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.  
  • Tips to Graduate Early | Ascent Funding
    How I Graduated Early: 4 Tips to Stay on Track
    If you’ve also thought about graduating early or plan to because you’ve met all the requirements, here are some tips that helped me do it.
  • 5 Ways to Deal with Student Loan Debt Stress
    The topic of student loans can be scary and cause a lot of anxiety for students. Ascent Funding covers five ways to alleviate stress and fear of student loans.
  • How To Choose A Student Loan Lender: Important Factors To Consider
    When it comes to choosing a private student loan lender, who you work with makes a big difference. Learn more about what to look for from Ascent Funding.
  • Advice for First Generation College Students | Ascent Funding
    5 Pieces of Advice for First-Generation College Students
    Transitioning into college is stressful, and it may feel more difficult as a first-generation college student. Read our advice for first-generation students!
  • Gift Giving Guide for Students on a Budget | Ascent Funding
    Gift Giving Guide For Students on a Budget
    Buying gifts can feel stressful on a college budget, but it doesn’t have to. Here are creative gift-giving ideas that won’t break the bank.
  • Tips For Finding The Right Volunteer Opportunity | Ascent Funding
    How to Find Volunteer Opportunities for College Students
    Finding the right volunteer opportunity doesn't have to be hard. Read these six tips for finding the right volunteer opportunity for you.
  • 10 Scholarship Application Tips You Need To Know| Ascent Funding
    10 College Scholarship Application Tips You Need To Know
    Scholarships don’t need to be overwhelming! Learn these 10 tips that will help you apply for scholarships.
  • 3 Tips to Help You Pay for Study Abroad | Ascent Funding
    Traveling Abroad: 3 Tips To Help You Pay For Your Study Abroad Program
    Paying for your study abroad may seem overwhelming, but these student tips can help you prepare for your trip without breaking the bank.
  • The Truth About Private Loans: Top 4 Myths Debunked
    There are plenty of myths surrounding the idea of private student loans. Ascent Funding is here to debunk 4 common myths and reveal the truth to students.
  • 6 Ways to Decorate for Halloween on a College Student Budget | Ascent Funding
    How to Decorate Your Space For Halloween On A Budget
    While Halloween is a time for candy and costumes, it’s also where we spend money. Here's a few ways to trick out your space, even on a college student budget.
18 of 29

Your Ultimate Guide to College Funding

Discover interactive tools, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you pay for college with confidence.