I feel like you should have your own datacenter if you want to run a business like this. AWS is very expensive (but appropriate for many) and not intended for VDI.

Yes, I agree, I'm hoping that I can move the architecture to an LXC based setup to make it more efficient, and to allow instances to have unlimited hours (that's the destination).

Compared to a digital oceans' account? Just asking not making a statement.

All that I meant was that group pricing would be needed for a classroom setting. I'm not sure what I can contribute beyond that suggestion.