College students trying to get financial aid for their education are one of many groups of people impacted by the ongoing economic crisis.

At Penn State's Altoona campus, the student aid is busier than ever before, said the director of the financial aid department.

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David Pearlman said the credit crunch has made it harder for students and parents to get their hands on extra money. He said it's become all too common that students get a loan approved by a bank, then at the last minute learn the bank has been closed and the loan they need won't go through.

He said this scenario is leaving many students and parents scrambling to look for other lenders to help with tuition.

He said his best advice for students and parents looking for financial help is to turn to government loans.

"First and foremost, all students want to apply for all federal, state, and institutional, and university type money that is out there. Those monies are still available. If the student finds themselves not finding enough, there's a Parent Plus loan that's available through the federal government," he said.

Pearlman added the best place to begin is at the financial aid office of whatever college or university a student is attending. There, he said, the student aid staff can help people shop around for the best available options.