Students filled the financial aid office at the University of Missouri. They are here to get help paying for college. Hugues Balenger and his daughter were among the crowd. She'll be a freshman in the Fall.

"She's going to college with flying colors. We're very proud parents," said Balenger.

His daughter is among 20,000 students who have applied for financial aid for this coming year. Balenger says his family needs the money in order for his daughter to get through college.

"Well for us the need is very important. Without it I don't think we could make it. It's a make or break situation," said Balenger.

Over at Columbia College, financial aid officers have seen an increase of 20 percent.  For MU, it's a 16 percent increase.  That's 3,000 more students applying for aid than nearly 17,000 who applied last year.

The director of financial aid for MU, Jim Brooks, said the economy is to blame.

"I think the economy has a lot to do with it. Nationally the figures show that financial aid applications across the country are up by about 22 percent. I think the economy has a lot to do with that," said Brooks.

Every year students wanting assistance paying for college fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. Questions asked in this process determine the student's and their family's financial need. The difference between what the family can contribute and what it costs to attend the college usually determines how much the student will receive in aid.

"For most students, as long as you show financial need, you will qualify for something. It may not cover all your financial costs of attendanc, but it will help as much as we're able to do that," said Brooks.

Assistance may come from federal, state and/or university sources.