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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 Tips to Help Ace Your First Job Interview After College
    8 Tips to Help Ace Your First Job Interview After College
    Preparing for an interview? Launch yourself into your future career by following these 8 tips on how to prepare for an interview.
  • 7 Tips to Volunteering in College
    7 Ways to Volunteer as A College Student During the Holiday Season
    Do you want to give back to your community? We put together seven tips about where you can volunteer in college this holiday season.
  • 7 Financial Wellness Podcasts for College Students
    At Ascent, we provide free resources to help you throughout college, which may include links to third-party websites (where security and privacy policies may differ from Ascent's).
  • 7 Good Part Time Jobs for College Students
    7 Part Time Jobs & Side Hustles for College Students
    While studying and acing midterms can often seem like a full-time job in itself, it doesn’t quite pay the bills (yet).
  • How to Write an Effective Cover Letter
    Launch into your future career by taking the time to create an effective cover letter as you apply for part-time jobs and internships.
  • 6 Tips to Build Your Personal Brand as a Student and Beyond
    Personal branding will help you in your professional field by clearly differentiating you from others. Read our tips on building a strong personal brand.
  • 7 Tips on How to Prepare for a Phone or Video Interview
    Preparing for an interview? Launch yourself into your future career by following these 7 tips on how to prepare for a phone or video interview.
  • How to Save and Make Money While Working Less Hours
    If you’re working less hours, you may need to reevaluate your weekly budget and financial habits with these five financial tips.
  • How to Write an Effective Resume
    Learning to write a resume is the first step to becoming a professional. Launch your career by taking the time to create an effective resume.
  • Juneteenth Black Community
    What is Juneteenth? How to Support Black Communities Today and Every Day
    Don't know where to start? Here's a few steps you can take to support Black Lives Matter in your community today and every day.
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Your Ultimate Guide to College Funding

Discover interactive tools, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you pay for college with confidence.