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(Quincy, Ill)

You may have heard it's hard to find financial aid for college because of the recession.

But that's not the case for community colleges like John Wood.

We spoke with John Letts, he's the Vice President for Student Services at John Wood Community College.

He told KHQA a lot of people feel like it's difficult to get a loan because of the banking crisis.

Letts says that is not the case in Quincy.

He says John Wood has plenty of lenders who are lending money.

But he tells KHQA loans should be a last resort for financial aid.

Instead, they can look for other options like Pell Grants.

Letts says if the stimulus package passes into law, Pell Grants could go up as much as $500 a student next year.

He has this advice for you.

"If they have a demonstrated need, they don't need to worry if they take action soon. Individuals that wait until the last minute to apply often get left a little short," says Letts.

Letts also suggests checking your state to see if it can help.

For example, Illinois residents who attend an Illinois institution are eligible for Illinois Student Assistance Commission Money.

To get started on finding financial aid, you should contact your college or university's financial aid office.