(NAPSI)—A college education is one of the most important investments of time and money that students and their families will make. Workers with a bachelor’s degree earned 65 percent more, on average, than those with only a high school diploma, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Fortunately, there are steps to take now that can help make a college education a reality.

If college is on the horizon for you or a family member, you probably need to think about how you’ll cover the costs. Understanding your scholarship, financial aid and student loan options will help you get started on the right foot.

Prospective, new and current college students also need answers to questions such as how to select a major, what school is a good fit, and which housing options will best suit their personality, lifestyle and study habits.

Tackling these questions can seem daunting, but students and their families have resources for finding answers thanks to friends, family, school guidance counselors and financial aid officers. Talking to other students and parents who have already gone through the process or are in the midst of it can help save time and energy. In fact, a new resource is available to help do just that: Wells Fargo’s Online Community. It connects people with college-related questions with others who can help in developing a plan and getting answers.

Here are a few things students and their families may want to discuss:

Develop a budget: Paying for college involves a lot more than tuition and housing. Make an itemized list of monthly expenses such as cell phone and Internet service, food and school supplies to get a good estimate of your overall expenses.

Create a plan: Young people should get a summer or after-school job, and then set up a savings and checking account to organize finances.

Research financial aid: Check in on your financial aid options early and often. There are a number of steps to getting the best financial aid package for your needs. Track deadlines, so you’re not left scrambling.

For more information and resources and to join the conversation with other students, parents, financial aid officers and loan experts, visit www.wellsfargocommunity.com.

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)