RIPON, Wis. — A new survey gave insight in regards to how mental health challenges affect student learning. 

What You Need To Know

  • The 2024 Student Voice Survey from Inside Higher Ed found two in five college students reported their mental health has impacted their ability to focus, learn and perform academically a "great deal"

  • One in 10 students rated their mental health as “poor"

  • In total, 42% of students surveyed said the number one stressor was the need to balance personal, economic and family duties with schoolwork. Also high on the list were the prevalence of social media and an increase in loneliness

The 2024 Student Voice Survey from Inside Higher Ed found two in five college students reported their mental health has impacted their ability to focus, learn and perform academically a "great deal."

One in 10 students rated their mental health as “poor."

A little over 5,000 students responded to the survey. The number one stressor they reported was the need to balance personal, economic and family duties with schoolwork. Also high on the list were the prevalence of social media and an increase in loneliness. 

Ripon College president, Victoria Folse said it's the responsibility of colleges and universities to help meet the demands that students have. She said that includes working together to "remove barriers for their success, [including] academic success and promote their overall wellbeing."

The college just received a historic $20 million gift, the largest in the college's history. Folse said that will be used to promote a sense of belonging and help students connect in "meaningful ways."

Some of the money will be used to renovate and enhance student living spaces to bring people together and some funds will be used for student support services. 

Watch the full interview above.

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