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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 Recognized as One of Southern California's Best Places to Work 
    We’re proud to share that Ascent has been recognized as one of Southern California’s Best Places to Work by Best Companies Group, an independent organization that honors companies creating strong workplace experiences for their teams.  Best Places to Work SoCal is a research-driven program from Best Companies Group that reviews participating companies’ practices, programs, and benefits, then gathers employee feedback about their workplace experience. Companies that meet the program’s criteria are named among the Best Places to Work SoCal. For Ascent, this recognition reflects more than our benefits or programs. It reflects the people who make our work meaningful every day.  At Ascent, we’re focused on building a workplace where people feel supported, trusted, and able to grow. Our mission is to help students access education and move toward academic and economic success, and we know that work starts with our own team. When employees feel valued and connected to the work they do, they’re better equipped to make a meaningful impact.  Our team is curious, collaborative, and open to new ideas. Leaders encourage learning, create space for feedback, and support career growth across the company. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere, and we work to make sure employees feel heard, included, and empowered to contribute.  Supporting employees means supporting the whole person. Ascent offers flexible and hybrid work options, generous PTO and leave policies, paid parental leave, wellness support, continuing education opportunities, and a 401(k) match. These benefits are designed to help team members care for themselves, grow professionally, and build sustainable careers.  Recognition is also part of how we show appreciation. Through programs like Cosmic Kudos, professional development opportunities, and company-wide celebrations, Ascent makes time to acknowledge the work happening across the team. It’s one way we help create a culture where people support each other, celebrate progress, and take pride in the impact they’re making.  “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.”  At its core, Ascent’s culture is people-first and purpose-driven. Team members support one another, celebrate wins together, and stay connected to a shared goal: helping students and families plan for, pay for, and succeed in school. That mix of mission, collaboration, and opportunity is what makes Ascent a great place to work.  We’re grateful to every employee who helps shape that culture every day and proud of what we’ve built together. As Ascent continues to grow, we’ll keep investing in our people, strengthening our culture, and creating opportunities for employees to do meaningful work while building rewarding careers. Because when our people succeed, the students and families we serve benefit too. 
  • KCBQ
    A Different Perspective on How to Approach Paying for College | Ascent CEO Ken Ruggiero on It’s Your Business on KCBQ-AM
    Click here to listen to how Ken is changing the student loan industry in his full interview with @RichardMuscio on @theAnswerSanDiego
  • SAT vs. ACT
    SAT vs ACT: What’s the Difference and How Do I Prepare for Both?
    Students looking to apply for college are often faced with a choice between whether to take the SAT or the ACT. These tests can make a big difference when it comes to college acceptance, so it’s no wonder why aspiring college students take this decision very seriously.
  • 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.
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Your Ultimate Guide to College Funding

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