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.

  • How to Celebrate Valentine's Day on a College Budget | Ascent Funding
    5 Affordable Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in College
    We explore some of the ways that college students can celebrate Valentine’s Day affordably—while still making it a holiday to remember!
  • SAT-ACT Prep Resources (1)
    Get ready and Know Your Options: SAT and ACT Prep resources📚🎓
    Due to the high demand for resources to prep for these exams, it can be difficult to determine which prep resource is best. Below are our recommendations for online, classroom, and print prep resources for you to consider for your student.
  • FASFA What Every Parent Should Know
    The Changes Every Parent Should Know About for the 2019 – 2020 FAFSA
    The FAFSA is updated annually, and there are major changes that you need to know about for 2019-2020.
  • Benefits of Having a Mentor | Ascent Funding
    The Benefits of Having a Mentor and How to Get One
    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.
  • Dropping Classes - Avoid the W
    Dropping classes: To W or not to W?
    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?
  • First Job out of College
    Helpful Tips and Advice for Your First Job Out of College
    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!
  • Applying to Graduate
    Applying to Graduate: What Every Student Should Know
    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.
  • 2019 New Year's Resolutions - Healthy Spending Habits
    2019 New Year's Resolution: Healthy Spending Habits
    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.
  • StudentSurvivalGuidetoFinals
    Student Survival Guide to Finals
    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...
  • 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.
    Financial planning starting to freak you out? Here’s what you really need to know about sending your kid to college.
    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.
  • 5-Tricks-for-Saving-Money-During-the-Holidays
    5 Tricks for Saving Money During the Holidays
    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.
23 of 26

Your Ultimate Guide to College Funding

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