A NEW SURVEY FROM THE STEVE FUND INDICATES A POPULATION MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS ON CAMPUSES NATIONWIDE
Source: The Steve Fund
51% of U.S. college students rate their mental health as fair, poor, or terrible in a national survey conducted by The Harris Poll
NEW YORK, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — A new national study from The Steve Fund (TSF), a leading nonprofit organization focused on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people, conducted by The Harris Poll reveals that more than half of college students rate their mental health as fair, poor, or terrible, highlighting a looming mental health crisis on U.S. campuses. The crisis is most acute among students from historically disadvantaged communities, who are facing increasing academic, emotional, and social pressures. Key findings include:
– In the U.S., more than 7.5 million young people from historically disadvantaged backgrounds (more than one in five) struggle with mental health issues.
– More than 3 in 4 students believe colleges should invest more in targeted mental health support.
– 80% of students of color (Black, Asian, and Hispanic) want mental health programs tailored to their backgrounds.
Access the full report at https://stevefund.org/tsf-harris-poll-lumina-foundation-poll/.
Building on 2017 research, TSF’s groundbreaking study explores the unique mental health challenges faced by college students of all backgrounds, including those of color. It examines students’ perceptions of campus climate and inclusion, the emotional burden of identity-related stressors such as discrimination, imposter syndrome, and feelings of otherness, and barriers to seeking mental health support.
The study reveals the profound gaps that have long existed between the mental health needs of young people and the insufficient resources provided by universities.
“Our findings highlight the imperative to address the mental health issues students face on college campuses,” said Stephanie Bell-Rose, president of The Steve Fund.
Entitled “Student Mental Health on College Campuses,” The Harris Poll surveyed 2,050 U.S. residents ages 18 to 24, between February 29 and April 1, 2024, who were enrolled in four-year colleges in the U.S. The research builds on a 2017 study conducted by The Harris Poll and commissioned by TSF and the Jed Foundation, to develop a critical comparative lens to understand trends, prioritize areas of importance, and support youth in crisis.
TSF offers a suite of initiatives, such as the Excellence in Mental Health on Campus program, which provides universities with research-based strategies to build community.
Visit www.stevefund.org to learn more about TSF.
