With winter break quickly approaching, second semesters at colleges are right around the corner

MACOMB, IL -- With winter break quickly approaching, second semesters at colleges are right around the corner.

And if it is not hard enough already for students to pay for school, the slumping economy has not made it any easier.

Because of this we wondered if students are fully aware of the opportunities they have for assistance at their schools.

KHQA's Jarod Wells went to WIU this afternoon to ask what those opportunities are and if students are using them.

"I think famililes, parents and students are all interested in finding out just where we stand now with the economy in such dire straits," said Bill Bushaw.

Bushaw is the Director of Financial Aid at Western Illinois University. He has seen more students applying for financial aid in the past year. More than 70% of students are already use financial aid. KHQA also checked with a few students while on campus to see some other options students are using to pay for school.

"I know that bills have been a problem for people," said Lance Kendrick, a student at WIU.  "People have been trying to work more. I work part time and a lot of people i work with have been working a lot more to make sure they have enough money to cover expenses including tuition."

"Alot of kids get part time jobs and have to work alot of hours," said Kevin Sheehan, also a student at WIU.  "I know my roomate works 50 hours a week over breaks so he can pay for school and other activities."

Bushaw told KHQA he fears some students are not aware of the financial aid opportunities on campus. But before students get discouraged and give up or postpone their education they should check out all of their options.

Bushaw also told KHQA that looking into outside scholarships is a great way students can help with the expenses of going to college.