College Loans

MBA Student Loans

You’ve been accepted to your MBA program — now it’s time to get down to business.

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Competitive MBA loan interest rates

Variable Rates

6.87% - 15.39%*

Your payment may change every month.
Your interest rate varies and changes with market conditions.

Fixed Rates

5.62% - 16.24%*

Make the same payment every month.
Your interest rate is set the day you apply and doesn’t change.

*Rates displayed above are effective as of 03/01/2023 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% on credit-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions.
**Lowest APRs require interest-only payments, the shortest loan term, and a cosigner, and are only available to our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores.

Customizable MBA Student Loan Repayment Options

Flexible Repayment Plans

$25 minimum* if you want to get started on your payments while you’re still in school.
In school interest-only repayment if you can afford larger payments while in school.

Extended In-School Period

We offer deferment of MBA school loans up to 36 months while you’re enrolled at least half time.

Postpone Payments

The grace period allows you to postpone payments up to 9 months after graduation, giving you time to focus on what matters.

*Want to see what your repayment plan and monthly payments could look like? Check out our loan repayment examples to help you make your decision.

Every graduate student’s situation is different, and Ascent’s MBA student loans are designed to empower you as you pursue your business education.

5 Benefits of MBA student loans with Ascent

No application, origination, or disbursement fees
No penalties for early loan payoff
1% cashback + discount for automatic payments
Refer a friend and earn $525 for each friend who takes a loan
Defer payments up to 9 months after graduation

What are others saying about Ascent?

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.

How MBA loans work: four steps to success

You’ve already put a lot of work into preparing for your MBA. 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.

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.
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.
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.
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.

Additional ways to pay for MBA school

If you’re wondering how to pay for your MBA, don’t worry — there are many options available.

You can use multiple types of loans to cover your tuition, including federal loans, private loans, and any financial aid your business school can offer. Many students first apply for graduate financial aid through the FAFSA and use private loans to cover additional costs.

Ascent also offers scholarships opportunities that can help ease your MBA finances.

Financial wellness tips for grad school

Your MBA can be a pathway leading you to greater career success, but it’s important to stop and assess your finances before taking this leap.

Checking that your undergraduate loans can be deferred while you’re in school, recreating your budget for grad school, and applying for financial aid are all vital steps to ensure you’re not stressed about money while trying to study.

Frequently asked questions about MBA loans

Do MBA loans need a cosigner?

No, you may not need a cosigner as long as you’re a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status.

A non-cosigned credit-based student loan is available for graduate students enrolled at least half-time who have more than two years of credit history and a minimum income of $24,000 annually.

If you’re having difficulty getting a loan, there may still be ways you can get a student loan without a cosigner.

Can international students apply for an MBA loan?

Yes, international MBA students attending U.S. colleges can apply for an Ascent loan with a creditworthy cosigner. Your cosigner must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident to qualify. You’ll also need to provide documentation of status as a temporary resident.

DACA students may apply solo with proper documentation or with a qualified cosigner.

When should I apply for an MBA loan?

You should apply for your graduate loan after you’ve been accepted to an MBA program. Your loan amount will be calculated based on the program you’ve been accepted to. If approved, your funds will be distributed directly to your university.

It’s best to start the MBA application process at least a month before your tuition deadline to give you time to make sure your funds are in order.

Starting earlier can give you more time to work through any issues that come up and the ability to work through your budget in more detail.

How much can I take out in loans?

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 do I do if I need more financial aid?

If you’ve gone through your budget, applied for federal aid, and taken private loans to find that you need more than your school’s official cost of attendance (COA), you have a few options. First, you can appeal to your school’s financial aid office and discuss your situation.

Second, there may be some scholarships you can use to help cover the cost — Ascent awards over $80,000 in scholarships for college and bootcamp students every year.

If these options aren’t enough, you can also explore paid internships to help contribute to your tuition or consider working part-time if you’re able to.

Can I take out federal loans for MBA school?

Yes, many MBA school students apply for federal loans first through the FAFSA, then cover additional expenses with private student loans. The federal loans available to you may consist of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans.

If your federal loans don’t cover all of your living expenses, a private student loan and scholarships may give you the relief you need.

Don’t see your question? Check our FAQ page.

Contact us for help with MBA student loans

We’re here to help.

If you have a question or concern about your student loans or the application process, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our team is here for you to get the help you need for your MBA loan. Ascent also offers a variety of graduate student loans for different courses of study.

Pursuing a Different Course of Study?

Ascent offers student loans for a myriad of career paths. Check out our other graduate student loan pages to explore your opportunities.

Graduate Loans