College students will find it a little more difficult to find student loans in the coming months. Agencies in several states like Michigan, New Hampshire and Missouri have stopped offering some loans. The Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority is one of those.

Going to college is expensive. Without financial aid, many students wouldn't be able to afford higher education. " Well, I did the FAFSA thing, and came here and talked to loan advisors," says freshman, Sarah Ahmed.

But right now, there are fewer options for students looking for loans. "As the credit crisis with the subprime mortgage rate has been revealed, it's kinda been a spiral effect," explains Cathy Wetzel, Evangel University's Financial Aid Assistant Director.

The Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority has temporarily stopped offering private loans because the agency was unable to get backing. Wetzel says a large percentage of students apply for MOHELA's loans.

Senior Phillip Davis says, "I went for a MOHELA because I didn't receive as much assistance my senior year as I thought I would from like federal loans." Past loans like Phillip's should be fine, but students looking for last minute loans in the future may have a problem. "Maybe apply for a different private loan?" Davis suggests.

"I'm hoping I never have to use them," says Ahmed. Wetzel says not having to use the private loans should be a college student's goal. Their first step should be to apply for federal aid. They can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online.

"They will not know until they do that if they qualify for a grant or the federal Stafford Loans," explains Wetzel. Next is to apply for scholarships, either local or by searching online. If scholarships don't cover the costs, Wetzel recommends the Stafford loans, then the Parent Plus loans.

"I had to take out a student loan and my parents took out a loan as well," says Amanda Zgrablich.

Make private loans a last resource, but apply early, because they could be hard to get. Wetzel says, "It shouldn't discourage them. They just need to become more resourceful and look at other options, which are better options."

You'll find a link below to the FAFSA website. You will need your 2007 tax information to complete the application.