Student mental health outcomes continue to shape persistence, completion, and overall wellbeing in higher education. This brief examines disparities in anxiety, depression, and loneliness among college students using findings from the 2025 Student Financial Wellness Survey (SFWS). The analysis shows that students experiencing financial hardship, basic needs insecurity, foster care experience, and other challenging life circumstances report higher rates of mental health concerns than their peers. The brief highlights the importance of addressing student mental health through integrated, holistic support systems that connect counseling services with financial aid, basic needs resources, advising, and proactive outreach.
