168,000+ people have used Ascent to pay for school*
Get the funding you need with no fees, transparent terms, and flexible repayment built for your timeline. We’ve helped over 168,000 people fund their education* – we’re ready to help you too.
Apply NowSave more with zero fees on computer science and engineering master’s programs
Competitive fixed rates starting at 3.49% APR1 and variable rates starting at 4.36% APR1
Pay your tuition, fees, and expenses so you can keep moving forward
Options for cosigned and non-cosigned, DACA, and international students
Not sure how much to borrow? See how changes to federal Grad PLUS program could affect your financing options. Calculate Your Funding Gap
Applying for an Ascent private student loan is fast and simple.
Submit an application to see if you pre-qualify without impacting your credit score
Preview your repayment options and choose the plan that works best for you
Ascent confirms your eligibility with a hard credit check, and your school confirms your enrollment
Ascent sends your tuition to your school so you can focus on your training
Unlike other lenders, our priority is the success of our borrowers. That’s why Ascent offers more flexible repayment options, competitive interest rates, and personalized help so you can navigate your education and career path along the way.
| See how Ascent compares 1 2 3 4 |
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Industry standard |
| Grace Period | 9 months | 6 months |
| Automatic Payment Discounts | 0.5% - 1% | 0.25% |
| No Fees on College Loans! |
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| College & Career Coaching |
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| Access to Paid Internship Opportunities |
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| Up to 40 Repayment Options |
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| Cash Back at Graduation |
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| DACA & International Eligibility |
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| Student & Parent Scholarship Giveaways |
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| 12-Month Cosigner Release |
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| Path to Discharge in Bankruptcy |
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Comparison based on information obtained on lender websites as of October 2025
Make repayment work for you. Ascent’s options give you the flexibility to pay more later as your income grows.
Plus, get a 0.5% discount on your interest rate by using Autopay2.
Defer payments in school & 9-month grace period after graduation.
Make small payments in school & 9-month grace period after graduation.
Make larger payments in school & 9-month grace period after graduation.
Start making full payments right away.
View repayment examples or apply now to see your customized rate & repayment options. With any plan, you can choose to make early payments without fees or penalties.
We don’t just fund your loan, we care about helping you achieve a stable financial future.Ascent provides financial literacy support, flexible repayment options, no fees, and a quick, straightforward processwith financing you can count on.
Possibly the easiest process I have ever gone through in order to secure a loan.
Everyone was so helpful and nice to work with! Being a first generational College student picking a loan was scary and nerve wracking! but they made it so easy!
I've had such a struggle finding a loan and Ascent made it so simple. Not only was the process a weight lifted off my shoulders, but also ensured that I understood more about loans in general.
From your first application to your final payment, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way. Our 100% U.S.-based customer service team is here for you.
Have the following information at the ready to complete your application in just a few minutes:
Submit an application today with no impact to your credit score. View your rates and repayment options once you pre qualify.
Choose from several repayment plans, including the option to defer payments until after graduation. Or, get started on repayment early. Preview your rate and payments by submitting an application without any impact to your credit.
Repayment plans:
No matter your choice of repayment plan, you can reduce your interest rate by opting in to Autopay2, and you can choose to make early payments or fully pay off your loan without any prepayment fees.
For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions.
Depending on the repayment plan you choose, Ascent's computer science or engineering graduate student loans may include a 9-month grace period for graduates after graduation, allowing you to postpone payments for such time.
For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions.
We know unexpected events can happen. Ascent offers flexible repayment plans designed for the graduate school timeline, deferment and forbearance options, ease of discharge in bankruptcy, no late fees, and more. If you borrow with a cosigner, we also offer a 12-month cosigner release. For more information, including eligibility requirements, terms, and conditions, please visit here.
Yes, get a 0.5% discount on your rate when you sign up for automatic payments2. Plus, when you enroll, you never have to worry about missing a payment. This option is available even if you choose a Deferred Repayment plan – just make an automatic payment of at least $1/month and qualify for the interest rate discount.
Yes. To learn more about scholarships, visit here.
Yes. Many computer science and engineering students apply for federal loans first through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), then cover additional expenses with private student loans. If your federal loans don’t cover all of your expenses, a private student loan and/or scholarships may give you the relief you need.
Check your rates without impacting your credit score.
From your first application to your final payment, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way. Reach out with any questions.
877-216-0876 Monday – Friday 7 am – 5 pm (PST)
[email protected]
*Over 168,000 borrowers took out an Ascent loan for college or career training tuition or expenses between January 2018 and November 2025.
1Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 03/01/2026 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% on credit-based college student loans submitted prior to 06/01/2025, a 0.5% discount on credit-based graduate student loans submitted on or after 06/01/2025, and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based graduate student loans when you enroll in automatic payments. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. Loan features and information advertised are intended for graduate student loans and are subject to change at any time. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions. The final amount approved depends on the borrower's credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
2The final ACH discount approved depends on the borrower s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance, and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Automatic Payment Discount consists of 0.25% for credit-based graduate student loans submitted prior to 06/01/2025, 0.5% for credit-based graduate student loans submitted on or after 06/01/2025, and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based college student loans when you enroll in automatic payments. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions.
3Ascent's 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward is for eligible college students only and subject to terms and conditions. Eligible students must request the graduation reward from Ascent. Learn more at AscentFunding.com/CashBack. 1% Cash Back Reward amount dependent upon total loan amount for Ascent college loan borrowers; approximately $365 average reward amount based upon eligible borrowers who received Cash Back Rewards in 2023. Aggregate cash back limit of $500.
4Comparison chart is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information obtained from competitor websites as of October 2025. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness, timeliness, or reliability of the data presented. Competitor terms, rates, and features may change without notice. This chart is intended to help users understand general differences among products and services and does not constitute financial advice, an endorsement, or a loan offer. Users should verify all information directly with the respective providers before making any financial decisions. Ascent loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. See Terms and Conditions and AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time.
Checking your rate will not impact your credit score.
For students seeking their undergraduate or graduate degree from a university or college.
For students attending a coding career training school pursuing a degree in technology, professional training, or licensure training.