Student Financial Wellness Survey 2025
Overview
The Trellis Strategies Student Financial Wellness Survey (SFWS) provides an overview of student wellbeing based on questions addressing student financial security, perceptions of college support and educational value, basic needs insecurity and mental health.
In fall 2025, invitations to complete the online survey were sent to 21,103 Portland Community College students, with 2,409 students (11.4%) responding to some or all of the survey questions. In general, respondents reflected the overall population, although females and full-time students were more likely to respond.
Fall 2025 key findings
The following AI-assisted summary is a high-level overview of the Trellis Strategies *40-page report.
- Financial Strain is Widespread: Over half of respondents would struggle to cover a $500 emergency, and 71% report experiencing financial difficulties. Many rely on credit cards or short-term borrowing to meet basic needs.
- Basic Needs Insecurity is Common:
- 45% of respondents experience food insecurity
- 47% face housing challenges
- 60% experience at least one form of basic needs insecurity
- Academic Impact: Financial stress affects students’ ability to focus, with more than half of those facing challenges reporting difficulty concentrating on coursework.
- Mental Health Concerns: 36% of respondents report symptoms of depression and 50% report anxiety, with many also experiencing loneliness.
- Support Gaps: While most respondents believe support services exist, more than half have not sought help, and many are unaware of available resources.
- Education Still Valued: Despite these challenges, respondents remain optimistic—76% believe college is a worthwhile investment in their future.
*PCC faculty and staff can access the full report and infographic on the Institutional Effectiveness Spaces page under the Survey section.