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.  
  • 6 Essential Tips on How to Negotiate a Job Offer
    Entering the professional world can seem a bit scary, but we got your back. Here are six essential tips for negotiating your first job offer.
  • How to Start Investing in College: 6 Easy Steps
    If you’re wondering how to start investing in college, here are 6 easy steps to make sure you begin on the right path with your finances.
  • Ascent Named Best Private Student Loan for 2021
    Ascent has done it again!
  • Looking Ahead to a Brighter 2021: A Message from our CEO
    Ascent's CEO, Ken Ruggiero, shared his thoughts on the past year and what he's looking forward to in 2021 - including advice for students. Check it out here.
  • 5 Tips Every College Student Should Know Before Filing Taxes
    Need help filing taxes as a college student? Read up on how you can maximize your tax return this upcoming tax season and beyond.
  • 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.
  • How to Set Your Own Goals
    The SMART Goal Method
    There’s a better way to reach your goal of saving more. When setting your own goals for 2023, consider how the S.M.A.R.T. goal system can help you take your dream goal and turn it into reality.
  • 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.
21 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.