A stark divide is emerging within Generation Z, with adults in this cohort experiencing significant declines in wellbeing even as middle and high school students report record levels of classroom engagement, according to a new national survey released on Tuesday.
The decline is driven entirely by Gen Z adults, with only 39% reporting they are thriving, a five-point drop from 2024. The decrease is particularly pronounced among young women, with just 37% of adult Gen Z women thriving in 2025 compared to 46% the previous year.
In contrast, 56% of Gen Z middle and high school students report thriving, maintaining levels similar to previous years and creating a 17-percentage-point gap between students and adults within the same generation.
The findings raise important questions about what happens to young people as they transition from high school to college and early adulthood – a period when many are navigating higher education systems.
"This data suggests there may be something happening during that transition from high school to post-secondary life that we need to better understand," said Dr. Kenneth Jones, a higher education researcher not involved in the study. "Are colleges adequately supporting students' wellbeing as they adapt to adult responsibilities?"
The survey reveals several demographic patterns that could inform campus diversity and inclusion efforts:
