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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. 
  • 8 Simple Steps on How to Find an Internship
    Looking for your dream internship can be challenging in today’s online learning environment. Here are some tips to help you search for an internship.
  • Guide to Paying for College
    Your Guide to Paying for College: 4 Tips to Get Started
    Feeling overwhelmed about your options to paying for college? Here are five money management tips to get started with your journey.
  • Women in Finance | Ascent Funding
    How to Be Financially Confident, From Women Who’ve Been There
    Find out what these financially awesome experts have learned about managing money on their journey to financial wellness.
  • 5 Tips on Avoiding Overdraft Fees | Ascent Funding
    How to Avoid Overdraft Fees: 5 Tips for Students
    What is an overdraft fee? Learn more about this costly expense and five tips to avoid overdraft fees while in school and beyond.
  • Greek Life Tips | Ascent Funding
    5 Things to Consider Before Joining Greek Life in College
    If you’re searching for ways to meet people on campus, here are five things to consider before joining Greek life in college.
  • Ken Joins Episode #114 of The Higher Ed Geek Podcast with Dustin Ramsdell
    Ascent’s CEO & Chairman, Ken Ruggiero, recently sat down with Dustin Ramsdell at The Higher Ed Geek Podcast to talk about the rising cost of college today.
  • 6 Tips for Navigating Your First Day of College
    You’ve unpacked your room, what now? Here are a few supportive tips on how to survive your first day as a college student.
  • 6 Essential Tips on How to Negotiate a Job Offer
    Entering the professional world can seem a bit scary, but we got your back. Here are six essential tips for negotiating your first job offer.
  • How to Start Investing in College: 6 Easy Steps
    If you’re wondering how to start investing in college, here are 6 easy steps to make sure you begin on the right path with your finances.
  • Ascent Named Best Private Student Loan for 2021
    Ascent has done it again!
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Your Ultimate Guide to College Funding

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