College Loans
*Rates displayed above are effective as of 12/01/2023 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. 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 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, 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.
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If your federal student loans don’t cover your living expenses, a private student loan for your Master’s program or PhD and scholarships may give you the relief you need.
*The loan minimum amount is $2,001 except for the state of Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount for borrowers with a Massachusetts permanent address is $6,001.
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, and your funds will be sent directly to your school – any money that doesn’t go toward your school’s necessary funds will be sent to you to cover additional expenses.
DACA students may apply on their own with the proper documentation or with a qualified cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
Don’t see your question? Check our FAQ page.
If you have questions or concerns about your PhD or Master’s student 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 U.S.-based Customer Service 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.