IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ASCENT FUNDING

Smarter loans. Better outcomes.

College Confidential has partnered with Ascent to bring you competitive rates, real benefits, and a better borrowing experience.

  • Bigger discounts
  • No fees or penalties
  • Award-winning support
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4.5 / 5
A smiling female college student with curly hair, wearing an orange shirt and backpack, holding books and a laptop
Rates as low as
2.19% APR*
Lower than federal loans

How it works

  • 1

    Check Your Rate

    It takes about 3 minutes and won't impact your credit score.

  • 2

    Choose the Option

    Review loan details and choose confidently.

  • 3

    Complete Application

    Upload a few documents and you're on your way.

Cover up to 100% of school costs in under 3 minutes

Preparing for college is hard work, but applying for an Ascent student loan is fast and easy. Apply with or without a cosigner.

  • No Fees

    Save more with absolutely zero fees on college loans, ever

  • Smart Options

    Competitive fixed rates starting at 2.19% APR* and variable rates starting at 3.64% APR*

  • Easy Repayment

    Simple, flexible repayment options designed to fit your needs

  • Big Advantages

    Get access to benefits like career coaching1 and an Autopay discount.3

A loan that fits your needs

Ascent offers multiple repayment plans*, so you can choose what works best for you! Pre-qualify in minutes to compare your options and preview your payments.

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  • No Surprises

    No Surprises

    You can preview your rate and repayment options without affecting your credit. Ascent keep things simple with clear terms and no hidden fees.

  • Extra Support

    Extra Support

    Get your questions answered and meet your goals with access to friendly, expert help on academic, career, and finance essentials. Ascent is invested in your journey to success!

  • Community Benefits

    Community Benefits

    Celebrate graduation with a cash reward2, get a discount when you sign up for Autopay3, and enter for a chance to win monthly scholarships.

Your student loan is just the start

  • 220,000+

    people have used an Ascent loan to pay for school**

  • 1.2 million+

    minutes of financial wellness education accessed

  • $355,000+

    in scholarships awarded by Ascent since 2020

No two lenders are alike, but Ascent always has your back

Possibly the easiest process I have ever gone through in order to secure a loan.

Vincent B.

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!

Natalie G.

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.

Emily S.

Apply in minutes

Check your rates for a private student loan without impacting your credit score.

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*Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 08/01/2026 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.

**Over 220,000 borrowers took out an Ascent loan for college or career training tuition or expenses between January 2018 and March 2026.

1Ascent applicants and borrowers that agree to the AscentUP Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, as well as students associated with an Ascent parent loan application, have access to the AscentUP platform.

2Ascent’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.

3The 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.