More students want financial aid

CLINTON, Ind. (WTHI) - Financial aid applications skyrocketted in the past few years.

Between 2006 and 2009, financial aid applications jumped by 42 percent in Indiana, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

At Indiana State University, employees said there was a 23 percent increase between this year's applications and last.

"The needs have risen over the past few years. Tuition and fee charges, room and board charges, have all gone up in the last few years," ISU Director of Student Financial Aid Kim Donat said.

The increase in applications could mean more students graduating with unpaid loans.

The average college student graduates around 20 thousand dollars in debt.

To apply for financial aid visit http://www.fafsa.gov