New Research on Student Motivation, Engagement, and Well-Being

Posted by American Association of Colleges and Universities on June 16, 2026

What motivates students to attend college—and how does that motivation shape their educational experience?

New research from the LearningWell Coalition and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) finds that students’ reasons for pursuing higher education are closely connected to their participation in internships, mentoring, service-learning, undergraduate research, learning communities, and other educational experiences associated with student success and well-being.

draws on survey research conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the LearningWell Coalition and AAC&U and examines how students’ motivations influence both the educational opportunities they pursue and the outcomes they seek.

Learn more and download the report.


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