Private Student Loan Advice & College Financing Resources

Weighing the pros and cons of becoming a student loan cosigner? Learn about the benefits and potential risks of being a cosigner on a student loan from Ascent Funding.

Update: On 3/20/25, President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). He said during a White House event on 3/21/25 that student loans will be handled by the Small Business Administration. Read the latest news coverage here. What’s Happening with the Department of Education Every year, more than $120 billion in federal student aid moves through the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to help nearly 10 million students and their families pay for college. And while the system has had its share of administrative headaches in the past few years, it has built reliable pathways connecting students to grants, loans, and work-study jobs at thousands of schools across the nation. As you may have heard, the Trump administration is reportedly preparing an executive order that would attempt to downsize or potentially eliminate the ED, a department that manages roughly $1.7 trillion in federal student loans. This proposal is more than a policy adjustment—it would be a massive shift that could impact everything from how students apply for financial aid to the protections borrowers have. As of publication on March 13, 2025, the Trump administration initiated mass layoffs at the ED, reducing its workforce by nearly 50%. The headlines keep coming, and sifting through noise can be overwhelming when trying to grasp how it might impact your financial future. But, if you're one of the millions of students or borrowers counting on federal aid to fund your education, the truth is that these changes could directly affect your education plans and how you pay for your degree, so it’s important to stay informed. What This Could Mean For Your Education Funding If the Trump administration succeeds in dismantling the ED, what does this mean for you as a student or borrower? You've probably gotten used to filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) a certain way, knowing who to call with questions, and understanding when your aid will arrive. With the proposed changes, financial aid could be moved to a different agency or even to state governments. And as we saw in 2024 following the troubled rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act, changes to established processes can send ripples through the student loan ecosystem, delaying access to critical financial aid. Shift Toward Private Lenders One proposal getting a lot of attention would shift student lending from the federal government to private lenders, essentially privatizing the student loan market. If private lenders take a bigger role in financial aid, one result could be a surge of loan options for students and their families, including more flexibility in loan options and terms or specialized loans for certain majors. But there’s a trade-off. Private lenders typically have stricter credit requirements than federal programs, which means credit score and income could matter more. Given many undergraduates are just beginning to shape their career paths and may have little to no credit history or income, they may need to apply with a cosigner in order to qualify. Increase in Interest Rates & Variability If federal lending moves entirely to the private sector, borrowers might also be concerned that interest rates will increase and be more varied across different lenders and loan types. While federal loans offer the same fixed rate to everyone, private lenders adjust their rates based on a borrower’s credit profile. And, interest rates are already climbing across the board. In fact, 10-year Treasury yields (which influence all types of lending rates) have hit their highest point since 2007, which means even existing variable-rate private loans could get more expensive as the market shifts. Just like buying a house, timing matters, and the market is heating up. It will be more important than ever to choose the right private lender based not only on interest rates, but the terms and benefits they provide, such as automatic payment discounts, cash back at graduation, or access to skills training and career coaching (which we provide all borrowers through AscentUP). Fewer Paths to Loan Forgiveness For those of you already juggling federal loan repayment, you know the drill—just when you figure out the system, it changes again. The SAVE plan provides for lower monthly payments, faster paths to forgiveness, and protection from ballooning interest, but is temporarily unavailable and on shaky ground. All borrowers currently enrolled in the SAVE plan have been automatically placed into an interest-free forbearance and the time spent does not provide credit toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). If the SAVE plan is blocked permanently, then borrowers could face higher monthly payments, longer loan terms, and uncertainty about loan forgiveness. If you've been working toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), know that there is a possibility the PSLF program could be scaled back or eliminated. There is a chance that current borrowers could be grandfathered in—but you'll want to stay on top of announcements. While Ascent’s private education loans function independently from federal student loan programs, when major policy shifts occur, these changes can disrupt the entire infrastructure and potentially reshape some or all of the options available to students and their families. When a key player changes the rules of the game—all the players are impacted and have choices to make. What You Can Do We've all dealt with uncertainty before, and while it's never comfortable, you will get through it. Here are some steps you can take to help prepare for potential changes in policy: Get your paperwork in order: Organize your records of the federal aid you've received, such as award letters and loan statements, in one place. Know your numbers: Make sure you understand your current loan terms, interest rates, and repayment timeline. Knowing where your current loans stand will help you adapt if there is a change in policy. Understand how interest rates work: If there are major changes in the market, knowing how interest rates can impact your loan balance could become even more important. Here’s how to calculate your student loan interest: Find your daily interest rate (take your annual rate and divide by 365) Calculate daily interest accrual (multiply your loan balance by that daily rate) Figure monthly payments (multiply daily accrual by days in your billing cycle) Stay informed about policy changes: Follow trusted sources for updates and bookmark reliable financial aid websites like https://studentaid.gov/. Don't panic: Remember, most policy shifts roll out gradually. The changes we're discussing would likely phase in between now and October 2025, with full implementation expected by July 1, 2026. There is time to adapt and adjust your financial plans, if necessary. Explore your funding options: Understand the alternative funding options that might be available to you beyond federal student loans, including private student loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. Ascent is Here to Help Whatever happens with the Department of Education, Ascent is committed to helping students and their families access and fund higher education responsibly. The landscape may change, but our priority—your educational and financial success—will not. We're in this together.

As a parent or guardian of a college-bound student, it’s important to ensure your child is financially prepared to cover the cost of higher education. And as Decision Day approaches, you might wonder whether your child can get a student loan on their own, or if they will need your financial support. Read on to learn if parents or guardians can apply for student loans, which student loan options are available to parents, and what to be aware of when taking out a student loan in your name. Key Takeaways Parents, guardians, or sponsors can support students by cosigning private loans or taking out loans in their name, such as federal Parent PLUS Loans.  Parent PLUS loans come with fixed interest rates, income-based repayment options, and potential loan forgiveness. Private student loans vary by lender but may offer higher loan limits, lower interest rates, and cosigner release. Parent-borrowed loans may offer better terms based on credit, but also come with full repayment responsibility. Compare interest rates, terms, and protections carefully. A financial aid advisor can help guide your decision. Can a Parent or Guardian Take Out a Student Loan for Their Child? Parents or guardians can take out a student loan for their child, which can be beneficial for several reasons. One key advantage is that you may qualify for a substantially larger loan amount than your child could on their own. Creditworthiness is generally a major factor in the loan approval process, and it is not uncommon for students to have little or no credit history. In some cases, students may be unable to qualify as solo borrowers. You may also qualify for a lower interest rate on a student loan than your child could for similar reasons. Securing a lower interest rate can save your child a considerable amount over the lifetime of the loan. Additionally, depending on your qualifications, you could receive more favorable loan terms in other ways, such as more flexible repayment options. Applying for a parent student loan or a cosigned student loan are two options parents can consider, with one major difference. With a parent student loan, you (the parent), or the grandparent, guardian, or sponsor taking out the loan is solely responsible for repayment. With a cosigned student loan, on the other hand, you are accepting shared responsibility for repaying the loan if the primary borrower cannot.  A parent student loan does not require the student to qualify, nor does the student carry any financial obligation to repay the loan. Opting for a cosigned student loan, however, can help your child build their credit history, if the loan is paid back on time. Types of Student Loans Available to Parents Two primary types of student loans are available to parents or guardians: federal parent PLUS loans and private student loans.  Federal Parent PLUS Loans Federal parent PLUS loans, also known as Direct PLUS loans, are provided by the federal government and are designed for biological or adoptive parents. Parent PLUS loans cover the difference between the amount of federal student aid a student receives and the full cost of attendance, which is also the maximum amount of a parent PLUS loan. To apply for a parent PLUS loan, your child must fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).  Like any financial decision, taking out a parent PLUS loan should be evaluated carefully. While this loan type may provide more funding than other financial aid programs, parents should be conscious of borrowing only what they need—and can repay—to avoid long-term financial repercussions. Private Student Loans Various lenders, such as banks, credit unions, and other organizations, provide private student loans directly to parents, or as a cosigner. The application process and eligibility requirements vary by lender and loan type, as do the loan terms. Some lenders, like Ascent, also offer undergraduate student loans designed specifically for parents or guardians and cosigned student loans.  Private Student Loans for Parents vs. Parent PLUS Loans There are several key differences between private student loans and federal parent PLUS loans.  Advantages of parent PLUS loans include: Interest Rates: Whereas private loan rates will depend heavily on the market and the borrower’s qualifications, a parent PLUS loan offers a fixed interest rate set by the federal government.   Repayment Plans: Parent PLUS loans have various repayment plans, including standard, graduated, and income-contingent options. These plans provide flexibility for those looking for a plan that most closely aligns with their financial situation. Deferment and Forbearance Options: Parent PLUS loans typically have many deferment and forbearance options, which can be a lifeline should you experience economic hardship. Loan Forgiveness Programs: Parent PLUS loans may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which is highly advantageous for parents with qualifying public service jobs. Key features of private student loans include: Loan Terms: Private student loans offer more variety in terms of interest rates, and repayment plans, meaning that parents choose the best terms for their financial situation. Cosigner Release Options: Some private student loans offer the option of releasing the parent cosigner from loan obligations after the student meets certain loan repayment criteria. Approval Process Timeline: Private loans typically have faster application and approval processes than federal loans. Lending Limits: Private loans may allow parents to borrow significantly higher amounts, in some cases, the full cost of attendance. It’s important to note that the amount a particular parent borrower qualifies for will vary based on creditworthiness and lender. Additional benefits: Private student loan providers often offer additional benefits including cash back rewards, automatic payment discounts, or access to coaching resources like AscentUP. Pros and Cons of Taking the Loan Out in Your Name While there are many advantages to taking out a student loan for your child in your name, there are also some disadvantages. Let’s explore the pros and cons. Benefits of Parents Taking out a Student Loan Access to More Funding: Parents typically have more established credit histories than their children, so they can often qualify for higher loan amounts. Potentially Lower Interest Rates: While the federal government sets parent PLUS loans’ fixed interest rates, parents can often qualify for lower interest rates than their children on private loans. Alleviating Immediate Debt for the Student: A loan in your name removes some of the student's immediate financial burden, allowing them to focus on their studies. Things to be Mindful of When Taking out a Student Loan Responsibility Falls on You: You are ultimately responsible for repaying the loan, regardless if your student completes their program  Impact on Your Credit: Taking out a loan can impact your credit, especially if it is for a large amount. Late or missed payments can hurt your credit score, and the loan will impact your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which can impact your ability to secure other forms of credit. Opportunity for Open Discussion around Finances  with Your Child: Mixing family and finances can be tricky, and the financial obligation of the loan should be met with openness and honesty. Open communication about expectations, repayment plans, and financial responsibilities can help prevent misunderstandings.  Overview of the Student Loan Application Process for Parents Every private student loan has a different application process, so you must contact each lender to discuss the process for their graduate or undergraduate loans. However, the application process for federal parent PLUS loans is similar. For parent PLUS loans, the steps look like this: Complete the FAFSA. This determines eligibility for most federal student aid programs. Log in to StudentAid.gov. After submitting the FAFSA, use your FSA ID to log in to the Federal Student Aid website. Select “Apply for a PLUS Loan.” Use the “Apply for Aid” tab and choose “Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan” for the relevant award year. Complete the parent PLUS loan application. Provide the required personal and financial information on the application form, such as income, employment, and contact information. You must undergo a credit check. Unlike other federal student loans, the Department of Education assesses your credit history to determine eligibility. Sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN). If approved, you must sign the Master Promissory Note on the studentaid.gov website. This legal document outlines the terms and conditions of the loan and documents your promise to repay it. Receive a loan decision. The Department of Education will notify you whether you’ve been approved for the loan, along with the loan amount and terms. Accept or decline the loan. You can accept the full loan amount, choose a lower amount based on your child’s specific needs, or decline the loan if you no longer need it or have found a better option. Tips on How to Determine Which Type of Student Loan Is Right for Parents Now that we’ve established that parents can take out student loans for their children, the next step is figuring out which loan type best suits their needs. Here are some tips for determining which loan is best for your financial future and your child’s education. Evaluate Your Financial Situation. Assess your income, savings, existing debts, and overall financial capacity to determine what loan repayments you can afford. Research Available Options. Understand federal and private options regarding interest rates, repayment plans, borrower protections, and other terms to determine which best aligns with your needs. Compare Interest Rates. Consider whether fixed or variable rates are more advantageous to you and the specific rates offered on specific loans. For example, if you value the predictability of a fixed rate with ample deferment and forbearance options, a parent PLUS loan might be your best bet. Compare Loan Limits to Need. Different loans have different limits, which may or may not meet your child’s needs. Understand Repayment Options. Different loans offer different repayment options, some of which may be more advantageous for your situation. Assess Your Creditworthiness. Evaluate your credit history and credit score to understand how they might impact your loan approval, interest rates, and available loan terms. Consider Cosigning. Evaluate whether it would be better to be a cosigner yourself or find another cosigner, especially one with a strong credit history. Review Available Borrower Protections. Consider whether deferment, forbearance, loan forgiveness programs, and cosigner releases are available. Seek Professional Advice. Financial aid advisors and student loan experts can provide personalized guidance based on your circumstances and needs. Contact our support team today!  Learn More with Ascent Ascent is committed to helping students achieve their goals in college and beyond. That's why we offer a library of financial wellness resources and a variety of loan options to meet your financial needs.  Learn more about our college loan options for parents. FAQ Do parents need to cosign student loans for their children? Parents often do not need to cosign student loans for their children if the student borrower can qualify independently. However, cosigning a loan for your child may increase the total loan amount available, reduce interest rates, and secure more favorable terms. Can my child get a student loan on their own? Whether your child can get a student loan independently depends on several factors, including their financial need, creditworthiness, credit score, and the school’s total attendance costs. The best way to determine this is to have them fill out the FAFSA, apply for federal student aid, and then apply for private student loans to address any remaining funding gaps. Application criteria will also vary by lender. How do you get private student loans for parents with bad credit? Although getting private student loans for parents with bad credit can be more difficult, there are options. Some lenders may have more flexible credit requirements or allow collateral to secure the loan. You can also investigate lenders who specialize in helping borrowers with bad credit.

When I started college, I knew I’d be taking on student loans. However, I didn’t realize just how much it would weigh on my mind. As much as I try to focus on my classes, internship, and the overall plans for my future, the looming cloud of student debt has always been there. It’s hard to enjoy the moments of college when happiness is tied to a price tag. Over time, I’ve discovered some strategies, and small mindset shifts that have helped manage this anxiety.   If you’re dealing with similar feelings, know you are not alone: according to WalletHub, 70% of students are stressed about student loans-. Loan anxiety is a shared experience for many students trying to navigate higher education. The feelings of long-term debt, worry of future job security, and fear of falling behind on payments are all common. Here are steps I’ve taken to better manage that anxiety:   1) Understand the Source   For me, student loan stress comes from different sources. First, there’s the long-term commitment, knowing I’ll be making payments for years, and potentially decades, after graduation. I worry about missing payments or how one mistake can ruin things such as my credit score. Another stress I deal with is finding a job, one that can pay me enough to pay off my loans. Whether these uncertainties come from family, friends, or external pressures, they all add fuel to my anxiety.   Thankfully, there are resources out there to help ease some of the stress. Ascent has great tools available to borrowers, including AscentUP, an online platform with over 50 hours of on-demand content from industry experts that supports students with financial wellness and aims to help students graduate faster, get a job that matches their needs, and earn a higher starting salary. AscentUP* helps borrowers with their  academics, identifying career goals, and building confidence on how to save. It is self-paced and can be done anywhere from your mobile device.   2) Educate Yourself on Loans & Finances  One of the best ways I’ve found to manage student loan anxiety is to understand exactly what I owe and how the repayment process works. Each loan type is different; whether you have taken out federal or private loans, understanding the type, term, interest rate, and repayment options will help your loans feel more manageable.   For Federal Student loans, you have options:   SAVE: Repayment Option: This is an income-driven repayment plan. FASFA describes it as a “plan [that] calculates your monthly payment amount based on your income and family size.” The benefits of the SAVE plan have interesting benefits. If you make your full monthly payment but fall short on paying for your monthly interest, the government will cover it! Borrowers who originally borrowed $12,000 or less receive forgiveness after 10 years.   Fixed Repayment: You choose a base of monthly payments based on your income. When it comes to Fixed Repayment, there are three types.   Standard Repayment Plan: A fixed monthly payment for a 10-year period. If you don’t choose a repayment plan, your loan servicer will automatically enroll you in this option. - https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers   Graduated Repayment Plan: Lower payments that increase every two years, designed to be able to financially support yourself and gradually afford higher payments.  Extended Repayment Plan: Offers lower fixed payments over a longer term, which is helpful for students pursuing lower-paying careers.  TIP: What is Forbearance? Life can be unpredictable, especially when dealing with student loans. Forbearance is built for when life throws you curveballs and you need a temporary pause or reduction in payments.   I know this seems like a lot. And each loan is different, but this is why it’s important to do research to understand your loan type. It may seem insignificant now, but loans add up and your research could potentially save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. The biggest takeaway is that, unlike Federal Student Loans, private student loans vary depending on the lender chosen. This is where private student loans, like Ascent, can help. Ascent offers multiple options for undergraduate loans  of students to help meet their unique financial needs.  For Ascent Private Student there, you also have many options:  Cosigned Loans: Ideal for students with limited credit history or income. Allows students to have a credit worthy cosigner such as a parent or guardian.   Non-Cosigned Loans Based on Credit: Available for students who qualify independently based on their own credit score and income. This is a great opportunity for a student to take full responsibility for their loans  Non-Cosigned Outcomes Loan: This is specifically designed for juniors and seniors in college. It is an option for those that want to still support themselves ideally but might not have the facts to back it up. Instead of relying on credit scores, eligibly is determined by factors such as academic performance and projected future income.    Parent Loans: This option allows parents to take out a loan on behalf of their child to help educational costs. It offers competitive rates and flexible repayment options tailored to parents.  While in school, even small payments can make a big difference. Whether it’s $1, $10, or $20 a month, every contribution helps reduce the overall interest on your loan over time. Ascent allows you to make these manageable payments while still in school, giving you a head start on repayment and potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run. It's a simple way to take control of your financial future without feeling overwhelmed. I understand how easy it is to get overwhelmed when there is so much information coming to you all at once- that's exactly why I’m here to help simplify things for you.  3) Building Your Finances   Starting your financial journey can be scary and intimidating. If you're not sure where to start, Ascent is here to help. With any journey you take, you have to know where to go. Trust me, as a fellow student I have been exactly where you are now. While feelings like overwhelm never disappear, there are ways to control them. Here are my personally- tested and proven tips to help during college's challenging moments.   Start by creating a goal and tracking your progress.  Figure out where you are financially and where you want to be to help set your goal. If you are looking for guidance with practical tips  the most effective is to ask students like yourself.  We have a huge list of tips for budgeting money as a college student. Once you decide what you are working towards, you can start tracking it. It will be hard to get into the habit, but forming healthy spending habits will save you in the long run.   Check for student discounts and promo codes.  Many popular companies, from streaming services like Hulu and Spotify to large tech companies such as Apple and Microsoft offer discounts for students.  Some perks include free trial or reduced subscriptions. Most times to take advantage of these deals all you have to do is present your Student ID or sign in using your school email address. Here is a list of my favorite deals.  Apply for scholarships.   Take advantage of scholarships to reduce your reliance on loans. Start by researching options offered by your school, local organizations, and online. There are countless databases that will offer you aid based on your background, major, or even personal interest.  Even small scholarships add up over time, and every dollar you earn through scholarships is one less dollar you must borrow.   TIP: Never stop applying for scholarships!! Check out these easy no-essay scholarships from Ascent.  Ascent has awarded over [scholarship_awards_amount] in scholarships to students.   4) Seeking Support and Resources   Student loans can feel overwhelming, and like any kind of stress, it’s necessary to keep it all bottled up. Make sure you’re sharing your concerns and frustrations with someone you trust– whether you speak to your parents, friends, or counselor, it’s a big help to get it off your chest. And if there is no one in person you can speak to there are forums with students and professionals on College Confidential about how to deal with this anxiety.  Managing student loans and the anxiety that comes with loans as it is an ongoing process; but not an impossible one. With the right tools and mindset, you can focus on moving forward with your education and future! But most critically, remind yourself that you are not alone in this journey. College is about growth and discovery, so don’t let student loans take away from what you can accomplish. College is about growth and discovery so do not let the stress of loans take away from that experience. With the right plan and support you can embrace on all the different experiences and achievements college has to offer.  About the author:   Maelia (Mia) Madariaga-Ilagan is a fourth-year student at University of San Diego (USD) pursuing a degree in Marketing with a minor focus in Visual Arts. Coming from a large family where all siblings are encouraged to attend college, she understands firsthand the financial pressure that student loans can bring. However, she believes that the struggle of student loans should not shadow the opportunities college brings. During her time at USD, Mia has excelled both academically and within the campus community. She has served as the Public Relations Chair for USD Associated Students and become an active member of many student organizations. These experiences and many more have shaped her growth and given her opportunities to thrive.

Although cosigners can be beneficial, you should know how to remove them from a student loan. Learn how to remove a cosigner with Ascent.

More high school grads are going straight to community college after graduation. Learn why students are choosing community college after high school.

Learn about Expected Family Contribution (EFC), now called the Student Aid Index (SAI), and its role in determining financial aid eligibility.

Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are part of the federal direct loan program and offer students various loan options. Learn more.

Wondering if you qualify for federal financial aid? Learn more about the eligibility requirements while submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

From forbearance and deferment options to general debt management, if you’re having trouble making student loan payments check out these 7 tips from Ascent Funding.

College application deadlines determine the dates student applications must be submitted to be considered for the upcoming school year. While every college is free to set its own application deadlines, many colleges have the same deadlines or at least similar ones. Most colleges offer multiple application options, including early action, early decision, regular decision, and rolling admission.  Which application deadline you submit can impact your eligibility for certain admissions or program types. It can also influence your likelihood of acceptance or the number of schools you can choose between. If you’ve been wondering when college applications are due for fall 2026, we have everything you need to know. When to Apply for College: Fall 2026 Most college application deadlines fall within narrow windows of about two weeks. This is because most colleges and high schools follow similar academic years, which simplifies the process for students and institutions. Below are some key college application deadlines to have on your radar for the 2025-2026 academic year.  Early action: November 1–15, 2025 Early decision: November 1–15, 2025 Regular decision: January 1–15, 2026 Rolling admission: No set deadline While you’ll have to start planning earlier, it’s smart to apply for early action or early decision if you can. The sooner you know what college you’ll attend, the less stress you’ll feel the rest of the year. Aim for the following college deadlines if you plan to apply for early admission for the 2026 school year:  April–May 2025: Take the ACT or SAT June 2025: Request letters of recommendation August 2025: Start writing your essays October 2025: Apply for student aid November 2025: Submit application Remember that these are just general guidelines. Application deadlines for colleges vary, so it’s important to check the official website of each school you’re interested in. Types of Application Deadlines for Colleges When college applications are due for fall 2026 is probably only your first question. You’ll also want to know what each type of application means and when you can expect a decision. Check out the chart of college deadlines below and then read on for more detailed information.  Admission TypeDescriptionApplication DeadlineAdmission DecisionEarly actionApply to a single school earlyNovember 1–15, 2025Mid-DecemberEarly decisionApply to multiple schools earlyNovember 1–15, 2025Mid-DecemberRegular decisionApply to multiple schools using the standard processJanuary 1–15, 2026Mid-March to early AprilRolling admissionOngoing admissions until all spots are filled No set deadline4–6 weeks after application Early Decision (ED) Deadlines Early decision allows you to apply to a single school (typically your top choice) early in your senior year of high school. If you’re admitted under early decision, you are committed to attending that college and must withdraw any other applications, so it’s important to be sure the school is the right fit.  Many colleges notify early-decision applicants by mid-December, giving you an earlier answer compared to other application types. However, since you must commit if you’re accepted, you won’t have the opportunity to compare financial aid offers from multiple schools. Early Action (EA) Deadlines Early action allows you to apply to a school early in your senior year of high school (often at the same or similar deadline to early decision). Unlike early decision, early action is non-binding, meaning you can apply to multiple schools and wait to make a final choice. This allows earlier awareness and more flexibility in the college decision process. Some schools offer restrictive early action, which limits how many early applications you can submit, so be sure to check each school’s policies. Regular Decision (RD) Deadlines Regular decision is the standard application process. Applications are due in late fall or early winter, and acceptances are sent out in late winter or early spring. You may apply to several colleges under regular decision deadlines without forming a binding commitment. This option gives you the most time to complete your application, gather recommendation letters, and improve your academic record before applying. Rolling Admissions Deadlines Schools with rolling admissions have no set deadline and typically accept applications from fall through spring, often from September to June, though it varies. Decisions are usually sent out within a few weeks of applying, which means you may receive an acceptance letter much sooner than with regular decision. While this offers flexibility, it’s still best to apply as early as possible, because spots may be limited later in the admission cycle. College Transfer Deadlines College deadlines for transfer students vary tremendously from institution to institution and semester to semester. For example, most colleges that accept transfer students have separate fall semester transfer deadlines, spring semester transfer deadlines, and summer semester transfer deadlines. Some schools also have priority deadlines for transfer students, which can help increase your chances of receiving financial aid or securing a spot in competitive programs. Scholarship Deadlines Applying for scholarships on time is one of the most important things you can do to improve your likelihood of both receiving financial aid and increasing the amount of aid you receive. Since deadlines vary widely, it’s a good idea to keep a list of upcoming scholarship opportunities and submit applications as early as possible. Some scholarships require essays, recommendation letters, or additional materials, so give yourself plenty of time to prepare.  Get a head start on scholarships by applying for one of Ascent’s no-essay scholarship giveaways today. Late Applications and Special Conditions Application deadlines for colleges are strict and not meeting them usually means you will not be accepted into that school (especially for more competitive schools). But if you miss a deadline, it does not mean all hope is lost. Late college applications can present special challenges, but you may have options. Here are some of the most helpful things you can do: Apply for rolling admissions: Because institutions with rolling admissions accept applications until all spots are filled, they may be an option for applicants who missed deadlines at other schools. Research late deadline options: Some colleges offer extended deadlines for specific circumstances, especially if their class has not been filled. Check admissions websites for details or contact the admissions office directly. Be prepared to explain why you could not meet the application deadline, supported by documentation. Seek a deadline extension: Even if your desired school doesn’t have an extended deadline, they might be willing to accommodate special circumstances if notified in advance. To maximize your chances of consideration, contact admissions offices as early as possible, explain the circumstances clearly and concisely, and offer a plan with a reasonable timeline.  Explain in your application: Address any challenges or adversity you have faced, especially if these circumstances impacted your ability to meet the application deadline. Many colleges provide a section where you can provide additional context or include a personal statement that can be leveraged for this purpose. Seek support from guidance counselors: High school guidance counselors can provide general support and may have advice on handling your particular circumstances.  Pros and Cons of Early Applications There are many potential benefits of meeting early application deadlines for college. However, some early application deadlines might bind you to a particular school, so it is important to be careful. Some of the most important benefits of early applications include: Increased chance of admission: Most colleges have a higher acceptance rate for early applicants. Applying early shows you’re serious about attending, especially if you’re willing to commit through early decision. Many schools take that into account. Plus, you’ll have less competition because the pool of applicants is smaller. Higher priority for financial aid: Financial aid is limited to public and private sources. Many institutions distribute aid on a first-come, first-served basis, and many private and public scholarships do the same. Reduced stress: Not only does hearing back early reduce the stress associated with waiting to hear back from college (especially if it is the student’s dream school), but it also gives both you and your family more time to plan, prepare, and apply for financial aid and scholarships. However, when college applications are due early, you might feel rushed or run into other disadvantages: Early decision is binding: If you apply early decision and are accepted, you must attend that school, which means you can’t compare financial aid offers from other colleges. This can be unfavorable if the school doesn’t offer enough financial aid to meet your needs. Less time to prepare: Early deadlines mean you have less time to improve your GPA, strengthen your extracurricular activities, or retake standardized tests. If you need more time to boost your application, applying early may not benefit you. Key College Applications Deadlines 2024 Most college application deadlines fall within narrow windows of about two weeks. This is because most colleges and high schools follow similar academic years, which simplifies the process for students and institutions.  Below are some key college application deadlines to have on your radar for the 2024-2025 academic year: Early Decision and Early Action Deadlines – November 1-15, 2024 Regular Decision Deadlines – January 1-15, 2025 Rolling Admissions – Ongoing until all spots are filled  Financial Aid deadlines – Dates vary Scholarship deadlines – Dates vary Remember that these are just general guidelines. It’s important to check the official website of each school you are interested in for that specific institution’s deadlines. Tips and Strategies for Meeting College Application Deadlines As you start thinking about when college applications are due, you should also be getting organized so you can make sure your applications are accurate, submitted on time, and paint you in the most favorable light. Here are some tips and strategies: Create a timeline: Develop a detailed timeline that includes application deadlines for the schools you want to apply to, standardized test dates, and any other relevant milestones.  Set incremental goals: Break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Identify which tasks require the most time, like completing essays and gathering recommendation letters, so you can prioritize those. Utilize digital tools: Apps like Trello, Notion, Evernote, or Todoist can help you list application deadlines, scholarship due dates, and test registration cutoffs. Set reminders to give yourself time to finalize everything. Set up a specially dedicated calendar: Calendar apps like Google Calendar allows you to color-code and categorize, set reminders, sync your calendar across devices, and share it with your supporters. Keep all documents in one place: Use Google Drive or Dropbox to store copies of your transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and test scores so you can easily access everything you need. Apply with Confidence with Ascent While you may be wondering when college applications are due, that’s just one step in achieving your higher education goals. One of the most important decisions you must make regarding your education is how to pay for college. Although financial aid and scholarships may cover a portion of your expenses, they may not cover the full cost of attending college.  Ascent's private undergraduate student loans can help fill those gaps. Our cosigned student loan and no cosigner student loan options are designed to provide students and their families with the support they need. Let us help you achieve your financial and educational goals. FAQ When Should You Start Applying for Scholarships for College? You can start applying for scholarships as early as your junior year of high school, and some colleges even accept applications from younger students. Many scholarship deadlines fall between the summer before senior year and early spring of senior year. Applying early gives you more opportunities to secure financial aid and reduces the amount you need to borrow for college. Do You Apply for College Junior or Senior Year? Most students begin the college application process in the summer or fall of their senior year. However, junior year is a great time to start researching schools, preparing for standardized tests, and gathering application materials. Some special programs or early admissions opportunities may allow students to apply before senior year, but most regular applications open in August or September of senior year. How Strict Are College Application Deadlines? Application deadlines for colleges are typically very strict, and missing them can mean losing your chance to apply for that term. Some schools may offer late application options, but competitive programs usually have firm deadlines with no exceptions. It’s always best to submit your application early to avoid last-minute issues and ensure everything is received on time. When Are Application Deadlines for Colleges? Most early decision and early action deadlines fall between November 1 and November 15, while most regular decision deadlines fall between January 1 and January 15. However, every college can set its own application deadlines, so you should check with the official admissions website or the admissions department of every college you’re considering. What Does the FAFSA Have to Do with the Deadline to Apply for Colleges? The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA, is closely tied to college application deadlines, and its submission is a critical component of the financial aid process. Many colleges use the FAFSA to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid, such as federal grants, work-study programs, and federal student loans. It's important to submit the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize eligibility for certain aid types and meet FAFSA deadlines. Check out the Ascent guide to FAFSA for more information.