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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. 
  • 5 Tips Every College Student Should Know Before Filing Taxes
    Need help filing taxes as a college student? Read up on how you can maximize your tax return this upcoming tax season and beyond.
  • What is Financial Wellness?
    What is financial wellness? Whether you’re a financial planning guru or just getting started, we want to help you on your journey to financial wellness.
  • How to Set Your Own Goals
    The SMART Goal Method
    There’s a better way to reach your goal of saving more. When setting your own goals for 2023, consider how the S.M.A.R.T. goal system can help you take your dream goal and turn it into reality.
  • 6 Tips on Saving Money in College
    How to Save Money in College (and Still Have Fun)
    Worried about spending money this semester and beyond? Here are 6 ways to save money in college without sacrificing your fun.
  • 4 Student Loan Tips for College Grads
    If you follow these 4 steps, you will successfully enter repayment after graduation and your journey to financial wellness will be even brighter.
  • Ascent Student Spotlight: Steven K.
    Ascent Student Spotlight: Steven K. of St. Louis College of Pharmacy
    Learn more about this month’s Student Spotlight, Steven Kramer, and how he shows up for the deaf community and beyond while attending school.
  • 6 Popular Self-Care Routines for Students
    We know you're busy while struggling to balance all the responsibilities that come with being a student, but it's important to make time for self-care.
  • The College Grad’s Guide to Insurance
    You survived college and graduated – now what? Check out these four helpful tips on navigating insurance as a college graduate.
  • How to Manage Your Money in College: 5 Tips for Students
    Stressed about money in college? Here’s your guide on how to manage your finances as a college student.
  • 5 Helpful Work Tips They Didn’t Teach in College
    College may have taught you how to write term papers, but here are 5 tips they don't teach you in school about navigating the professional world.
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Your Ultimate Guide to College Funding

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