Today’s student lending system often depends on credit scores and cosigners. But those measures do not always capture a student’s ambition or potential. As a result, many capable, motivated learners face barriers to support before they have the opportunity to show what they are truly capable of. 

At Ascent, we aim to change that. Our outcomes-based lending pairs funding with built-in guidance and support, helping students and career learners stay on track, complete their programs, and prepare for meaningful opportunities after school. 

Start with the video below, then keep reading to see how outcomes-based lending works and how Ascent supports learners from enrollment through career readiness. 

 Why outcomes‑based funding matters 

For too many students and learners, the traditional lending model does not reflect their potential or circumstances. That matters because access to education and the ability to finish it has real consequences for life outcomes, economic mobility, and community strength. 

The gap in traditional lending 

Private loans often rely on credit history or a creditworthy cosigner. In today’s economy, that can exclude capable learners for reasons that have little to do with their motivation or ability to succeed. 

• Young adults often do not have a long credit history, even when they are doing well academically. 

• First-generation college students may not have access to a quality cosigner. 

• Career changers and lifelong learners may face financial responsibilities that make traditional underwriting difficult. 

Outcomes-based lending is designed to change that. By considering factors such as academic progress, program completion, and career readiness, these loans create opportunities for learners who might otherwise be left out. 

How outcomes-based loans address this gap 

Ascent’s outcomes-based loans focus on completion, progress, and long-term opportunity, helping qualified learners access funding when they need it most. 

Juniors and senior undergraduate learners can use the Ascent’s College Outcomes-Based Loan® to cover tuition, fees, and other education costs, even if they have limited credit history or no cosigner. Eligibility for this loan type is based on several factors including major, GPA, cost of attendance, and graduation date. 

Career-focused learners, whether upskilling, reskilling, or changing careers, can access the Career Outcomes-Based Loan®. With flexible repayment aligned to program completion or employment, this loan helps learners invest in their future without being held back by upfront financial barriers. 

Graduate students also benefit from outcomes-based options, including loans that evaluate expected post-graduation earning potential rather than relying solely on current credit profiles. This helps ensure financing is manageable after completing advanced programs. 

“We look at the whole person and their future potential,” said Allie Danziger, Ascent’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Then we help students plan, pay for school, and build the skills they need to succeed after graduation.” 

Support beyond funding 

Financing is only part of the picture. Students also need support to stay on track, build confidence, and get ready for what comes next. 

All Ascent, borrowers get personalized coaching, career resources, and financial education that help with everything from managing time to acing interviews. Students also get access to apply to paid remote internship opportunities that give learners hands-on experience, helping them gain skills and confidence as they step into the workforce. 

Strengthening learners, families and communities 

Ascent has supported more than 168,000 people* and partnered with over 2,000 schools across the United States, providing more than $2 billion in funding for higher education and career-focused programs. These numbers show reach, but they only hint at the real impact. 

When learners are able to finish their education, the effects ripple outward. Families gain stability, employers gain skilled talent, and communities grow stronger as more people fully participate in the economy. Supporting students is about more than tuition. It is about creating opportunities that last far beyond the classroom. 

“This is why student success matters at every level,” said Danziger. “When individuals succeed, whether in school or in the workforce, their whole family benefits. Communities are strengthened, and society benefits. We are committed to removing barriers and helping more people access the education they want so they can contribute fully to their communities.” 

Learn more about Ascent 

 No single company can solve the student finance system alone, but innovative models can move it forward. Ascent combines financial products with wrap-around student support, enabling more learners to access education and achieve academic and career success. 

Ascent’s rare Outcomes-Based Loan provides funding to credit-invisible borrowers who generally do not benefit from traditional credit. Ascent products also include: Cosigned Loans, Solo Loans, Career Loans, Parent Loans, Graduate Loans, Access Loans, Enterprise Loans and Impact Loans. 

From financial wellness resources to our flexible private student loans and undergraduate student loans, we are here to help students and their families make informed decisions about their future in college, and beyond. 

* Over 168,000 borrowers took out an Ascent loan for college or career training tuition or expenses between January 2018 and November 2025.