Hundreds of local families hit a college fair Wednesday night, searching for help.

It's an exciting search for Chelsea Dolan and her mom, going booth to booth at this college fair.

"Finding the right college is like a huge deal," said Chelsea Dolan of Pecatonica.

"We want it for her, that's for sure," Sandy Dolan said.

But getting Dolan to college to study physical therapy won't be easy in this tough economy.

"It's changed our thinking as far as if we can afford college," Sandy Dolan said.

"It's one of the first two questions I'm hearing every time from families. How much is it going to cost and what scholarships are available?" said Kelli Allen with Iowa State University.

Two potential hurdles on that quest for college. But Allen says it can be workable.

"It's kind of like buying a car. How often to you pay sticker price? That's kind of like paying for an education," Allen said.

Help includes the usual federal aid packages. Allen says
current high school seniors should move on those fast for your best chance at success.

"Getting it in by the first of the year is critical," Allen said.

There's also school-specific packages that come with simply living in Illinois.

"We have merit-based scholarships for students from Illinois since they're the third largest group on campus," Allen said.

Dolan asked around about financial aid Wednesday and was encouraged to work hard in school to earn her college dreams.

"Especially if I have good grades, there's a good chance of getting a portion of financial aid," Chelsea Dolan said.

She and her mom say they both felt better after hearing the options, giving hope that a college fair turns into college life down the road.

23 News also talked with a representative from a private college. And they shared a similar push not to give up on college aid, even if its seems financially impossible.

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