MIT Recognized Among Top 30 Universities for Mental Health Support in Princeton Review Honor Roll

MIT has been named to Princeton Review's 2026 Mental Health Services Honor Roll, recognizing the Institute as one of only 30 U.S. colleges and universities providing exemplary mental health resources. This marks MIT's second consecutive year on the list, which evaluates campus-wide support systems through rigorous criteria including staff training, peer programs, accessibility of services, and policy development.

The selection process analyzed over a dozen metrics across hundreds of institutions, with Princeton Review noting significant nationwide improvements in campus mental health resources compared to 2024. At MIT, this recognition reflects a coordinated ecosystem of support spanning multiple departments, including the Division of Student Life, MIT Health, and academic divisions.

"This honor highlights our collaborative work supporting students' well-being journeys," said Karen Singleton, deputy chief health officer at MIT Health. "It validates MIT's strategic investment in these services." MIT Health currently employs 36 clinicians and recently implemented online scheduling to increase accessibility.

The Division of Student Life operates several highly utilized support hubs:

• Student Support Services (S3): Used by 82% of the Class of 2025 before graduation
• Office of Religious, Spiritual, and Ethical Life (ORSEL): Interfaith counseling
• GradSupport: Graduate-specific resources
• Student Mental Health and Counseling (SMHC): Clinical services
• CARE Team: Crisis response

Data shows strong student engagement: 91% of S3 users reported they would return if needed, while over 60% of undergraduates access support services annually. "The system's strength lies in its interconnectedness," explained Dean of Student Life David Randall. "Students can enter through any point—if they reach one team, they effectively reach all of us."

Collaboration extends beyond administrative units. Initiatives like DoingWell at MIT integrate wellness into academic life through workshops on stress management and resilience. Division of Student Life Vice Chancellor Suzy Nelson emphasized that "promoting well-being is central to our mission," enabling students to thrive academically and personally.

This systemic approach—combining clinical services, academic support, and community programming—positions MIT at the forefront of institutional mental health innovation. The Honor Roll recognition provides prospective students with verified benchmarks when evaluating campus support environments.

Side-by-side headshots of Michael McDonald and Kristala Prather