An unknown Oklahoma education assistance program may bring hope to those who started their degree but was unable to finish, whether it were years ago or last semester. The Reach Higher Degree Assistance program, also known as Reach Higher: FlexFinish, was created in 2007. Initially, they catered to the four-year colleges, like Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Okla. However, in 2010, Oklahoma altered the program and brought the program to participating two-year colleges such as Murray State College in Tishomingo, Okla., The students must meet the required criteria to be eligible– 72 credit hours, a minimum 2.0 grade point average, and, of course, all remedial classes completed.
The FlexFinish Associate Degree requires less credits to qualify but only offers two different degree paths; Business Administration and General Studies. Those are the baseline degree options they offer to get the student enrolled along with 18 college credits and a minimum of a 2.0 or higher GPA. While the FlexFinish requires you complete remedial classes, Murray State College Executive Director of Recruitment Paula Henley insured that Murray would help with the completion of the classes before signing up.
While the program is not free, it does qualify for student loans (FAFSA) and the Pell Grant. Henley noted that the program is a great asset for students who have previously been unsure of their college career path.
“The FlexFinish degree option has become a great starting point for students. Many who enroll at any age may find a different degree path once they start and most do,” said Henly.
The program isn’t just great for students who are currently being affected by the pandemic but, being a flex program, even those who work can finish their degrees in whichever environment they choose.
For those who wish to find out more, Paula Henley at Student Support Services for more info. To schedule a phone call, email, or zoom meeting simply go to online.mscok.edu/ book-online.
Due to the pandemic, Southeastern’s advisor for the Flex-Finish Bachelor’s degree was not available for an interview.