Recent research on student success has identified multiple factors that institutions should address to support student persistence and completion, according to findings released by several higher education research organizations.
A study from Trellis Strategies examining student financial wellness revealed a significant gap between the mental health support services that colleges provide and student awareness of these resources. The analysis found that financially vulnerable students experience higher rates of anxiety, depression and loneliness compared to their more financially secure peers. However, 24 percent of financially vulnerable students reported uncertainty about whether their institution offers mental health or counseling services, compared to 17 percent of financially secure students. Researchers noted that while many institutions invest substantially in mental health resources, students facing financial challenges or other hardships may lack the time or visibility to identify available support, suggesting institutions should strengthen proactive outreach efforts.
Another concern identified in recent research involves emergency aid programs, which provide rapid financial assistance to students facing unexpected expenses. Analysis from the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University found that despite the expansion of emergency aid programs on campuses, the percentage of students receiving this assistance declined sharply from 44 percent in fall 2021 to 4 percent in fall 2025. Researchers suggest this decline indicates either inadequate program publicity or insufficient funding and scope to meet student needs. Emergency aid serves as a critical intervention tool, as unexpected expenses represent one of the most common reasons students withdraw from college.
New research from Michigan State University examining autism prevalence on college campuses suggests institutions may significantly underestimate this student population. The study estimates that over 280,000 autistic students are currently enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities—substantially higher than previous estimates. Researchers attribute this undercount to outdated data and the often-invisible nature of autism as an identity, making it difficult for institutions to design targeted services and supports for this group.
Additional research from the DeBruce Foundation highlighted the importance of career literacy for student success in a changing job market. The study found that individuals with strong career literacy skills explore a broader range of career options and earn approximately $40,000 more annually than peers with lower career literacy, suggesting educational institutions should strengthen curriculum and programming that connects academic content to diverse career pathways.
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