College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition Launches Largest-Ever College Mental Wellness Survey to Address Gen Z Mental Health Crisis

Third annual Thriving College Students Index will capture insights from more than one million students to shape resources, programming and support for college communities OCTOBER 10, 2025 - AUSTIN, TX - Nearly one million students across the U.S. are being invited to share their mental health experiences and needs in the third annual Thriving College Student Mental Wellness Survey, opened today by the College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition (The Coalition) in partnership with the Hi, How Are You Project (HHAYP). Conducted by global research leader Ipsos, the survey is the largest effort of its kind focused on college student mental wellness. The Coalition and HHAYP anticipate publishing a summary of findings, the 2025 Thriving College Students Index Report, in Q1 2026. The Index will offer critical benchmarking data to help universities, housing providers and nonprofit partners better understand and address the evolving mental health challenges students face. The Mental Health Crisis Among Gen Z College students today are navigating one of the most pressing mental health challenges of any generation, reporting higher levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness than any previous age group. Many students struggle to access help, while others remain reluctant to seek support due to stigma or lack of resources. These realities underscore the importance of the Coalition's annual survey, which captures student perspectives at scale to drive meaningful change in campus and housing communities. Building Long-Term Insights Now in its third year, the Index provides longitudinal insights, tracking trends in student well-being and evaluating the effectiveness of programs and resources introduced since the Coalition's founding. "Thanks to this growing body of research, we can better understand the realities of today's students-from stress and anxiety to coping skills, social connectedness, and outlook on the future," said Dr. Sonia Krishna, a board-certified psychiatrist and HHAYP board member. "These insights allow us to hear directly from students in their own words and experiences, ensuring that the support we design truly reflects their needs." Industry-Wide Commitment The Coalition-now composed of 30 of the nation's leading student housing providers-was founded in 2022 to unite the industry around a shared mission: to destigmatize mental wellness, foster open dialogue and expand access to resources for students. Together with nonprofit partners HHAYP, the Coalition continues to broaden its reach and impact. "Our work is ultimately about students-listening to them, understanding their challenges, and responding with meaningful support," said Gina Cowart, Senior Vice President of Brand and Marketing Communications Strategy at coalition member American Campus Communities. "When we unite as an industry, we amplify our ability to deliver the resources and programs that truly make a difference." The Coalition also recognizes the CLASS Foundation for its continued advocacy in advancing global conversations around student well-being and housing innovation. Member Companies Include American Campus Communities • CA Student Living • Campus Advantage • Campus Apartments • Cardinal Group Management • Core Spaces • Landmark • Peak Campus • Pierce Education Properties • The Preiss Company • RPM • Student Quarters • The Scion Group • Greystar • Michaels Student Living • Campus Life & Style • Asset Living • Caliber Living • Yugo • Balfour Beatty • Dinerstein • University Partners • Gilbane Development Company • GMH Communities • Redstone Residential • Rise • PeakMade Real Estate • and others. To learn more about the Coalition, its partners, and the Thriving College Students Index, please visit https://www.thrivingcollegestudents.org. About the College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition The Coalition is an alliance of leading student housing providers committed to supporting student mental wellness. In partnership with mental health nonprofits including The Jed Foundation and Hi, How Are You Project, the Coalition advocates for open conversations, provides resources, and develops industry-wide peer-to-peer staff training programs. Founded in 2022, the Coalition envisions a world where all young adults thrive with the support of residential communities that prioritize mental well-being. https://www.thrivingcollegestudents.org About the Hi, How Are You Project (HHAYP) Based in Austin, TX, HHAYP is a nonprofit dedicated to removing the stigma around mental health, one conversation at a time. The organization educates people worldwide on the importance of mental well-being and promotes a culture of inclusion. https://www.hihowareyou.org