Suicide in College

Important Facts

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among college students at about 1,100 a year. What is the first? Unintentional injury – falls, drowning, alcohol-related “accidents" One in 12 U.S. college students makes a suicide plan.

The overall student suicide rate of 7.5/100,000 is about half the national suicide rate (15/100,000) for a sample matched by age, gender and race.

Students 25+ have a significantly higher risk of suicide than younger students.

The suicide rate for female students in mid- to late-20s is higher than national rate.
Graduate students are more at risk than undergrads.

Male college students have a higher rate of committing suicide, they are five times as likely, while female students attempt suicide at greater rates.

Who's at Risk?

Students with pre-existing mental health concerns or emerging mental health concerns.

Commuter students- Community and two-year colleges have fewer resources and rely more on community support, students difficult to reach.

Older Students – Especially female graduate students. There is added stress from job searching, financial issues and family demands.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex- It is difficult to determine because it is not asked on death certificates. Some data emerging that these students more likely to attempt (especially gay and bisexual males
International Students- They may struggle due to language differences, being away from their support system, cultural differences,and financial strains (limited financial aid and ability to work, and health insurance).

Mental Heatlh Trends on Campus

Suicide and suicide attempts are the “tip of the iceberg” of a larger mental health and substance abuse problem among our college students. A 13 year study showed that the number of students seen each year with depression doubled and the number of suicides tripled

In 2003 American College Health Association – more than 40% of students reported feeling “so depressed, it was difficult to function” at least once during the year. In 1998 suicide killed more teen-agers and young adults than AIDS, cancer, heart disease, pneumonia, birth defects, stroke, influenza and chronic lung disease COMBINED

Why campus suicide?

Major life transitions
Sleep disruption
Prime time for 1st episode of major mental illness
“Prozac Payoff”-Better and earlier assessment and treatment
Decresing stigma
Substance Abuse – Often makes the difference between ideation and attempt

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