It’s cutting it dangerously close, but many students still have no idea if they’ll be able to afford college when classes begin in a few days.

Here’s what’s happening around the nation, according to The Wall Street Journal:

• Pennsylvania: As of this writing, the state is still struggling to approve its budget. Which means more than 170,000 students don’t know how much funding – if any – they’ll receive from the state Higher Education Assistance Agency.
• Utah: The state’s New Century Scholarship, allowing high school students to earn associates degrees, has cut its tuition subsidy from 75% to 40%.
• Michigan: More than 95,000 students previously had been recipients of the Michigan Promise Grant, which could be worth up to $4,000. The grant’s future is still up in the air.

Combine the lack of state funding with the increased demand for financial aid, and you’re left with students who may have to consider other options.

For example: Students switching to part-time status pay per course and can use the extra available time working.

Also, students may want – or need – to choose a nearby college so they can save money by living at home.

How’s your college handling the increasing demand for financial aid? Let us know in the comments section below.

Tags: financial aid, The Wall Street Journal