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ASCENDIUM EDUCATION GROUP INC

EIN 39-1090394 MADISON, WI

Revenue 2025
$118,061,993
Expenses 2025
$16,127,018

Program services were 54.5% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

As filed

Subsection
03
NTEE code
B40
Classification
1000
Street
38 BUTTONWOOD CT

These codes are the IRS's own and are shown exactly as filed. What each one means is in the Business Master File documentation (opens in a new tab).

Mission and programs · 2025

Mission

ASCENDIUM EDUCATION GROUP, INC. OPERATES FOR THE SUPPORT AND BENEFIT OF ASCENDIUM EDUCATION SOLUTIONS, INC.

  • ASCENDIUM EDUCATION GROUP, INC. OPERATES FOR THE SUPPORT AND BENEFIT OF ASCENDIUM EDUCATION SOLUTIONS, INC. (SOLUTIONS). SOLUTIONS SUPPORTS INCREASED ACCESS TO AND SUCCESS IN POSTSECONDAY EDUCATION AS A NATIONAL GRANTMAKER, A FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN GUARANTY AGENCY AND A PROVIDER OF STUDENT SUCCESS SERVICES.

    Expenses $4,555,684 · Revenue $451,921

  • IMPACT INVESTING IS ONE OF THE KEY WAYS WE ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION TO CHAMPION OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE. OUR INVESTMENTS ADVANCE CHANGE TO POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING SYSTEMS THROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND SOLUTIONS SO MORE LEARNERS CAN ACHIEVE THEIR ACADEMIC AND CAREER GOALS THROUGH EDUCATION RELATED VENTURE EQUITY AND DEBT INVESTMENTS.

    Expenses $4,238,275

As filed on the 2025 return.

Officers and directors · 2025

As listed in Part VII of the 2025 return, in the order the filer printed them. Each return names its own; this is not a roster the organization keeps with us.

  • RICHARD D GEORGE - 23

    CHAIRMAN/CIO/TREASURER

    Total calculated
    $884,194
    From this org
    $809,115
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $75,079
    Hours/week
    33 + 17 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $394,351
    Bonus
    $410,858
    Other
    $3,906
    Deferred
    $33,919
    Nontaxable benefits
    $41,160
    Filer's total
    $884,194

  • DARREN KING - 1

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $41,500
    From this org
    $41,500
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 1 related

  • DAVID J HANSON - 1

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $46,000
    From this org
    $46,000
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 1 related

  • EMERSON BRUMBACK - 1

    DIRECTOR - VICE CHAIRMAN

    Total calculated
    $46,000
    From this org
    $46,000
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 1 related

  • JOAN PRINCE - 1

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $46,000
    From this org
    $46,000
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • LESLIE LENZO - 1

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $46,000
    From this org
    $46,000
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 1 related

  • LINDA HOESCHLER - 1

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $46,000
    From this org
    $46,000
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • MARIA GONZALEZ-KNAVEL - 1

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $46,000
    From this org
    $46,000
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 1 related

  • RICHARD A WEISS - 1

    DIRECTOR - SECRETARY

    Total calculated
    $46,000
    From this org
    $46,000
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 1 related

  • ROGER ERVIN - 1

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $50,500
    From this org
    $50,500
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • SCOTT KLUG - 1

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $55,000
    From this org
    $55,000
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    2 + 1 related

  • THOMAS BOLDT - 1

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $55,000
    From this org
    $55,000
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    3

  • BRETT G LINDQUIST - 3

    VP - COMMS AND CMNTY ENGMT

    Total calculated
    $363,954
    From this org
    $302,787
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $61,167
    Hours/week
    6 + 39 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $135,186
    Bonus
    $166,133
    Other
    $1,468
    Deferred
    $19,167
    Nontaxable benefits
    $42,000
    Filer's total
    $363,954

  • CATHERINE M RISSEEUW - 3

    VP - HUMAN RESOURCES

    Total calculated
    $217,423
    From this org
    $160,805
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $56,618
    Hours/week
    12 + 33 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $136,130
    Bonus
    $23,225
    Other
    $1,450
    Deferred
    $12,958
    Nontaxable benefits
    $43,660
    Filer's total
    $217,423

  • ERIC C MALY - 3

    VP - INFO SECURITY AND TECH

    Total calculated
    $359,591
    From this org
    $297,259
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $62,332
    Hours/week
    12 + 33 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $150,212
    Bonus
    $146,247
    Other
    $800
    Deferred
    $18,228
    Nontaxable benefits
    $44,104
    Filer's total
    $359,591

  • HOPE E MERRY - 3

    CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

    Total calculated
    $525,125
    From this org
    $462,554
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $62,571
    Hours/week
    27 + 23 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $255,569
    Bonus
    $206,212
    Other
    $773
    Deferred
    $20,597
    Nontaxable benefits
    $41,974
    Filer's total
    $525,125

  • JACQUELINE J FAIRBAIRN - 3

    CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

    Total calculated
    $458,217
    From this org
    $405,548
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $52,669
    Hours/week
    44 + 1 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $217,298
    Bonus
    $186,111
    Other
    $2,139
    Deferred
    $20,000
    Nontaxable benefits
    $32,669
    Filer's total
    $458,217

  • KEITH WITHAM - 3

    PRESIDENT & CEO - AEG

    Total calculated
    $530,720
    From this org
    $483,620
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $47,100
    Hours/week
    44 + 1 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $297,017
    Bonus
    $186,117
    Other
    $486
    Deferred
    $22,747
    Nontaxable benefits
    $24,353
    Filer's total
    $530,720

  • MATTHEW R HARLOWE - 3

    DIRECTOR - INTERNAL AUDIT

    Total calculated
    $321,404
    From this org
    $265,407
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $55,997
    Hours/week
    43 + 2 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $138,856
    Bonus
    $126,219
    Other
    $332
    Deferred
    $18,291
    Nontaxable benefits
    $37,706
    Filer's total
    $321,404

  • REBECCA E RAPP - 3

    GEN CNSL & CHIEF PRIV OFC

    Total calculated
    $366,612
    From this org
    $315,947
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $50,665
    Hours/week
    31 + 14 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $143,656
    Bonus
    $171,380
    Other
    $911
    Deferred
    $19,159
    Nontaxable benefits
    $31,506
    Filer's total
    $366,612

  • ALYSSA K DUNSIRN - 3

    DIRECTOR - IT SECURITY

    Total calculated
    $236,401
    From this org
    $192,015
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $44,386
    Hours/week
    45

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $183,869
    Bonus
    $7,290
    Other
    $856
    Deferred
    $20,248
    Nontaxable benefits
    $24,138
    Filer's total
    $236,401

  • BETHANY M MILLER - 3

    VP - PLANNING LEARN IMPACT

    Total calculated
    $237,941
    From this org
    $197,644
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $40,297
    Hours/week
    45

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $187,144
    Bonus
    $10,164
    Other
    $336
    Deferred
    $18,352
    Nontaxable benefits
    $21,945
    Filer's total
    $237,941

  • JANICE M HICKS - 3

    DEPUTY DIR - EDUC GRANTMAKING

    Total calculated
    $217,161
    From this org
    $160,772
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $56,389
    Hours/week
    45

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $151,294
    Bonus
    $9,166
    Other
    $312
    Deferred
    $13,677
    Nontaxable benefits
    $42,712
    Filer's total
    $217,161

  • JENNIFER M KRUEGER - 3

    DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL

    Total calculated
    $224,665
    From this org
    $174,744
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $49,921
    Hours/week
    45

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $147,829
    Bonus
    $26,115
    Other
    $800
    Deferred
    $13,855
    Nontaxable benefits
    $36,066
    Filer's total
    $224,665

  • JESSA L VALENTINE - 3

    DEPUTY DIR - LEARNING & IMP

    Total calculated
    $235,910
    From this org
    $183,906
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $52,004
    Hours/week
    45

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $171,827
    Bonus
    $11,557
    Other
    $522
    Deferred
    $19,489
    Nontaxable benefits
    $32,515
    Filer's total
    $235,910

The first 25 listed. Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us. Earlier years are each on their own filing page.

Filings

  • 2025
    Revenue
    $118,061,993
    Expenses
    $16,127,018
    Contributions
    $0
    Grants paid
    $0
  • 2024
    Revenue
    $94,918,940
    Expenses
    $14,289,952
    Contributions
    $0
    Grants paid
    $2,500
  • 2023
    Revenue
    $78,403,388
    Expenses
    $12,531,647
    Contributions
    $0
    Grants paid
    $2,000
  • 2022
    Revenue
    $25,305,849
    Expenses
    $70,596,121
    Contributions
    $0
    Grants paid
    $61,144,777

The four totals the IRS asks for on Part I of the Form 990, as filed. A dash means the figure was not present on the return — not that it was zero.

Other returns filed

  • 2025 · 990-T

    Revenue
    not reported
    Expenses
    not reported
    Assets (EOY)
    not reported

  • 2024 · 990-T

    Revenue
    not reported
    Expenses
    not reported
    Assets (EOY)
    not reported

  • 2023 · 990-T

    Revenue
    not reported
    Expenses
    not reported
    Assets (EOY)
    not reported

  • 2022 · 990-T

    Revenue
    not reported
    Expenses
    not reported
    Assets (EOY)
    not reported

  • 2021 · 990

    Revenue
    $26,399,097
    Expenses
    $5,594,270
    Assets (EOY)
    $2,781,800,074

  • 2021 · 990-T

    Revenue
    not reported
    Expenses
    not reported
    Assets (EOY)
    not reported

  • 2020 · 990

    Revenue
    $30,305,077
    Expenses
    $2,468,782
    Assets (EOY)
    $2,297,580,826

  • 2020 · 990-T

    Revenue
    not reported
    Expenses
    not reported
    Assets (EOY)
    not reported

  • 2019 · 990

    Revenue
    $29,867,739
    Expenses
    $2,064,066
    Assets (EOY)
    $2,132,867,938

  • 2018 · 990

    Revenue
    $128,791,379
    Expenses
    $992,425
    Assets (EOY)
    $1,090,091,290

Nonprofiteer parses Forms 990, 990-EZ and 990-PF, in a window of recent tax years. These returns are recorded from the IRS e-file index, so their figures were extracted by that index rather than read from the return here — treat them as a different source from the filings above, not as more of the same record. A dash means the index carries no figure; Form 990-T listings carry none at all. Showing the 10 most recent; the API carries the rest.

Grants made

Where these grants went next →

Grants received

No itemized grant names this organization as a recipient. Only grants over $5,000 are itemized, and only by filers of the full Form 990.

Related organizations

From Schedule R Part II, where a filer lists the tax-exempt organizations it is related to by control. It does not record shared board members or money.

Declared on its 2025 return

Declared as related by

Taxable family

From Schedule R Parts I, III and IV: entities that legally are the filer, and taxable partnerships, corporations and trusts it is related to. These record ownership and control, not shared board members or money.

Related partnerships on its 2025 return

Related corporations and trusts on its 2025 return

Other IRS files

Auto-Revocation List

Not listed. The IRS publishes this list for organizations whose exemption was automatically revoked for failing to file for three consecutive years.

Publication 78

Listed as of 13 October 2026, under deductibility PC.

These are two separate IRS files on two separate schedules, shown as published and not reconciled with each other. Neither is a statement about whether a contribution is deductible today: 19,245 organizations appear in Publication 78 while the IRS's own revocation file lists them as currently revoked, more than half of those revoked before 2019. Absence from Publication 78 is evidence of nothing, and presence is not evidence either. Verify current status with the IRS before relying on it.

What this page reflects

The registration facts above come from the IRS Business Master File published 13 October 2026 and read 26 October 2026, for every organization at once. Returns through tax year 2025, the newest we have parsed for this organization.