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Private Student Loan Advice & College Financing Resources

Expert guidance on private student loans including how to plan, pay, and succeed for students and parents from the start of school through graduation.

  • Ascent Recognized as One of Southern California's Best Places to Work 
    We’re proud to share that Ascent has been recognized as one of Southern California’s Best Places to Work by Best Companies Group, an independent organization that honors companies creating strong workplace experiences for their teams.  Best Places to Work SoCal is a research-driven program from Best Companies Group that reviews participating companies’ practices, programs, and benefits, then gathers employee feedback about their workplace experience. Companies that meet the program’s criteria are named among the Best Places to Work SoCal. For Ascent, this recognition reflects more than our benefits or programs. It reflects the people who make our work meaningful every day.  At Ascent, we’re focused on building a workplace where people feel supported, trusted, and able to grow. Our mission is to help students access education and move toward academic and economic success, and we know that work starts with our own team. When employees feel valued and connected to the work they do, they’re better equipped to make a meaningful impact.  Our team is curious, collaborative, and open to new ideas. Leaders encourage learning, create space for feedback, and support career growth across the company. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere, and we work to make sure employees feel heard, included, and empowered to contribute.  Supporting employees means supporting the whole person. Ascent offers flexible and hybrid work options, generous PTO and leave policies, paid parental leave, wellness support, continuing education opportunities, and a 401(k) match. These benefits are designed to help team members care for themselves, grow professionally, and build sustainable careers.  Recognition is also part of how we show appreciation. Through programs like Cosmic Kudos, professional development opportunities, and company-wide celebrations, Ascent makes time to acknowledge the work happening across the team. It’s one way we help create a culture where people support each other, celebrate progress, and take pride in the impact they’re making.  “We’re proud to have built a workplace where employees feel trusted, supported, and genuinely connected to the work they do,” said Emily Skoubo, Director of Human Resources at Ascent. “This recognition reflects the collaborative culture our team has created together and our continued focus on providing an environment where people can grow, contribute, and feel valued.”  At its core, Ascent’s culture is people-first and purpose-driven. Team members support one another, celebrate wins together, and stay connected to a shared goal: helping students and families plan for, pay for, and succeed in school. That mix of mission, collaboration, and opportunity is what makes Ascent a great place to work.  We’re grateful to every employee who helps shape that culture every day and proud of what we’ve built together. As Ascent continues to grow, we’ll keep investing in our people, strengthening our culture, and creating opportunities for employees to do meaningful work while building rewarding careers. Because when our people succeed, the students and families we serve benefit too. 
  • Lesly Lynch is pictured wearing headphones around her neck.
    Conversation on Tech & Film: Lesly Lynch
    If you’re looking for a career with endless possibilities, a position in the tech industry can deliver.
  • Nikita Gupta
    Conversations on Entrepreneurship: Nikita Gupta
    In our next Women in Tech interview, Nikita Gupta talks about her career and success with the intern management platform, Symba.
  • Breaking into Tech: Shelbi Chandler | MarketPlaces Commerce Business Partner, Google
    Breaking into Tech: Shelbi Chandler | MarketPlaces Commerce Business Partner, Google
    We had chatted with Shelbi about how she fell in love with tech, and what companies can do to make the tech space more inclusive. 
  • Breaking Into Tech: Courtney Cox | Associate Software Developer, Sky
    Breaking Into Tech: Courtney Cox | Associate Software Developer, Sky
    We chatted with Courtney about her experiences in the tech world, and what tips she has for others looking to kickstart their passion.
  • Breaking into Tech: Dominique Thomas | IT Support Engineer, Amazon
    Breaking into Tech: Dominique Thomas | IT Support Engineer, Amazon
    We chatted with Dominique about imposter syndrome, who motivates her, and what tips she has for other Black women breaking into tech. 
  • Breaking into Tech: Katerina Suchkova | Co-Founder & Product Coach, Ahead of Product
    Breaking into Tech: Katerina Suchkova | Co-Founder & Product Coach, Ahead of Product
    We sat down with Katerina to find out more about her journey in tech and how she helps others to kickstart their dream careers.
  • Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Credit Score, From Credit Coach Nicole Soares
    Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Credit Score, From Credit Coach Nicole Soares
    For National Credit Education Month, we chatted with Nicole to get her advice on everything from FICO® scores to building up your credit. 
  • Breaking into Tech: Rumby Wilson
    Breaking into Tech: Rumby Wilson | DevOps Consultant, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    We sat down with Rumby to talk about who inspired her to stay on track and advice she has for other Black women wanting to break into tech.
  • Coding Bootcamps for Women: The Ultimate Guide
    Learn about some of the programs and scholarships available to help women attend coding bootcamps and how a coding bootcamp could help you achieve your goals.

Your Ultimate Guide to College Funding

Discover interactive tools, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you pay for college with confidence.