PHOENIX -- Students at Arizona's three state universities will have to pay -- or borrow -- at least $2,000 a year to get an education under terms of legislation approved by a House panel today.

Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, said students should have some "skin in the game." He said students will take their schooling more seriously and be less likely to drop out if they have made an investment.

"I really believe that when something is given to you, you don't have the appreciation of having put in some work," agreed Rep. John Fillmore, R-Apache Junction.

He said $2,000 out of $9,000 annual tuition is not that big a deal. Even with books and fees, Kavanagh said that adds only another $1,500 a year.

Kavanagh said that would leave students with $14,000 debt after four years, "less than the cost of a Chevy Sonic."

"And I personally believe that degrees from our universities are worth far more than Chevy Sonics," he said.

Anyway, Kavanagh said that is a small amount, as college grads earning anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million more over their lifetimes than those who do not have a higher education.