Private Student Loan Advice & College Financing Resources

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.  

The FAFSA is updated annually, and there are major changes that you need to know about for 2019-2020.

The benefits to having a mentor in college can be invaluable. Check out our post on the perks of having a mentor and how to find one.

With deadlines looming, it can be stressful to consider what classes you will continue this semester and which you will drop. But the bigger question is, if you miss the deadline for dropping classes, how will a "W" on your transcript effect you?

Though there are many elements of your first post-college job that will be learned “on the job”, the following tips will help you ensure a successful work experience. Read on to find out how to make the most of your first job out of college!

This is it—you’re at the final stretch, so close to graduation you can nearly feel the ceremonial cap on your head. All of your hard work is about to pay off, as the years of studying have prepared you to advance toward a future of new opportunities. With that being said, just because you’re nearing graduation doesn’t mean you can let off the gas.

To keep your budget balanced into 2019 and beyond, we’ve compiled this list of healthy spending habits that can help you to save money in the new year.

We’ve compiled this Student Survival Guide to Finals to help you navigate the finals week in a way that keeps your spirits and your test scores afloat. Let’s look at some tips for staying alive during finals...

Ascent Student Loans, a division of San Diego-based finance technology company Goal Structured Solutions, Inc. (“GS2”), is pleased to announce that it has named marketing and technology expert Kim McNealy as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). With deep expertise leading marketing programs for a range of emerging and industry-leading organizations, McNealy will spearhead initiatives that position Ascent Student Loans for continued growth in the student lending market.

Nearly three-quarters of parents report their highest stressor as completing applications for admission and financial aid for college, with their biggest concern being the amount of student loans the family will need to borrow. So, before you get too stressed out, here are 4 ways to prepare for college.

Between all the gifts for loved ones and the costs incurred to go visit them, it’s easy for our budgets to feel the crunch of the holiday season. Let’s look at some of the ways you can save money during the holidays, so you can afford to stay on track while the celebrations are underway.