Get the funding you need for your doctoral or master’s program with no fees, transparent terms, and flexible repayment built for your academic journey. We've helped over 220,000 people* fund their education – we're ready to help you too.
Apply NowSave more with zero fees on PhD and master's programs
Competitive fixed rates starting at 2.69% APR1 and variable rates starting at 3.64% APR1
Pay your tuition, fees, and expenses so you can keep moving forward
Options for cosigned and non-cosigned, DACA, and international students
Not sure how much to borrow? See how changes to federal Grad PLUS program could affect your financing options. Calculate Your Funding Gap
Applying for an Ascent private student loan is fast and simple.
Submit an application to see if you pre-qualify without impacting your credit score
Preview your repayment options and choose the plan that works best for you
Ascent confirms your eligibility with a hard credit check, and your school confirms your enrollment
Ascent sends your tuition to your school so you can focus on your training
Unlike other lenders, our priority is the success of our borrowers. That's why Ascent offers more flexible repayment options, competitive interest rates, and personalized help so you can navigate your education and career path along the way.
| See how Ascent compares 1 2 3 4 |
 |
Industry standard |
| Grace Period | 9 months | 6 months |
| Automatic Payment Discounts | 0.5% - 1% | 0.25% |
| No Fees on College Loans! |
|
|
| College & Career Coaching |
|
|
| Access to Paid Internship Opportunities |
|
|
| Up to 40 Repayment Options |
|
|
| Cash Back at Graduation |
|
|
| DACA & International Eligibility |
|
|
| Student & Parent Scholarship Giveaways |
|
|
| 12-Month Cosigner Release |
|
|
| Path to Discharge in Bankruptcy |
|
|
Comparison based on information obtained on lender websites as of October 2025
Make repayment work for you. Ascent's options give you the flexibility to pay more later as your income grows.
Plus, get a 0.5% discount on your interest rate by using Autopay2.
Defer payments in school & 9-month grace period after graduation.
Make small payments in school & 9-month grace period after graduation.
Make larger payments in school & 9-month grace period after graduation.
Start making full payments right away.
View repayment examples or apply now to see your customized rate & repayment options. With any plan, you can choose to make early payments without fees or penalties.
We don't just fund your loan, we care about helping you achieve a stable financial future.Ascent provides financial literacy support, flexible repayment options, no fees, and a quick, straightforward process with financing you can count on.
Possibly the easiest process I have ever gone through in order to secure a loan.
Everyone was so helpful and nice to work with! Being a first generational College student picking a loan was scary and nerve wracking! but they made it so easy!
I've had such a struggle finding a loan and Ascent made it so simple. Not only was the process a weight lifted off my shoulders, but also ensured that I understood more about loans in general.
From your first application to your final payment, we're committed to helping you every step of the way. Our 100% U.S.-based customer service team is here for you.
PhD and Master's loans with Ascent work in 4 easy steps:
Minimum: $2,001 (MA residents: $6,001). Maximum (aggregate): $400,000 for Graduate Loans. Your maximum in any given year is limited to the total cost of attendance for one full academic year as certified by your school. Your actual amount may be less due to school certification or underwriting factors.
Starting July 1, 2026, new Grad PLUS loans will no longer be available. If you already have a Grad PLUS loan, you can likely continue borrowing under the current rules until you finish your program. For students starting new programs after that date, federal loans may have limits and might not cover the full cost of attendance, so planning ahead and checking with your school's financial aid office is important.
Yes! Having an existing undergraduate loan does not prevent you from applying for a graduate student loan. Graduate loans are separate from undergraduate loans and are designed to cover the costs of your advanced degree.
When you apply, your current loans may be considered as part of your overall financial picture, but they alone do not stop you from getting the funding you need for graduate school. This means you can continue building your education while managing your previous loans responsibly.
Yes. Ascent's PhD and Master's student loans are available for international students attending U.S.-based institutions, but you'll need to apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident. DACA students may apply on their own with proper documentation or with a qualified cosigner.
Yes. Ascent has awarded over $355,000 in scholarships. Enter for your chance to win our monthly scholarships in 3 easy steps — no essay required.
Check your rates without impacting your credit score.
From your first application to your final payment, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way. Reach out with any questions.
877-216-0876 Monday – Friday 7 am – 5 pm (PST)
[email protected]
*Over 220,000 borrowers took out an Ascent loan for college or career training tuition or expenses between January 2018 and March 2026.
1*Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 09/01/2026 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.5% on credit-based college student loans, and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based college student loans when you enroll in automatic payments. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time. 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 interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. Variable rates may increase after consummation.
2The final ACH discount approved depends on the borrower's credit history, verifiable cost of attendance, and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Automatic Payment Discount consists of 0.25% for credit-based college student loans submitted prior to 06/01/2025, 0.5% for credit-based college student loans submitted on or after 06/01/2025, and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based college student loans when you enroll in automatic payments. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions.
3Ascent's 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward is for eligible college students only and subject to terms and conditions. Eligible students must request the graduation reward from Ascent. Learn more at AscentFunding.com/CashBack. 1% Cash Back Reward amount dependent upon total loan amount for Ascent college loan borrowers; approximately $365 average reward amount based upon eligible borrowers who received Cash Back Rewards in 2023. Aggregate cash back limit of $500.
4Comparison chart is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information obtained from competitor websites as of October 2025. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness, timeliness, or reliability of the data presented. Competitor terms, rates, and features may change without notice. This chart is intended to help users understand general differences among products and services and does not constitute financial advice, an endorsement, or a loan offer. Users should verify all information directly with the respective providers before making any financial decisions. Ascent loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. See Terms and Conditions and AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time.
Checking your rate will not impact your credit score.
For students seeking their undergraduate or graduate degree from a university or college.
For students attending a coding career training school pursuing a degree in technology, professional training, or licensure training.
Don’t miss out on a chance to win $10,000 from Ascent! No essay required.
*Students 14+. See Official Rules.
Ascent's pre-qualification process uses a soft credit check. If you pre-qualify, you’ll see your rates and repayment options with no credit impact. We’ll only continue to a hard credit check once you accept and agree to move forward with a loan option.
Make a plan with Ascent’s Student Loan Calculator
