Other ways to pay for college.

As a first-generation college graduate who has received a B.A. in international economics and an M.B.A., I have accomplished more than both my parents and grandparents. After landing my dream job of becoming an economist, I applied as a non-degree student to two D.C metro graduate programs and filed a FAFSA application to qualify for financial aid. (See "50 Top Colleges for African Americans: Guide to College Financing," September 2006.)

Education was an indispensible part of my relocation package. I could not foresee not completing my M.A. in economics just because I moved from Cleveland to Washington, D.C. Yet, the sticker price did initially shock me: a graduate credit hour at American University is more than twice as much as at Cleveland State. My employer paid for one class, reducing my student loan dependence. Also, I opened a Upromise 529 savings plan to finance my Ph.D. studies in two years.

I recommend that BLACK ENTERPRISE publish a special edition dedicated to alternative education financing to reduce college costs, including earning an associate degree at a community college and then transferring to a four-year school, taking the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams to audit college courses and accelerate the accumulation of credits toward graduation, and employer tuition reimbursement programs.

If we wish to build upon the strides and successes made during the 20th century, blacks must be prepared to excel in the 21st century. Education is an integral element of this equation.

Carla Jenkins

Washington, DC