Four Years Zero Debt - Oregon Stater

Gerardo Vargas Miranda arrived at OSU this fall with a dream. “I’m excited to be the first engineer in my family — I think that’s really cool,” he said. “A lot of creativity goes into that job. I can see myself going to work and being happy about it every day.”

He’s the first person in his family to go to college. He’s also breaking ground another way: Miranda was chosen for OSU’s first cohort of Finish in Four students.

Finish in Four is a new program supporting the university’s aspirational goal of all students graduating in four years, without debt and with a job. It recognizes that Oregon’s college-going rate is far below the national average, and companies have a critical need for the kind of graduates OSU is known for: collaborative, innovative problem-solvers who hit the ground running.

Increasing graduation rates is a multifaceted university-wide effort, and Finish in Four tops the list of ways alumni and friends can help. For many students, the biggest barrier to completing their degrees is financial, and sometimes the lack of what may seem like a small amount of money — $500 or $1,000 — can lead students to drop out. Finish in Four provides four-year “last dollar” scholarships for Oregon resident students with high financial need. This means the scholarships cover the gap between the full cost of attendance (including living expenses) after other forms of financial aid have been exhausted.

A student is smiling and standing with arms crossed in a corridor lined with columns. They are wearing a black jacket with a red plaid lining over a striped shirt. The background features a row of columns and a railing, creating a classic architectural setting.

Photo by Travis Gilmour

“The 11 students in this year’s pilot cohort receive scholarships ranging from $6,000 to $15,000 — because what each of them needs to cover the full cost of attendance is different,” said Dorian Smith, ’09, MAIS ’17, who directs the program. “The Finish in Four program will be life-changing for these promising students, and I am grateful to our donor community for helping them thrive at OSU.”

Beyond financial support, the Finish in Four program is working to help students develop a sense of connection at Oregon State and includes academic counseling, financial education and career guidance. Participants are expected to complete an experiential learning project during their college career and to earn $2,000 annually toward the cost of attendance.

I’m excited to be the first engineer in my family — I think that’s really cool.

Miranda quickly found friends in a university program that supports migrant and seasonal farm workers and their children. “My parents weren’t able to go to college. I’m happy I’m making them proud right now,” he said. “The scholarship lifted a huge burden off their shoulders, and I’m going to make great use of it.”

When Kaylina Hernandez opened the email saying she had been selected for Finish in Four, she thought it sounded too good to be true. She hasn’t picked a major yet, but she’s considering fisheries and wildlife, natural resources, and environmental sciences.

“My main drive is wanting to change the world for the better,” she said. “I know that’s kind of cheesy and everyone has those goals, but I’m really excited about it. The Finish in Four program and scholarship have made my life a whole lot easier.”

In their first year, several Finish in Four students are involved with research. Darciel Mubikayi, who is interested in healthcare, works with a biomechanics project focused on people with limited mobility in their lower extremities. “I enjoy it,” he said. “Because of Finish in Four, I’m glad to be able to focus on things that can help me with my future.”

Learn how you can get involved with Finish in Four.