I haven taken Ortho-cyclen since I was 16 years old and never had any problems with it. It did take about 2 months for the breakthrough bleeding to stop, but it can about take 3 months. I recently switched to Seasonale but will be going back on the ortho-cyclen because I did not adjust to it - so it really depends on your body. Although I did not have really bad acne, my skin cleared up within the first two months.
As for your daughter being 5 hours away - don't worry! I just graduated college - let me tell you that they will have a health center on campus that can provide gyn services and prescribe new medications. My college had medications at the health center that could be purchased so you don't even have to find a pharmacy. Services (not prescriptions) are usually free of charge, but the gyn might cost a few dollars. You will at least have that option open to you if she does not adjust to her birth control in 3 months or so.
Good Luck!