SALEM - College students have drained Oregon's financial aid fund, and lawmakers are being asked to put up $4 million more.

The state set aside $72 million for aid this year.

But as is usually the case when the economy turns sour, students are turning to higher education in greater numbers.

Applications for aid are up 18 percent in the state, about 7 percent greater at the universities and 23 percent greater at the community colleges.

The Legislature's emergency board, which doles out money between legislative sessions, meets Thursday and Friday to consider the request.