- Fixed APR range
- 3.79%–16.28%
- Variable APR range
- 5.66%–15.98%
- Loan amount
- $2K–$200K
- Cosigner release
- After 24 payments
Why it stands out
Ascent highlights
- Non-cosigned outcomes-based loans for upperclassmen
- 1% cash-back graduation reward on the original balance
- No application fee and no prepayment penalty
- Referral bonuses and autopay rate discounts available
The verdict at a glance
Pros and cons
Pros
- Real path to approval for students with no cosigner
- Graduation cash-back offsets some borrowing cost
- Considers GPA, major, and school when you lack credit
Cons
- Non-cosigned rates run noticeably higher than cosigned ones
- Outcomes-based loans limited to eligible juniors and seniors
- Loan maximums trail the largest lenders in the category
Our full review
Our take on Ascent
Ascent runs an outcomes-based option that approves eligible juniors and seniors on their own future earnings rather than a cosigner or thick credit file. Borrowers can also earn a cash-back reward at graduation, a rarity among student lenders.
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Figures shown are illustrative editorial examples and may change. Confirm current rates, fees, and terms on Ascent’s own site before you apply.
The alternatives
How Ascent compares
Other top-rated lenders in Student Loans. Compare the numbers side by side before you decide.
| # | Provider | Rating | Fixed APR range | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sallie Mae | 3.49%–15.49% | Undergrads who want proven scale | See Rates | |
| 2 | College Ave | 3.59%–16.99% | Borrowers who want to shape repayment | See Rates | |
| 3 | SoFi | 3.42%–15.86% | Strong-credit students chasing low APR | See Rates | |
| 4 | Earnest | 3.69%–16.49% | Students who value repayment breathing room | See Rates |
- Sallie Mae4.9Best for Undergrads who want proven scale
- College Ave4.8Best for Borrowers who want to shape repayment
- SoFi4.6Best for Strong-credit students chasing low APR
- Earnest4.5Best for Students who value repayment breathing room