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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. 
  • 3 Tips to Help You Pay for Study Abroad | Ascent Funding
    Traveling Abroad: 3 Tips To Help You Pay For Your Study Abroad Program
    Paying for your study abroad may seem overwhelming, but these student tips can help you prepare for your trip without breaking the bank.
  • 6 Ways to Decorate for Halloween on a College Student Budget | Ascent Funding
    How to Decorate Your Space For Halloween On A Budget
    While Halloween is a time for candy and costumes, it’s also where we spend money. Here's a few ways to trick out your space, even on a college student budget.
  • How to Ask Someone to Be a Cosigner on Your Student Loan
    Want to ask someone to be your student loan cosigner but are unsure how? Learn how to approach the conversation with a potential cosigner.
  • Don’t Forget These 20 Dorm Room Essentials | Ascent Funding
    Don’t Forget These 20 Dorm Room Essentials
    It’s time to pack it up and head back to school. To make sure you don’t forget some of the most important items, read our list of 20 dorm room essentials.
  • Tips On How to Build a Design Portfolio As A Student | Ascent Funding
    6 Tips On How To Build A Design Portfolio As A Student
    Summer is the perfect time to build a professional portfolio. Keep reading to learn tips on how to build a design portfolio as a student.
  • 10 Students Share Financial Advice They’ve Received
    What is the Best Financial Advice You’ve Received? 10 Students Share What They’ve Learned
    For our 50 Days of $1,000 Scholarships Giveaway, students shared financial advice they’ve received from a mentor.
  • 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!
  • 5 Ways to Strengthen Your Resume This Summer | Ascent Funding
    5 Summer Activities to Strengthen Your Resume
    Looking for something fun to gain experience and help you get your dream job? Here are five summer activities to strengthen your resume.
  • 6 Tips on Choosing the Right College
    How to Decide Which College is Right for You
    Are you ready to make a big decision about the next chapter of your life? Here's six tips to help you decide which college is right for you.
  • Record-Breaking Enhancements at Ascent
    Changes to Ascent This Summer: More Options, Competitive Rates and Greater Access
    This summer, Ascent is ready to help even more students pay for the upcoming school year, which includes making record-breaking enhancements and launching competitive rates.
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