If you’ve recently graduated — or you’re finishing up your degree in the next few months — Subaru’s College Graduate Finance Program is one of the most overlooked savings opportunities available on a new vehicle. Most first-time buyers assume they need a long credit history to get competitive financing. This program removes that barrier entirely for qualifying graduates and lets you drive a new Subaru without needing an established credit file.
Bottom Line: Subaru’s College Graduate Finance Program is available to recent and upcoming graduates who finance through Subaru Motors Finance. It provides competitive rate access even with limited credit history, and it stacks with many current Subaru incentives — making it one of the most practical ways for new Nassau County grads to get into a new vehicle.
- Eligible 6 months before graduation through 24 months after (bachelor’s, master’s, or associate’s degree)
- Must finance through Subaru Motors Finance; minimum income requirements apply
- Available on most new Subaru models — Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Ascent, and more
Who Qualifies
The Subaru College Graduate Finance Program is open to graduates of accredited colleges and universities with a bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or associate’s degree. The eligibility window runs from 6 months before your expected graduation date through 24 months after your actual graduation date.
You qualify if:
- You graduated within the past 24 months (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an accredited institution)
- You’re graduating within the next 6 months and have an offer letter or other evidence of upcoming graduation
- You have verifiable income — a job offer letter counts if you haven’t started yet
- You finance through Subaru Motors Finance (outside lenders don’t qualify)
You don’t need an established credit score. That’s the core benefit of the program for most graduates. Subaru Motors Finance evaluates the application through a different approval lens than standard retail financing, allowing graduates with limited or thin credit files to access financing that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
What Documentation to Bring
Prepare the following before you visit Grand Prix Subaru:
- Proof of graduation or upcoming graduation — diploma, official transcript, or letter from your school confirming expected graduation date
- Proof of income or employment — recent pay stubs, or a signed offer letter if you haven’t started your position yet
- Driver’s license
- Proof of insurance (or have an insurance provider ready to bind coverage the day of purchase)
The finance team at Grand Prix Subaru handles the Subaru Motors Finance application directly. The process is similar to standard retail financing — you complete the credit application, the deal is submitted to SMF, and approval typically comes back the same day.
Which Models Are Eligible
The College Graduate Program applies to most new Subaru models financed through Subaru Motors Finance. This includes:
- Impreza — entry-level sedan and hatchback; often the most accessible price point for first-time buyers
- Crosstrek — compact crossover with standard AWD; one of the most popular first Subarus for Long Island buyers
- Forester — midsize SUV with excellent interior room and standard EyeSight
- Outback — wagon-crossover hybrid; strong long-term value, particularly for buyers who spend time on Long Island and upstate
- Ascent — three-row family SUV; typically for buyers with larger household needs
- WRX — performance sedan; available through the program for qualifying applicants
Confirm current model eligibility with the Grand Prix Subaru finance team, as program terms are subject to periodic updates by Subaru Motors Finance.
How It Stacks With Other Incentives
The College Graduate Program is a financing program, not a price discount — but it can often be combined with other available Subaru incentives, including:
- Current Subaru owner loyalty discounts (if you or a household member already own a Subaru)
- Subaru model-specific customer cash (when available on the specific model)
- Subaru retail finance incentives (if SMF is currently offering a rate incentive on the model you’re purchasing)
It typically cannot be combined with Subaru lease programs or zero-percent financing offers, since those already use SMF rate structures that conflict with the graduate program terms. The finance team will show you which combination produces the best deal for your specific situation.
Why Subaru Makes Sense for a First Vehicle in Nassau County
Beyond the financing program, Subaru’s AWD-standard lineup fits Nassau County’s driving profile well. Snow on local roads, wet highways, and the mix of highway and stop-and-go surface driving that defines Long Island commutes are all conditions where symmetrical AWD delivers real-world value.
The Subaru Safety Sense suite — automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control — is standard across nearly the entire lineup. For a first car buyer, that level of standard safety technology at this price point is difficult to match.
Grand Prix Subaru in Hicksville carries the full Subaru lineup with a broad inventory of popular configurations. For graduates who need a vehicle quickly, many in-stock configurations are available for same-day or next-day delivery.
"The college graduate program is something I actively bring up with any buyer in their mid-20s who's recently graduated. A lot of people come in assuming they'll need a co-signer or a large down payment because they haven't built credit yet. This program changes that conversation completely."
General Manager, Grand Prix Subaru
Browse current Subaru inventory at Grand Prix Subaru or contact the team to discuss your eligibility and current incentive stacking options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the program work for associate’s degrees, or only four-year degrees? Yes — associate’s degrees from accredited institutions qualify. The program covers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and associate’s degree holders equally.
What if I have a job offer but haven’t started yet? A signed offer letter from your employer is sufficient proof of income for the application. Many recent graduates use an offer letter to qualify before their first paycheck.
Can I use a co-signer with the College Graduate Program? Yes, a co-signer can be added to the application. However, most graduates use the program specifically because it allows qualification without a co-signer — ask the finance team whether the program gets you to approval on its own before adding a co-signer.
Is there a minimum purchase amount or model restriction? The program applies to new Subaru vehicles financed through Subaru Motors Finance. There is no minimum purchase price, though minimum income requirements apply based on your loan amount. The finance team will confirm eligibility against your specific deal.
How long does the approval process take? Same-day approval is typical. Submit the application at Grand Prix Subaru during your visit — the finance team submits it to Subaru Motors Finance directly and typically receives a decision within a few hours.
Grand Prix Subaru is located at 500 S Broadway in Hicksville, serving Nassau County, Westbury, Levittown, and surrounding areas. Contact our team or view current new vehicle specials.