Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Student Loans Ascent Loans 2025 Review: Diverse Private Student Loan Options Updated Oct 10, 2025 18-min read Reviewed by Lindsay VanSomeren Reviewed by Lindsay VanSomeren Expertise: Mortgages, home equity, personal loans, student loans, auto loans, banking, budgeting, debt, credit, tax relief Lindsay VanSomeren is a personal finance writer living in Suquamish, Washington. She's passionate about helping people manage their money better so that they can live the life they want. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, reading, and learning new languages and hobbies. Learn more about Lindsay VanSomeren Edited by Kristen Barrett, MAT Edited by Kristen Barrett, MAT Expertise: Student loans, mortgages, personal loans, home equity, investing Kristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their three senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015. Learn more about Kristen Barrett, MAT Excellent 1% Graduation Reward 4.8 /5 View Rates Our take: Ascent earns high marks for its flexibility and borrower-friendly perks. With both cosigned and non-cosigned options, competitive rates, and unique benefits like a graduation reward, it’s one of the strongest choices for students who need financing, especially those who may not qualify elsewhere. Cosigned Student Loans Low interest rates Quick cosigner release Offers prequalification with no credit impact 1% cash-back graduation reward for most loans No fees Four in-school repayment options for most loans Free access to AscentUP career-readiness training program Not available for students enrolled less than half-time Cosigner release only available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents Fixed rates (APR)2.89% – 14.93%Variable rates (APR)4.34% – 14.84%Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance (for most loans)Repayment terms5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 years (for most loans)FeesNoneMin. credit scoreNot disclosed Non-Cosigned Student LoansView Rates 1% graduation reward Offers prequalification with no credit impact Four in-school repayment options for most loans Qualify with good credit or for programs with high earning potential Free access to AscentUP career-readiness training program Much higher interest rates More limitations and steeper qualifications Fixed rates (APR)8.24% – 15.40% (credit-based)12.86% – 14.85% (outcomes-based)Variable rates (APR)8.29% – 13.76% (credit-based)12.89% – 14.84% (outcomes-based)Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance (for most loans)Repayment terms5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 years (for most loans)FeesNoneMin. credit scoreNot disclosed Finding the right student loan isn’t easy, especially if you don’t have a cosigner or if you’re trying to finance graduate or professional school. That’s where Ascent stands out. Unlike many lenders, Ascent offers a wide range of options for undergraduates, graduates, international students, and even those without established credit. Ascent also sweetens the deal with perks like a 1% graduation reward, fast cosigner release, and free access to its AscentUP career-readiness program. While interest rates can vary significantly depending on your situation, Ascent’s flexibility makes it one of the few lenders with solutions for nearly every type of borrower. Table of Contents Undergraduate Cosigned Undergraduate Non-Cosigned (Credit-Based) Undergraduate Non-Cosigned (Outcomes-Based) Parent International Students DACA Students Graduate MBA Dental Law Medical Health Professionals Ph.D. and Master’s Career AscentUP Career Readiness Program Customer reviews How to apply Contact Alternatives Cosigned vs. College Ave vs. Sallie Mae vs. Earnest Non-cosigned vs. Funding U vs. MPOWER vs. Edly Final verdict Undergraduate Cosigned Best Graduation Reward 4.8 /5 View Rates About Ascent’s undergraduate cosigned student loan Excellent loan rates 1% graduation reward 12-month cosigner release Offers prequalification with no credit impact Free access to college coaching, resources, and paid internships Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to release your cosigner Cosigners must meet credit requirements and earn at least $30,000/year Most Ascent undergrad borrowers use its cosigned loans. Even if you’re able to qualify on your own, a creditworthy cosigner can help you score much lower rates that will make your loan easier to repay later. Fixed rates (APR)2.89% – 14.93%Variable rates (APR)4.34% – 14.84%Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendanceRepayment terms5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 yearsGrace period9 monthsDiscounts0.50% off your interest rate for enrolling in autopay (already included in the rate range listed above)Cosigner releaseAfter you’ve made 12 on-time payments and can qualify on your own Undergraduate Non-Cosigned (Credit-Based) Best for Deferred Repayment View Rates About Ascent’s undergrad non-cosigned credit-based student loan 1% graduation reward Doesn’t require a cosigner Offers prequalification with no credit impact Free access to college coaching, resources, and paid internships Much higher interest rates Difficult-to-meet requirements Juniors and seniors with a 3.0+ GPA and who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or have DACA status may be eligible for a loan on their own. To qualify, you’ll need to meet credit requirements (including having at least two years of credit history) and earn at least $30,000 per year. That can be challenging for students because you’ll also need to be enrolled at least half-time and maintain your GPA. Fixed rates (APR)8.29% – 13.76%Variable rates (APR)8.29% – 13.60%Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendanceRepayment terms5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 yearsGrace period9 monthsDiscounts0.50% off your interest rate for enrolling in autopay (already included in the rate range listed above) Undergraduate Non-Cosigned (Outcomes-Based) Best for Deferred Repayment View Rates About Ascent’s undergrad non-cosigned outcomes-based student loan No cosigner needed 1% graduation reward No credit history or income requirements Offers prequalification with no credit impact Even higher interest rates Fewer repayment options Juniors and seniors who don’t qualify for the Non-Cosigned Credit-Based loans may still be eligible for these Outcomes-Based loans. Instead of looking at your credit and income, Ascent uses other factors, like your school, major, GPA, and academic performance, to judge your eligibility and cost. The cost is the major downside, though. Its starting rates are 4.5 times higher than a cosigned loan. That means interest adds up fast, so it will be harder to repay later. Couple that with a narrower range of loan term lengths and in-school repayment plans, and the interest adds up even faster. Fixed rates (APR)12.86% – 14.85%Variable rates (APR)12.89% – 14.84%Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendanceRepayment terms10 or 15 yearsGrace period9 monthsDiscounts1.00% off your interest rate for enrolling in autopay (already included in the rate range listed above) Parent View Rates About Ascent’s parent student loan Offers prequalification with no credit impact Available if your child is studying less than half-time May be more expensive than student-centered loans Must start full or interest-only payments immediately Student’s school must be able to certify parent loans Ascent also offers parent student loans that you can use to pay for your child’s education. The debt stays in your name alone, so it won’t help them build credit, nor will they be legally required to make any payments on it. Only take on this loan if you’re willing to pay the debt yourself. Fixed rates (APR)5.10% – 15.61%Variable rates (APR)5.54% – 15.25%Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendanceRepayment terms5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 yearsGrace period30 – 60 days for immediate repayment plan9 months for interest-only repayment planDiscounts0.50% off your interest rate for enrolling in autopay (already included in the rate range listed above)Cosigner releaseN/A (no cosigners on parent loans) International Students View Rates About Ascent’s international student loan 1% graduation reward Available for most loan types Offers prequalification with no credit impact Cosigner not eligible for release Requires an I-20 to get approved Fixed rates (APR)2.89% – 14.93% (cosigned)Variable rates (APR)4.34% – 14.84% (cosigned)Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendanceRepayment terms5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 yearsGrace period9 monthsDiscounts0.50% off your interest rate for enrolling in autopay (already included in the rate range listed above)Cosigner releaseN/A DACA Students View Rates About Ascent’s DACA student loan 1% graduation reward Offers prequalification with no credit impact Available with or without a cosigner for most loan types Cosigner not eligible for release Ineligible if your DACA status expires within 6 months of study Fixed rates (APR)2.89% – 14.93% (cosigned)Variable rates (APR)4.34% – 14.84% (cosigned)Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendanceRepayment terms5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 yearsGrace period9 monthsDiscounts0.50% off your interest rate for enrolling in autopay (already included in the rate range listed above) 1.00% off for non-cosigned outcomes-based loansCosigner releaseN/A Graduate View Rates About Ascent’s graduate student loan 1% graduation reward Available with or without a cosigner Offers prequalification with no credit impact Must maintain half-time enrollment or higher $30,000 annual income required without a cosigner Fixed rates (APR)3.69% – 14.41%Variable rates (APR)5.04% – 15.00%Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendanceRepayment terms5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 yearsGrace period9 monthsDiscounts0.50% off your interest rate for enrolling in autopay (already included in the rate range listed above) 1.00% off for non-cosigned outcomes-based loansCosigner releaseAfter you’ve made 12 on-time payments and can qualify on your own MBA View Rates About Ascent’s MBA student loan 1% graduation reward Available with or without a cosigner Offers prequalification with no credit impact Must complete your degree in 36 months or less Fixed rates (APR)3.69% – 14.73%Variable rates (APR)5.04% – 15.00%Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendanceRepayment terms5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 yearsGrace period9 monthsDiscounts0.50% off your interest rate for enrolling in autopay (already included in the rate range listed above) 1.00% off for non-cosigned outcomes-based loansCosigner releaseAfter you’ve made 12 on-time payments and can qualify on your own Dental View Rates About Ascent’s dental student loan 1% graduation reward Available with or without a cosigner Offers prequalification with no credit impact Must complete program within 48 months Cosigner required for international students Fixed rates (APR)3.69% – 14.41%Variable rates (APR)5.08% – 15.04%Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendanceRepayment terms5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 yearsGrace period12 monthsDiscounts0.50% off your interest rate for enrolling in autopay (already included in the rate range listed above) 1.00% off for non-cosigned outcomes-based loansCosigner releaseAfter you’ve made 12 on-time payments and can qualify on your own Law View Rates About Ascent’s law student loan 1% graduation reward Apply with or without a cosigner Offers prequalification with no credit impact Requires half-time enrollment or higher Cosigner required for international students Fixed rates (APR)3.69% – 14.41%Variable rates (APR)5.04% – 15.00%Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendanceRepayment terms5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 yearsGrace period9 monthsDiscounts0.50% off your interest rate for enrolling in autopay (already included in the rate range listed above) 1.00% off for non-cosigned outcomes-based loansCosigner releaseAfter you’ve made 12 on-time payments and can qualify on your own Medical View Rates About Ascent’s medical student loan 1% graduation reward Longer 36-month grace period Available with or without a cosigner Offers prequalification with no credit impact Must complete degree within 48 months International students require a cosigner Fixed rates (APR)3.69% – 14.41%Variable rates (APR)5.04% – 14.97%Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendanceRepayment terms5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 yearsGrace period36 monthsDiscounts0.50% off your interest rate for enrolling in autopay (already included in the rate range listed above) 1.00% off for non-cosigned outcomes-based loansCosigner releaseAfter you’ve made 12 on-time payments and can qualify on your own Health Professionals View Rates About Ascent’s health professionals student loan 1% graduation reward Offers prequalification with no credit impact Loans available with or without a cosigner Requires a cosigner for international students Must complete your degree in 36 months or less Fixed rates (APR)3.69% – 14.41%Variable rates (APR)5.04% – 15.00%Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendanceRepayment terms5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 yearsGrace period9 monthsDiscounts0.50% off your interest rate for enrolling in autopay (already included in the rate range listed above) 1.00% off for non-cosigned outcomes-based loansCosigner releaseAfter you’ve made 12 on-time payments and can qualify on your own Ph.D. and Master’s View Rates About Ascent’s Ph.D. and master’s student loan 1% graduation reward Apply with or without a cosigner Offers prequalification with no credit impact International students require a cosigner Must complete your degree within 36 months Fixed rates (APR)3.69% – 14.41%Variable rates (APR)5.04% – 15.00%Loan amounts$2,001 up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendanceRepayment terms5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 yearsGrace period9 monthsDiscounts0.50% off your interest rate for enrolling in autopay (already included in the rate range listed above) 1.00% off for non-cosigned outcomes-based loansCosigner releaseAfter you’ve made 12 on-time payments and can qualify on your own Career View Rates About Ascent’s career training and trade school loan Offers prequalification with no credit impact Available for non-accredited schools and bootcamps Some loans allow you to defer payments until you get a job offer High origination fee Loan details vary by specific school Not eligible for 1% cash-back graduation reward Fixed rates (APR)Rates vary by programVariable rates (APR)Not offeredLoan amountsVary by school, study program, and enrollment statusRepayment termsTerms vary by schoolGrace period3 monthsDiscounts1.00% off your interest rate for enrolling in autopayCosigner releaseAfter you’ve made 12 on-time payments and can qualify on your own AscentUP Career Readiness Program Ascent borrowers get complimentary access to AscentUP, a self-paced, mobile-friendly professional development program designed to help students successfully transition from college to career. The curriculum covers “unwritten rules of the workplace,” such as how to take initiative, communicate with managers, and manage time and priorities effectively. Students also receive support with resume building, cover letters, interview prep, and career exploration. The program includes asynchronous lessons, success coaching, and even job search checklists to help learners feel confident and prepared. According to Ascent, more than 50,000 students have participated in AscentUP, and the company aims to boost borrower income by $10 billion by 2028 through programs like this. Whether you’re a first-gen student or just looking for extra guidance as you start your career, AscentUP adds real value beyond just a loan. Ascent customer reviews and reputation Ascent earns mostly positive customer reviews across major platforms, with many customers praising its user-friendly application process and responsive customer support. SourceCustomer ratingNumber of reviewsTrustpilot4.7/5201Better Business Bureau (BBB)3.23/512Google4.7/5243Collected in September 2025. While its BBB rating is more mixed, the company is BBB-accredited and holds a B rating from the agency, which indicates a reasonable level of responsiveness to complaints. (It has received 23 in the last three years.) The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) shows 55 complaints filed since 2019, a relatively modest number compared to some larger lenders. Overall, Ascent’s reputation suggests that it is a credible and well-regarded lender, particularly among satisfied individual borrowers. How to apply for an Ascent student loan Get prequalified: Click the orange “Apply Now” button, available on every page, to see your rate and loan options without any impact on your credit score. Choose your loan: If you prequalify, Ascent will show you a list of options. Choose your preferred loan if you want to proceed. Finish application: Ascent will do a hard credit check and verify your financial and education details before sending the funds to your school. How to contact Ascent Ascent’s customer support is available during normal working hours (Pacific time). Email: [email protected] By phone: 1-877-216-0876, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific, Monday through Friday Contact form: Ask a question and leave your contact information on Ascent’s website Ascent student loan alternatives Cosigned alternatives Here’s how Ascent stacks up against three other top-rated cosigned student loan lenders: Best Graduation Reward 4.8 View Rates View Rates Fixed APR 2.89% – 14.41% Variable APR 4.34% – 14.75% Funding $2K – total costs Min. Credit Score 620 4.8 View Rates Best Overall 5.0 View Rates View Rates Fixed APR 4.13% – 17.99% Variable APR 4.13% – 17.99% Funding $1K – total costs Min. Credit Score Mid-600s 5.0 View Rates Best for Fast Cosigner Release 4.8 View Rates View Rates Fixed APR 4.13% – 17.99% Variable APR 4.13% – 17.99% Funding $1K – total costs Min. Credit Score Mid-600s 4.8 View Rates Best Repayment Perks 4.7 View Rates View Rates Fixed APR 4.13% – 17.99% Variable APR 4.13% – 17.99% Funding $1K – total costs Min. Credit Score 650 4.7 View Rates Ascent vs. College Ave College Ave stands out for its customizable loans and best-in-class online tools, making it easier for borrowers to tailor their repayment plans and see exactly how each decision affects their costs. While Ascent also offers flexible terms and both cosigned and non-cosigned loans, College Ave edges ahead with its interactive calculators, multi-year loan program, and broader range of repayment options. If you prioritize a fully personalized experience and robust online planning tools, you may find College Ave a better fit. Ascent vs. Sallie Mae Sallie Mae is one of the most established names in student lending and, like Ascent, offers fast cosigner release options: just 12 months of on-time payments, compared to several years with most lenders. Sallie Mae offers loans for those attending school less than half-time, which Ascent doesn’t. If you want a widely recognized lender or are planning to take classes part-time, you might prefer Sallie Mae. Ascent vs. Earnest Earnest differentiates itself with flexible repayment perks, including the ability to skip one payment per year without penalty and a 100% rate-match guarantee. If you want maximum repayment flexibility and the option to pause payments, you might lean toward Earnest. Non-cosigned alternatives And here’s how Ascent compares to three of our other picks for the best non-cosigned loans: Best for Deferred Repayment 4.8 View Rates View Rates Fixed APR 8.24% – 15.40% Variable APR 8.29% – 13.76% Funding $2K – $200K Min. Credit Score None 4.8 View Rates Best for Undergraduates 4.7 View Rates View Rates Fixed APR 7.49% – 12.99% Variable APR None Funding $3K – $20K Min. Credit Score None 4.7 View Rates Best for International Students 4.6 View Rates View Rates Fixed APR 13.98% – 17.08% Variable APR None Funding $2K – $100K Min. Credit Score None 4.6 View Rates Best for Income-Based Repayment 3.9 View Rates View Rates Fixed APR Income-based Variable APR None Funding $5K – $15K Min. Credit Score None 3.9 View Rates Ascent vs. Funding U Funding U‘s approval criteria differ significantly from Ascent’s. Funding U focuses exclusively on undergraduates and bases approval on academic success, projected earnings, and school-specific data, not credit. Funding U may be a better option for full-time undergraduates who perform well in school but have no credit history. However, it’s not available in all states and has lower borrowing limits than Ascent. Ascent vs. MPOWER MPOWER and Ascent are two of the only lenders offering non-cosigned loans to international students. While Ascent’s are available only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, MPOWER lends to international students, DACA recipients, refugees, and asylum-seekers studying at eligible schools. MPOWER also doesn’t require any credit history, making it ideal for students new to the U.S. credit system. However, it comes with a much higher fixed interest rate than Ascent and requires in-school interest-only payments. Ascent vs. Edly Edly provides income-based repayment loans with no credit or cosigner requirements. Edly’s model ensures that borrowers don’t begin repayment until they’re earning at least $30,000 annually, which can be helpful for students unsure about their post-graduation income. However, Edly’s borrowing limits are narrower, and high earners may end up paying more over time. Students who prefer income flexibility over fixed terms might prefer Edly, while those who want more borrowing power and transparent repayment terms may lean toward Ascent. Check out our full list of reviewed student loan companies. Final verdict: Is Ascent right for you? We’d recommend all students to check with Ascent, primarily because it offers prequalification without any impact on your credit score. There’s no harm in checking your rate and loan options, besides the time spent filling out a quick form. That said, Ascent’s real strength lies in its ability to offer a path forward for many students to obtain a loan without a cosigner. As you become more independent from your parents, this often proves increasingly difficult, but Ascent can help. How we rated Ascent We designed LendEDU’s editorial rating system to help readers find companies that offer the best student loans. Our system awards higher ratings to companies with affordable solutions, positive customer reviews, and online transparency of benefits and terms. We compared Ascent to several student loan lenders, using hundreds of data points from company websites, public disclosures, customer reviews, and direct communication with company representatives. We weighted, scored, and combined each factor to produce a final editorial rating. This rating is expressed on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score. Our take is represented in our rating and best-for designations, recapped below. Company Best for… Loan type Rating (0-5) 4.8 View Rates Excellent 1% Graduation Reward Cosigned 4.8 View Rates 4.8 View Rates Deferred Repayment Non-Cosigned 4.8 View Rates 1 Ascent’s undergraduate and graduate student loans are funded by Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Loan products may not be available in certain jurisdictions. Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions may apply for Ascent‘s Terms and Conditions please visit: AscentFunding.com/Ts&Cs. Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 9/08/2025 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% on credit-based college student loans submitted prior to 06/01/2025, a 0.5% discount for on credit-based college student loans submitted on or after 06/01/2025 and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based 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. 1% Cash Back Graduation Reward subject to terms and conditions. For details on Ascent borrower benefits, visit AscentFunding.com/BorrowerBenefits. Ascent 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. Article sources At LendEDU, our writers and editors rely on primary sources, such as government data and websites, industry reports and whitepapers, and interviews with experts and company representatives. We also reference reputable company websites and research from established publishers. This approach allows us to produce content that is accurate, unbiased, and supported by reliable evidence. Read more about our editorial standards. Ascent, Student Loans That Help You Plan, Pay, and Succeed in School Ascent, Private Educational Loans for Parents Ascent, Graduate Student Loans for the Next Generation of Leaders Ascent, Frequently Asked Questions Ascent, Private Undergraduate Student Loans Designed With You in Mind Ascent, Career Training Loans Ascent, Contact Ascent Funding Ascent, Exclusive Student Loan Benefits With Ascent Ascent, Build Your Skills and Confidence Ascent, Ascent’s Discounts & Cash Rewards About our contributors Written by Lindsay VanSomeren Lindsay VanSomeren is a personal finance writer living in Suquamish, Washington. She's passionate about helping people manage their money better so that they can live the life they want. In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor adventures, reading, and learning new languages and hobbies. Edited by Kristen Barrett, MAT Kristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their three senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.