Private Student Loan Advice & College Financing Resources

 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. 

Education is a big investment, and many students like you may need help paying for it. The price of tuition alone may seem like a barrier between where you’re at now and where you want to be. Even then, tuition isn’t the only expense you might face—the cost of textbooks, housing, transportation, food and supplies all add up.

A study commissioned by Ascent Funding reveals interesting insights regarding the cost and financing of higher education

July 9, 2018 (SAN DIEGO, CA) -- As thousands of college students finalize their financial aid plans for the coming year, a new nationwide survey by Ascent Student Loans has found that while the financial responsibility on students is greater than they expected, they don’t believe the value of a college education is keeping pace with the increasing price tag.   Nearly half of students report they are now shouldering more responsibility for paying for college than originally anticipated – and in most cases are covering at least 50 percent of the total investment.

Financial literacy is a subject that everyone should master because we all use these skills far beyond graduation. You’ll be glad you took the time to learn how to budget, handle debt, and build an emergency fund.

You've received your acceptance letters and now it's time to pick your college of choice. Read our tips on how to pick a college to make your decision easy!

Student loan counselor Taunya Kennedy knows what it’s like to be overwhelmed by debt. The 45-year-old single mother has a mortgage and credit card balance, and still shoulders her own college loans after years of postponing payments.

Borrower defense to repayment is a federal student loan forgiveness program for borrowers whose schools violated certain laws or defrauded or misled students. For example, a federal court found that the now-defunct Corinthian Colleges engaged in deceptive practices such as advertising programs the schools didn’t offer and false job placement rates. Fifteen thousand forgiveness claims from Corinthian students had been approved as of October 2016.

San Diego, CA - Goal Structured Solutions (“GS2”), a San Diego headquartered education finance company was recently named as one of the Best Places to Work in San Diego. The annual list of the Best Places to Work in San Diego was created by the San Diego Business Journal, Best Companies Group.

San Diego, CA - iiBIG’s 8th Annual Education Finance & Loan Symposium, will take place in Washington, DC on May 19 - 20, 2016. This annual event has become known as the only conference of its kind to attract a 360-degree cross-section of all the key players in the education finance/student loan industry.

RESTON, VIRGINIA (March 17, 2016) – Vemo Education, an education finance company working with U.S. colleges and universities to develop and service value-oriented, income-based student financing programs, confirmed today that Goal Structured Solutions (GS2) has acquired a minority ownership interest in the company.