Tuition's $9,400, But Some College Students Are Dropping $10,000 On Dorm Room Makeovers

For many college students, moving into a dorm marks their first taste of independence. While some stick to essentials, others turn their dorm rooms into luxurious spaces with price tags rivaling tuition.

According to The New York Times, many students, particularly in the South, are hiring interior designers to transform their dormitories into high-end living spaces. At the University of Mississippi, where instate tuition is $9,400 annually, freshman Lesley Lachman partnered with an interior design company to create a stylish, modern dorm room for $3,000. Lachman's story highlights a larger trend: the rise of luxury dorm makeovers, with some students or their families spending upward of $10,000.

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This surge in dorm room spending aligns with an overall increase in what students invest in their college living essentials. The National Retail Federation reports that college students spent an average of $1,365 on back-to-college purchases this year – nearly double what was spent a decade ago. According to the Education Data Initiative, this is in addition to the average room and board costs, which amount to $12,640 annually at public colleges and $14,410 at private institutions. Over four years, this adds up to $52,700 for housing expenses alone.

With steep tuition and room and board costs, these designer dorm trends represent an even larger financial commitment for some families. The average student in the U.S. earns $37,330 annually, based on data from Talent.com. Spending thousands on dorm decor likely isn't a realistic option for students working entry-level jobs or paying their way.

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The options for dorm upgrades are extensive for those who can afford it. Interior designers like Eden Bowen Montgomery, founder of Essentials with Eden, create bespoke dorm interiors featuring custom cabinets, monogrammed bedding and luxury light fixtures. Montgomery, an Ole Miss alumna, charges approximately $10,000 per room for her services, which include full setup on move-in day. 

According to The New York Times, this year, Montgomery had more than 200 dorm setups to do, which required the assistance of 25 seasonal employees since they had to get everything done on move-in day for each student. 

In some cases, students have more elaborate requests. Designer Joyce Huston, cofounder of Decorilla in New York, worked with one client who wanted his dorm to resemble an Amazon rain forest. 

"He wanted to have living walls, water features, everything," Huston told The New York Times. "After a lot of meetings, sharing ideas and setting expectations, we agreed on a gorgeous plan: We added some plants, a breathtaking mural and a funky hanging chair."

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While Huston's dorm design packages start at $549, they can rise significantly depending on the project scope.

Several factors have contributed to the rise of designer dorm rooms. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened students’ desire for comfortable, personalized spaces, while social media platforms like TikTok have popularized dorm transformations. Viral videos showcasing before-and-after shots of elaborate setups inspire students to invest in creating a space they're proud to share online.

However, not everyone is splurging. Some students and their families are sticking to budget-friendly options. Angela Hogan, director of design at Ashton Woods Homes, told The New York Times that she recommends focusing on essentials like mattress pads, storage solutions and quality lighting for those looking to DIY their dorm decor.

Dorm room makeovers have become a booming industry. Designers like Montgomery report being booked months in advance, with some already taking reservations for 2025. Whether students opt for lavish designs or practical setups, one thing is clear: dorm living has evolved far beyond basic furniture and bare walls.

For families navigating these trends, the key may be balancing comfort and affordability as students transition into college.

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