Brenda Islas graduated from Taylor Middle-High School last year. She is trying to get into Daytona State College.

However, there was one large — and expensive — obstacle.

But children of migrant workers in Volusia County are celebrating a victory on Monday after Gov. Rick Scott signed a law permitting them to attend a college or university without paying out-of-state tuition.

In Pierson, some students are encouraged by today's bill signing — which also indicates the possibility of finally finding higher education to be affordable.

"I was brought here when I was 4 (years old)," Islas said.

As a result, tuition for Islas and thousands like her would be unaffordable by having to pay out-of-state tuition, which can be four times higher than in-state tuition.

Under the law Scott signed Monday, students of migrant workers will soon be able to pay in-state tuition. All they have to do is prove they attended a Florida school for at least three years.

"Signing this historic legislation today will keep tuition low and allow all students who grew up in Florida to have the same access to affordable higher education," Scott said. "With this legislation, higher education became more affordable and more accessible to all Floridians."

Because of the new law, which is known as House Bill 851, enrollment at colleges and universities is expected to climb.

Islas said she graduated with several students from her school who were facing the same roadblock. That roadblock is now going to be lifted.

"That sounds great," Islas said, referencing the new law. "Now it's not triple — or a lot."

Buc James, a Daytona State College admissions representative, added: "We're excited about it because students come through the office periodically who did not meet the residency requirements. As a result, many of them were not able to enroll."

And now that tuition costs are no longer an issue, Islas said she can concentrate on becoming a dental hygienist.