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.  
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Top Questions to Ask Before Accepting A Job Offer
    You're recently graduated and snagged your dream job - now what? Here are a few questions to consider before signing that offer letter.
  • 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.
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