Student Financial Wellness Survey 2025
Overview
°Õ³ó±ðÌý Student Financial Wellness Survey (SFWS) provides an overview of student wellbeing including financial security, basic needs, mental health, and perceptions of college support and value.
In fall 2025, 21,103 ±¬ÁÏÍøstudents were invited to complete the online survey, with 2,409 students responding (11.4%). In general, respondents reflected the overall population, although females and full-time students were more likely to respond.
Fall 2025 key findings
±¬ÁÏÍøfaculty and staff can access the Trellis Strategies 40-page report and infographic for the 2025 findings, along with the same materials from the 2024 survey, on the Institutional Effectiveness Spaces page (Surveys section). Below is an AI-assisted summary of key findings from the 2025 report.
- Financial Strain is Widespread: Over half of respondents would struggle to cover a $500 emergency, and 71% report experiencing financial difficulties. Many rely on credit cards or short-term borrowing to meet basic needs.
- Basic Needs Insecurity is Common:
- 45% of respondents experience food insecurity
- 47% face housing challenges
- 60% experience at least one form of basic needs insecurity
- Academic Impact: Financial stress affects students’ ability to focus, with more than half of those facing challenges reporting difficulty concentrating on coursework.
- Mental Health Concerns:Â 36% of respondents report symptoms of depression and 50% report anxiety, with many also experiencing loneliness.
- Support Gaps:Â While most respondents believe support services exist, more than half have not sought help, and many are unaware of available resources.
- Education Still Valued: Despite these challenges, respondents remain optimistic—76% believe college is a worthwhile investment in their future.