You’re About to Pay $300,000 for College. What’s Another $3,000 in Campus Swag?

Laurie Drago spent around seven hours arranging a cornucopia of crimson-and-cream Indiana University paraphernalia for her daughter’s surprise party this year. To celebrate 17-year-old Alex Drago’s decision to attend the Bloomington, Ind., campus, Ms. Drago bought IU banners, IU shot glasses, IU pillows, IU balloons, IU ball cap, IU sweatshirt, red platform Converse sneakers and a red rhinestone-encrusted champagne bottle to decorate her bedroom. She also got a sprinkle cake with the IU emblem and a custom bomber jacket emblazoned with “Hoosier Daddy.”