At Vaughn College, we maintain a long-standing commitment to the mental health and overall wellness of our students. Personal well-being is essential to academic achievement and professional success. The latest Healthy Minds Study 2024–2025 data report shows a measurable improvement in college students’ mental health nationwide compared to prior years.
This encouraging shift comes at an important time. Vaughn College is proud to highlight these findings while reaffirming our commitment to providing accessible mental health resources that help students thrive in college and beyond.
Positive Shift in Student Mental Health
For the third consecutive year, the 2024–2025 Healthy Minds Study reveals continued improvement in college students’ mental health.
The percentage of students reporting moderate-to-severe depression declined from 44% in 2022 to 37% in 2025. The rate of severe depression alone fell from 23% to 18%. Moderate-to-severe anxiety decreased from 37% to 32% over the same period. Additionally, the percentage of students who reported seriously considering suicide in the past year declined from 15% in 2022 to 11% in 2025.
These sustained improvements suggest meaningful progress in supporting student well-being nationwide. Continued investment in campus counseling and mental health services—like those available at Vaughn College in New York City—plays an important role in that progress.
How Vaughn’s Resources Support Student Well-Being
At Vaughn, counseling and wellness services help create a supportive campus environment where students can prioritize mental health, build resilience and access help when needed.
“We work collaboratively to ensure students have access to all available resources, including counseling and wellness services,” said Mona El-Shahat, executive director of counseling and wellness at Vaughn College. “We provide individual and group counseling as well as topic-specific workshops, training and psychoeducational programming for anyone who requests it. We also speak to classes about our programs and support services.”
Although the Healthy Minds Study does not conclude that counseling services alone caused the national improvements, colleges like Vaughn that offer accessible and confidential support reduce barriers to care. Early intervention encourages students to seek help sooner and provides tools for managing stress before concerns escalate.
“Making mental health a priority in conversations across campus helps destigmatize asking for support,” El-Shahat said. “Our counseling services are free and confidential throughout the academic year for all enrolled students.”
El-Shahat also stated that staying visible during campus events helps keep mental health services top of mind for students and faculty. She also hosts programs in conjunction with other departments such as residential life, prevention education and career services. “We also run the campus food pantry which has seen an uptick, so students who utilize our pantry are able to seek counseling support when they are ready,” said El-Shahat.
Common Challenges That Bring Students to Counseling
While national data highlights declines in depression and anxiety, many students seek counseling for everyday challenges that affect well-being and academic success.
Common concerns include:
Feelings of sadness or loneliness
Excessive worry
Difficulty managing strong emotions
Persistent negative thinking
Trouble concentrating
Low motivation
Social challenges or difficulty feeling connected
Grief or loss
Family or relationship concerns
Communication challenges
Changes in sleep or eating habits
Traumatic or painful experiences
Difficulty adjusting to college life
Academic concerns
Counseling services provide a safe, supportive space where students can build coping skills and strengthen resilience so they can succeed personally and academically.
“I want students to know that my door is always open to them (when I’m not in session) to discuss services or concerns,” El-Shahat said. “It’s important for them to understand that conversations remain confidential. We want our students to feel safe when seeking services.”
Campus resources and community connections make a powerful difference. Students can also adopt simple daily habits to support mental wellness throughout the semester:
Make rest a priority.
Sleep is one of the most effective tools for mental wellness. A consistent sleep routine improves focus, strengthens emotional balance and supports academic performance.
Create stabilizing routines.
Establishing regular times for meals, studying and self-care helps create structure and calm during busy semesters.
Take intentional breaks.
Short breaks, fresh air or unplugging briefly can prevent burnout and support long-term success.
Stay active in enjoyable ways.
Movement is a natural stress reliever. Walking across campus, stretching between classes or participating in student activities can improve mood and energy.
Stay connected.
Reaching out to a friend, joining a student organization or spending time in supportive campus spaces helps students feel less alone and more supported.
Set healthy boundaries.
Saying “no” when necessary protects time and energy while creating space for balance.
Use support resources early.
Do not wait until stress feels overwhelming. Vaughn encourages students to take advantage of counseling services, wellness initiatives, academic support and trusted faculty and staff resources whenever needed.
Practice self-compassion.
College is a period of growth and change. Progress may not always be linear—and that’s OK.
Contact the Office of Counseling and Wellness for Upcoming Events
The office of counseling and wellness hosts workshops and programming on topics such as self-care, burnout, grief and loss, journaling, time management, mindfulness, communication, boundaries and more. To find out more, stop by the office or contact Mona El-Shahat, the director of counseling and wellness, at 718.429.6600 ext. 350 or via email at .
Sending your child to college is a major milestone. Whether they are attending locally or out of state, the transition from high school to college is a meaningful shift for both students and parents.
At Vaughn College in New York City, we understand that supporting a college student looks different than it did in high school. This guide outlines how parents can support academic success, emotional well-being and financial responsibility—while encouraging independence and confidence.
Your role changes—but it still matters
From the first day of college through graduation, students take on greater independence. They manage their schedules, coursework and daily responsibilities on their own.
Your support still matters—it simply evolves.
Support does not mean control. It means encouragement, trust and open communication. At Vaughn, our hands-on, career-focused environment helps students thrive. Informed and supportive parents play an important role in helping students build confidence and purpose.
Common college challenges students face
Understanding what students experience can help parents provide meaningful support.
Academic rigor and time management
College courses move quickly. Students must track assignments, deadlines and exams with far fewer reminders than in high school.
STEM, engineering and aviation programs require consistent structure. In rigorous, hands-on majors, students must stay organized to keep up with labs, projects and technical coursework.
Adjusting to independence
Students manage classes, commuting or campus life, meals and sleep—often for the first time. Learning to balance these responsibilities builds confidence and self-discipline, two qualities essential for long-term success.
Stress, anxiety and mental health
Performance pressure, social adjustment and uncertainty are common. With guidance and support, these experiences can help students develop resilience and healthy coping skills. Encouraging open communication and balance supports long-term well-being.
Financial stress
Students may feel pressure balancing tuition, financial aid requirements, budgeting and part-time work. Early planning and open conversations can reduce anxiety and keep students focused academically and financially.
Career uncertainty
Questions such as “Am I in the right major?” or “What comes after graduation?” are normal. Academic advising, career services and real-world experience help students gain clarity. Parental encouragement during this time reinforces confidence and motivation.
How parents can support academic success—without hovering
Encourage responsibility while staying connected
Instead of focusing only on grades, ask open-ended questions:
“What has been the most interesting part of your week?”
“What feels challenging right now?”
During high-stress periods such as midterms, labs or flight hours, encourage structured routines that include sleep, meals, study time and breaks.
Reinforce that asking for help is a strength, not a setback. Vaughn’s small class sizes and accessible faculty make early intervention more effective.
Supporting emotional well-being and confidence
Emotional support is just as important as academic support.
Normalize setbacks—failed exams, tough semesters and self-doubt: These moments are a natural part of growth and learning; not a reflection of long-term ability or potential.
Listen first, problem-solve second: Giving your child space to share how they are feeling helps them feel heard, supported and more open to guidance.
Watch for signs of burnout or withdrawal: Changes in mood, energy or communication can signal that your child may need extra support or a check-in.
Encourage healthy habits like sleep, nutrition, physical activity and community involvement: Consistent self-care and connection strengthens resilience, reduces stress and supports overall well-being.
Helping your child navigate financial responsibilities
Financial conversations build confidence and independence. At Vaughn College, more than 86% of students receive some type of financial aid, and strong ROI and career placement outcomes help reassure families that their investment leads to results.
Clear information and early planning help families make informed decisions.
Encouraging career readiness from day one
Vaughn College sets students up for success by focusing on career outcomes from day one. With hands-on labs, FAA-aligned training, accredited engineering programs and strong employer pipelines, students gain real experience and clear direction early to help them build the sense of confidence that they’re on the right path. For students, this means turning interests into skills and opportunities. For parents, it’s the reassurance that their child is working toward a futureproof degree for real-world readiness, and a strong start after graduation. Here are some tips to help encourage your child for success.
College success is about outcomes—not just grades
Encourage early engagement with:
Career services
Internships and co-ops
Industry networking events
Clubs and organizations
Help students connect coursework to real-world careers. Reinforce the value of experiential learning and industry-aligned programs.
Letting go—so your child can grow
Independence builds confidence and resilience. Avoid solving every problem. Encourage your child to:
Email professors directly
Advocate for their needs and seek help when they need it
Learn from mistakes
Reframe challenges as skill-building opportunities
How Vaughn College supports student success—and how parents can partner
At Vaughn College, student success is a shared responsibility—one that brings together faculty, staff, students and families around a common goal. From the classroom to career placement, Vaughn is intentionally designed to support students at every step of their journey. This collective commitment ensures students are not only academically prepared, but confident, supported and ready to thrive in the workforce.
Vaughn College provides:
Career-focused curriculum tied to in-demand industries
Faculty and staff committed to student success
Strong communication and student support systems
A culture that supports first-generation and under-resourced students
Parents can stay informed, attend key events and ask questions—while trusting the systems in place to guide their student. Together, balancing involvement with independence empowers students to persist and succeed with confidence.
Your support still makes a difference
Parents continue to play an important—though evolving—role throughout the college journey. By encouraging independence while remaining supportive, you help your student build confidence and resilience.
