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.  
  • 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.
  • Breaking into Tech: Chris Johnson | Ascent Funding
    Breaking into Tech: Chris Johnson | QA Engineer, Custom Ink
    We chatted with Chris about his journey into tech, what obstacles he’s faced, and what advice he has for newbies in STEM.
  • Guide to Paying for Coding Bootcamps | Ascent Funding
    Your Guide to Paying for Coding Bootcamps
    Want to start a new career in tech or shift your current role? We’re here to help with a list of the common ways to finance a bootcamp.
  • 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.
  • How to Find the Best Bootcamp Prep Course | Ascent Funding
    How to Find the Best Bootcamp Prep Course For You
    Whether you’re exploring prep courses to see if a bootcamp is right for you, or prepping for your bootcamp program, here are a few tips.
  • 7 Tips on How to Write a Great Coding Bootcamp Resume
    Learn tips and tricks to help you to write a successful coding bootcamp graduate resume.
  • Community College Programs and Certifications | Ascent Funding
    Which Community College Programs & Certifications Are Right For Me?
    Students across the nation are completing community college programs and certifications for many reasons! Read about what's available for you.
  • Getting A Job After Your Coding Bootcamp: 8 Tips to Prepare You For the Job Hunt
    Whether you’re preparing for the job hunt early or getting ready to graduate, here are 8 tips to getting a job after your coding bootcamp.
  • Build Your Perfect Summer Playlist with Ascent
    Songs of Summer - Build Your Ultimate Summer Playlist 🎶
    What are you listening to this summer? The Ascent interns shared the songs they plan to have on repeat all summer long. Check it out!
  • How to Choose the Right Bootcamp
    How to Choose the Right Coding Bootcamp: 4 Tips to Help You Decide
    Stuck on which bootcamp course to take? Read more of Ascent Funding’s tips on how to choose the right bootcamp course that works for you!
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