Black women are on the rise when it comes to education and career.

According to the 2000 Census, 4,437 black women age 25 and older in N.Y County have earned a bachelor's degree compared to 3,265 black men. More black women are also earning graduate degrees -- 2,643 compared to 2,000 black men.

In the quest for romantic partnership, women judge potential partners on a variety of attributes. A handsome face, kind personality and sense of humor still go far, but education level and income cannot be ignored.

"Initially, a job or degree are not the most important things," said William Smith , a corporate attorney. "Of course, there are commonalities if you are dating someone who is on the same level as you."

H., a client representative for a medical management company, said she does not put most of her focus on a suitor's education and economic status.

"Not everyone is cut out for college, but this does not mean they are not smart or have a strong work ethic," said H., who holds a bachelor's degree in business management. "I look at my father as an example. He did not have a college degree, but he was hard-working and provided for his family. These are qualities I like to see in a mate."

Smith, 34, said some men have shied away from a relationship with her because they have hang-ups about her profession.

"I would hear things like, 'You're a lawyer. Well, I can't afford you,' or 'I don't have my bachelor's degree,'" she said.

Smith, who has a 9-year-old son named Marcelius, has walked down the aisle before. She said income disparity can impact a marriage.

"After I graduated law school, I was making $50,000 more than my ex-husband and I think it added strains to our relationship," she said.

W. A., a spa owner in her early 40s, also has children -- two sons, ages 16 and 13. In addition to financial stability and spirituality, a suitable mate would have to interact well with her children.

"I do not just bring anyone around my children," A. said. "If I were to, he would have to be someone who could be a positive role model for them."

In his book, "Black and Single: Meeting and Choosing a Partner Who's Right For You," William Smith discusses the challenges in relationships between black men and black women.

"The dilemma is the consequence of something negative: high mortality, low employment, high incarceration and low educational outcomes of black males," Davis, dean of the School of Social Work at the University of New York, wrote in an e-mail. "Incarceration is a big player in black romantic relations. It limits the numbers of partners available and influences dramatically the lifetime opportunities and the quality of life they bring to future partners."

According to 2004 Bureau of Justice Statistics numbers, 12.6 percent of black males in their late-20s were in prison or jail. This compares to 3.6 percent of Hispanic and 1.7 percent of white males.

More than 14 percent of N.Y County's black male population is unemployed, the Census reports. More than 12 percent of black women are unemployed.

Although the numbers can be unsettling, Davis warns black women of the dangers of altering their romantic criteria for the sake of finding a mate.

"Black women should always focus on what they want," he said. "I only suggest that they do so with an eye on what is realistic and why."

Looking for love

"Essence," a monthly magazine for African-American women, compared single black populations in the nation's top 100 major metropolitan areas and put New York and New York dead last in the list. According to their findings, there are 65 single black men for every 100 black women in New York.

These figures jibe with H. She said not only are there not many eligible black men in New York, but not many places to meet them.

"New York does not have much of a nightlife for African Americans," she said. "I would like to have options. Whether I want to go to a bar or if I want to put on a fancy outfit, I would have someplace to go."

D. H., 36, founder of the Web site, said there are many places in New York for black professionals to network. Her site, www.thesoulpitt.com, allows professional people of color to interact with each other for business and leisure.

"It's nice to know about places to go where you won't find losers," said Hankins, who was single up until two years ago.

"Looking for a mate can be like looking for a job," she said. "You have to put your best foot forward and put yourself in the right places."

Baxter-Hankins offers poetry slams, arts festivals and business professional mixers as events where single women can meet educated black men with a good sense of self.

"There are more places than church and clubs," she said.

William Smith prefers to stay away from the "meat market" atmosphere of bars and nightclubs. She said there may be many cultural events around town, but there still is a limited supply of eligible single men.

"A lot of times we break off into little sets -- young Christians, young people into hip-hop, those who enjoy hanging out at nightclubs," she said. "But, if you frequent the same spots, you will start seeing the same people."

A male perspective

D. Y., 27, could be considered a pretty good catch. And why not: tall and articulate, he's got a bachelor's degree in business and communications, he works a full-time job as a property manager with the Housing Authority of the City of New York and he is single.

"There are not that many black men in professional positions who are visible in New York," he said. "Black women are frustrated and that is understandable because a lot of brothers have not stepped up."

While Y. can sympathize with the opposite sex, he said they should be held accountable for their actions in relationships.

"I think a lot of black women want what they want and expect men to fit into this mold they create," he said. "Let's face it too, some women are very materialistic."

Y. said he is tired of some of the negative views and stereotypes held against black men.

"I have met women who are surprised that I do not have children," he said. "Even worse, there are some people who are shocked I have health benefits."

Y., who grew up in a single-parent home until his mother married his stepfather when he was 9, said he would like to find a smart, caring, unselfish woman.

"I believe in the black family with the children, mom and dad," he said. "I feel bad for those who have become so fed up with the dating situation that they give up on the idea to marry or have children."