Is Student Loneliness the New Normal?

"Loneliness is quietly reshaping campus life, with more than half of college students saying they feel lonely, according to a new report from Trellis Strategies, a nonprofit research organization focused on student success and higher education policy. The report, based on data from Trellis's 2024 Student Financial Wellness Survey of nearly 44,000 college students, found that 57 percent of students said they felt lonely (45 percent sometimes and 12 percent always); just 15 percent of respondents said they never felt lonely."

"Allyson Cornett, director of research at Trellis Strategies, said the findings show that loneliness is not a fringe issue but a widespread challenge across higher education. "We decided to add questions on loneliness in our [student financial wellness survey] to see how students are feeling and also be able to do a deeper dive into how basic needs, financial security and sense of belonging can all interplay with loneliness," Cornett said. "Across the board, we're seeing more negative interactions and experiences, and it's really striking.""

More than half of college students report feeling lonely: 57 percent indicated loneliness (45 percent sometimes, 12 percent always), while just 15 percent never feel lonely. Data come from a 2024 student financial wellness survey of nearly 44,000 students. Students who frequently experience loneliness are much more likely to self-report symptoms of anxiety and depression and to feel less supported by their institution than peers who rarely or never feel lonely. Loneliness interacts with basic needs, financial security, and sense of belonging. Loneliness presents differently for each student, which complicates identification and interventions on campuses.

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