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I'm a college student and I have both. I only use my laptop for schoolwork and e-mail, and then my desktop is my media and gaming powerhouse (although my laptop is pretty hardcore as well), but this is really because I had my laptop first as much as anything else. I could easily do everything on either.
Assuming that you're not planning on spending so much money as to make either a "powerhouse", I would base the decision on what her needs are going to be. Most importantly, what is her major and where is she going to school? For example, if she's a technology-based major (engineer, anything computer based, architecture) she'll probably need to do work involving simulation or computer modeling, or just straight-up computer programming or the like. If this is the case, it would be easier for her to have a laptop so she can get work done in places other than just her room. If she's only going to need to type papers and reports and look up things on the internet, I'd say get a desktop. It'll perform better for less $, it won't get stolen, it'll be easier and cheaper to fix if something breaks, and it will be less likely to incur accidental damage.
A desktop also is significantly more upgradable and can perform more functions. For example, when I was in my dorm, my desktop was my TV. A cable card alone will cost under $100 with the remote, and it eliminates the need for a TV (which subsequently frees up more desk space in the cramped dorm environment) and also performs all the functions of a TIVO, without needing a subscription. Desktops can also have better sound cards and thus eliminate the need for a stereo, as mine does.
All in all, I'd say go with the desktop unless she needs a laptop or it would make her life significantly easier.
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