I am so distraught, hopeless & depressed about what is going on between my Navy b/f of 2 yrs & me?

Im in grad school 4 hrs fr him in VA since Nov‘07. I just came back fr a wknd of meeting his family in the Midwest who all adored me & told me he loves me very much. The distance has begun to kill the relationship now that he is going through some $$ problems while studying for his military advancement exam (failed 2xs before & in jeopardy of being discharged this time around). I have also been very busy with an intense summer program for grad school. B4, he would drive 4 hrs 2xs per mo to see me, but the hike in gas has made it worse. The last time we saw ea other was in 5/08. We both are still deeply inlove & talk every day on the phone. He has finally scd $$ to fly to see me instead of driving for the July 4 wknd. What are some ways you suggest we get through this trying time in our relationship? Is there hope for us? How can we find ways to see each other more often, or meet ea other 1/2 way $$ & physically? Any words of encouragement/honesty will help me cope-thanks!