220,000+ people have used Ascent to pay for school**
Unlike other lenders, 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.
| What Matters to You1 |  |
Sallie Mae |
|---|---|---|
| I want to avoid fees | No fees of any kind on college loans | Late fees may apply |
| I care about my experience as a customer | Excellent Trustpilot rating and many positive reviews | Poor Trustpilot rating |
| I'm looking for flexible repayment options | 40+ repayment options and a longer 9-month grace period | Limited repayment terms and a 6-month grace period |
| I want to keep my costs down | 0.50% - 1% interest rate discount with Autopay | 0.25% interest rate discount with Autopay |
| I need a loan without a cosigner | Offers loans without a cosigner based on students' future potential | Approval often depends on a cosigner |
| I'm looking for support beyond the loan | Career tools, financial education, and a graduation cash back reward | Primarily loan servicing |
Ascent provides 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 rewards don't hurt either.
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Choose from a wide range of repayment schedules for cosigned and non-cosigned college undergraduate, graduate, and parent loans.
Breathe easier with absolutely no fees on college loans – no late fees, application fees, origination fees, NSF fees, or disbursement fees.
Gain access to paid remote internship opportunities and resources for budgeting, school support, and career readiness through AscentUP2.
With Ascent the process was far more open and easy to understand compared to College Ave and Sallie [Mae]. Rates more competitive.
Everyone was so helpful and nice to work with! Being a first generational College student picking a loan was scary and nerve wracking! but they made it so easy!
I've had such a struggle finding a loan and Ascent made it so simple. Not only was the process a weight lifted off my shoulders, but also ensured that I understood more about loans in general.
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 October 2025. 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.
Checking your rate will not impact your credit score.
For students seeking their undergraduate or graduate degree from a university or college.
For students attending a coding career training school pursuing a degree in technology, professional training, or licensure training.