Private Student Loan Advice & College Financing Resources

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.  

Helping future business leaders navigate funding and career readiness with greater confidence. RESTON, Va. (May 19, 2026) – GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), a global nonprofit association of leading business schools and central hub for business school candidates, today announced a collaboration with Ascent Funding, a leading provider of private student loan products and student support services, facilitated through its bank partners. Together, GMAC and Ascent aim to help Master of Business Administration (MBA) and other business master’s program students better plan for, pay for, and succeed in their graduate business education. According to GMAC’s latest research on prospective business school students, aspects like cost and lack of financial aid, are cited as candidates’ most common barriers to pursuing a graduate business degree. As policies around financial resources for higher education shift, many qualified and motivated learners risk being left behind. Increasingly the barrier isn’t ability - it’s access to funding. Ascent prides itself on its student-focused benefits, easy application, flexible repayment options, and commitment to expanding access to education financing through its outcomes-based funding model, which evaluates students’ expected post-graduation earning potential, rather than relying solely on current income and credit profile. Together, GMAC and Ascent are helping to provide more students with access to flexible, student-centric financing solutions that reflect the realities of today’s business talent. “We know that education has the potential to change the trajectory of someone’s life, but too often, access comes down to outdated measures like credit history or current income, not future potential,” said Ken Ruggiero, CEO of Ascent. “At Ascent, we’ve built our model around outcomes, because we believe students should be evaluated based on where they’re going, not just where they’re starting. Working with GMAC allows us to meet aspiring business school students at a critical moment and give them the tools and financing they need to move forward with confidence.” Students in the GMAC ecosystem may take advantage of a suite of financial and professional benefits provided by Ascent to support them throughout their graduate business school journey, including*: 0.5% - 1.00% autopay interest rate discount 1% cash back reward upon graduation Access to Ascent’s proprietary professional training and career readiness platform, with a 9-month post-graduation grace period before repayment begins A dedicated Ascent representative for personalized application support “For more than 70 years, GMAC’s mission has been to connect aspiring business leaders with the opportunities and resources for them to realize their potential,” said Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC. “As the path to graduate management education becomes more complex, collaborations like this play an important role in helping candidates navigate both the financial and professional aspects of their journey. By working with Ascent, we’re able to help make candidates aware of tools and support at this critical juncture, empowering them not only to enroll in business school but also to thrive during and after their programs.” To further support informed decision-making, Ascent created a proprietary Grad School Funding Calculator that helps graduate students estimate their total cost of attendance, assess federal loan limits under current policy, and identify any potential funding gap between available federal aid and program costs. By clarifying where gaps may exist, the tool gives students a clearer picture of the financing they may need beyond federal loans and other resources. For more information, visit Ascentfunding.com/GMAC. *All Ascent Funding, LLC loans are originated by Ascent’s FDIC-member bank partners. All benefits, rates, and repayment features are subject to eligibility, credit approval, and loan terms, and may vary. 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. For more information, visit www.ascentfunding.com.  About GMAC GMAC is a global nonprofit association of leading graduate business schools committed to connecting future business leaders with educational opportunities and advancing graduate management education worldwide. Through assessments, research, events, and recruitment solutions, GMAC provides the tools and information necessary for schools and candidates to discover and evaluate each other. With teams in China, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States, GMAC serves millions of visitors each year across its digital platforms. MEDIA [email protected]@wearecsg.com 

Higher education is amid a major transformation, as well as how students pay for that education.   Drawing on proprietary data from Ascent Funding, a student‑loan lender known for outcomes‑based lending, and leading third‑party research, this report examines how today’s students make financial decisions, what drives their stress, and how they use scholarships, grants, and digital tools to plan for graduation.  Financial Confidence Remains Limited:    For many students, college isn’t just an academic challenge; it’s their first major financial one. Between managing tuition, rent, and daily expenses, students are being asked to make high-stakes decisions for the first time, often without the financial literacy or guidance to support them. This uncertainty affects everything from the schools they choose to the confidence with which they step into their careers. Students don’t just need funding; they need a financial playbook.  According to Ascent survey data, only 26.5% of students feel very confident managing their personal finances.  In that same dataset, 1 in 3 say financial concerns have a major influence on their academic or career decisions. 31% say better access to scholarship tools and guidance would help build financial confidence.  Students are signaling a clear need: education about money and everyday finances is just as important as education funded by it.  Paying for Tuition Is the Top Concern:   The cost of a degree continues to define, and often limit, students’ choices. With tuition rising faster than wages, students are getting increasingly resourceful, combining grants, scholarships, and side hustles to make it all work. But despite their creativity, the numbers make one thing clear: paying for college remains a heavy emotional and financial lift.  In an analysis of more than 24,500 student responses submitted through Ascent’s Summer Scholarship program from May to September 2025, nearly half (49.2%) reported that tuition and fees are their primary financial concern.  In that same dataset, 25.9% cite finding enough scholarship or aid as their next biggest challenge, and 47% rely primarily on scholarships or grants to fund their education or manage debt.  However, these funds are often limited, making it difficult for many students to cover their costs fully. In fact, just 0.1% of students receive full-tuition awards, according to Bold.org, which aggregates national data on scholarship awards across the U.S.   In short, while the dream of higher education remains strong, the price tag attached to it continues to be students’ biggest barrier, both financially and emotionally.  First-Generation Students Face Higher Financial Stress:   For first-generation students, the path to college often represents a family milestone, but also a heavier financial burden. Without the safety net of experience or inherited guidance, they’re navigating a system designed for those who already know the rules. Even with more grant support, many first-gen students still turn to loans and credit cards to bridge the gap.  In Trellis’ 2023 Student Financial Wellness Survey, 38% of respondents identified as first-generation students (n=19,634). This includes 41% at two-year institutions and 35% at four-year institutions.  68% worry about paying for school, and 24% are unsure how they’ll afford their next semester.  They’re more likely to receive grants (66% vs. 48%), but also more likely to take out loans (40% vs. 33%) or use credit cards for college costs (35% vs. 28%).  The data highlight a persistent challenge: even with more grant support, first-generation students are still taking on more debt than their peers, reflecting the additional hurdles they face when navigating college finances without a family safety net.  Student Interest in Financial Wellness Is Strong  Students are craving clarity as they navigate increasingly complex financial decisions, and the data shows they are actively seeking it.   “Students aren’t just looking for funding, they’re looking for guidance. The demand for financial education shows they’re treating money as an active part of their academic strategy, weighing how borrowing, spending, and earning decisions today will influence their independence and future opportunities,” said Allie Danziger, CMO of Ascent.   Two‑thirds of Gen Z college students say they want to learn more about personal finance topics, signaling strong demand for financial education as students navigate increasingly complex financial decisions, according to CFB Board's report on college students and their personal finances.    83% of college students agree that financial well‑being is important to their overall happiness, with many viewing money as a path to independence (61%) and long‑term goals (60%). At the same time, 40% identify money as a source of stress and anxiety, according to the same report.  To support these students, tools like Ascent’s Cost of College Calculator provide concrete ways to assess borrowing decisions alongside potential outcomes, helping students translate financial insight into smarter choices. Taken together, these findings suggest that financial wellness is shaping how students plan, prioritize, and make decisions during college, and it will influence their confidence and choices long after graduation.  Loan Requests Are Increasing, With Popular Majors Emerging:   With college costs on the rise, student loan borrowing continues to increase. The story isn’t just about borrowing more, it’s about borrowing with purpose. Students are increasingly pursuing majors that align with stable, career-driven fields, signaling a pragmatic shift toward education as an investment in employability.  According to Ascent’s proprietary data, the top five majors among approved borrowers are Nursing, Business, Biology, Psychology, and Mechanical Engineering.  Students are making strategic choices and leaning into fields that promise stability, skill demand, and a clearer return on their educational investment.  To support these students, tools like Ascent’s College Degree ROI Calculator aims to bring transparency to the college decision journey by helping students and parents evaluate the return of their college investment. Conclusion: The Path Forward  As the cost and complexity of higher education continue to rise, one thing is clear: today’s students are more resourceful, informed, and determined than ever. They’re seeking smarter, more sustainable ways to fund their education by leveraging digital tools, exploring scholarships, and redefining what financial wellness looks like.  Looking ahead, the next era of student finance will be defined by personalization and empowerment. Students want guidance that’s as dynamic as their goals. This means giving them real-time insights, proactive support, and funding models that evolve with their needs. The institutions, lenders, and leaders that step up to meet them with transparency, technology, and trust will not only help them reach graduation but also set the foundation for lifelong financial wellness and success.  Methodology  Insights from Ascent’s Summer Scholarship program are based on more than 24,500 student submissions collected between May 15 and September 15, 2025. As part of the scholarship submission process, students provided self‑reported information related to their financial concerns and educational experiences. For the purposes of this report, responses were aggregated and analyzed at the group level to identify common themes and trends. Findings are intended to reflect student sentiment and directional insights, rather than establish causation.   Trellis’ 2023 Student Financial Wellness Survey included 62,367 undergraduate respondents from 142 U.S. institutions, with 19,634 self-identified first-generation students. Students were invited via institution-provided contact lists, with larger schools randomly sampling students and smaller schools inviting all eligible students. Responses were weighted by demographics (gender, age, enrollment intensity) to account for potential nonresponse bias. Analyses report descriptive statistics and subgroup comparisons, and all figures cited above are directly from Trellis Strategies’ SFWS.  CFP Board collaborated with College Pulse to conduct a survey of undergraduate college students across the U.S. College Pulse selected its survey sample from its American College Student Panel™, which includes over one million verified students representing more than 1,500 colleges and universities in all 50 states.The firm received responses from 2,025 college students between September and October 2025. The data are weighted based on gender, race and ethnicity, voter registration, financial aid status, and class year. The data presented in this report has a margin of error of +/- 2.2% at a 95% confidence level. The survey data serve as the basis for this report. CFP Board’s Research team conducted the analysis, drew the conclusions and is responsible for the report’s content.  Select insights in this report are informed by Ascent’s proprietary data, including anonymized, aggregated survey responses and loan application activity. Student confidence, financial stress, and decision‑making insights are drawn from self‑reported survey data collected through Ascent‑administered programs, with sample sizes noted where available. Borrowing trends and academic preferences reflect approved borrower data collected between July and August 2025, including declared majors at the time of application. All Ascent data are analyzed in aggregate and do not include personally identifiable information. Findings are intended to highlight directional trends and student sentiment rather than establish causation. 

 U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, has named Ascent the winner of the Best Private Student Loans for Parents as part of the 2026 Lending Awards.  “Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Private Student Loan for Parents award winner underscores our focus on expanding access to education and driving economic mobility for student, that ultimately supports the entire family and future generations. We remain committed to delivering transparent, flexible solutions that support students and the parents and families who invest in their success,” said Ken Ruggiero, Co-Founder and CEO of Ascent Funding.  The awarded lenders were determined using a comprehensive, data-driven methodology which assessed factors including rates and fees, affordability, eligibility requirements, and customer service for lenders. For more information, read the Lenders Awards methodology.    “The 2026 Lending Awards recognize exceptional institutions, while also providing current and prospective borrowers with informed insights on financial institutions that can best support their personal financial needs and goals,” said Greg Garrison, consumer banking analyst at U.S. News.  U.S. News publishes consumer lending advice, calculators, mortgage rate forecasts, and more to help readers make the best money-related decisions for them. Consumers can find advice about personal and student loans, and much more at Money.USNews.com.  Why Ascent Stands Out  Ascent offers a range of benefits designed to support families navigating the costs of higher education:  Cosigner release opportunities* – Many students initially apply with a cosigner, with the option to release the cosigner later. This can be a significant benefit for the cosigner and the student, helping reduce long-term financial responsibility for the parents, and help the student borrowers establish their own strong credit.  No application, origination, or disbursement fees1 – Borrowers can focus on funding their education without added costs along the way.   Flexible repayment terms that fit every student – Ascent offers multiple repayment plans with fixed and variable interest rates, giving students the freedom to choose what works for them. Undergraduate students can start payments up to 9 months after graduation, while graduate and professional students have extended grace periods tailored to their programs (up to 36 months for medical, 12 months for dental).    AscentUP and internship program2 – Wrap-around support services and career-building opportunities designed to help students succeed in school, and prepare for the workforce, including access to exclusive paid internship opportunities.  Support for multiple programs – From traditional undergraduate and graduate degrees to career and trade school programs, Ascent offers options that meet diverse educational paths.  1% cash back graduation reward* – Eligible borrowers who meet terms and conditions can earn a reward when completing their program.  DACA eligibility – Eligible DACA students may apply for an Ascent loan, expanding access for students who may have fewer private loan options.  How Winners Are Selected  U.S. News evaluates lenders through a combination of quantitative metrics and editorial review, analyzing multiple key areas:  Interest rates and fees – Lenders are assessed on cost competitiveness, including any hidden or upfront charges.  Repayment flexibility – Options that allow borrowers to adjust schedules or choose terms that fit their budget are prioritized.  Cosigner support and release policies – For parents or students with limited credit history, these options can be a deciding factor.  Hardship programs – Availability of deferment, forbearance, or other protections when financial challenges arise.  Accessibility – Including eligibility for non-U.S. citizens, borrowers with shorter credit histories, and students in nontraditional programs.  Only lenders that balance affordability, transparency, and borrower support are recognized as winners. Being named a Best Private Student Loans for Parents signals that Ascent excels in these areas, helping families make informed financial decisions.  About U.S. News & World Report  U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.  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.  * For more information, including eligibility requirements, terms, and conditions, please visit https://www.ascentfunding.com/ascentbenefitsterms  1Only Ascent college loans are eligible for no fees. Ascent career training loans are subject to a one-time origination fee of 5.0% of the loan amount. All Ascent loans are eligible for no application, disbursement, late, NSF or early payment fees.  2 Ascent applicants and borrowers that agree to the AscentUP Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, as well as students associated with an Ascent parent loan application, have access to the AscentUP platform.  Please note: Ascent Funding, LLC products are made available through Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval.  Please borrow responsibly by maximizing scholarships and free financial aid, comparing federal and private student loans, and choosing the loan that best fits your needs. 

Today’s student lending system often depends on credit scores and cosigners. But those measures do not always capture a student’s ambition or potential. As a result, many capable, motivated learners face barriers to support before they have the opportunity to show what they are truly capable of.  At Ascent, we aim to change that. Our outcomes-based lending pairs funding with built-in guidance and support, helping students and career learners stay on track, complete their programs, and prepare for meaningful opportunities after school.  Start with the video below, then keep reading to see how outcomes-based lending works and how Ascent supports learners from enrollment through career readiness.  https://youtu.be/ILBnTpo_Dvs?si=bXFz5XqpOqFG7Qjn   Why outcomes‑based funding matters  For too many students and learners, the traditional lending model does not reflect their potential or circumstances. That matters because access to education and the ability to finish it has real consequences for life outcomes, economic mobility, and community strength.  The gap in traditional lending  Private loans often rely on credit history or a creditworthy cosigner. In today’s economy, that can exclude capable learners for reasons that have little to do with their motivation or ability to succeed.  Young adults often do not have a long credit history, even when they are doing well academically.  First-generation college students may not have access to a quality cosigner.  Career changers and lifelong learners may face financial responsibilities that make traditional underwriting difficult.  Outcomes-based lending is designed to change that. By considering factors such as academic progress, program completion, and career readiness, these loans create opportunities for learners who might otherwise be left out.  How outcomes-based loans address this gap  Ascent’s outcomes-based loans focus on completion, progress, and long-term opportunity, helping qualified learners access funding when they need it most.  Juniors and senior undergraduate learners can use the Ascent’s College Outcomes-Based Loan® to cover tuition, fees, and other education costs, even if they have limited credit history or no cosigner. Eligibility for this loan type is based on several factors including major, GPA, cost of attendance, and graduation date.  Career-focused learners, whether upskilling, reskilling, or changing careers, can access the Career Outcomes-Based Loan®. With flexible repayment aligned to program completion or employment, this loan helps learners invest in their future without being held back by upfront financial barriers.  Graduate students also benefit from outcomes-based options, including loans that evaluate expected post-graduation earning potential rather than relying solely on current credit profiles. This helps ensure financing is manageable after completing advanced programs.  “We look at the whole person and their future potential,” said Allie Danziger, Ascent’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Then we help students plan, pay for school, and build the skills they need to succeed after graduation.”  Support beyond funding  Financing is only part of the picture. Students also need support to stay on track, build confidence, and get ready for what comes next.  All Ascent, borrowers get personalized coaching, career resources, and financial education that help with everything from managing time to acing interviews. Students also get access to apply to paid remote internship opportunities that give learners hands-on experience, helping them gain skills and confidence as they step into the workforce.  Strengthening learners, families and communities  Ascent has supported more than 220,000 people* and partnered with over 2,000 schools across the United States, providing more than $2 billion in funding for higher education and career-focused programs. These numbers show reach, but they only hint at the real impact.  When learners are able to finish their education, the effects ripple outward. Families gain stability, employers gain skilled talent, and communities grow stronger as more people fully participate in the economy. Supporting students is about more than tuition. It is about creating opportunities that last far beyond the classroom.  “This is why student success matters at every level,” said Danziger. “When individuals succeed, whether in school or in the workforce, their whole family benefits. Communities are strengthened, and society benefits. We are committed to removing barriers and helping more people access the education they want so they can contribute fully to their communities.”  Learn more about Ascent   No single company can solve the student finance system alone, but innovative models can move it forward. Ascent combines financial products with wrap-around student support, enabling more learners to access education and achieve academic and career success.  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.  From financial wellness resources to our flexible private student loans and undergraduate student loans, we are here to help students and their families make informed decisions about their future in college, and beyond.  * Over 220,000 borrowers took out an Ascent loan for college or career training tuition or expenses between January 2018 and November 2025.   

Starting in the 2026–2027 academic year, new graduate and professional students will no longer have access to Grad PLUS loans. For many institutions, this is a real enrollment and access risk.  Grad PLUS has often been the “last-mile” funding that lets students bridge the gap between federal loan limits and the full cost of attendance. When that bridge goes away, schools are left with a practical question: how big is the gap for your incoming cohorts, and what would you need to replace (or rethink) to keep your enrollment plans on track?  Ascent built the Grad School Impact Calculator to help institutions put real numbers around that exposure. In a few minutes, you can plug in program basics (cost of attendance, program length), enrollment assumptions for incoming cohorts, and your historical aid mix to estimate the funding gap tied to the Grad PLUS change.  Below, we’ll quickly cover why the Grad PLUS change matters for institutions, then walk through how to use the calculator: what to enter, how to interpret the funding gap, and how to save/share results with stakeholders.  Background on Grad PLUS Loans: Why Does this Funding Gap Matter for Your Institution?  Grad PLUS loans have historically filled the gap between federal loan limits and the true cost of attendance for graduate students. Federal data shows that while only 16% of graduate students rely on the program, Grad PLUS accounted for 32% of all federal graduate lending, showing just how central it became in helping students pursue advanced degrees.  Even if Grad PLUS borrowers are a minority of students, the exposure can be concentrated in specific programs and cohorts, really impacting students that relied on this funding. In other words, the impact isn’t “16% across the board”; it can be much higher where the gap between loan limits and cost of attendance is largest.  For institutions, Grad PLUS has helped stabilize enrollment by making the full cost of attendance financeable for more students. Federal data shows the scale of the program: about 1.8 million borrowers hold Graduate PLUS loans totaling approximately $119.2 billion in debt, an indicator of how significant this transition could be for future students trying to enhance their futures.  High-cost graduate programs, such as law, medicine, and business, are especially affected. These programs often carry tuition and fees that far exceed federal loan limits, and students frequently rely on layered financing, including Grad PLUS loans, to cover living expenses and program costs.    For schools, this shortfall could translate into fewer enrollments, particularly among underrepresented groups.  Use the Calculator to Quantify Your Grad PLUS Funding Gap  The calculator shows what the Grad PLUS change could mean for your program: how much funding may disappear for new borrowers, when the impact shows up, and how large the resulting gap could be under your assumptions.  Using a few key inputs, the tool helps schools:  Estimate the size of the Grad PLUS gap for a specific program and cohort plan  Stress-test scenarios (flat vs. growing enrollment, different COA increases, different aid mixes)  Translate the gap into “what would we have to replace to hit our enrollment goals?”  Create a shareable results view to align financial aid, enrollment, and leadership  Instead of leaning on national averages, the calculator reflects your program’s structure, costs, and enrollment assumptions, so the output is something you can actually plan around.  How to Use the Grad School Impact Calculator   Use this quick walkthrough to complete the Grad School Impact Calculator and capture results you can share internally.   First, Enter Your Program Details  Start by entering the basics for the program you’re modeling: select the program type, enter the program length, and add your annual cost of attendance (COA). If your COA typically increases year over year, include an annual increase so the estimate reflects what future cohorts will actually face.  Enter Enrollment Assumptions for New Cohorts  Add the number of students you expect to enroll, starting with 2026–2027 (the first cohort impacted for new borrowers).    If you have a detailed forecast, enter enrollment year-by-year so the results reflect planned changes (like a cohort expansion or a new concentration).  If you’re earlier in planning, use a growth assumption (if available) to quickly model flat vs. modest growth scenarios.  Enter Your Historical Aid Mix  Input your average per-student funding breakdown (including the historical Grad PLUS portion). This is the lever that drives the estimate: the calculator uses it to translate “Grad PLUS goes away for new borrowers” into a dollar gap for your program.  Use recent averages if you have them (by program, not institution-wide) so the output reflects how your students typically finance the COA.  If you’re unsure, start with a best estimate, run the calculator, then refine once financial aid/enrollment teams confirm the numbers.  If your program has distinct populations (e.g., full-time vs. part-time), consider running separate scenarios so you don’t blend very different aid patterns.  Review and Save Your Results  Now you can see the number you’re here for: your estimated funding gap. That’s the amount of Grad PLUS-backed funding that would no longer be available to new borrowers starting in 2026–2027, based on the assumptions you entered.  Why this matters: once you can see the gap, you can connect it to real choices: how much funding you’d need to replace to protect enrollment, how quickly you’d need to act, and which programs or cohorts are most exposed.  Don’t worry about getting it perfect on the first pass. Once you see your funding gap, try a few “what-if” scenarios: adjust enrollment, COA growth, or your aid mix to see how the gap changes. When you land on a version you want to share, save or print the results as a PDF, and grab screenshots of the key numbers, charts, or tables for your team.  About Ascent   Ascent is a mission-driven fintech company committed to redefining student lending through a focus on access, affordability, and lasting economic impact. Backed by institutional capital, we offer innovative loan options for college and career training programs, helping more students qualify, with or without a cosigner. But funding is just the start. From career readiness tools to financial wellness resources to over $330,000 in no-essay scholarships, everything we build is designed to turn education into real opportunity.   Learn more about how we’re working to increase student income by $10 billion by 2028 in our Impact Report. 

As graduate funding rules change, uncertainty around how to pay for graduate education is increasing. To help students and institutions plan with greater confidence, Ascent has launched two new interactive calculators that bring earlier clarity to graduate school financing in this post-Grad PLUS environment.  Designed to surface potential funding gaps before enrollment decisions are finalized, the calculators help students better understand affordability and help schools evaluate how changes to Grad PLUS access could affect programs over time. Ascent’s Grad School Funding Calculator is designed specifically for students, while our Grad School Impact Calculator supports institution‑level planning—each focused on the decisions its audience needs to make.  By helping users identify gaps sooner, these calculators support more proactive financial planning for students, and more informed program‑level decision‑making for schools and financial aid officers.  Why Grad PLUS Planning Matters Now  For nearly two decades, Grad PLUS loans helped graduate and professional students borrow beyond traditional federal limits to cover the full cost of attendance. As access to Grad PLUS loans changes, students may find that federal aid no longer fully covers program costs, while institutions may see downstream effects on enrollment, yield, and program sustainability.  These changes make timing more important than ever. Students need earlier visibility into affordability, and institutions need better tools to model how funding constraints may affect programs over time. That’s where Ascent’s Grad PLUS calculators come in.  Introducing the Grad School Funding Calculator for Students  As graduate program costs continue to rise, many students are being asked to commit to enrollment before they fully understand how their education will be financed. The Grad School Funding Calculator is designed to close that gap by helping students assess affordability earlier in the decision‑making process.  Rather than focusing on repayment or interest rates, the calculator supports forward‑looking planning. It allows prospective and current graduate students to compare their available federal funding to the total cost of their program, so they can explore options before committing to enrollment.  How the Grad PLUS Calculator Supports Students  The Grad School Funding Calculator guides students through a short set of inputs that reflect the real components of graduate education costs and federal aid limits, including:  Program length, so estimates reflect the full duration of the degree  Annual cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses  Expected annual cost increases, if applicable  Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan limits, which are capped annually  Using this information, the calculator estimates the difference between total program costs and available federal funding, highlighting a potential funding gap students may need to address through other resources. These may include scholarships, savings, employer assistance, institutional aid, or private loans.  By surfacing this estimate early, the calculator helps students move from uncertainty to clarity, —providing a more informed starting point for financial planning and reducing last‑minute stress as enrollment decisions approach.  The Grad School Funding Calculator complements Ascent’s broader set of student support resources, including AscentUP, which provides financial wellness guidance, career readiness tools, and coaching to help students plan, progress, and prepare for life beyond graduation.  A Calculator for Schools: Helping Institutions Plan Ahead with Greater Clarity  For institutions, the implications of reduced Grad PLUS access extend beyond individual student access. Schools must understand how changes to graduate funding could affect enrollment, revenue, and long‑term program sustainability, —often before those impacts are visible in application or yield data.  The Grad School Impact Calculator is designed to support that planning. It helps institutions model potential funding gaps at the program level, using enrollment and aid data schools already track, so leaders can evaluate risk and plan proactively rather than react later in the cycle.  How the Grad PLUS Calculator Supports Institutions   The Grad PLUS Impact Calculator allows schools to enter key details about a specific graduate program, including:  Program type and length  Annual cost of attendance, with optional cost growth assumptions  Enrollment assumptions, such as cohort size, growth rate, and attrition  Historical aid mix, including the portion of funding previously filled by Grad PLUS  Schools can input information using either percentages or dollar amounts, with default assumptions available for institutions that don’t have exact figures on hand.  Based on these inputs, the calculator estimates the total amount of funding that would need to be replaced if Grad PLUS loans are no longer available to new borrowers. The result is a multi‑year projection that helps institutions visualize potential impact, assess exposure across cohorts, and plan enrollment and funding strategies with greater confidence.  Helping Students and Schools Plan Ahead  Together, these calculators are designed to meet users where they are, helping students understand affordability at the individual level while helping institutions assess impact at the program level.  They also complement Ascent’s broader set of student support resources, including AscentUP, which provides financial wellness guidance, career readiness tools, and coaching to help students plan, progress, and prepare for life beyond graduation as well as Ascent’s ROI calculator, which helps students understand the long-term return on investment of their education.   As graduate funding continues to evolve, earlier insight creates better options. By helping users identify potential gaps sooner, Ascent’s Grad PLUS calculators support clearer decisions —for students, for schools, and for the future of graduate education.  Learn More with Ascent  Navigating the student loan application process can be challenging, and Ascent is committed to providing students and families with the financial resources needed to pursue their dreams.      From financial wellness resources to our flexible private student loans and undergraduate student loans, we are here to help students and their families make informed decisions about their future in college, and beyond. 

With Grad PLUS loans being phased out, graduate students and schools are facing new choices and considerations. While this transition brings some uncertainty, it also opens the door for schools to find new ways to guide and support students as they plan for their educational future.

Graduate funding is changing fast, and schools have an opportunity to rethink how they support students. With the end of Grad PLUS loans under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act, institutions will need to explore new ways to help students cover the cost of high-cost programs like law, medicine, and business. These shifts open space for innovation, helping schools expand access and showcase the value of their programs.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation named Ascent a finalist in the 2025 Citizens Awards, a long-standing program that honors businesses for their leadership in solving the world’s biggest challenges.   Ascent was nominated for the Best Education and Workforce Program for its Zero Percent Loan initiative with The Forward Fund, designed to remove financial and educational barriers for adult learners to gain in-demand skills, advance their careers, and achieve lasting economic mobility in North Carolina.  “We are thrilled to be recognized as a finalist for this award,” said Ken Ruggiero, president & CEO of Ascent. “This honor celebrates the power of collaboration and innovation to expand access to education and career opportunities—creating real impact for learners and the communities they serve.”  This prestigious program recognizes the most innovative and impactful initiatives that leverage a company’s talent, resources, and expertise to improve communities.  Ascent collaborates with philanthropic investors, private funders, and public sector partners to deliver innovative, outcomes-based financing solutions that expand access to upskilling and higher education for adult learners. These partnerships fuel Ascent’s mission to unlock durable economic mobility by removing financial barriers and enabling learners to pursue high-impact training and career pathways.   “Across the country, millions of adults are eager to build new skills and advance their careers, but many are shut out by cost,” said Tristan Fleming, Chief Impact Officer at Ascent. “Our Zero Percent Loan program  helps remove that barrier, giving learners—especially those from low-income backgrounds—the skills and confidence they need to achieve lasting success and economic mobility.”  With minimal underwriting and a 90%+ approval rate, the Zero Percent Loan program allows students to pursue training with no interest or fees. It also offers protections such as payment deferral if a minimum income threshold isn’t met, plus living stipends to support program completion. The results speak for themselves: 98% of participants didn’t have a cosigner, 93% came from low-income backgrounds, and 76% had no college degree. After completing their programs, graduates report an average income increase of an impressive $24,000.  The winners of the 2025 Citizens Awards will be announced during the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Business Solves Conference on October 28, 2025. Learn more about the awards program and register to attend the event here.    About Ascent   Ascent is a mission-driven fintech company committed to redefining student lending through a focus on access, affordability, and lasting economic impact. Backed by institutional capital, we offer innovative loan options for college and career training programs—helping more students qualify, with or without a cosigner.   But funding is just the start. From career readiness tools to financial wellness resources to over $330,000 in no-essay scholarships, everything we build is designed to turn education into real opportunity.   Learn more about how we’re working to increase student income by $10 billion by 2028 in our Impact Report.  About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation    The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.  

The elimination of Grad PLUS loans will fundamentally reshape how graduate students finance their education, challenging both access and affordability. Financial aid offices must proactively adapt policies, train staff, and guide, students to navigate a more complex funding system.