Graduate Student Mental Health and Well-Being

Posted On: 10-01-2026

Posted In: Mental Health, Research, Resources,

Research Brief Version 15 | Number 4

Recent U.S. evidence has drawn increasing attention to graduate student mental health and well-being. For example, a study of graduate students across U.S. economics Ph.D. programs found that approximately one-quarter experienced moderate or severe symptoms of depression or anxiety, with concerns becoming more pronounced among students later in their programs (Bolotnyy et al., 2022). National data from the American College Health Association (ACHA) further demonstrates the importance of monitoring graduate and professional students’ mental health, well-being, health behaviors, and access to support across U.S. institutions (American College Health Association [ACHA], 2024). 

Well-being, however, extends beyond the absence of mental health concerns. Feeling connected, supported, and valued within the university community is also an important part of students’ overall well-being. Recent research highlights sense of belonging as an important contributor to college student well-being and emphasizes the role institutions can play in creating environments that foster connection and support (Romeo et al., 2024). 

This brief uses statewide data to examine graduate students’ well-being, including their mental health experiences, sense of belonging, awareness and use of available resources, and retention. The findings are intended to provide a clearer picture of graduate student well-being and inform efforts to create supportive environments in which graduate students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. 

With nearly one-third of respondents identifying as the first-generation to attend college (32%) or international students (32%), this brief highlights their experiences to better understand how well-being and belonging may differ across graduate student populations. 

To dive deeper into the data and check out the research brief, please visit: Research Brief Version 15 | Number 4.