My daughter arrives at mid night on Thursday --- she needs to get to the university--

Do you refer to Kunming University?
If yes, she can take airport shuttle bus line 1, get off at North Railway Station first. The ticket fare is CNY 25 per person. After arriving, take a taxi to the destination directly. The cab fare is CNY 40 to 50 in the night.
Or she can take a taxi from the airport to the university directly. It costs CNY 80 to 90.
Generally speaking, there is no need to worry about the safety problem. It's a safe city and there are still some legal taxis waiting outside the airport.