In a time when student well-being is more important than ever, MIT is proving that academic excellence and mental health support can thrive together. The prestigious institution has earned a coveted spot on Princeton Review's 2026 Mental Health Services Honor Roll, marking the second year in a row that MIT has received this meaningful recognition.

Out of hundreds of colleges and universities surveyed, only 30 made the honor roll, and MIT stands proudly among them. This distinction recognizes institutions that go above and beyond in providing mental health and well-being services to their students, from comprehensive counseling to peer support programs and accessible online resources.

The numbers tell an inspiring story of commitment. MIT Health now hosts 36 clinicians dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of the campus community. They recently added an easy online scheduling system, a change that came directly from student feedback. This responsiveness shows an institution that truly listens to its community.

Perhaps most remarkably, 82 percent of the Class of 2025 visited Student Support Services at least once before graduating. Even more telling, 91 percent of students who used these services said they would return if needed, a powerful vote of confidence in the care they received.

The Ripple Effect spreads far beyond individual counseling sessions. MIT's approach to mental health is deeply collaborative, with multiple departments working together seamlessly. The Division of Student Life partners with MIT Health and teams across the Institute to create what Dean of Student Life David Randall describes as a support network where "if students get to one of us, they get to all of us."

This philosophy removes barriers and confusion, allowing students to reach out for help without worrying about finding the "right" door to knock on. Kate McCarthy, senior associate dean of support, wellbeing, and belonging, emphasizes this magic of collaboration, noting that offices including ORSEL, GradSupport, S3, SMHC, the CARE Team, and Residential and Community Life work incredibly well together.

Karen Singleton, deputy chief health officer and chief of mental health and counseling services at MIT Health, sees this honor as recognition of both hard work and institutional investment. The acknowledgment highlights how effectively MIT supports students in their well-being journey, she notes.

The Princeton Review's overall findings from the 2025 survey reveal even more good news. Participating institutions showed double-digit increases in campus counseling, wellness, and student support programs compared with the previous year. This suggests a broader shift in higher education toward prioritizing mental health alongside academics.

Vice Chancellor Suzy Nelson captures the heart of this achievement beautifully, noting that promoting student well-being is central to MIT's mission and guides so much of what the institution does. This recognition reflects the dedication of many in the community working to create a campus environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

For prospective students and their families, the honor roll serves as a valuable resource when choosing where to pursue higher education. It sends a clear message that MIT understands that supporting the whole person, not just the brilliant mind, is what creates true success.