Over the next 15 years, the new legislation plans to increase the number of degrees awarded within the state by 100,000. Lawmakers told the news source that the University of Virginia expects to open 1,000 seats for in-state students this year.

The legislation will endorse the use of school facilities year-round, more online courses and degree programs, which are designed to help students to graduate and enter into the workforce faster. For instance, the University of Virginia will allow enrollees to earn both a bachelors and masters degree in four years beginning this year.

State officials added that public and private colleges will receive enrollment-based funding that will enable them to increase access to education to residents. Legislators are also seeking to connect degree programs with careers in high-demand fields such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The U.S. News and World Report reports that enrollment in online programs has increased by approximately 832 percent to more than 2 million students over the past nine years.

After weighing the pros and cons, Harrison decided that she like many other students across the nation would move home and attend a cheaper university.  Not only would she get in state tuition in Arizona, but it would also be cheaper to live there.

Attending classes at her private college was no longer financially possible, unless she wanted to leave school over $100,000 dollars in debt.  The one year of school, almost drained her college fund.  Not only are college students being forced to make a college change, but high school seniors are also being forced to make this same decision.

Many high school seniors have already decided to forgo costly schools.  Instead they have decided to attend schools that are closer to home and have cheaper tuition.  Many public colleges have seen an increase in the number of transfer applications this year.  Many students reported their decision to transfer was due to money.

Some tips for determining whether an expensive institution is right for you.  First of all, make sure that the expensive private school is really what you want and need.  Second, make sure that you will still be able to go to grad school, medical, or law school after earning your bachelor's degree. 

And if you already attended the expensive school but are considering transferring to a different school but you have already completed two years of a degree, then it may be better to stay at your school.  Otherwise, you might have to spend an extra semester or two retaking classes required by the new school.

So the take home message is make sure that an expensive institution is right for you.  Make sure you have a lot of money and a financial plan beyond the first year.  Have realistic expectations and really consider your options.  And make sure that when you have chosen a degree that you are going to stick with it; or else you will waste a lot of time and money.