First, I have to say that I absolutely love your choice of fabric and your pattern design. You did an excellent job piecing it. Your niece is going to love it. She'll be so proud to take it to college. I think you made a good choice in having it quilted. $75. Is a VERY reasonable price to pay to have it quilted. Matter of fact, it is VERY VERY reasonable. Like you said, you don't need the stress right now. I made one for my granddaughter last year, which she took to The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa. (I see you are from Alabama so I had to throw that in. LOL.) Be sure to post pictures when it is quilted. One last IMPORTANT item. Be sure to sew a label in it (That would have to be cut out) to identify it. Especially because she'll be taking it to college.
Take care & thanks for sharing.