Preparing for college is hard work, but applying for an Ascent student loan is fast and easy. Apply with or without a cosigner.
Finish My ApplicationSave more with absolutely zero fees on college loans, ever
Competitive fixed rates starting at 2.19% APR* and variable rates starting at 3.64% APR*
Simple, flexible repayment options designed to fit your needs
Get access to benefits like career coaching and resources2
Ascent provides access to resources, professional development2, 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 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.
*Ascent's undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions may apply. For Ascent's Terms and Conditions please visit AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed are effective as of 08/01/2026 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount (ACH). The ACH discount consists of a 0.5% discount for on credit-based college student loans submitted on or after 6/1/2025, and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions, and conditions apply. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time. 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 (Immediate) 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 examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
The following examples for a $10,000 loan show a 48-month in-school period plus 9 months of grace prior to a full repayment term for 60-months (lowest variable rate), with examples of (i) Interest Only payments, (ii) $25 Minimum payments, (iii) Deferred repayment, and (iv) Immediate Repayment options.
• Interest Only Repayment: 5.89% APR, with 57 payments of $49.08 while in-school/grace, 60 payments of $192.84 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $14,368.54.
• $25 Minimum Payment: 6.52% APR, with 57 payments of $25.00 while in-school/grace, 60 payments of $233.97 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $15,463.01.
• Deferred Repayment: 6.71% APR, with no payment while in-school/grace, 60 payments of $269.84 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $16,175.28.
• Immediate Repayment: 3.64% APR, with 60 payments of $182.55, and a total cost of $10,953.09.
The following examples for a $10,000 loan show a 48-month in-school period plus 9 months of grace prior to a full repayment term for 180-months (highest variable rate), with examples of (i) Interest Only payments, (ii) $25 Minimum payments, (iii) Deferred repayment, and (iv) Immediate Repayment options.
• Interest Only Repayment: 16.30% APR, with 57 payments of $135.75 while in-school/grace, 180 payments of $148.94 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $34,546.75.
• $25 Minimum Payment: 15.07% APR, with 57 payments of $25.00 while in-school/grace, 180 payments of $256.92 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $47,672.31.
• Deferred Repayment: 15.25% APR, with no payment while in-school/grace, 180 payments of $291.22 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $51,619.42.
• Immediate Repayment: 16.05% APR, with 180 payments of $147.21, and a total cost of $26,495.61.
The following examples for a $10,000 loan show a 36-month in-school period plus 9 months of grace prior to a full repayment term for 60-months (lowest variable rate), with examples of (i) Interest Only payments, (ii) $25 Minimum payments, (iii) Deferred repayment, and (iv) Immediate Repayment options.
• Interest Only Repayment: 5.34% APR, with 45 payments of $44.50 while in-school/grace, 60 payments of $190.29 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $13,420.72.
• $25 Minimum Payment: 6.12% APR, with 45 payments of $25.00 while in-school/grace, 60 payments of $219.31 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $14,283.77.
• Deferred Repayment: 6.18% APR, with no payment while in-school/grace, 60 payments of $244.64 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $14,652.76.
• Immediate Repayment: 3.64% APR, with 60 payments of $182.55, and a total cost of $10,953.09.
The following examples for a $10,000 loan show a 36-month in-school period plus 9 months of grace prior to a full repayment term for 180-months (highest variable rate), with examples of (i) Interest Only payments, (ii) $25 Minimum payments, (iii) Deferred repayment, and (iv) Immediate Repayment options.
• Interest Only Repayment: 16.05% APR, with 45 payments of $133.67 while in-school/grace, 180 payments of $147.19 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $32,509.87.
• $25 Minimum Payment: 15.17% APR, with 45 payments of $25.00 while in-school/grace, 180 payments of $227.11 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $42,001.44.
• Deferred Repayment: 15.57% APR, with no payment while in-school/grace, 180 payments of $257.33 during the repayment term, and a total cost of $45,537.08.
• Immediate Repayment: 15.80% APR, with 180 payments of $145.47, and a total cost of $26,181.16.
**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.
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.
Don’t miss out on a chance to win $10,000 from Ascent! No essay required.
*Students 14+. See Official Rules.
Ascent's pre-qualification process uses a soft credit check. If you pre-qualify, you’ll see your rates and repayment options with no credit impact. We’ll only continue to a hard credit check once you accept and agree to move forward with a loan option.
Make a plan with Ascent’s Student Loan Calculator
