It now takes about 17 percent of the typical Mississippi family’s income to pay for just tuition at a state university, according to The Associated Press.

That percentage reflects Thursday’s announcement that tuition will increase an average 4.1 percent at the state’s eight public universities next fall. The average price of tuition and fees will cross $7,000 for the first time.

Universities say they need more money to increase faculty salaries, cover operational costs and make up for lingering reductions to state aid, according to the AP.

“We have needs to be met on campus to maintain the quality of academic programs,” said Jim Borsig, president of the Mississippi University for Women.

Many students don’t pay the sticker price to attend college, thanks to federal, state and college-based aid. In 2012-2013, Mississippi university students typically got $6,500 worth of aid, Southern Regional Education Board figures show. That covered about one-third of the total cost of attendance, which includes tuition, room and board, books and transportation, the AP reported.

Part-time jobs and student loans typically cover the remainder.

But still, the expense of a college education is getting out of reach for some. Tuition will go up another 3.3 percent on average in fall 2017 under plans presented to the College Board Thursday.

Those increasing costs highlight just how valuable a community college education can be. Students who choose to spend two years at a community college before heading to one of the state’s universities can save thousands on their education bill.

Those savings mean less debt from students loans, which can be financially crippling for graduates.

The climbing cost of attending a state university also underscores how important it is for students to have some direction when they enroll in college. A year spent changing majors has a real financial impact. If the change leads to another year in school, students are facing thousands more in tuition and fees — not to mention room and board and books.

Again, the community college route can help with that. Students can explore a variety of academic interests before heading off to a university.

While a community college education isn’t as cheap as it once was, it’s still a financially smart option compared with the soaring costs of attending a state university.