"[College admissions officers] wondered if the recession would drive students toward in-state or public colleges and away from more expensive ones - or committing to any college at all," The Baltimore Sun reports. "Despite evidence that such trends occurred nationally, Maryland admissions officers are generally relieved at how little change they have observed in the state. ... That's not to say the recession produced no strain. Financial aid requests went up at many schools, and counselors said they're hearing more widespread cost concerns. Pricey universities such as the Johns Hopkins University reluctantly admitted fewer students who need financial aid. The aid office at College Park added Saturday office hours to accommodate more families."