New Research by UNCF and Healthy Minds Network Shows Strong Mental Health Outcomes Among HBCU Students
UNCF announced the release of groundbreaking research 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.
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%).
The authors of the research will host an informational webinar on March 20th at Noon EST to discuss the report’s research, key findings and practical applications for institutions nationwide. Register for the webinar here.
We will also host a special session Women’s History month session on March 26th at Noon EST examining unique insights about Black women’s mental health experiences and support systems. Register for the webinar here.
The full report may be found below.
Additional Resources
For further information on research questions, research design and associated tables and endnotes, please see the supplement to this report here.
For the companion research report prepared by the Healthy Minds Network “Community, Culture and Care. A Cross-Institutional Analysis of Mental Health Among HBCU and PBI Students” here.