You’ve already put a lot of work into preparing for graduate school. 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.
You provide details like your name, school, and date of birth to see if you pre-qualify without impacting your credit score. If you have a cosigner, they’ll also enter their information.
Once you're pre-qualified, you can view your rate and monthly payment options, and choose the repayment plan that works best for you.
Ascent confirms your eligibility with a hard credit check, you provide any additional information needed, and your school confirms your enrollment.
Ascent sends your tuition to your school so you can focus on your education and bright future. When it's time to repay, we help you stay on track.
See your rates today without impacting your credit score.
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.
Apply Now| See how Ascent compares 1 2 3 4 |
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Industry standard |
| Grace Period | 9 months | 6 months |
| Automatic Payment Discounts | 0.50% | 0.25% |
| No Fees on College Loans! |
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| College & Career Coaching |
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| Access to Paid Internship Opportunities |
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| Up to 40 Repayment Options |
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| Cash Back at Graduation |
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| DACA & International Eligibility |
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| Student & Parent Scholarship Giveaways |
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| 12-Month Cosigner Release |
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| Path to Discharge in Bankruptcy |
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Comparison based on information obtained on lender websites as of October 2025
Apply NowEnter for a chance to win no-essay scholarships from Ascent.
See Available ScholarshipsThe 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.
They talked to me and helped me out in the most possible way. They made sure I got the most that I possibly could.
Ascent was great because they were able to answer all of my questions. They made getting to college a lot easier for me.
As a graduate student, Ascent's private loans can help you cover the full cost of your master's, doctoral, or other advanced degree programs, including tuition and school-related expenses.
You can apply on your own if you meet certain credit, income, or academic requirements, or apply with a cosigner to make your application stronger. These loans come with flexible repayment options and no fees, giving you the support and freedom to focus on your studies and your future goals.
Credit decisioning criteria is proprietary and subject to change. You can check pre-qualified rates in 4 steps without impacting your credit score. Ascent considers credit history and other factors beyond credit score.
Ascent considers creditworthiness, school, program, GPA, and cost of attendance. Must be at least half-time enrolled in a degree program at an eligible institution.
Solo applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or have DACA status. Non-U.S. citizens/non-permanent residents may apply with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner.
Yes, with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident cosigner. Required documents vary by residency status: Permanent Resident Card (I-551) for permanent residents; valid visa or I-20 + passport for temporary residents; USCIS DACA documentation for DACA students; I-797 + passport for Temporary Protected Status.
Yes. Ascent gives away multiple scholarships every year to help cover school-related expenses including tuition, books, groceries, rent, parking & transport. Visit the scholarship page to learn more.
Note: Maximum may be less than requested due to school certification or underwriting factors.
There isn't a single universal deadline for graduate student loan applications, but there are timing considerations you'll want to keep in mind. Because loans need to be certified by your school before funds can be disbursed, it's best to apply early in your enrollment process and ahead of when tuition is due so everything can be reviewed and approved in good time for your semester or term. Every school may have its own internal deadlines for financial aid and loan paperwork, so checking with your school's financial aid office can help you plan and make sure your loan is certified and ready before classes start.
Federal: Borrowed from the Dept. of Education via FAFSA. Covers tuition gaps.
Private (Ascent): Fills the gap beyond FAFSA/scholarships. Covers books, supplies, rent, groceries, parking, etc. Flexible repayment options upon entering repayment.
Yes, if you meet requirements: U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or DACA status; $30,000+ annual income; 2+ years of credit history; minimum credit score.
Funds go directly to your school first. Your school applies the loan to tuition, then sends remaining funds to you for books, study supplies, rent, groceries, etc.
Don’t see your question? Check our FAQ page.
*Over 220,000 borrowers took out an Ascent loan for college or career training tuition or expenses between January 2018 and March 2026.
1Ascent’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.
2Only Ascent college loans are eligible for no fees. Ascent bootcamp loans are subject to a one-time origination fee of 5.0% of the loan amount. All Ascent loans are eligible for no application, disbursement, late, NSF or early payment fees.
3For full eligibility requirements, visit our Borrower Benefits page.
4The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s year in school, credit history, certified cost of attendance by an eligible school, and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information.
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
