Colleges are embracing mental health management like never before. For instance, almost every college now provides counseling services to students. But how can a prospective student tell that a college is really committed to the mental health of its students? The answer is to look at the college's mental wellness programming. After all, wellness is about much more than physical health. Wellness of both the mind and body takes work and direction. The 30 colleges in this list all have mental wellness programs that ensure that students are able to thrive through the pressures of attaining a college education.
Featured Programs
There is no one way for a college to practice wellness. And people have their own ways of achieving mental well-being. For these reasons, this list has analyzed a range of diverse mental wellness programs across colleges in America. And colleges that cater to the mental wellness of students in numerous ways score higher on this list. This means that the definition of a mental wellness program in this article is broad. A program does not necessarily have to be named "the college mental wellness program" to count. Instead, the programs need to demonstrate that they are using effective methods of improving the mental well-being of their students.
Another major factor in ranking the wellness programs on this list is whether the colleges are implementing new methods as well as established ones. Colleges, as institutions that are supposed to be forward thinking, have a duty to look for and practice mental wellness techniques that are still emerging. That means that every single college in this list is incorporating innovative and new wellness techniques.
Any one of the colleges in this list is a fine choice for someone who wants to study at a place that prioritizes student mental wellness. But it's also possible that none of the colleges on this list is right for you. If that's the case, then this ranking can still be a vital resource. Every entry has a detailed summary that explains why its mental health initiatives are effective and innovative. These have been included so that prospective students can compare and contrast the listed initiatives with those of their own potential college choices. If any college has a mental wellness program like the ones listed below, then that's a strong sign that it's worth attending!
MethodologyNumerousarticles online name colleges that have wellness initiatives. Thislist has used those articles and then conducted further research intothe colleges themselves to discover how its programs are innovativeand effective. The sources used are as follows:
CollegeRaptor, 11 Colleges Putting Health & Wellness First: https://www.collegeraptor.com/find-colleges/articles/student-life/11-colleges-putting-health-wellness-first/
NASPA, A New Model forCampus Health: Integrating Well-Being in Campus Life: https://www.naspa.org/blog/a-new-model-for-campus-health-integrating-well-being-into-campus-life
Active Minds, Seven Colleges and Universities Recognized as Best in the Nation for Providing High-Quality, Campus-Wide Health and Well-Being Programs for Students: https://www.activeminds.org/press-releases/active-minds-health-campus-award-2018/
eCampus News, There's agap in wellness education programs on college campuses:https://www.ecampusnews.com/2019/08/07/theres-a-gap-in-wellness-education-programs-on-college-campuses/
Thrive Global, Health andWell-being Trends on the College Campus: https://thriveglobal.com/stories/health-and-well-being-trends-on-the-college-campus/
Forbes, Supporting HealthAnd Well-Being On College Campuses: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mariaklawe/2019/07/24/supporting-health-and-well-being-on-college-campuses/#28d6667610d6
Inside Higher Ed,Colleges Use Technology to Help Students Manage Mental Health: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2018/10/05/colleges-turn-wellness-app-address-student-mental-health
Leadership Exchange, A New Model for Campus Health: http://www.leadershipexchange-digital.com/lexmail/2017fall/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=1177609&app=false#articleId1177609
The final list has been ranked by the following criteria: innovative mental wellness practices, accessibility to the widest range of students, evidence of program effectiveness and aggregated mentions on the source articles.
The list, from 30 to one is here:
30. Illinois Valley
Community College
Oglesby, Illinois
The most innovative mental wellness initiative on the Illinois Valley Community College campus is Project Success. Project Success is for first generation college students, low income students and students with disabilities. It melds wellness activities with traditional student support and career support services. For instance, students that are part of Project Success participate in workshops based around stress management and financial literacy. But also incorporated into the program's services are cultural events and campus visits to four year colleges. Additionally, Inside Higher Ed also commends the way in which Illinois Valley Community College is harnessing technology in its wellness activities.
29. Connecticut College
New London, Connecticut
The leadership at Connecticut College rates wellness so highly that it has a full-time director of student wellness. The director's primary focus is on drug and alcohol education programs. One of the primary ways in which the director has implemented this and other wellness programs is through creating a peer education program. Additionally, the director of wellness proactively reaches out to faculty members across the college to implement mental and physical wellness programming into classroom activities. Inside Higher Ed also notes that Connecticut College is one of several colleges in the United States that are harnessing technology to improve their wellness programming.
28. Western Wyoming
Community College
Rock Springs, Wyoming
The Wellbeing & Accessibility Department at Western Wyoming Community College runs numerous indoor and outdoor wellness programs that boost mental and physical health. They are sure to appeal to a wide range of students. Current programs include Explorations in Personality, Stress Management & Relaxation, Hike & Fish and more. The college also supplements these activities with a range of alcohol free well-being social events, such as monthly open mic nights and an annual music concert called LaLaNoBooza. Inside Higher Ed also commends Western Wyoming Community College for using mental health apps in its wellness programming.
27. Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
NASPA uses Georgia Institute of Technology as a strong example of how some colleges are integrating well-being into campus-life by incorporating a concept called "upstream." The upstream approach focuses on preventing students from having issues by implementing safety-net wellness initiatives, so that students are always thriving as they move upstream. Basically, it runs on the old adage "prevention is better than cure." These safety nets include a range of on-campus wellness programs, such as "adulting" classes, which teach students skills that aren't taught in the classroom; financial wellness classes; and group wellness coaching sessions.
26. Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
In 2018, the non-profit Active Minds named Arizona State University as one of the seven best colleges in America for providing health and well-being programs to its students. These programs range from addiction treatment to health awareness and more. For instance, one of its wellness programs focuses on "Building a community of compassionate communication and education." It does this partly through motivational interviewing, which is a collaborative converstion based around strengthening a person's motivation to change. Another innovative wellness program at Arizona State University is ASU Denim Day, which aims to raise awareness of sexual violence not just on campus, but across America.
25. University of South
Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
The wellness programs at University of South Carolina fall under two different banners, "Programs for Staying Well" and "Education & Leadership." These programs are open to the entire college community, and they take several different forms, such as one on one support, health screenings, presentations and more. The college also has programsthat are more specifically geared towards mental well-being rather than overall well-being. These include preventative wellness coaching and skill building group counseling. The wellness programs at University of South Carolina are so strong that Active Minds states that together they are among the seven best wellness initiatives of any American college.
24. Harvard University
Boston, Massachusetts
Thrive Globalhighlights Harvard University as a college that has dedicatedsubstantial efforts toward student well-being. The best placefor a student to find these well-researched, well-funded wellnessprograms is the David S. Rosenthal Center for Wellness and HealthPromotion. The center is proactive in shaping wellness programs toaccommodate its entire community. In fact "There are always newways to enhance your own wellbeing," thanks to the center. Currentclassesthat this center manages are for yoga, tai chi, self massages,knitting and more.
23. Loyola Marymount
University
Los Angeles, California
Awide range of wellness programsat Loyola Marymount University are available to students around theclock. Perhaps the most innovative of these programs is Community ofCare, which encouragescollege staff and faculty members to refer students to its services.Community of Care is made up of college community members fromdifferent disciplines and departments. After a faculty or staffmember has contacted the Community of Care, members of Community ofCare then help the staff and faculty members by advising them on howto support the students that they are concerned about. CollegeRaptor is also impressed withthe number of wellness programs available at Loyola MarymountUniversity's recreation centers.
22. University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Perhaps the most impressivewellness initiatives at University of Florida are its adventure tripsthat focus on student mindfulness and meditation. NASPA notesthat these trips take place over three days and revolve aroundletting students discover themselves while being around nature.Examples of these trips have nameslike Hiking & Helping on the Florida Trail, Night Paddle &Camp-Out at Lake Wauburg and Backpack the Everglades at Big Cypress.The University of Florida counseling center also runsa wide range of workshops that are open for all students to attend.These workshops cover subjects such as break up support, anxiety,relationship health and more.
21. Harvey Mudd College
Claremont, California
As a small institution ofunder900 students, Harvey Mudd College's wellness programming is heavilyfocused upon students working with one another. Its main programmingis peer led. And all of these programs utilize the nine dimensions ofwellness. These dimensions are emotional, occupational, social,intellectual, spiritual, physical, multicultural, environmental andfinancial. Harvey Mudd College's Vice President for Student Affairsand Dean of Students, Anna Gonzalez, explained to Forbes whatsome of these wellness programs look like. She revealed the thecollege runs a six week course on emotional awareness every singlesemester, utilizes an app called Kognito and teaches students how tobest use their insurance.
20. Westminster College
Salt Lake City, Utah
One of the best things about Westminster College is that it offers the Human Performance and Wellness program, which lets students earn credits towards their degree. It focuses on providing "unique opportunities to challenge and maximize the potential of the human mind, body and spirit." One of the courses in the program gives students the opportunity to explore mountains nearby the campus. The college also organizes a range of non-credit wellness programs. College Raptor names Westminster College the 11th best college for health and wellness.
19. Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
A student at Cornell University will find that they have ample wellness programs to accommodate them. For instance, Cornell Health's mental health initiatives use best practices from a range of leading mental health promotion sources. These initiatives earned theJed Campus Seal in 2013 and the Active Minds Healthy Campus Award in 2015. Ecampus News notes that Cornell University has dramatically improved its wellness practices since 2015, when it made student health and well-being a core part of its strategic plan.
18. Duke University
Durham, North Carolina
Thesignature student wellness programat Duke University is called Moments of Mindfulness. This programoffers all students a wide range of wellness experiences throughouttheir time at the college. Some of these current experiences includeknitting, drum circles, guided meditations, koru mindfulness, paintnights, sleight of hand events, tai chi, tea tastings, expressivewriting, meditative art and much more. Additionally, the Moments ofMindfulness program also encourages students to come up with ideasfor future mindfulness activities. Active Mindsnames Duke University's wellness programs as being among the sevenbest in any college in America.
17. North Carolina State
University
Raleigh, North Carolina
Studentsat North Carolina State University can accessa range of wellness programs. In the spring semester of 2020, thereare four wellness programs running. These are named WellnessWednesdays, Hydrate the Pack, Howl and Chill Series and WolfpackWellness Power Lunch. Wellness Wednesdays incorporate guest speakersand stress management activities into its programming. NASPA also commends North CarolinaState University for the way it has been proactively recommending itswellness programs to students, with staff members being encouraged torefer students who show signs of needing help to one of its programs.
16. University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Thanks to Request a Program, University of Missouri's wellness resources can be catered to any part of and any organization within the college. It begins with a college community member, including students, requesting a well-being program. The Division of Student Affairs then offers a range of services that match the request. This outrech approach also extends to the college's traditionalCounseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) Department. That's because "CAPS staff also provide outreach to student groups, particularly programs supportive of at-risk populations, on a wide range of issues impacting them in various aspects of campus life." Additionally, College Raptor names University of Missouri as the seventh best college for health and wellness.
15. The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
The Recreational Services Department at The University of Iowa offers eight different programs for students. These range from the more typical sports centered programs, like the Tennis Program or Rowing Program to the more original, such as Lifetime Leisure Skills Program and Outdoors Program. In addition to these physical wellness programs, the college has a range of wellness programs that are less labor intensive, such as one focused around light therapy. And perhaps most impressively, there is a program that gives students prizes for completing a range of healthy activities. College Raptor names The University of Iowa as the sixth best college for health and wellness.
14. South Dakota State
University
Brookings, South Dakota
The South Dakota State University Wellness Center has made collaborative wellness its philosophy, NASPA states. It does this by encouraging its staff members from different wellness areas to creatively work together on programs. This means that each program offers students the opportunity to participate in wellness activities in a unique way. For example, the college's outdoor programs give students the chance to create their own outdoor adventure instead of just offering them cookie cutter experiences. The main uniting theme of these wellness programs is their aim to compel "people to be the best they can be."
13. University of South
Florida
Tampa, Florida
Itmakes sense that a college located in the southernmost state ofAmerica has some amazing outdoorprograms. But University of South Florida's wellness programs alsofocusstrongly on boosting mental health. One of the primary waysthat the college achieves this is through its Success and WellnessCoaching program. This program is free for students and pairs them upwith coaches to work towards "short-term, action-oriented"wellness boosting goals. Active Minds evennames the wellness programs at University of South Florida as amongthe seven best wellness programs of any US college.
12. Bowdoin College
Brunswick, Maine
Even though Bowdoin Collegeis small, it still has many wellness programs on offer. In fact, itcurrently has no less than four wellness programs runningevery single day on weekdays. These range from yoga programs to Zumbafitness programs. College Raptor,however, is impressed with Bowdoin college's wellness program thatmakes much of the college food in small, fresh and healthy batchesfrom local sources. This local food sourcing promoteswellness in another way than just being healthy for students to eat.Because the food has traveled only a short distance, students canknow that the food they're eating has a low carbon footprint, whichis great at promoting a positive mindset.
11. California State
University, Northridge
Northridge, California
Inrecent years, California State University, Northridge hassignificantly expanded its wellness offerings. For instance, itcurrently has a rangeof wellness programs for students who are veterans and/or havemilitary connections. But NASPA hasbeen impressed with the way that California State University,Northridge has incorporated counteracting sleep deprivation into itswellness activities. For instance, it has a program that encouragesstudents to use its on campus nap pods by offering them rewards fortaking frequent naps in the machines.
10. Virginia Polytechnic
Institute and State University
Blacksburg, Virginia
Five separate departments at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have joined forces to advance student wellness, NASPA notes. The wellness programs from these departments take the form of classes, workshops, outreach services, coaching and recovery services. These services are often wide ranging, for instance, the college currently runs workshops on overall health, resilience, Koru mindfulness, alcohol harm reduction, body positivity, financial wellness and more. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University seems to have a wellness program for all aspects of student life. They even have a program that helps students celebrate their 21st birthday in a safe and enjoyable way.
9. University of Richmond
Richmond, Virginia
Before any student graduates from University of Richmond, they need to complete a four part wellness program. This is why NASPA lists the college as a great wellness institution. The different parts of this program are for alcohol awareness, bystander education and two topics of a student's choice, such as nutrition, sexual health, stress management, or relationships. But the wellness programs at University of Richmond go much further than the mandatory requirements. During any time of study, students can access programs that assess their health, provide outreach, provide massage therapy, provide mental health first aid and more.
8. Kent State University
Kent, Ohio
Perhaps the most innovative wellness program at Kent State University is The Seeds of Wellness Program. This encourages all members of the college community to devise wellness initiatives that will benefit people across the university system. The program grants $1,000 in funding per initiative that it believes could benefit college wellness. Some of the successful awardees of this program have gone on to create initiatives based around study improvement via a relaxation station, a self-care fair and much more. Overall, Kent State University's wellness programs are so effective that Active Minds has named it one of seven best wellness colleges in America.
7. University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Theprogramming of University of Pittsburgh's wellness initiative,HealthyU, is dynamicand provides students with extensive resources. The program makes iteasy for students to maintain their financial, occupational,spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical, environmental andsocial wellness. HealthyU is one of the main reasons why CollegeRaptor names University ofPittsburgh as being the fifth best college for putting health andwellness first. In 2017, HealthyU becamea much more important part of the college, with the provost andsenior vice chancellor announcing that it would be The Year ofHealthy U and that the college would provide up to $5,000 to collegefaculty and staff members who would create health based initiatives.
6. College of William &
Mary
Williamsburg, Virginia
Thereare currentlymore than 35 different health and wellness programs on offer atCollege of William & Mary's Health and Wellness department. Theserange from the more typical, such as yoga therapy, to the moreunique, such as one called "Authentic Excellence," which helpsstudents discover the difference between "fear-based excellence"and "authentic excellence." The wide range of wellness programson offer at College of William & Mary is unsurprising, as ThriveGlobal notes that it has devotedsubstantial research, funding and facilities to student well-being,
5. University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Many different parts of theUniversity of Virginia run wellness programs, which range from thosethat are available to everyoneto those that are exclusivelyfor students. Some of these programs are more typical, such aspresentations on general health promotion. But others are moreinnovative. For instance, the college runs WahooWell, whichencouragesany student to take a survey and then have an appointment with afacilitator, who will help the student find connections between theirwellness issues and ways to resolve them. The program is clear thatit is not therapy, which makes it more accessible to those who areunwilling to commit to long term counseling. Thrive Global notesthe University of Virginia has dedicated substantial efforts intoproviding its students with wellness opportunities.
4. University of Oregon
Eugene, Oregon
The homefor many of University of Oregon's wellness programs is Duck Nest,which is located in the college's health center. This space runsinitiatives such as meditation, yoga, healthy eating on a budget,aromatherapy, therapy dogs, wellness presentations and more. DuckNest is also actively trying to bring its services to a widercommunity. For instance, it runs focus groups for students with theaim of finding out how to make their services more appealing to men(who are significantly less likely to access wellness resources thanwomen.) Active Minds names University of Oregon's wellnessprograms as being among the seven best that can be found in anyAmerican college. Additionally, Thrive Global notesthat the college has dedicated significant resources to studentwellness.
3. University of California,
Berkeley
Berkeley, California
College Raptor citesUniversity of California, Berkeley's Wellness Week as one of thereasons why it is one of the top wellness colleges in America. Thisprogram allowsstudents to tackle different aspects of wellness on different days,such as mindfulness, financial wellness and physical wellness. Andthroughout the year, University of California, Berkeley students canaccess Be Well at Cal.This program aims "to support students in living balanced andfulfilled lives." It does this by creating an individualized gameplan for a student's wellness from the following areas of focus:stress, resilience, gratitude, self compassion, social connection,sleep, healthy eating, exercise, time management and career planning.And Thrive Global alsonotes that many wellness programs come to University of California,Berkeley thanks to the University of California system-wideinitiative, Healthy Campus Network.
2. Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
BothCollege Raptor andInside Higher Ed rateColorado State University as a fantastic college due to its wellnessprograms but for different reasons. College Raptor notesthat the college's Bikram yoga program is the result of extensiveresearch on how the practice improves minds and bodies. InsideHigher Ed, on the other hand,praises the college on the way it has embraced technology inimproving student mental health. It cites the platform that thecollege created called YOU at College, which helps students identifymental health issues and resources on campus. Another set ofinnovative wellness initiatives at Colorado State University comesfrom the Student Resolution Center, which runs a range of programsthat specialize in on-campus conflict resolution.
1. University of California,
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, California
The Health and Wellness Department of University of California, Santa Barbara is actively challenging its students to stay well. The UCSB Wellness Challenge and the UCSB Happiness Challengeboth offer students the chance to improve their personal well-being. The UCSB Challenge works via an app which tells students about current wellness opportunities. When students participate in these activities, they earn wellness points, which allows them to win small and large prizes. The UCSB Happiness Challenge doesn't come with prizes, but it does help students by assigning them happiness boosting activities. College Raptor names University of California, Santa Barbara as the 10th best college for health and wellness. Thrive Global also notes that University of California, Santa Barbara benefits from the University of California system-wide initiative Healthy Campus Network, which implements a range of wellness programs every year.