More College-Bound Students Needing Scholarship Money

By Kirsten McIntyre, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- During these tough economic times, thousands of Oklahomans are making education a priority and are going to college. But it's not cheap and with money being tight they need help to pay for it.

This trend is being seen all across Oklahoma.

According to a spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education there has been a significant increase in the number of students applying for financial aid. Oklahomans are realizing how important education is during these troubling times.

At 42 Dale Newby is a full-time student at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. He also works full time. Despite his hectic life, he says he hasn't been this happy in a long time.

"You just get that knowing feeling, I just, there's got to be more," said Newby. "You feel like you're missing something, you're supposed to be doing something different."

Newby isn't alone. Higher education officials say the recession has caused more people to rethink their education. In this tough economy they want additional training or a new career path.

"We think there are more folks trying to come back to school to increase their opportunities," Executive Director for Student Financial Services at UCO Drew Duke said.

Duke says with that increase comes with an increase in students needing financial help. At UCO the number of financial aid applications is up 21 percent.

"We even have more applicants as of right now than we did the entire last year," Duke said.

The University of Oklahoma is reporting a 14 percent increase and OSU is up 17 percent.

Yu Da Kim is about to graduate from college without any debt. He believes his community service is one reason why he's been able to get so many scholarships. He says financial aid is available but students need to seek it out.

"Financial waivers, tuition waivers, fee waivers, scholarships, fellowships, depending on what level you're at, that's what you search for," Kim said.

As for Newby, he's paying for college for loans and says without the financial help his dream of working with troubled youth wouldn't happen.

"It makes you feel good about yourself, especially if you're going for something you feel you can make a difference to," Newby said.