Last month, consumer expert and AJC Bargain Hunter contributor Clark Howard wrote about ways to contain runaway student loan debt -- noting that the interest rate on student loans was recently at 6.8 percent up from 3.4 percent.

He offered a bit of advice for students when thinking about college funding. Here are some of his tips:

Never borrow more for a 4-year degree than the entry level salary you expect to earn after having received that degree. A note to grandparents: never sign for student loans and parents: don't feel guilty putting the immediate needs of your family above paying for college.

Consider community colleges and work-study options. Consider attending a community college for the first 2 years and get a more student-oriented environment than at a traditional college. After 2 years, you can attend a traditional school -- you pay less for only two years and still have the benefit of graduating from a four-year insititution. Working your way through school is always an option, but don't work a 40 hour per week job if you don't have the drive to complete your degree. Work study may be a better option.

Never borrow any private student loan money. Only borrow what's permissible under the federal student loan program. Do not go to private lenders.

Look for schools with innovative apporaches. Michigan-based Spring Arbor University  -- a Christian liberal arts school with enrollment of about 4,000 students -- began its Loan Repayment Assistance Program this fall for incoming freshmen. The program guarantees students and parents will get repayment help if income level fails to meet certain benchmarks. The repayment continues until a graduate's income rises or the loan is paid off. Graduates who work a minimum of 30 hours a week  qualify for the program.

Howard also mentions the 10 Texas-based universities offering four-year degrees for $10,000. And the Florida system which converted its two-year community colleges to offer four-year degrees.