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 Named Best Places to Work in Fintech 2026   
    Ascent, a leading provider of innovative financial products and student support services that enable more students to access education and achieve academic and economic success, has been named one of the 2026 Best Places to Work in Fintech, an awards program created in 2017 by Arizent and Best Companies Group.  This annual survey and awards program recognizes the top employers in the financial technology industry. Honorees operate across a wide range of financial services sectors, including banking, mortgages, insurance, payments and financial advisory. To be eligible, companies must provide technology products or services that support financial services delivery, have been in business for at least one year, and employ at least 15 people in the U.S.  "Each year, the Best Places to Work in Financial Technology offers a glimpse into the practices of fintechs whose employees rate their workplaces highly," said Penny Crosman, executive editor of technology at American Banker. "This year, employees appear to value remote work and schedule flexibility above all else, at a time when many traditional financial firms have enforced strict return-to-work policies."  Companies from across the United States entered a two-part survey process to determine Arizent’s Best Places to Work in Fintech. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data and determined the final ranking.  “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.”  For more information on Arizent’s Best Places to Work in Fintech program, including full eligibility criteria, visit www.BestPlacestoWorkFinTech.com or contact Penny Crosman at [email protected].  About Ascent  Ascent is a leading provider of innovative financial products and wrap-around student support services that enable more students to access education and achieve academic and economic success. Everything Ascent offers is designed by leading industry professionals and with advanced technology and innovation to increase every student’s ability to plan, pay, and succeed. 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.  
  • 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.

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