About one-third of traditionally aged students are very or extremely stressed about maintaining their mental health on campus, and many of their concerns stem from their peers, according to a new survey from The Steve Fund, a nonprofit focused on emotional well-being.
Compared to 2017, more students described their campus as less welcoming and diverse—while also more uncomfortable, discriminatory and isolating. Responses from students of color, in particular, trended in the wrong direction.
About two-thirds of all respondents identified their peers as the source of their negative experiences on campus.
Black students reported the highest rates of witnessing discrimination based on race, gender or sexual orientation. More than a third of Black, Hispanic and Asian students were more likely than white respondents to say that students of different cultural backgrounds “don’t get along well.”
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It perhaps may be no surprise, then, that students of color enrolled at HBCUS, Hispanic-serving institutions and similar colleges reported better mental health than their peers enrolled at predominantly white institutions.
Across all demographics, the rate of respondents exhibiting poor mental health due to excessive fear, poor sleeping habits and trouble concentrating or learning has levelled out since 2017.
Over 2,000 students attending a four-year institution and between 18 and 24 years old responded to the survey in spring 2024.
Student mental health is a growing priority
At the same time, students stated that their campuses encourage belonging and support mental health needs.
More than 70% of respondents felt respected, supported and valued by faculty and administrators. Furthermore, more than half said staff helped students understand or appreciate others’ backgrounds and experiences.
Additionally, awareness and access to treatment have expanded since 2017.
- Students are less likely to report obstacles to mental health care.
- Most students would know where to go if they were experiencing a crisis.
- About four in five say administrative staff and faculty support students experiencing mental health concerns.
- Two-thirds or more agree their institutions actively promote student mental health and well-being.
Telehealth services may have contributed to rising awareness, access and use of institutional resources, the report suggests.
Survey results indicate that colleges can better support student mental health by tailoring services to the cultural and national backgrounds of each group. Respondents also stressed the importance of psychoeducational programs, campus green spaces and safe spaces.
