Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Amanda Rohde

Some students have found it difficult to secure loans for the coming semester. Although federal loans are still available, many private lenders are pulling back on their student loan offerings.

Recently, NPR's All Things Considered broadcast the story of two Pennsylvania students who struggled to find loans all summer. They report:

"Marlo Johnson and emmanuel Garcia are top students, who would be the first in their families to go to college. Their frantic search for money to pay for tuition has become an all-too common ordeal for many poor and middle-class students and their families."

Even when students do find loans, they often pay much higher interest rates than the graduates of a few years ago.

If you plan on attending a virtual program any time soon, be sure to check your financial aid and loan options with a counselor at your chosen school.