Three Decades of Measuring Student Wellbeing 

For three decades, Campus Health has conducted the annual Health and Wellness Survey, a wide-ranging assessment of student behaviors, attitudes, and experiences. Administered each February, the survey covers the following components of wellbeing: mental health, alcohol and other drug (AOD) behaviors, nutrition and body image, physical health, violence, sexual health, service utilization, and more.

The data provides a broad picture of student needs and wellness trends for stakeholders. The results, along with other evaluation efforts, guide decision-making at Campus Health, shaping services, communications, programming, and policy recommendations. "This data helps tell the U of A student population wellbeing story, allowing the campus community to meet students where they are at,” said Ande Nutter, Evaluation Specialist at Campus Health.

In February 2026, 4,415 undergraduate students completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 51%. The Evaluation Team at Campus Health credits the increased response rate to faculty support and student engagement. These 2026 results offer the latest insights into the health and wellness of undergraduate U of A students.

Note: the data summaries below are provided by Ande Nutter, MPH, Evaluation Specialist and Rachel Abraham, MPH, Evaluation Manager at Campus Health.  

Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) Behaviors

By the Numbers: 

• 59% of students reported that the last time they drank alcohol was within the past 30 days, with an average BAC of 0.069 (under the .08 federal legal limit).
• Students who chose to drink within the past 30 days averaged approximately 1 drink per hour.
• The majority of students (68%) drink in a social setting once or twice a month or less.
• 94% of students who drink refuse to ride with a driver who has been drinking.
• 74% of students who drink, choose lower alcohol content drinks (beer, hard seltzer, etc.).
• 21% of students have used any form of marijuana since August 2025.  

AOD Data Summary: 

Undergraduate students are engaging in several risk reduction strategies when they choose to drink. By alternating with non-alcoholic beverages, choosing lower alcohol content drinks, and setting a limit on the number of drinks they have, many U of A students take steps to reduce their risk if and when they drink. Additionally, when comparing the 2025 data to 2026, we saw an 18% reduction in students who have used any form of marijuana since August of the previous year. The decrease in cannabis use was within those who smoke or use edibles. The 2026 results show students are drinking less than in the past and over 1 in 4 never drink in a social setting, showing that many choose to abstain from alcohol. 

View the 2026 AOD Undergraduate Quick Look.

Physical Health 

By the Numbers

• Nearly 1 in 5 students who were hungry did not eat because there wasn’t enough money for food in the last 12 months.
• 31% of students reported they have ever or currently have disordered eating behaviors. 
• 28% of students have placed a bet or gambled on anything for money since August 2025.
• 82% of students have felt the need to cut down or limit their cell phone usage.

Physical Health Data Summary

Food insecurity can directly impact physical health, mental health, connection, and academics of students in higher education. The U of A Campus Pantry, a student-run supplemental grocery program serving the community, serves as a vital resource to alleviate hunger. 

Additionally, nutrition and body image remain topics of importance. “Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of all mental health disorders surpassed only by opioid use disorder. Disordered eating and body image distress is prevalent on college campuses as this is a time of transition and students often feel social pressures around food, beauty and body ideals. Education and awareness are essential and early intervention saves lives,” said Lisa MacDonald, Nutrition Services Manager at Campus Health. 

In keeping with current times and responding to the changing landscape of gambling availability, Health Promotion at Campus Health knew it would be of the utmost importance to measure or assess gambling behaviors among university students to further inform programming. 

View the 2026 Physical Health Undergraduate Quick Look.

Mental Health 

By the Numbers

• Over 8 out of 10 of students say they have experienced at least one mental health symptom since August 2025, with feeling overwhelmed by all they had to do being the most common.
• Nearly 1 in 4 students received counseling or therapy for mental or emotional health in the last 12 months.
• 43% of students have indicated they have experienced more than average stress since August 2025.
• 27% of students have been diagnosed with anxiety.
• 19% of students have been diagnosed with depression.
• 13% of students have been diagnosed with an attentional disorder.

Mental Health Data Summary

At the Health Promotion Hideaway in the Bear Down Building, students are given opportunities to connect with others, de-stress and find a place of belonging all in a centrally located lounge. Additionally, students continue to cite financial reasons as to why they have not sought mental health services within the past year. For the 2026 academic year, it was announced that counseling services would be offered at no cost. Campus Health leadership is excited to see how Counseling & Psych Services (CAPS) utilization is impacted by the elimination of cost for most services.

View the 2026 Mental Health Undergraduate Quick Look.

Sexual Health 

By the Numbers

• 44% of woman identifying students use a form a birth control.
• Of those who have been sexually active since August 2025, 66% have had one sexual partner.
• 31% of sexually active students since August 2025 have been tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the last year.
• 1 in 2 students know they can be tested for STIs at Campus Health without details showing on their Bursar’s account.

Sexual Health Data Summary

55% of sexually active undergraduate students usually or always use a condom. Aside from condoms, popular forms of birth control include Oral Contraceptive Pills (56%) and Intrauterine Device (IUDs) (24%). Campus Health offers comprehensive sexual health programming as well as medical services to aid in a student's health and academic journey. 

View the 2026 Sexual Health Undergraduate Quick Look.

Campus Health publishes the Health and Wellness Survey results each year to ensure they are accessible to the entire campus community. The results offer insights into the experiences and health of University of Arizona students. 

Campus Health’s commitment to promoting health, wellness, and safety directly supports the University’s Success for Every Student strategic imperative. 

From launching new initiatives, increasing the visibility of services, or shaping policies and programs that prioritize wellbeing, every campus unit can support student wellness. When student health and wellness are part of decision making, the entire campus community is better equipped to help students succeed. 

The Health and Wellness Survey is administered to a sample of randomly selected classrooms. Undergraduate courses with 25+ students enrolled have a 50% chance to be selected, and graduate courses with 15+ students have a 40% chance. Course instructors invite team members from Campus Health’s Health Promotion department to administer the survey over 20 minutes of class time. Students can opt-in to the survey via QR code or URL after a brief overview provided by the Campus Health staff. While there are no incentives for students who respond, the Health and Wellness Survey yields a high level of participation.  

For questions regarding the survey, results, or methodology please contact Rachel Abraham at rachelabraham@arizona.edu or visit health.arizona.edu/data. 

See more data from Campus Health.