Students’ mental health can influence whether they persist and ultimately complete college, and most institutions offer robust mental health support for them. But a new analysis from Trellis Strategies finds that students experiencing financial vulnerability or basic needs insecurity are less likely than their peers to know whether their institution offers mental health or counseling services.
Researchers analyzed disparities in anxiety, depression and loneliness among college students using findings from the postsecondary research and consulting firm’s 2025 Student Financial Wellness Survey. Financially vulnerable students reported substantially higher rates of all three mental health concerns than their financially secure peers.
At the same time, 24 percent of financially vulnerable students reported not knowing whether their institution offers mental health or counseling services, compared with 17 percent of their more financially secure peers.
How Should Leaders Respond to McMahon’s Letter?
Helping Caregivers Rebuild Careers
