College Loans
Graduate Student Loans for the Next Generation of Leaders
Pay for your masters, doctoral, or professional degree with or without a cosigner.
Check your rate without impacting
your credit score.
Graduate student loan benefits
Ascent gives you more opportunities to apply for graduate loans with or without a cosigner so you can focus on your future, plus these additional benefits:
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Affordable - Choose between fixed or variable interest rates.
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MORE REPAYMENT OPTIONS - 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, and 20-year terms (depending on the graduate loans you choose).
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FLEXIBLE OPTIONS - Start payments at least 9 months after graduation, and if you need to make lower payments after graduation, consider our Progressive Repayment option.
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BUILD CREDIT IN YOUR OWN NAME - Apply for Ascent’s Non-Cosigned Credit-Based Loan, or apply to release your cosigner after 12 payments and meeting other criteria.
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24/7 Access with AscentConnect - Stay up to date with your student loan and make payments using our AscentConnect mobile app. Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
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FAST & EASY - Check your pre-qualified rates in minutes without impacting your credit score.
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BIGGER DISCOUNTS - 0.25% automatic debit discount for Ascent's Credit-Based Loans. Discount Terms & Conditions >>
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CASH BACK - 1% Cash Back Reward upon graduation.
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Tips & Resources - Ascent offers tips and resources that go beyond student loans to help you thrive in school and after graduation.
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NO FEES - No application, origination, or disbursement fees AND there's no penalty if you pay off your loan early.
How to get your graduate student loan
You’ve already put a lot of work into preparing for graduate school. Getting the financing you need shouldn’t stop you now. We’ve streamlined our application process so you can get your funds without getting a headache.
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Step 1
Submit your pre-qualification
We ask you to provide important information such as your name, address, date of birth, the school you’re applying to, and employment information. If you’re applying with a cosigner, they’ll also enter their information.
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Step 2
Select your repayment plan
Once your completed loan application is approved, you’ll be able to view your repayment options and select the loan terms that work best for you.
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Step 3
Complete your Ascent Portal tasks
After you choose your loan terms and accept your disclosures, your Ascent Portal will be populated with tasks to complete. These tasks include a financial wellness quiz and providing us with any additional information we need to prepare your loan.
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Step 4
We pay your school
When your portal tasks are complete, we send your loan for school certification. Once certified, we’ll disburse your loan directly to your school.
Ready to start your loan application?
See your rates today without impacting your credit score.
Apply Now
More ways to pay for graduate school with Ascent
Ascent offers additional ways for you to earn money throughout the year, even if you don’t have a loan with us. Expand your possibilities with our benefits.
- Over $60,000 in Shining Stars Scholarships are awarded every year.
- More than $12,000 in Community Champions Scholarships are awarded every year to students making a social impact.
- Up to $525 for each friend you refer to Ascent
Financial wellness tips for grad school
To help you with your student loan for graduate school, we incorporate financial wellness into our application process. This gives you exclusive access to tips and resources to prepare you for financial success in school and after graduation.
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How to Apply for Grad School Loans
If you're attending graduate school, our step-by-step guide will help you figure out where to start with the loan application process.
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A Guide to FAFSA Eligibility Requirements
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Ascent stands out for its range of payment reduction and postponement options, rare among private lenders. Borrowers can choose a graduated repayment plan, which provides a lower monthly payment to start that increases over time.” Read more
- Forbes Advisor
We are recognizing Ascent with our Editor’s Choice™ Award as Top Private Student Loan Provider thanks to the company’s student-focused efforts and innovative loan options. ” Read more
- BadCredit.org
Being young I don’t have a strong credit history. Ascent made it possible for me to have my own loan without the help of others – I’m thankful I found them.
Nikara M.
It was the only decent loan provider that would accept a non-cosigned loan. My loan manager helped a lot.
Robert C.
The best thing about Ascent is the fact that they make the process easy. I was able to do everything online and the money was sent directly to my school.
Anjellica C.
Frequently asked questions about grad school
From your first application to your final payment, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way. Our 100% U.S.-based Ascent Customer Service team is here for you. Call us toll-free at 877-216-0876, email us at [email protected], or check out our top FAQs below:
Who is Ascent?
Ascent is an award-winning lending company, committed to revolutionizing how students pay for higher education at colleges and coding bootcamps. Ascent empowers students from all economic backgrounds and disciplines (including DACA students) to maximize the return on their education through their Bright Futures Engine.
To set students up for success, we incorporate financial wellness into our application process (the ONLY lender to require this) and offer exclusive benefits for students like the opportunity to qualify for a loan without a cosigner (for undergraduate juniors and seniors), 1% cash back, no fees, and over $80,000 in scholarships awarded every year.
What are the credit requirements for Ascent’s Graduate Student Cosigned and Non-Cosigned Credit-Based Loans?
Ascent’s credit decisioning criteria is proprietary and subject to change, but you can check what rates you pre-qualify for in just four (4) steps without impacting your credit score. We consider credit history and several other factors including, but not limited to, credit score.
What are the eligibility requirements for Ascent’s Graduate Student Cosigned and Non-Cosigned Credit-Based Loans?
Ascent considers several factors which may include creditworthiness, school, program, GPA, and cost of attendance.
Ascent Graduate Student Loans are for graduate students that are at least half-time enrolled in a degree program at an eligible institution.
Students applying without a cosigner must be U.S. citizens, have U.S. permanent resident status, or have DACA status. Students that are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents may apply with a credit-worthy cosigner that is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
Can students that are Non-U.S. citizens apply for an Ascent loan?
Yes, Non-US Citizens that meet certain eligibility criteria can apply for an Ascent College or Bootcamp Loan.
Please see the required documentation and cosigner requirements below.
Permanent Resident
Required Documents:
- Unexpired Permanent Resident Card (If expired, provide extension letter)
- Social Security Card
Cosigner Requirements: You can apply as a solo applicant, or with a U.S Citizen or U.S Permanent Resident
Cosigner
Temporary Resident:
Required Documents:
- Unexpired VISA with an acceptable category as follows:F-1, F-3, G-1, H-1B, H-1C, H-2B, H-3, J-1, L-1, M-1, M-3,
T-1, TN - Social Security Card
The following documents may also be submitted in lieu of a VISA and Social Security Card
- I-20 Form (pages 1 & 2 signed) (if applicable)
- Unexpired Passport from country of origin
- *Temporary Protected Status:
- See here for eligible countries: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status
- Required Documents:
- Form I-797, Notice of Action
- Unexpired Passport from country of origin
- Social Security Card (if applicable
Cosigner Requirements: A U.S Citizen or U.S Permanent Resident Cosigner will be required with your application.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA):
Required Documents:
- Unexpired Employment Authorization Card with your name and a C33 category code
- If expired or in process we need a Form I-797, Notice of Action or written notice of DACA and employment
authorization
- If expired or in process we need a Form I-797, Notice of Action or written notice of DACA and employment
- Social Security Card
Cosigner Requirements: You can apply as a solo applicant, or with a U.S Citizen or U.S Permanent Resident
Cosigner
NOTE: The option to apply to release the cosigner after making twelve (12) consecutive full principal and
interest payments on-time or an equivalent prepayment amount while also meeting the other eligibility
criteria to qualify is only available to student borrowers that are U.S. citizens or have U.S. permanent
resident status or DACA status. (See FAQ, “Can I eventually remove the cosigner from my loan?”)
Do you offer graduate school scholarships?
Yes. Ascent gives away over $80,000 in scholarships every year. Enter for your chance to win our Shining Stars Scholarship and Community Champions Scholarship in 3 easy steps – no essay required.
How much can I apply for?
The maximum loan amount for Ascent loans is limited to the total cost of attendance for one full academic year, minus any financial aid, as certified by your school. Keep in mind that your school may certify your loan for less than the amount that you requested.
- Minimum: $2,001
- Maximum (aggregate): $200,000 for Undergraduate Loans; $400,000 for Graduate Loans
- Maximum for the academic year:
- $400,000 for Graduate Credit-Based Loans
What is the difference between fixed and variable interest rates?
Your interest rate on the loan is the cost you pay to borrow the money. Your monthly payment is based on the interest rate for your total loan balance. You can choose between a fixed rate or a variable rate.
A fixed-rate means your interest rate will not increase or decrease while you are making monthly payments until your loan is paid in full. It will stay the same for the life of the loan.
A variable-rate means your actual interest rate could be lower or higher during your loan term than the rate you are given while completing the loan application.
Choosing a fixed rate versus a variable rate is entirely up to you but be sure to do your research beforehand on what will be best fit for your journey to financial wellness.
What is the difference between federal and private graduate student loans?
With federal graduate student loans, you borrow money directly from the Department of Education. To apply for a federal graduate student loan, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application by visiting: https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out.
Private graduate student loans help fill the gap between your college expenses, including books, school supplies, rent, groceries, parking, gas, and anything else not covered by FAFSA or scholarships. Ascent offers flexible options to help you manage your monthly payments as you enter repayment.
Can I get a graduate student loan without a cosigner?
Yes, it’s possible to get a grad school loan without a cosigner if you meet the requirements – you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or have DACA status, have an income of at least 24,000 annually, and have at least 2 years of credit history, as well as meet a minimum credit score. The credit score required for a student loan varies, but you can easily check your rates and whether you need a cosigner or not.
What can I use my graduate student loan for?
When we send your loan disbursement, it’ll go directly to your school first. Your grad school will apply the loan to your tuition, then send any leftover funds to you.
You can use these other funds for your books, study supplies, or even rent and groceries.
Don’t see your question? Check our FAQ page.
Contact us for help with graduate school loans
If you have questions or concerns about your graduate loan application, don’t hesitate to contact Ascent. We’re available to assist you and provide clarification on the loan application process, as well as any additional information you need to help make your decision.
Fill out our contact form to reach our 100% U.S. based Ascent team.
What type of loan are you looking for?
Checking your rate will not impact your credit score.
College Loan
For students seeking their undergraduate or graduate degree from a university or college.
Bootcamp Loan
For students attending a coding bootcamp school pursuing a degree in technology, professional training, or licensure training.