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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 Named Best Places to Work in Fintech 2026   
    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.  
  • Student Loan Deferment: Should You Defer Your Loans?
    Student loan deferment helps students pause payments on their student loans for up to three years. Ascent Funding explains what loan deferment is and how you can qualify. Read more here.
  • Breaking into Tech: Dominique Thomas | IT Support Engineer, Amazon
    Breaking into Tech: Dominique Thomas | IT Support Engineer, Amazon
    We chatted with Dominique about imposter syndrome, who motivates her, and what tips she has for other Black women breaking into tech. 
  • Breaking into Tech: Katerina Suchkova | Co-Founder & Product Coach, Ahead of Product
    Breaking into Tech: Katerina Suchkova | Co-Founder & Product Coach, Ahead of Product
    We sat down with Katerina to find out more about her journey in tech and how she helps others to kickstart their dream careers.
  • Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Credit Score, From Credit Coach Nicole Soares
    Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Credit Score, From Credit Coach Nicole Soares
    For National Credit Education Month, we chatted with Nicole to get her advice on everything from FICO® scores to building up your credit. 
  • Breaking into Tech: Rumby Wilson
    Breaking into Tech: Rumby Wilson | DevOps Consultant, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    We sat down with Rumby to talk about who inspired her to stay on track and advice she has for other Black women wanting to break into tech.
  • Breaking into Tech: Chris Johnson | Ascent Funding
    Breaking into Tech: Chris Johnson | QA Engineer, Custom Ink
    We chatted with Chris about his journey into tech, what obstacles he’s faced, and what advice he has for newbies in STEM.
  • 5 Things to Consider When Registering for Classes | Ascent Funding
    5 Things to Consider when Choosing Classes in College
    Between finding the right professors and balancing credits, here are a few things I keep in mind to make my class registration go smoothly.
  • Starting A Fitness Routine in College That Will Stick | Ascent Funding
    How To Start A Fitness Routine In College That Will Stick
    Starting a workout routine that will stick in college takes planning and dedication. Read these tips to help set you up for success.
  • 5 Tips to Network During a Career Fair | Ascent Funding
    5 Tips to Help You Stand Out at a Career Fair
    Wondering how you can be your best self during a networking event? Here are 5 tips on how to network during a career fair.
  • How to Find the Best Bootcamp Prep Course | Ascent Funding
    How to Find the Best Bootcamp Prep Course For You
    Whether you’re exploring prep courses to see if a bootcamp is right for you, or prepping for your bootcamp program, here are a few tips.
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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.

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