March 19, 2025

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Daniella DiMartino

Rise Strategy Group

E: daniella@risestrategygroup.com

C: 845-750-9822 

 

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS ON HBCU CAMPUSES: NEW REPORT FROM THE STEVE FUND CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION

Nearly Half of Black College Students Face Significant Mental Health Challenges, Study Reveals

 

NEW YORK – The Steve Fund (TSF), one of the nation’s leading nonprofits focused on the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color, has participated in the analysis of a landmark study in collaboration with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the Healthy Minds Network. TSF’s report on the analysis of the HBCU Mental Health Survey provides an in-depth discussion of the mental health challenges, barriers to care, and resilience of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs).

This study provides a deep dive into the challenges, barriers, and opportunities for advancing mental health resources tailored to the experiences of Black college students. TSF is leveraging the study’s insights to launch a targeted, multi-pronged initiative aimed at closing gaps in mental health support for HBCU students by expanding culturally responsive programs, increasing access to resources, and fostering stronger campus and community support networks.

“The mental health crisis among Black college students is clear, and now is the time for action,” said Stephanie Bell-Rose, President and CEO of The Steve Fund. “Our report not only presents the challenges but also provides a roadmap for solutions. The Steve Fund is working directly with HBCUs, students, faculty, and families to develop tailored programs that break down barriers, increase awareness, and expand access to culturally relevant mental health support.”

Based on a survey of over 2,500 students across 18 HBCUs and PBIs, our review of the data provides a comprehensive look at the mental health landscape for Black college students. It sheds light on the significant challenges they face while also highlighting the resilience, sense of community, and strengths that make these institutions uniquely supportive environments.

 

Key Findings:

    • Mental health concerns are prevalent: Nearly 60% of HBCU students report experiencing at least one mental health problem, underscoring the need for increased support and resources.
    • High rates of depression and anxiety: Among surveyed HBCU students, 40% experience depression, and 32% report struggling with anxiety, highlighting the urgency of targeted mental health interventions.
    • Stronger resilience among HBCU students: Despite mental health challenges, Black students at HBCUs report higher rates of flourishing—a measure of overall well-being and life satisfaction—compared to Black students at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs).
    • Lower mental health service utilization: Only 47% of HBCU students with mental health concerns utilize mental health services, compared to 51% of Black students at PWIs and 57% of students in the national sample, pointing to barriers in access and awareness.
  • Top stressors impacting student mental health:
    • Academic stress (45%) – Balancing coursework, exams, and future career pressures.
    • Family and social relationships (42%) – Struggles with maintaining relationships and external pressures.
    • Grief (26%) – Loss of loved ones or community trauma affecting emotional well-being.
  • Widespread feelings of loneliness: More than half (56%) of HBCU students report experiencing loneliness, signaling the need for stronger community-building and peer support initiatives.
  • Friends and family as primary support networks: When seeking non-clinical mental health support, HBCU students overwhelmingly turn to friends and family first, reinforcing the importance of equipping these networks with mental health resources and education.

In response to the survey findings, TSF is engaging directly with HBCU and PBI campuses to encourage institutions to establish cultures of care that support their students. TSF is also expanding its efforts to address the critical mental health needs of students by implementing targeted programming and outreach. Recognizing that friends and family are primary sources of student support, TSF is strengthening its HBCU and Family initiatives to equip college and university networks with mental health education and resources. Additionally, TSF is prioritizing grief support by conducting a survey and implementing related programming, acknowledging the significant impact of loss on student well-being. 

To increase mental health service utilization, TSF will collaborate with faculty, administrators, and mental health professionals to develop culturally responsive interventions, including mental health training programs, peer support networks, and expert-led workshops that directly address the unique barriers HBCU and PBI students face. These efforts aim to reduce stigma, improve access to care, and create supportive campus environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through partnerships with HBCUs and PBIs, advocacy groups, and community organizations, TSF is committed to ensuring these college students receive the mental health support they need to succeed.

Learn more about TSF and access the FULL REPORT.

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About The Steve Fund

The Steve Fund is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations focused on transforming educational, organizational, and workplace environments to support the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color. Building knowledge and capacity among organizations serving young people is critical to the Steve Fund’s mission. The Steve Fund offers various solutions to assist colleges, universities, nonprofits, and workplaces in enhancing their capacity to promote mental health and emotional well-being among young people of color.