DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. — Southeast Toyota Finance has rolled out a new program this week designed to give recent or upcoming college graduates and Master's or Ph.D. degree candidates greater ability to make a vehicle purchase in the midst of a economy that is still on the mend.

The lender is giving these consumers $1,000 rebates to either finance or lease any Scion model or the following Toyota vehicles: gas-only Camry, Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, Tacoma or Yaris.

"With recent graduates facing the challenge of a recovering economy, our rebate program will help provide a head start in owning a brand new Toyota or Scion," shared Bob Galaska, vice president of sales for Southeast Toyota Finance. "Another great benefit is that the $1,000 can be combined with other current offers."

It is required that eligible customers either graduate from an accredited college or university within six months after they buy the vehicle or have earned their degree in the last two years.

Consumers who have received their degrees from accredited two-year colleges or nursing and other programs and those who are on the path to an accredited graduate program degree (i.e. law school, doctoral program, Master's degree program) are also eligible.

Additionally, it is mandatory that these consumers either have a job or have a firm offer for a job. They must also fulfill credit criteria and provide proof at the point of purchase that they are in college or have graduated.

The deal will be available through Jan. 3.