on your lender and loan agreement. Contact your lender and discuss your financial situation before defaulting on your student loans.
Are Sallie Mae loans better than federal student loans? In general, federal loans are the best first choice for student borrowers. Federal student loans offer numerous benefits that private loans do not.
If you have exceptional credit, it's possible that you could get a better interest rate on a private student loan than a federal one. However, you'll miss out on federal benefits, such as income-driven repayment programs and eligibility for loan forgiveness programs.
Among our partner lenders, you'll need a credit score of at least 670 to qualify for a private student loan, although some lenders don't disclose their minimum credit score requirements. However, the higher your score, the better. Most lenders will give you better rates and terms if your score is at least 700.
You're a graduate student with excellent credit (or a well-qualified cosigner); you've used up your eligibility for federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans; or you're going into a high-paying profession.
Private student loan maximums depend on the lender. Generally, your borrowing is capped at your school's total cost of attendance, less other financial aid you may have received. But just because you can borrow that much doesn't mean you should.
You don't need to submit the FAFSA to receive a private student loan, though you'll have to fill out an application that includes credit, income and other financial and personal information for you and your co-signer, if you need one.
Private student loans, including refinance loans, usually require a credit score of at least 670. However, knowing the precise requirements is tricky because private lenders are not always forthcoming with this information. Oftentimes the only way to find out if you qualify is to apply.
Lenders may look at your employment history, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and enrollment status at your school. One of the most common reasons why a student might not qualify for a private student loan is because they don't meet their lender's FICO® Credit Score criteria.
Yes, there are private student loan providers that don't have GPA requirements for their loans. Unlike federal student loans which are based on financial need and generally don't have academic requirements, private loans may have various qualifications depending on the lender, though many don't require a minimum GPA.
Private student loans can be approved in as little as a few hours to two weeks. Typically it will take around 1-2 weeks to receive the funds after approval, though it may be longer depending on the lender and the type of loan you choose.
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