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.  
  • Everything You Should Know About Cosigning a Student Loan
    Thinking about cosigning a student loan? Ascent Funding covers everything you need to know about being a cosigner. Learn more here.
  • Budget Blog – Finances of an SDSU Senior
    The idea of having a budget can feel empowering, yet, the process of building, maintaining, and sticking to a budget can be tough.
  • A man with headphones on typing at a laptop while sitting at a desk
    9 Reasons Why Coding Bootcamps Are Worth Attending
    Is a coding bootcamp worth it? Ascent explores 9 reasons coding bootcamps could be a good decision for your future. Learn more on the blog.
  • Teacher Giving Lesson to Diverse Group of Students in Software Engineering Bootcamp, Teaching New Skills on a Computer
    A Guide to Software Engineer Bootcamps
    Learn more about what software engineer bootcamps are, how they work, and how they can accelerate your career path in this guide from Ascent.
  • Two women lean on each other, smiling. They stand in front of a red backdrop.
    5 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Black History Month
    February is Black History Month – read our blog post for a few tips on how to give back and support the Black community all year long.
  • Young woman using a digital tablet while working in cybersecurity
    Is a Cybersecurity Bootcamp Worth It?
    Learn more about what cybersecurity bootcamps are, how they work, and how they can accelerate your career path in this guide from Ascent.
  • Lesly Lynch is pictured wearing headphones around her neck.
    Conversation on Tech & Film: Lesly Lynch
    If you’re looking for a career with endless possibilities, a position in the tech industry can deliver.
  • Men and women sit in a row waiting for job interview.
    How to Find Your Dream Job or Internship – Your Job Search Checklist
    Whether you’re an incoming college freshman looking for an internship or a recent graduate on the hunt for that first job offer, here’s our checklist on how to find your dream job or internship.
  • Young woman shakes man's hand
    5 Tips on How to Land Your Dream Internship and Make the Most of It
    A couple solid internships on a resume could make all the difference when it comes to eventually landing your dream job. Let’s look at some tips to help you land the perfect internship.
  • student receiving good grade in college
    How to Get Straight A's in College
    If straight A’s is something you're striving for, follow these 13 tips to build the skills needed to achieve good grades in college.
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Your Ultimate Guide to College Funding

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