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Ascent and GMAC Collaborate to Enhance MBA Funding

To help students navigate the challenges of financing their education, Ascent Funding has partnered with the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). This collaboration was officially announced on May 19, 2026, and aims to not only support Master of Business Administration (MBA) students but also other candidates in graduate business programs.

Understanding the challenges faced by prospective business school students, GMAC's recent research identifies financial support as a significant hurdle. Many individuals with great potential are held back not by their abilities but by limited access to funding options. As education financing policies evolve, initiatives like this are imperative.

Ascent has gained recognition for its student-centric approach, offering straightforward applications, adaptable repayment options, and innovative funding models that assess students based on their projected post-graduation earnings rather than their current financial situations. This shift aims to level the playing field for students seeking advanced education.

The Benefits of the Collaboration

The partnership between Ascent and GMAC seeks to facilitate better access to financial resources tailored for students in the graduate business ecosystem. Some of the benefits include:

• - Interest Rate Discounts: Students can receive a discount of 0.5% - 1.00% off their interest rates when using autopay.
• - Cash Back Reward: Graduates are eligible to earn 1% cash back upon completing their programs.
• - Career Support: Access to Ascent's proprietary professional training and career readiness platform is available, providing a grace period of nine months post-graduation before repayment starts.
• - Dedicated Support: A designated Ascent representative will be available to assist with the application process, ensuring personalized guidance.

Ken Ruggiero, CEO of Ascent, emphasized that the goal of the program is to empower students based on their future potential, rather than limiting them by their current financial status. This approach is grounded in the belief that education can significantly alter life trajectories. By partnering with GMAC, Ascent is poised to provide impactful financial solutions and necessary tools for students to succeed.

Joy Jones, CEO of GMAC, echoed similar sentiments about the partnership. For over 70 years, GMAC has focused on connecting aspiring business leaders to the resources they need to achieve their goals. In an increasingly complex educational landscape, such collaborations are critical in facilitating a smoother journey, both financially and professionally, for students navigating business school admission.

Empowering Informed Decisions

In conjunction with this initiative, Ascent has developed a Grad School Funding Calculator to assist prospective students in understanding their financial needs. This tool helps students estimate total costs, assess the federal funding they can expect, and identify any financial gaps requiring additional resources. Providing clarity around funding will enable students to make informed decisions regarding their educational investments.

Ascent's innovative financial solutions cater to a wide array of borrowers, including those often overlooked by traditional credit systems. Their products encompass various options, such as Cosigned Loans, Solo Loans, Career Loans, Parent Loans, and numerous others, all designed to enhance students' access to education.

This significant partnership marks an essential stride in making quality education affordable and accessible for aspiring MBA students. By leveraging modern financial strategies and a student-centered approach, Ascent and GMAC are set to redefine the experience of financing graduate education, ultimately fostering an environment where more students can thrive and achieve their academic ambitions.

For further information about Ascent’s offerings, visit Ascent Funding’s website.