MASSACHUSETTS -- The number of college students applying for financial aid all across the Bay State is rising sharply.
Some economists say these surging financial aid numbers are the latest sign of a slowing economy.
Public colleges in Massachusetts have seen a 15-percent increase in the number of financial aid applications over the first half of 2008, compared to the same period one year ago.
The number of college students applying for financial aid all across the Bay State is rising sharply. Ryan Burgess explains what this latest report means for students.
The U.S. Department of Education says some private colleges and universities -- such Williams College in the Berkshires -- have seen an even sharper rise.
In addition to a fluttering economy, some analysts say rising tuition costs and even the weakening housing market are also contributing to these rising financial aid numbers.