College Loans

PhD Student Loans & Master’s Student Loan Options

Reach your education goals with flexible Master’s and PhD student loans from Ascent.

Check your rate without impacting your credit score.

Competitive PhD student loan & master's student loan interest rates

Variable Rates

7.18% - 15.34%*

variable rate black trend line with orange dots

Your payment may be more or less every month.
Your interest rate may vary with market conditions.

Fixed Rates

5.53% - 15.11%*

You 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 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.

Customize your PhD or master's student loan repayment options

Flexible Repayment Plans (available while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school and during Grace Period)

Deferred repayment if you want to wait to start loan payments
$25 minimum repayment* if you want to get started on your payments while you’re still in school.
Interest-only repayment if you can afford larger payments while in school.

In-School Period

We offer deferment of PhD and master’s school loans up to 36-months while you’re enrolled at least half- time.

Postpone Payments

The grace period allows you to postpone full principal and interest payments up to 9-months after graduation or leaving the program, or otherwise dropping to less than half-time enrollment status, 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.

5 Benefits of PhD and master's student loans with Ascent

No application, origination, or disbursement fees
No penalties for early repayment
1% cashback graduation reward + discount for automatic payments
Refer a friend and earn up to $525 for each friend your refer
Defer payments up to 9-months after graduation or after leaving the program

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 to get your PhD or master’s student loan

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.

Ready to start your loan application?

See your rates today without impacting your credit score.

Additional ways to pay for your PhD or master’s degree

Federal financial aid

Many 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.

Scholarships

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.

Financial wellness tips for PhD and master’s degree students

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.

Frequently asked questions about a PhD or master’s student loans

Can I take out a federal loan for my Master’s degree or PhD?

Yes. Many PhD and Master’s students apply for federal loans. You can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) for your Master’s loan or PhD loan, then cover additional expenses with private student loans. The federal student loans available to you may consist of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans.

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.

How much can I take out in PhD student loans or a student loan for a Master’s degree?

The maximum loan amount for an Ascent loan is limited to the total cost of attendance for a period not to exceed one full academic year, including any financial aid you receive, as certified by your school. Note: Your maximum loan amount may be less than the amount requested on your application due to the school certification or other underwriting factors.

Minimum: $2,001*
Maximum (aggregate): $400,000 for Graduate Loans
Student borrowers may borrow up to their institution’s cost of attendance as certified by the school and may not exceed the aggregate loan limits as stated above.

*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.

Is a student loan for a Master’s degree or a PhD student loan worth it?

Depending on your program and personal goals, taking loans for a PhD or Master’s degree can be well worth it. Planning out your budget in advance and setting yourself up for success can minimize your stress during and after college.

Ascent provides financial tips and ideas to help students succeed – we’re here to help you get the most out of your student loans.

How does a PhD loan or a Master's student loan work?

PhD student loans and Master’s loans with Ascent work in 4 easy steps. After you’ve been accepted to your school, you can begin the application for your loan. Once you’ve pre-qualified for your loan, you can accept the loan and customize your repayment options. We’ll keep you updated on additional tasks and documents that need to be uploaded.

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.

Can international students get student loans for a Master’s program or a PhD loan?

Yes. Ascent’s PhD student loans and Master’s student loans are available for international students attending U.S.-based institutions. To apply for our student loan for graduate school as an international resident, you’ll need to apply with a creditworthy cosigner. Your cosigner must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.

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.

Do you offer scholarships for PhD and Master’s students?

Yes. Ascent awards over $80,000 in scholarships every year. Enter for your chance to win our monthly scholarships in 3 easy steps – no essay required. To learn more about scholarships, visit here.

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

Contact us for help with your PhD student loan or master’s loan

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.

Pursuing a Different Educational Route?

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.

Graduate Loans