2026 Thriving College Student Index Highlights the Drivers of Student Mental Wellness, Calls Universities and Housing Partners to Action

AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 22, 2026 - The Hi, How Are You Project and The College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition (CSMWAC) today released findings from their third annual Thriving College Student Index - in recognition of Hi, How Are You Day - offering fresh insight into the habits that shape student wellness and the barriers they encounter to mental wellbeing.

The Index reveals that while university students report high levels of stress and anxiety, campus and residential environments play a meaningful role in student wellbeing, with more than half of students (53 percent) saying their residential community positively impacts their mental health. It also offers recommendations for student housing providers and university partners to strengthen the environments that support those routines.

The Thriving College Student Index is a survey of more than 11,000 currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students living in communities managed by CSMWAC member organizations. The study was conducted by global research firm Ipsos in October and November 2025.

The 2026 Thriving College Student Index categorizes students as Thriving, Maintaining or Struggling based on their current mental wellbeing and outlook for the future.1 Based on the survey findings, 57% of students are Thriving, 29% are Maintaining, and 14% are Struggling.

Key study findings include:

Thriving Starts with Self-Care

Thriving students shared a common trait: They consistently prioritized activities and habits that nourished their mind, body, and spirit.

• Social connection is a major differentiator, with 81% of thriving students reporting regular socializing with friends and family, compared with 34% of struggling students, a 47-point gap that underscores the role of community in student wellbeing.

• Thriving students are significantly more likely than struggling students to engage in consistent, healthy daily habits, including spending time outdoors (57% vs. 32%), getting sufficient sleep (54% vs. 26%), and eating well (56% vs. 23%).

• Across the board, listening to music (82%), talking with friends and family (69%), and watching TV or movies (56%) are among the most common ways students manage stress.

Barriers to Treatment Persist

While self-care helps students build a sturdy foundation for their mental health, significant gaps remain for students who would benefit from professional support.

• Mental health needs are widespread, with 45% of students reporting a prior mental health diagnosis.

• Nearly all students (93%) view mental health as vital to overall well-being, yet 44% fear judgment for seeking mental health information or support.

• Time and access remain significant barriers, as only 46% of students overall and only 22% of Struggling students say they could easily fit mental health treatment into their daily schedule.

• Gaps in care persist for those most at risk, with 33% of Struggling students reporting they have never received mental health treatment.

"The data highlights a meaningful gap between awareness and action," said Dr. Sonia Krishna, a board-certified physician specializing in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry and a Hi, How Are You Project Board of Directors member. "Many students know where to find mental health resources and can recognize when someone is struggling, but stigma, fear of judgment and uncertainty about how to respond can create hesitation. These findings reinforce the importance of practical, peer-informed tools that help students feel more confident seeking support for themselves and supporting others when it matters most."

Residential Communities Are a Critical Point of Connection

As students increasingly look to their living environments for connection and belonging, residential communities serve as a critical link between students and the support resources universities provide.

• While more than half of students report having received mental health treatment, only about one in six say they have accessed that care on campus.

• More than half of students (53%) say their residential environment positively impacts their mental wellbeing, particularly when it offers opportunities for social connection and engagement.

• At the same time, 41% of students say they are unsure whether their residential community can support their mental wellbeing.

About the College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition

About the Hi, How Are You Project