In the first semester of his senior year, Jared Nunez (BUS '26) realized he and his family would have to make some tough financial decisions.

The pay for his summer internship had gone toward that semester's tuition, and he was considering having to take out loans or take a gap year before graduation. Then, after talking to Pitt financial aid advisors, he realized that he met the eligibility criteria for a Finish Line Grant, which provides support for students in his position.

"A couple weeks later, I checked my account, and the balance ended up being $0," he said. "That moment is still just so clear to me. It motivated me to work much harder and be grateful for what I have and what I can do in the future."

Now Nunez's years of hard work and networking have paid off. He graduated in May and lined up his first job as an analyst with the Bank of New York in New York City.

"I couldn't have done this without Pitt," he said.

Nunez fell in love with Pitt after he visited as a high schooler, attracted by the community and by the University's strong business and finance programs. He quickly got to work, dual-majoring in business analytics and finance, becoming an active member of the business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi and the student venture capital club. He also joined the Association for Latino Professionals of America, which he came to lead as chapter president and which he cites as particularly pivotal in his growth.

"It was such a rewarding experience," Nunez said. "It gave me a lot of purpose and passion through my senior year."

[Learn more about Finish Line Grant eligibility.]

He also served as a resident advisor for three years, first in Nordenberg Hall and then Bruce Hall, and accumulated accolades like the Gilman Scholarship. All the while, he learned about leadership and industry in his School of Business coursework and prepared for a career in finance.

The Finish Line Grant came to Nunez just in time. The grants support students in their last two semesters who have an unpaid balance and a family adjusted gross income of less than $65,000, among other qualifications. They're intended to support students just like Nunez, who need one last piece of assistance to finish off their Pitt career.

Since it was announced two years ago on Chancellor Joan Gabel's 100th day at Pitt, the Finish Line Grant program has supported 152 students on their way to graduation, for a total of more than $875,000 in support. Pitt's eight-year graduation rate is 82%, compared to a national average of 59%, according to the Department of Education.

And that's what got Nunez to the finish line.

"I'm super excited for the future and starting my career working in finance," he said. "I plan to work extremely hard to make sure I make a good name for myself and represent the school as well."

To other students, he has a piece of advice that he passes on from his own father: In each new life stage, you have to prove yourself.

"Every single day when you're on campus, prove yourself," Nunez said. "Prove to yourself that you can become the best version of yourself and surround yourself with people who will motivate you."