Recent research indicates a decline in severe depression among college students, suggesting a slight improvement in their mental health. However, the broader mental health crisis remains a significant concern. According to a 2023 Gallup poll involving 14,032 college students, emotional stress, mental health issues, and tuition costs are the leading factors contributing to dropouts.
The University of Michigan’s Healthy Minds Survey, the largest study of its kind, shows that 18% of college students reported severe depression symptoms in the 2024-2025 academic years, down from 23% in 2022. Additionally, the percentage of students experiencing suicidal thoughts decreased from 15% in 2022 to 11% during the same period. These findings, based on surveys from over 84,000 students across 135 American colleges and universities, are encouraging but do not eliminate the challenges many students face.
College environments often exacerbate mental health issues due to a combination of academic pressures, financial stress, and complicated social dynamics. Addressing these root causes is essential for institutions to develop effective support systems for managing student anxiety and ensuring academic success. Despite the availability of extensive mental health resources, some students may still need to take time off to prioritize their well-being.
Over a ten-year period, 133 students at Babson College were granted medical withdrawals, primarily due to mental health concerns. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, an average of 12 students each year left for medical reasons out of nearly 4,000 enrolled. This number has gradually increased since 2020, with approximately 82% of cases related to mental health. Notably, around 70% of these students successfully return to campus and graduate.
Institutions that implement proactive, non-disciplinary policies can help students navigate their leaves of absence more effectively. Such policies often include clear guidelines on treatment and requirements for returning to school, which can enhance the likelihood of re-enrollment.
As the concept of well-being gains traction among higher education leaders, the lack of a unified definition complicates its implementation. Generally, well-being encompasses emotional awareness and the ability to manage stress. While many institutions strive to embed mental health into their frameworks, traditional outreach methods, such as health fairs, are often insufficient to facilitate meaningful behavioral changes among students.
Data illustrates that students of color, particularly Black and Latino individuals, are more likely to withdraw temporarily from college. To address this disparity, universities could benefit from increasing the representation of faculty, staff, and mental health professionals of diverse backgrounds, enhancing connections with minority students through shared experiences.
The tragic events at Virginia Tech University in 2007, where a student took 32 lives before committing suicide, prompted many schools to adopt early alert systems. These “care teams” aim to identify students struggling academically, socially, or emotionally, connecting them to campus resources such as academic advisors and mental health support. Ongoing training for faculty and staff on utilizing these systems effectively is crucial to preventing students from falling through the cracks.
In recent years, numerous campuses, including New York University, Indiana State University, and Harvard University, have integrated mindfulness practices like meditation and breath work into their offerings. Some campus police departments have introduced therapy dogs to support students’ mental health and foster community engagement. Meanwhile, institutions like Stevens Institute of Technology and Princeton University have reduced 24-hour access to libraries and labs to encourage students to take necessary breaks, although these changes often stem from budget constraints rather than proactive measures.
Emphasizing well-being as a cornerstone of academic, personal, and professional success is essential. Research consistently links students’ well-being to their retention in school. Colleges can benefit from developing targeted mental health programs that not only support student health but also improve overall academic outcomes. By prioritizing the emotional and psychological health of students, institutions stand to enhance their educational environments significantly.
