May is Mental Health Awareness Month, offering an important moment to reflect on how we support students’ well-being across our colleges. Mental health is not separate from student success—it is foundational to learning, persistence, and a sense of belonging.
Findings from the 2025 Real College California Student Survey underscore both the scale of need and the importance of campus-based mental health support. Over one-third of student respondents (35.1%, n = 21,491) reported experiencing a mental health issue. Among students who access basic needs supports through their college, about one-third of those who use campus mental health services rely entirely on the resources and supports provided by their institution.
Together, these findings highlight the critical role colleges play in ensuring students have access to timely, responsive, and compassionate care.
As we recognize this month, it is a reminder that colleges are more than places of instruction—they are spaces of support. By continuing to invest in mental health services and fostering environments where students feel safe seeking help, we can better ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive.
The Real College California Student Survey is administered every two years to Real College California Coalition colleges.