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Your guide to paying for college

We know that figuring out how to pay for college can be confusing and sometimes feels impossible. That’s why we partnered with the team at AscentUP* to created a free Ultimate Guide to Paying for College, supporting parents, students and co-signers from acceptance letter to tuition bill.

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Let us provide guidance for every step.

  • Selecting Your School: Find the right fit academically and financially.
  • Financing Education: Explore your options for paying for college.
  • Understanding Student Loans: Learn how private loans can fill the gap.

Take the Next Step:

Invest in your future with the Ultimate Guide to Paying for College. We break things down in this user-friendly, 10-minute experience to help you navigate your college finance journey without the confusing “finance” jargon.

Whether you’re choosing between schools, filling out the FAFSA, or exploring private student loan options, The Ultimate Guide to Paying for College can help.

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It doesn’t have to be so confusing.

Ascent is passionate about helping you find the right loan for your needs, pay off your loan quickly and plan for your life after college.

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Unsure where to start?

Feel good about your education journey, and beyond, with our free guide to paying for college.

your college your future

Your College, Your Future

  • Evaluate Cost: Get past the sticker price to understand actual college costs.
  • ROI Driven Choices: See how majors and faculty will impact the return on your investment.
  • Right Fit Matters: Choose a college that leads to the future you want.
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Smart Funding Strategies

  • Maximize Aid: Complete the FAFSA® for grants and scholarships.
  • Scholarship Hunt: Find grants and scholarships to help pay for college.
  • Work & Earn: Maximize opportunities on and off campus to help supplement your financial aid.
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Loan Insights 

  • Strategic Borrowing: Learn when and how to consider private student loans.
  • Repayment Plans: Choose the repayment option that works best for you.
  • Safe Borrowing: Discover loans with benefits that protect your financial future.
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Jump start success, beyond your student loan

After you access the Ultimate Guide to Paying for College, download our free guide and checklist, take advantage of free resources, professional development coaching and financial wellness courses available to all Ascent borrowers.*

Ascent’s Bright Futures™ Engine

Evaluate the return on your investment by comparing your expected salary with the cost of college attendance.

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Career advice

Through free blog posts and videos, we answer the tough questions, plus AscentUP* provides real life job training and 1x1 coaching sessions.

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Scholarships and internships

We put our money where our mouth is which is why we offer scholarships and prepare you for the workforce through paid, remote internships.

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Earn cash

Through Ascent rewards, referral payouts, scholarships, giveaways and cash back, we put money in your pocket so you can pay off your loans faster and invest in your future.

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Dive into the experience now!

Discover expert tips and best practices to pay for college, including:

  • Choosing a school that aligns with your budget
  • Understanding tuition bills to manage them effectively
  • Getting the most out of your financial aid
  • Taking the stress out of student loans and borrowing responsibly

This quick and interactive guide gives parents, guardians, students, and cosigners the confidence to navigate college financing.

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Reach out to us!

Have questions or need assistance? Lindsay is here to help. Connect with Lindsay today for expert support and guidance.

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*Ascent applicants and borrowers that agree to the AscentUP Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, as well as students associated with an Ascent parent loan application, have access to the AscentUP platform.