Why Some In College Mental Health View 2030 As The End OF The Pandemic
The global health emergency of COVID-19 was officially declared over by the United Nations News on May 5, 2023. However, the impact of the pandemic continued to resonate within the realm of college mental health. A comprehensive study published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science in 2024 reviewed 32 studies on college mental health during the pandemic, revealing alarming increases in anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and other mental health issues among students.
Recent research suggests a gradual decline in mental health symptoms among college students, with the 2024 Healthy Minds Study indicating nationwide decreases in anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide. Despite these positive trends, experts believe that the lingering effects of COVID-19 on higher education may persist until the class of 2030 graduates. This cohort, which includes students from the incoming classes of 2028, 2029, and 2030, was in the early stages of adolescence during the pandemic, potentially shaping their future mental health outcomes.
The Class of 2028, who were in middle school when the pandemic struck, experienced significant transitions and disruptions in their education. A report by Forbes in 2024 highlighted how these students have developed a resilience to change and uncertainty, which could influence their university experiences. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reported a 4.4% increase in college transfer rates in the fall of 2024, possibly indicating a higher willingness among the Class of 2028 to embrace change.
Middle schoolers from the Class of 2029 faced unique challenges during the pandemic, with concerns raised about their emotional maturity, academic demands, and relationships with parents. The increase in homeschooling during the pandemic may have led to more involved and potentially overbearing parenting styles, which could impact students as they transition to college. Overcontrolling parents can have detrimental effects on their children’s mental health and academic success, as discussed in a 2025 Forbes report.
Students in the Class of 2030, who started middle school during the pandemic, had a mix of normative and disrupted experiences throughout their education. While some may carry lingering effects from the pandemic into college, the middle school years are crucial for development and can shape students’ overall wellbeing. Understanding the unique impact of experiencing a global crisis during these formative years is essential for supporting the mental health of current and future college students.
