Are you receiving nonstop calls or letters from Ascendium Education Solutions about unpaid student loans?
Do they contact your workplace or family about your debt?
If so, you may be a victim of student loan harassment — and federal law protects you from it.
Many borrowers across the United States report constant calls, intimidating messages, and aggressive collection tactics from the company’s representatives representatives. While the company is a legitimate student loan guarantor, that does not give them permission to violate your privacy or use unlawful methods to collect payments.
This blog explains what the agency does, why they’re contacting you, and how you can stop the harassment, protect your credit, and regain control of your finances.
What Is Ascendium Education Solutions?
Ascendium Education Solutions is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization that services and collects student loans, primarily under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). Formerly known as Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation, Ascendium acts as a guaranty agency for the U.S. Department of Education.
When a borrower defaults on their federal student loan — typically after missing nine consecutive monthly payments — the Department of Education assigns the debt to a guaranty agency like the company. The company then becomes responsible for recovering the loan balance on behalf of the government.
While Ascendium claims to assist borrowers in finding repayment and rehabilitation options, many consumers describe the opposite experience. Reports of frequent calls, unclear billing, and aggressive communication have surfaced, raising questions about whether Ascendium’s collection practices comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
Why Ascendium Education Solutions Is Contacting You
If Ascendium Education Solutions is calling you, it’s likely because your federal student loan has entered default status. When that happens, your account is transferred from your loan servicer to a guarantor like Ascendium.
Once Ascendium takes over, their agents may begin contacting you by phone, mail, or email to collect payment or discuss repayment programs such as loan rehabilitation or consolidation. Unfortunately, these communications can become excessive and intimidating, crossing into what borrowers perceive as student loan harassment.
Common reasons you might hear from Ascendium include:
- 👉 Defaulted Federal Student Loans: They are attempting to recover funds owed to the Department of Education.
- 👉 Wage Garnishment Notices: Ascendium may warn of income garnishment without explaining your rights to dispute it.
- 👉 Verification or “Rehabilitation” Offers: They claim to help restore your loan to good standing, often under strict terms.
- 👉 Tax Refund Seizure: They may notify you about federal offsets or Treasury deductions for unpaid student loans.
Regardless of the reason, you have the right to be treated with dignity and fairness, not harassed or misled into making payments you don’t fully understand.
🔗 Learn more about our :credit report errors and harassment assistance.
Is Ascendium Education Solutions Legitimate or a Scam?
Yes — Ascendium Education Solutions is a legitimate nonprofit organization that works as an official student loan guarantor. However, that doesn’t mean every interaction you experience is lawful or ethical.
Federal law strictly regulates how debt collectors and guaranty agencies can contact borrowers. Even legitimate entities can cross legal boundaries when they use repetitive calls, threats, or deceptive tactics to pressure borrowers into paying.
Borrowers have reported that they representatives sometimes:
- ➡️ Call multiple times per day, even after requests to stop.
- ➡️ Leave voicemails without identifying themselves as debt collectors.
- ➡️ Demand immediate payment under threat of wage garnishment.
- ➡️ Provide incomplete or inaccurate loan information.
- ➡️ Refuse to send written documentation verifying the debt.
If you’ve experienced any of these behaviors, you may have a claim for damages under the FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) or the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act).
Understanding Student Loan Harassment
Student loan harassment occurs when a collector uses unfair, deceptive, or abusive tactics to recover debt. The FDCPA prohibits collection agencies — including federal loan contractors — from engaging in actions such as:
- ✅ Using threatening or obscene language during phone calls
- ✅ Calling repeatedly to annoy or pressure you
- ✅ Contacting you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
- ✅ Speaking with your employer, coworkers, or family members about your debt
- ✅ Misrepresenting how much you owe or claiming false legal authority
- ✅ Continuing to call you after a written request to stop communication
If Ascendium Education Solutions has violated any of these rules, you can take action immediately. Document every call, voicemail, and letter. These records can support a formal complaint or legal case to stop the harassment and recover damages.
What Borrowers Report About Ascendium
Consumer complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) show a pattern of frustration among borrowers dealing with the company.
Many consumers allege:
- ➤ They received calls even after loans were transferred to another servicer.
- ➤ The company failed to update credit bureaus after loan rehabilitation.
- ➤ They were threatened with wage garnishment without prior notice.
- ➤ Payment records were lost or misapplied.
These issues can cause emotional distress, financial strain, and long-term credit damage. Borrowers who have experienced these problems should contact a consumer rights attorney to explore legal remedies.
Common Phone Numbers Used by Ascendium Education Solutions
If you’ve been receiving repeated calls from unfamiliar numbers, they might belong to Ascendium Education Solutions. Borrowers have reported calls from:
- 📞 800-236-4300
- 📞 608-246-1800
- 📞 608-246-1750
- 📞 608-246-1700
These or similar numbers may appear on caller ID. If you’re unsure whether the call is legitimate, verify by calling the official the agency’s official contact line listed on their website. Never share personal or banking information with an unverified caller.
How Ascendium Collects on Student Loans
When your federal loan defaults, the agency steps in as the guarantor responsible for recovering the balance. The agency can use several legal methods to collect payments, including:
- 👉 Wage Garnishment: Taking up to 15% of your disposable income directly from your paycheck.
- 👉 Tax Refund Offset: Withholding part of your federal tax refund through the U.S. Treasury.
- 👉 Social Security Offset: Deducting from benefits if the borrower is receiving federal assistance.
- 👉 Credit Reporting: Reporting delinquent or defaulted accounts to credit bureaus.
While these actions are permitted under federal law, they must follow a strict process. You have the right to be notified in writing and to request a hearing before any garnishment or offset begins. If the company skips these steps or withholds documentation, that may constitute a violation of your rights.
Your Rights Under Federal Law
Borrowers contacted by Ascendium Education Solutions are protected under multiple federal laws, including:
- ✅ Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA): Prohibits harassment, false statements, and unfair collection methods.
- ✅ Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA): Restricts automated robocalls and text messages without consent.
- ✅ Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Requires accurate and verifiable reporting of debt information to credit bureaus.
If Ascendium violates any of these laws, you can seek compensation. You may be eligible for up to $1,000 in statutory damages, reimbursement for legal fees, and additional compensation for emotional distress.
What to Do When Ascendium Calls
When Ascendium Education Solutions contacts you, take these steps to protect yourself:
- ✔️ Stay Calm: Never agree to payment immediately.
- ✔️ Request Verification: Ask for a debt validation letter before discussing repayment.
- ✔️ Document Everything: Record the date, time, and content of every call.
- ✔️ Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information: Never give your Social Security or bank details over the phone.
- ✔️ Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter: You can legally require them to stop calling.
- ✔️ Contact an Attorney: A consumer protection lawyer can handle the harassment and deal directly with the company.
By asserting your rights early, you can stop aggressive collection behavior and prevent further harm to your financial situation.
How to Stop Harassment from Ascendium Education Solutions
If you’re constantly receiving calls, letters, or emails from the agency, you do not have to tolerate it. Borrowers have rights under federal law that protect them from unwanted communication, threats, or misleading information. Understanding your options is the first step toward stopping harassment and regaining peace of mind.
When you’re contacted about a student loan, it’s easy to feel pressured. Many borrowers panic when they hear phrases like “wage garnishment” or “tax refund offset.” However, these actions cannot happen overnight, and they must follow specific legal steps. You are entitled to written notice, documentation of your debt, and the opportunity to dispute it before any money is taken.
If the company continues to contact you aggressively, you have the right to fight back.
Recognizing Illegal Debt Collection Behavior
The guaranty agency qualifies as harassmen — but certain patterns of behavior clearly violate federal law. Recognizing these signs can help you determine when it’s time to take legal action.
Harassment may include:
- 👉 Frequent or repeated calls intended to pressure you into payment
- 👉 Threats of legal action or arrest without any basis
- 👉 Failure to identify as a debt collector during calls or voicemails
- 👉 Contacting friends, relatives, or employers about your debt
- 👉 Using aggressive, rude, or intimidating language
- 👉 Demanding payment without verifying the debt
- 👉 Sending misleading letters implying government authority
If you notice any of these behaviors, document every interaction. Write down the caller’s name, the time of the call, and exactly what was said. Keep voicemails and letters — these can serve as evidence if you decide to file a complaint or lawsuit against the agency.
Filing a Complaint Against Ascendium
If you believe Ascendium Education Solutions has crossed the line, there are several ways to report their conduct:
- ╰┈➤ Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): File a complaint online describing the issue, phone numbers used, and dates of harassment.
- ╰┈➤ Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report deceptive or abusive collection practices.
- ╰┈➤ Department of Education Ombudsman Group: If your loan is federally backed, this department helps resolve disputes with guaranty agencies.
- ╰┈➤ State Attorney General’s Office: Many states have consumer protection divisions that investigate debt collection violations.
When filing a complaint, include as much documentation as possible — call logs, emails, letters, or screenshots. Each report helps build a record of misconduct against the company and increases the chances of regulatory action.
How Legal Action Can Help You
Taking legal action against the agency might seem intimidating, but the law is on your side. Borrowers who have faced harassment or false claims can file lawsuits under federal consumer protection statutes.
If a court finds that the guaranty agency violated your rights, you may be entitled to:
- ➡️ Up to $1,000 in statutory damages under the FDCPA
- ➡️ Reimbursement of legal fees and court costs
- ➡️ Compensation for emotional distress or financial harm
- ➡️ Removal of inaccurate information from your credit report
In many cases, borrowers don’t pay anything out of pocket for legal representation because the debt collector is responsible for attorney fees if found guilty. This allows you to pursue justice without additional financial stress.
Credit Reporting Issues and Damage Control
One of the most damaging effects of student loan default is the negative impact on your credit report. Ascendium Education Solutions, like other guaranty agencies, reports delinquent accounts to credit bureaus, which can significantly lower your credit score.
If you notice inaccurate information, such as incorrect balances, outdated defaults, or multiple entries for the same loan, you have the right to dispute it under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Contact each of the three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and submit a dispute with supporting documentation.
Once your dispute is filed, the bureau has 30 days to verify the information with the company. If they cannot confirm its accuracy, the item must be removed or corrected.
It’s also wise to keep a record of all your payments and correspondence. These documents can be used to challenge any false or duplicate entries that might appear on your credit report.
How to Rehabilitate Your Student Loan
If your student loan has defaulted and is now being handled by Ascendium Education Solutions, rehabilitation is one of the most effective ways to get back on track. Loan rehabilitation allows you to make a series of on-time payments — typically nine monthly payments — to restore your loan to good standing.
Once your loan is rehabilitated:
- ✅ Collection activity from the agency will stop.
- ✅ Wage garnishments and tax offsets will end.
- ✅ The default will be removed from your credit report.
- ✅ You’ll regain access to federal loan benefits, such as deferment or income-driven repayment plans.
During this process, it’s crucial to work only with verified representatives from the company. Always request documentation for every payment and ensure that all agreements are made in writing. Avoid sharing sensitive information over the phone unless you are absolutely certain you are speaking with the legitimate agency.
Loan Consolidation as an Alternative
If you cannot afford rehabilitation or need to resolve your default more quickly, you can also consolidate your loans. Loan consolidation combines multiple federal loans into a new Direct Consolidation Loan with a single payment.
By consolidating, you can:
- ⬅️ Exit default status faster
- ⬅️ Choose an income-driven repayment plan
- ⬅️ Stop the collection activity from them
- ⬅️ Protect your wages and tax refunds
You can apply for consolidation directly through studentaid.gov, the official website of the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more about student loan assistance programs available to borrowers.
Once your new loan is approved, Ascendium Education Solutions will no longer manage your account.
Preventing Future Harassment
Even after resolving your student loan issue, it’s important to take preventive steps to avoid future harassment from the agency or other guaranty agencies..
- ➤ Stay Current on Payments: Enroll in auto-pay or set up reminders to avoid missed due dates.
- ➤ Keep Records Updated: Always notify your loan servicer when you change your address, phone number, or employer.
- ➤ Review Your Credit Report: Check regularly for new or incorrect entries.
- ➤ Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the FDCPA and TCPA to identify illegal collection tactics early.
- ➤ Report Violations Promptly: Don’t wait if harassment begins again — file complaints immediately.
Being proactive helps you maintain financial stability and keeps your credit history in good standing.
How Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC Can Help
Facing constant calls from the company can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The attorneys at Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC specialize in protecting borrowers from debt collection harassment, credit reporting errors, and unfair collection practices.
Our legal team has successfully represented thousands of consumers across the country, ensuring that agencies like The agency is held accountable when they cross the line. Whether you’re seeking to stop calls, dispute a debt, or clear your credit report, we can help.
Here’s what we offer:
- 📢 Free consultation: No upfront fees — ever.
- 📢 Personalized legal support: We evaluate your case and determine the best course of action.
- 📢 Complete representation: From cease-and-desist letters to federal lawsuits, we handle everything.
- 📢 Results-driven outcomes: Many clients recover compensation and see immediate relief from harassment.
If you’re ready to take control of your situation, contact us today.
Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC
📌 133 Main Street, Second Floor
North Andover, MA 01845
☎️ Phone: +1 (888) 206-6886
Our goal is to stop harassment, restore your peace of mind, and protect your financial future.
Real Borrower Experiences
Many borrowers who have faced from this company harassment have successfully regained control of their finances by taking legal action. After sending cease-and-desist letters or working with a consumer rights attorney, the calls stopped, credit reports were corrected, and compensation was received for the violations.
These success stories serve as reminders that you have power as a consumer. You are protected by law, and you have every right to demand fair treatment, accurate information, and privacy. They — or any other collection agency — cannot threaten, intimidate, or mislead you into payment.
Final Thoughts
Student loan debt is already stressful enough without the added burden of harassment. If Ascendium Education Solutions has been contacting you repeatedly, making threats, or refusing to verify your debt, it’s time to take action.
Federal laws like the FDCPA, TCPA, and FCRA exist to protect borrowers from exactly this type of abuse. By documenting every call, demanding written proof, and reaching out for legal help, you can stop the harassment for good.
At Consumer Rights Law Firm PLLC, we believe every borrower deserves respect, transparency, and peace of mind. If you’re tired of the endless phone calls and pressure tactics, we’re here to help you stand up for your rights — at no cost to you.
Call us today for a free case review and learn how we can help stop harassment from the guaranty agency once and for all.
