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Loan requirements for international students attending U.S. universities

You’re eligible for an international student loan with Ascent if:

  • You are not a U.S. citizen
  • You are not a U.S. permanent resident
  • You’re not Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA)
  • You have an eligible resident status
  • You have a creditworthy cosigner who lives in the U.S. and meets additional requirements (see below)

If you meet these requirements, a private international student loan with Ascent may be an option for you.

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Cosigner requirements for international student loans

In addition to the above requirements, international students attending U.S. universities are also required to have a creditworthy cosigner for Ascent student loans.

Your cosigner must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
  • Have a minimum credit score. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your borrower.
  • Meet a minimum gross annual income of $24,000 for the current and previous year.
  • Be able to submit satisfactory proof-of-income.
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International student loan options

Ascent offers private student loans to international students in the U.S. for a variety of career paths. Explore your options below.

two astronauts

Undergraduate Cosigned

Credit-Based Loans

For students with a creditworthy cosigner (For U.S. citizens & International students)


5.86% – 14.14%


4.62% – 14.99%

  • Enrolled at least half-time
  • International students may apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

  • 5, 7, 10, 12 or 15-Years

  • Deferred Repayment: Start payments up to 9 months after leaving school
  • In School Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment

See repayment examples

graph and charts

MBA Cosigned

Credit-Based Loans

For international graduate students pursuing their MBA with a cosigner.


6.87% – 15.39%


5.62% – 16.24%

  • Enrolled at least half-time
  • International students may apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

  • 7, 10, 12 or 15-Years

  • Postpone payments up to 9 months after graduation

  • Maximum in-school period is 36 months

  • Deferred Repayment: Start payments up to 9 months after leaving school
  • In School Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment

See repayment examples

medical

Med School Cosigned

Credit-Based Loans

For international graduate students pursuing their MD, DO, DVM, VMD, or DPM with a cosigner.


6.42% – 15.39%


5.44% – 16.24%

  • Enrolled at least half-time
  • International students may apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

  • 7, 10, 12, 15 or 20-Years

  • Postpone payments up to 36 months after graduation

  • Maximum in-school period is 48 months

  • Deferred Repayment: Start payments up to 9 months after leaving school
  • In School Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment

See repayment examples

dental

Dental School Cosigned

Credit-Based Loans

For international graduate students pursuing their DMD or DDS with a cosigner.


6.73% – 15.39%


5.62% – 16.24%

  • Enrolled at least half-time
  • International students may apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

  • 7, 10, 12, 15 or 20-Years

  • Postpone payments up to 12 months after graduation

  • Maximum in-school period is 48 months

  • Deferred Repayment: Start payments up to 9 months after leaving school
  • In School Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment

See repayment examples

law

Law School Cosigned

Credit-Based Loans

For international graduate students pursuing their law degree with a cosigner.


6.87% – 15.39%


5.62% – 16.24%

  • Enrolled at least half-time
  • International students may apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

  • 7, 10, 12 or 15-Years

  • Postpone payments up to 9 months after graduation

  • Maximum in-school period is 36 months

  • Deferred Repayment: Start payments up to 9 months after leaving school
  • In School Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment

See repayment examples

graduate

General Graduate School Cosigned

Credit-Based Loans

For international students seeking graduate loans for degree programs in allied health, nursing, pharmacy, PhD programs, and other advanced graduate degrees (MA, MS) with a cosigner.


6.87% – 15.39%


5.62% – 16.24%

  • Enrolled at least half-time
  • International students and students with a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status may apply with a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

  • 7, 10, 12 or 15-Years

  • Postpone payments up to 9 months after graduation

  • Maximum in-school period is 36 months

  • Deferred Repayment: Start payments up to 9 months after leaving school
  • In School Interest-Only Repayment
  • $25 Minimum Payment

See repayment examples

*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.

Additional requirements for international student loans

In addition to a creditworthy cosigner, international students attending a university in the U.S. must be able to verify your individual resident status and provide proof of identification:

clipboard

Resident Status

OPTION 1:

Valid Visa

A valid visa must not expire within 6-months of the end of the enrollment period for which the loan is being requested. Acceptable forms are as follows:

  • G-1
  • H-1B
  • L-1
  • M-3
  • M-1
  • F-1
  • H-1C
  • H-3
  • T-1
  • F-3
  • H-2B
  • J-1
  • TN

AND

Social security card

(when applicable)

OPTION 2:

I-20 Form

(pages 1 & 2 signed)

AND

Unexpired Passport

from country of origin

AND

Social security card

(when applicable)

speedometer

Credit Score

Eligible international students with no credit score or eligible students that meet a minimum credit score must apply with a cosigner. The minimum score required is subject to change and may depend on the credit score of your cosigner.

How to get your private student loan for international students

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

  1. Satelite
    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.

  2. Astronaut
    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.

  3. Clipboard
    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.

  4. Moneybag
    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.

Apply Now
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More ways to pay for higher education with Ascent

Ascent offers additional ways for you to earn money throughout the year, even if you don’t have a loan with us. Expand your possibilities with our benefits.

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Frequently asked questions about private student loans for international students

From your first application to your final payment, we’re committed to helping you every step of the way. Our 100% U.S.-based Ascent’s customer service team is here for you.

Who is Ascent?
Ascent is an innovative private student loan program that provides access to higher education funding for an expanded population of undergraduate and graduate students, while encouraging the financial wellness of students and their families.

We advocate awareness of the potential financial outcomes of your higher education choices (school, major, years in school, financing your education), helping you visualize where your career could go and what it could be – encouraging better decisions today to open up greater future opportunities.

What loans can Ascent offer to international students?
Ascent offers loan products to help international undergraduate and graduate students pay for college.

International undergraduate and graduate students have the option to apply for a Cosigned Credit-Based Loan. Ascent created customized grad school loans for:

  • Business School (MBA)
  • Dental School (DMD, DDS)
  • Law School (JD, LLM)
  • Medical School (MD, DO, DVM, VMD, DPM)
  • General Graduate School (Health Professionals, Nursing, Pharmacy, MA, MS, PhD, etc.)

What can my international student loan be used for?
College loans for international students studying in the U.S. can cover costs associated with undergraduate or graduate programs. Like all Ascent loans, your international student loan will be paid directly to your school to cover any tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other college costs.
Can I get international student loans without a cosigner?
No, international students in the USA must have a cosigner for student loans. Your cosigner has to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, among other requirements.
Can international students get loans in the U.S.?
Yes, Ascent provides private student loans for international students attending U.S. universities. You’ll need a cosigner who’s a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident, has a credit score that meets our requirements, and can provide proof of an income of at least $24,000 a year.

Don’t See Your Question? Check our FAQ page.

We know applying for student loans can be overwhelming, but the Ascent team is here to answer your questions. Explore our FAQ page for more commonly asked questions and answers. If you have a more personalized question you need to ask or don’t find your answer on our site, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Contact us for help with international student loans

If you have questions or concerns about your international 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 the Ascent team.

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