The focus at universities in the fall is getting students started in their new semesters. But increasingly, schools are also doing more to recognize and address the mental health challenges of staying in school. According to a Lumina Foundation study, almost 70% of students in bachelor's degree programs contemplate dropping out of college, citing the emotional stress.

Alyssa Poteat, a student at William Peace University, said she has seen it firsthand. Even after the pandemic, students continue to grapple with heightened stressors.

"Definitely I've seen students be under a lot more stress than they were previously, especially from transitioning from high school to college, moving across state, moving away from home," Poteat continued. "They also take on a lot, like, being involved - so, they are very involved and they're in a new environment, therefore mental health issues are skyrocketing. And sometimes, it's hard to find good resources."

Poteat added another challenge is students hesitate to seek help due to the absence of their regular health care provider, or the inconvenience of scheduling appointments. The report also shows 59% of students consider "stopping out" of college, at least temporarily, for mental-health reasons, and 18% do so for physical health.

Alicia Wiggins, William Peace University counseling director, said the school is addressing this problem by adopting new health options. WPU partnered with TimelyCare at the start of the school year, which has expanded health resources, she said, allowing students to access on-demand and appointment-based medical and mental health care directly through their phone or other devices.

"For students who might be hesitant to make appointments, it is good to be able to have a resource where they can walk away with an appointment, or walk away having seen someone or talked to someone, so that starts the process," Wiggins explained. "And that is usually the hardest part, just starting the process."

The TimelyCare resource is free for traditional undergraduate students. She added students also have access to health coaching, a peer support community and self-care content from a diverse group of physicians and counselors.

Connecticut is launching its Student Loan Reimbursement Program Jan. 1.

The program was created through legislation passed by the state's General Assembly earlier this year. With $6 million in funding, it will reduce state borrowers more than $18 billion in student loan debt. Aside from being a Connecticut resident for five consecutive years, they need to have performed 50 hours of volunteer work at an approved organization in 2024.

Michael Criscuolo, associate administrative fiscal officer for the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, mentioned some of the other eligibility requirements.

"They must have an outstanding student loan balance," Criscuolo outlined. "And during 2024, have paid towards a Federal Direct loan, a Direct Plus loan, a Perkins loan, a state-sponsored student loan or even a private loan."

The reimbursement is based on how much a person paid toward their loan this year. If they paid $100 a month, they could receive $1,200 of debt relief. Some could receive up to $5,000 dollars a year with a $20,000 cap over four years. The program is first come, first served.

Criscuolo pointed out response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive. He noted there are many frequently asked questions regarding eligibility or whether an organization counts for the volunteer requirement but he added people are looking forward to the launch.

"People think that it's a great program," Criscuolo observed. "We're anticipating hundreds of thousands of applications. It's capped at $6 million, and we're anticipating that we can pay between 1,200 and 3,000 students."

The totals will depend on how much money people have paid toward their loans. He emphasized any time people can alleviate debt from student loans is helpful. Under President Joe Biden's student loan debt forgiveness, more than 7,200 Connecticut borrowers had more than $309 million forgiven.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.


get more stories like this via email

Indiana families see value in higher education, but many are still confused about how to pay for it.

A new survey by INvestEd, a nonprofit based in the state, shows 83% of Hoosiers believe in the importance of postsecondary education.

However, concerns about student loan debt and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, leave some hesitant.

INvestEd Vice President of Marketing Bill Wozniak said families often feel overwhelmed navigating financial aid.

"That confusion really leads people to often walk away from post-secondary education all together," said Wozniak, "or sometimes, make bad choices and over-borrow."

Indiana recently improved FAFSA completion rates despite national challenges. Updates to the application caused delays, but Wozniak said the process has greatly improved this year.

The priority deadline for filing is April 15, 2025.

According to Wozniak, families must act quickly to access key programs like the Frank O'Bannon Grant and 21st Century Scholars program.

"Glitches and problems could be ironed out for the most part before the new year began," said Wozniak. "And we are very happy to report that the form is performing extremely well."

INvestEd provides free support to students and families through 900 events each year, plus online and phone help. Officials emphasize that higher education is attainable with the right guidance.

For more information, visit investedindiana.org or call 317-715-9007.



get more stories like this via email

Students at eight Arkansas community colleges can benefit from new micro-courses to prepare for the workforce.

The schools are collaborating with the Education Design Lab to create a curriculum of credentialing classes, or micro-pathways, which when combined, prepare a student for a job at or above the local median wage.

Lucas Paxton, director of digital learning at Northwest Arkansas Community College, said they are getting input from employers and community leaders to ensure students have the skills needed for available positions.

"We're seeing a transition to less need for the bachelor's degree, less need for the associate degree," Paxton observed. "They want that targeted training that's specific to the job that they have available. And so, these micro-credentials will give a quicker, less expensive pathway to those jobs."

He pointed out students can complete the credentials in less than a year, saving them time and money.

Other colleges participating in the collaboration include South Arkansas College, Arkansas State University in Newport and University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. Credits for credentials earned at one college can be transferred to other schools in the group.

Paxton emphasized the program enhances the relationship between schools.

"I would like to see us collaborate a lot more," Paxton added. "I think that will just benefit all of our students because they can go to different institutions with these micro-credentials, and they'll be immediately recognized."

Credit for earned credentials can also go toward an associate degree. Other schools participating include Arkansas State University Three Rivers, Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, East Arkansas Community College and North Arkansas College.

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.


get more stories like this via email