Finish in Four

Finish in Four helps high-need students complete their degrees.

Story by Gary Dulude

Being a university where every student graduates is more than a stated goal in Oregon State University’s 2024-30 strategic plan. It requires specific actions — and funding — to make it a reality. 

One such action is the Finish in Four Scholars, a program led by the university in collaboration with the OSU Foundation as part of the broader Finish in Four initiative. In addition to scholarships, Finish in Four includes a variety of other efforts to help more Oregon students graduate, such as programs to improve first-year retention, emergency grants, persistence awards and completion grants.  

Although students with the fewest financial resources may qualify for federal and state grants, often there is still a significant gap between what their financial aid covers and the total costs of tuition, room, board, books and other living expenses.  

The financial gaps also lead to disparities in graduation rates. Students with high financial need and underrepresented students of color typically graduate at rates 10% lower than their higher-income peers.  

The Finish in Four Scholars Program helps fill the gap between a student’s financial aid package and their cost of attendance. Beyond financial support, the program offers financial education, academic support and other programs to help students succeed and build a sense of belonging. 

All Oregon undergraduates in Corvallis or at OSU-Cascades in Bend are automatically considered for the program. To be eligible for renewal each year, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress, continue to meet the financial profile criteria and participate in program activities.  

Rebecca Camden, a member of the OSU Foundation Board of Trustees, says Finish in Four can be the difference for the students “who just need that additional $2,000 so they can register for their last term and graduate.” 

And as the program’s name implies, Finish in Four is intended to help students graduate within four years. Not only does graduating on time help reduce the ultimate cost of their education, “the more a student can get done sooner, the sooner they can go forth and do good things for the world,” Camden says. 

The first cohort of Finish in Four students began in fall 2024. 

By the numbers

• 6,150 on-campus undergraduates had high financial need in 2023-24 
• 47% of OSU students are unable to meet school expenses 
• $21,221 average debt among OSU graduates who took out student loans 

Marrylin Ogbonna: Pursuing an education to help others 

Honors College student Marrylin Ogbonna has a passion for advocacy and community engagement. She ultimately wants to go to law school and is majoring in psychology, focusing on understanding people before delving into politics. “My goal is to help people with my education; that’s what education should be used for,” she says. For Marrylin, Finish in Four took off the burden of worrying about paying for college while creating a community with people who value her experiences and educational goals.  

Yvonne Hawkins: Making the right choice, lowering stress 

Yvonne Hawkins became interested in kinesiology as a high school volleyball player. Coming to OSU, “I feel like I made the right choice,” they say. “I’m already having beneficial opportunities in my field,” including working with a graduate student on a research project aimed at preventing injuries. For Yvonne, Finish in Four also has health benefits, such as lowering stress. “I’m excited to go through school with this group of people. Finish in Four is going to be a constant, and I think that’s reassuring. We’re all working toward a similar goal, so it’s motivating.” 

Gerardo Vargas Miranda: Seeing himself in a creative career 

Gerardo Vargas Miranda is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. “A lot of creativity goes into that job,” he says. “I can see myself going to work and being happy about it every day.” At OSU, Gerardo quickly found friends and a sense of community in a program that supports migrant and seasonal farm workers and their families. “My parents weren’t able to go to college. I’m happy I’m making them proud right now,” he says. “The scholarship lifted a huge burden off their shoulders, and I’m going to make great use of it.”