New Research by UNCF and Healthy Minds Network Shows Strong Mental Health Outcomes Among HBCU Students

The “HBCU Effect” on mental health is significant

UNCF announced the release of groundbreaking research today showing students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) demonstrate significantly stronger mental health outcomes compared to their peers nationally, despite facing greater financial stressors and barriers to mental health services.  

The comprehensive report, “Flourishing: Bolstering the Mental Health of Students at HBCUs and PBIs,” examined mental health indicators among 2,504 students across 16 HBCUs and two predominantly Black institutions (PBIs) during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years.  

“This research confirms what we’ve long understood about the unique power of HBCUs to nurture not just academic achievement, but holistic well-being among HBCU students,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF president and CEO. “Even with fewer resources than our peers, these institutions create environments where students are affirmed and celebrated, fostering remarkable mental resilience despite significant socioeconomic challenges.”  

The study was conducted in partnership with UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building, the Healthy Minds Network and The Steve Fund. Its findings support what UNCF researchers call “The HBCU Effect” on mental health:  

• Higher flourishing rates:45% of HBCU students report “flourishing” mental health compared to 36% in national samples and 38% among Black students at predominantly white institutions (PWIs)  

• Stronger sense of belonging:83% of HBCU students report feeling part of their campus community versus 73% nationally and 72% for Black students at PWIs  

• Lower anxiety and substance use: HBCU students report significantly lower rates of anxiety, substance use disorders, and eating disorders than the national average  

• More open about emotions: HBCU students are significantly less likely to keep negative feelings to themselves when feeling sad (74%) compared to Black students at PWIs (86%)  

• Greater institutional trust: More HBCU students believe their institutions prioritize mental well-being (78%) compared to Black students at PWIs (73%)  

Despite these positive outcomes, the research identified notable mental health challenges for HBCU students:  

• Financial stress impacts mental health: 51% of HBCU students report their financial situation as “always” or “often” stressful, with 78% of financially stressed students experiencing one or more mental health problems  

• Unmet treatment needs: 54% of HBCU students with moderate to severe symptoms reported receiving no mental health treatment, higher than both the national average (41%) and Black students at PWIs (47%)  

• Stigma remains a barrier: HBCU students report higher rates of perceived stigma around mental health treatment (52%) compared to national averages (41%).  

These findings demand attention from policymakers and higher education leaders. HBCUs are achieving remarkable outcomes with limited resources, but their students still face significant barriers to receiving mental health support. With targeted investment and policy changes, we could dramatically improve outcomes for these resilient students.  

UNCF will host two public webinars to discuss the findings:  

• March 20: Partner webinar with the Healthy Minds Network and The Steve Fund examining key findings and implications  

• March 26: Special focus webinar on Black women’s mental health at HBCUs  

The full report and registration for the March 20 and March 26 webinars can be found at UNCFicb.org. 

 

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About UNCF  

UNCF is one of the nation’s largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students’ access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in fortifying the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society. Our  logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and our  widely recognized trademark is, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”^® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram. 

About the Healthy Minds Network  

The Healthy Minds Network is a research organization dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of young adults through innovative research. The Healthy Minds Study has surveyed over 850,000 students at more than 600 colleges and universities since 2007.  

About The Steve Fund  

The Steve Fund is the nation’s leading organization focused on supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color. The organization works with colleges and universities, non-profits, researchers, mental health experts, families, and young people to promote programs and strategies that build understanding and assistance for the mental and emotional health of the nation’s young people of color.