5 Takeaways From Recent Research on Student Loneliness

"A recent report from Trellis Strategies, based on data from Trellis's 2024 Student Financial Wellness Survey of nearly 44,000 college students, found that 57 percent said they felt lonely-45 percent sometimes and 12 percent always. Just 15 percent reported never feeling lonely."

"Students who frequently experience loneliness are far more likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression than their peers who rarely or never feel lonely, according to the Trellis Strategies report. They are also significantly less likely to say they feel supported by their institution-or to recommend it to others."

"Just under 11 percent of students who reported frequent loneliness said they would recommend their college, compared to nearly 30 percent of their nonlonely peers. The findings suggest that loneliness is not only a mental health concern but also a factor shaping students' sense of belonging and overall satisfaction."

Loneliness affects more than half of college students, with 57 percent reporting feelings of loneliness and only 15 percent never experiencing it. Research from Trellis Strategies' 2024 Student Financial Wellness Survey of nearly 44,000 students reveals that loneliness extends beyond emotional concerns, directly impacting mental health and institutional belonging. Students experiencing frequent loneliness report higher rates of anxiety and depression, feel less supported by their institutions, and are significantly less likely to recommend their college to others. Just 11 percent of frequently lonely students would recommend their institution compared to 30 percent of non-lonely peers. Loneliness disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including LGBTQ+ students and those facing economic instability, making it a complex institutional challenge requiring targeted interventions.

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