Apply Now

Ascent vs. Earnest
Which student loan is right for you?

A side-by-side breakdown to help you choose a private student loan.
Ascent stands out as a top choice with accessible approval requirements,
no fees on college loans, and support at every stage.

Nerdwallet best of awards badgebest of awards 2025 badgelendedu badge

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

4.8 out of 5
9,359 NPS reviews

How Ascent compares to Earnest

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.

Apply Now
What Matters to You1 Ascent Funding blue logo Earnest
I want to avoid fees No fees on private student loans No fees on private student loans
I want to keep my costs down 0.50% - 1% interest rate discount with Autopay 0.25% interest rate discount with Autopay
I care about my experience as a customer Excellent Trustpilot rating Excellent Trustpilot rating
I’m looking for flexible repayment options 9-month grace period after graduation 9-month grace period after graduation
I’m worried about my credit history without a cosigner Offers non-cosigned outcomes-based loans for those with no credit history Doesn’t offer non-cosigned outcomes-based loans for those with no credit history

A student loan experience
students & parents recommend

Ascent always has your back.

We go beyond just providing loans

Ascent provides access to resources, professional development, real-life internship opportunities2 and scholarships to help you during college and as you enter your career. Oh, and the flexible repayment and cash back rewards3 don’t hurt either.

Apply Now
beyond loans

Flexible repayment options

Choose from a wide range of repayment schedules for cosigned and non-cosigned college undergraduate, graduate, and parent loans.

No fees

Breathe easier with absolutely no fees on college loans - no late fees, application fees, origination fees, NSF fees, or disbursement fees.

Job & internship support

Gain access to paid remote internship opportunities and resources for budgeting, school support, and career readiness through AscentUP2.

What independent reviewers say

Apply in under 3 minutes

Check your rates without impacting your credit.

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. Ascent college loans include both undergraduate and graduate loans.

**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.

2Ascent 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.

3For more information, including eligibility requirements, terms, and conditions, please visit AscentFunding.com/ascentbenefitsterms.