Prom-ises and price tags — this is the paradox of prom, or the rite of passage tradition, and its mounting expenses. From attire to transportation, students spend an average of more than $600 on prom, according to Yahoo Style’s 2017 Prom Across America survey. At the baseline of this giant price tag is the prom ticket cost, leading many students to argue that this defining landmark in their American education has become too expensive. However, for schools, it’s a balancing act between keeping prom affordable and equitable while also sustaining its cultural weight — the climax of high school years and the cusp of adulthood. If students gain a deeper understanding of this dynamic, they may develop a more realistic and less frustrated view of prom’s economics, where the cost reflects the effort put into creating a lasting experience. 

Transportation and expectations driving economics 

In neighborhood districts such as Los Altos Mountain View Unified School District, high schools may allow students to coordinate their own rides if the venue is within Santa Clara County. However, PAUSD requires the schools to provide transportation by bus, regardless of the event location to ensure student safety and reduce risks associated with students driving. Safe and controlled transportation to and from prom is essential, but it comes at a significant expense. 

The policy adds one of the heaviest components of cost for proms. This year, the cost for transportation accounts for 20% to 25% of the total cost for prom, according to Student Activities Director Lisa Hall, who helped advocate for PAUSD to reconsider its transportation requirements. 

Within many schools, there is a recurring discussion about the possibility of moving prom to a location on campus, which would eliminate transportation costs and free up more of the budget for decorations and entertainment. However, this change is often vetoed because of the romanticized novelty a new venue adds to the exclusivity of prom. Because of this, schools are often hesitant to choose on-campus locations for such a significant event.

The demand for a high-quality event in the digital age has also elevated expectations for prom. For instance, the social media hashtag “prom2024” amassed approximately 164,000 videos within two months. The hopes for a polished, Instagram-worthy experience have become almost ubiquitous, transforming prom into a full-fledged production.

As a result, schools are faced with the challenge of using commercial venues that specialize in lighting and sound that often charge premium prices. In addition to vendor costs, schools may also invest in event insurance to protect against potential liabilities. This ongoing financial pressure to satisfy district policies and deliver to student expectations must be communicated to students for them to understand that ticket prices reflect more than just an evening out. 

Gunn High School Prom Compared to Other Schools

According to CostHelper prom ticket prices in the U.S. typically range from $20 to $250, depending on the venue. Gunn’s prom prices range from $90 to $159 for the early bird prices and $100 to $185 for the later prices. To make sure that the Student Executive Council does not lose money, organizers added another level to the tiered pricing system this year where the price increases slightly. This measure was added to avoid repeating the $13,000 accrued in debt from last year, according to Hall. As for subsidization, many organizations provide second-hand dresses and accessories for students, but they usually do not partner with schools. On campus, there are tuxedo rentals for students who cannot afford their own, a staff-run prom closet where the staff provide dresses, subsidies for tickets and full or partial scholarships. Although the prices are still steep, SEC is doing its best to lower the costs as much as it can.

When comparing the prices of prom throughout the years, they seem to rise slightly from year to year. According to data collected by SEC, between 2015 and 2019, the prices stayed around $100 per person, between 2022 and 2025 the prices were closer to $145 per person.

The comparison of the total venue cost and transportation cost and what students are charged shows a significant difference. In 2024, the price for the venue and transportation was $250 while students were only charged $145 to $165. In 2023, the original price was $224, and students paid $159 to $169. While the prices are still high, there is a drastic difference between what students have to pay and the actual cost to SEC.

Potential solutions and alternatives 

In the past, SEC has partnered with organizations like The Princess Project, which supplies second-hand prom dresses but found that it was a tedious process to coordinate. Although the idea of The Princess Project is great, students’ tight schedules and busy lives made it difficult to implement.

To combat the difficulties of working with The Princess Project, SEC hosts tuxedo rentals and promotes the staff-run “Prom Closet.” However, an issue with the tuxedo rentals and “Prom Closet” is publicity. Many students don’t know of such opportunities. As a result, they struggle to gain traction and continue operating. While there are many resources to make prom more affordable, they must be publicized to both parents and students. In reality, prom may be expensive, but there are numerous efforts and resources to help students create a memorable experience.