College Ave vs Ascent: Which Student Loan Lender Is Better for You?
Last updated 05/13/2025 by
Ante MazalinEdited by
Andrew LathamSummary:
If you’re comparing private student loans to help pay for college—or refinance existing ones—two major lenders likely to pop up are College Ave and Ascent. Both lenders offer flexible terms, competitive interest rates, and unique borrower perks, but they cater to slightly different borrower profiles.
In this comparison guide, we’ll explore how College Ave vs Ascent stack up in terms of loan options, rates, cosigner policies, eligibility requirements, and more — so you can decide which lender fits your needs best.
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College Ave vs Ascent: Quick Comparison
| Feature | College Ave | Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Types | Undergrad, grad, parent, career, refinance | Undergrad, grad, bootcamp, outcomes-based loans |
| Loan Amounts | Up to 100% of cost of attendance | $2,001 – full cost of attendance |
| APR Range | Variable: from ~5.59% APR Fixed: from ~4.07% APR | Variable: from ~6.15% APR Fixed: from ~4.29% APR |
| Loan Terms | 5, 8, 10, or 15 years | 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, or 20 years |
| Cosigner Required? | Not required, but improves approval odds | Not required (non-cosigned options available) |
| Unique Features | Parent loans, career training loans | Outcomes-based loans, cash back reward |
| Best For | Students with a cosigner seeking simple, customizable loans | Students without a cosigner or with non-traditional education needs |
What is College Ave?
College Ave is a private lender that specializes in student and parent loans. Known for its user-friendly application and customizable repayment terms, College Ave offers full cost of attendance loans, including for graduate and career training programs.
Key Features of College Ave
- Custom repayment terms: Choose loan terms from 5 to 15 years and adjust your repayment plan to fit your budget.
- Cosigner release: Eligible after 24 months of on-time payments.
- Full cost of attendance coverage: Borrow up to 100% of school-certified costs.
- Prequalification with soft credit check: See your rate without impacting your credit
What is Ascent?
Ascent offers both cosigned and non-cosigned student loans, which is rare in the private lending space. It’s particularly popular with students who may not have access to a creditworthy cosigner. Ascent also provides outcomes-based loans, which evaluate your future earning potential—not just credit score.
Key Features of Ascent
- Non-cosigned loan options: Available to eligible juniors, seniors, and grad students.
- Outcomes-based underwriting: For students with good grades and future earning potential.
- 1% cash back graduation reward: Get rewarded for finishing your degree.
- Flexible repayment options: Choose from deferred, interest-only, or flat in-school payments.
Key Differences: College Ave vs Ascent
Cosigner Requirements
- College Ave recommends cosigners but doesn’t require them for graduate or parent loans.
- Ascent is one of the few lenders offering non-cosigned loans, ideal for independent students.
Loan Flexibility & Repayment
- College Ave offers custom repayment terms and even lets you choose your own repayment schedule.
- Ascent gives borrowers more in-school repayment options and includes 1% cash back at graduation.
Rates & Fees
- College Ave tends to have slightly lower starting fixed APRs.
- Ascent’s variable rates are higher, but it offers loans to students who might otherwise be denied.
Unique Loan Programs
- College Ave offers loans for career training and parent borrowers.
- Ascent stands out with outcomes-based lending, perfect for students with strong academic performance and job prospects but limited credit history.
Who Should Choose Which?
| Borrower Type | Best Lender |
|---|---|
| You have a creditworthy cosigner | College Ave |
| You don’t have a cosigner | Ascent |
| You want to customize your loan repayment terms | College Ave |
| You’re enrolled in a bootcamp or nontraditional education program | Ascent |
| You want a graduation reward | Ascent |
| You’re a parent borrowing on behalf of a student | College Ave |
Alternatives to Consider
Still unsure? Check out these additional private student loan lenders:
- Meratas – Great for flexible repayment terms
- Sallie Mae – Cosigner release and multiple repayment plans
- SoFi – Perks like career coaching and unemployment protection
- LendKey – Compare local lenders with one application
You can also visit our student loan marketplace to get personalized rates and compare offers side-by-side.
What SuperMoney Users Are Saying
Wondering what real borrowers think? Here’s a snapshot of how SuperMoney users rate College Ave and Ascent based on their experiences:
College Ave Reviews
Many SuperMoney users appreciate College Ave’s fast online application, customizable repayment terms, and responsive customer support.
Common praise:
- “Easy application process and great rates with a cosigner.”
- “I liked being able to choose my own repayment term.”
- “Helpful customer service and quick approval!”
Common concerns:
- Some borrowers mention higher interest rates without a cosigner.
- Limited options for students without strong credit history.
Ascent Reviews
Borrowers using Ascent frequently highlight the availability of non-cosigned loans and its cash back graduation reward.
Common praise:
- “Great choice for students without a cosigner.”
- “I really liked the 1% graduation reward!”
- “Transparent about terms and repayment options.”
Common concerns:
- Some users note that rates can be higher compared to traditional lenders.
- More eligibility requirements for outcomes-based loans.
Want to share your own experience? Join thousands of students who’ve rated and reviewed lenders on SuperMoney to help others make smarter borrowing decisions.
Final Verdict: College Ave vs Ascent
Both College Ave and Ascent are strong choices in the private student loan market, but they appeal to different borrowers.
- Choose College Ave if you have a cosigner and want simple, customizable repayment terms.
- Choose Ascent if you’re flying solo, need non-cosigned options, or are interested in nontraditional education paths.
Regardless of which lender you’re leaning toward, we highly recommend comparing prequalified rates from multiple lenders before signing on the dotted line.
💡 Tip: Getting prequalified takes just minutes and won’t affect your credit score!
Key Takeaways
- College Ave is ideal for borrowers with a cosigner and offers customizable repayment terms and career training loans.
- Ascent stands out for its non-cosigned loan options and outcomes-based lending for upperclassmen and grad students.
- Both lenders cover up to 100% of your school-certified cost of attendance with no application fees.
- Ascent offers a 1% cash back graduation reward, while College Ave allows flexible loan term selection.
Still Have Questions?
What is the difference between College Ave and Ascent student loans?
College Ave primarily offers customizable student loans with cosigner options and is ideal for borrowers who want flexibility and simplicity. Ascent, on the other hand, is known for offering non-cosigned loans and outcomes-based lending, making it a good fit for independent students or those in nontraditional education programs.
Which lender has lower interest rates: College Ave or Ascent?
College Ave generally offers slightly lower starting APRs on fixed-rate loans compared to Ascent. However, actual rates depend on your credit score, income, school, and whether you apply with a cosigner. It’s best to get prequalified with both to see personalized offers.
Does College Ave or Ascent require a cosigner?
College Ave does not require a cosigner but strongly recommends one for undergraduates to improve approval chances and qualify for better rates. Ascent offers non-cosigned student loans for eligible juniors, seniors, and graduate students, making it one of the few lenders with this option.
Can I get a student loan without a cosigner from either College Ave or Ascent?
Only Ascent offers non-cosigned student loans. These are available to qualified students who meet credit, income, or academic performance criteria. College Ave does not offer non-cosigned loans for undergraduate students.
Is College Ave or Ascent better for bootcamp or career training loans?
Ascent is typically the better choice for bootcamp or career program financing due to its outcomes-based loans and partnerships with alternative education providers. College Ave focuses more on traditional degree programs and career training through school-certified programs.
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