PhD Student Loans & Master’s Student Loan Options
Reach your education goals with flexible Master’s and PhD student loans from Ascent.
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Check your rate without impacting your credit score.
*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.
*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.
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You’ve already put a lot of work into preparing for your PhD or Master’s. 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.
See your rates today without impacting your credit score.
Apply NowMany PhD and Master’s students take out federal loans first by filling out the FAFSA, then seek more funding through scholarships and private student loans. Using the FAFSA for Master’s loans and PhD student loans can give you an overview of your federal student loan options.
If your federal aid doesn’t cover all your costs, taking out a private student loan can keep you from stressing over your budget while you’re studying.
Ascent also gives out more than $80,000 in scholarships every year to students attending college, graduate school, and bootcamps. There are many chances to win, so make sure to check in regularly to see which scholarships we’re currently running.
To help you with your student loans 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.
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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Wondering if you qualify for federal financial aid? Learn more about the eligibility requirements while submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
If your federal student loans don’t cover all of your living expenses, a private student loan for your Master’s program or PhD and scholarships may give you the relief you need.
Ascent provides financial tips and ideas to help students succeed – we’re here to help you get the most out of your student loans.
Finally, your school will certify the amount you’re approved for and your funds will be sent directly to your school – any money that doesn’t go towards your school’s necessary funds will be sent to you to cover additional expenses.
DACA students may apply solo with proper documentation or with a qualified cosigner.
Don’t see your question? Check our FAQ page.
If you have questions or concerns about student loans for PhD programs or Master’s degree student loans, 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 the Ascent team.
Ascent provides private student loans for various graduate student routes. If your heart isn’t set on dentistry, we can still help you out! Check out our other graduate loan options.