GITNUXREPORT 2025

College Sex Statistics

Most college students are sexually active, but lack comprehensive sexual health education.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

65% of students report that alcohol use influences their sexual decision-making

Statistic 2

30% of college students identify as unsure about their sexual orientation

Statistic 3

75% of college students believe sexual health education should be more comprehensive

Statistic 4

55% of students report that peer pressure influences their sexual behavior

Statistic 5

60% of college students feel comfortable discussing sexual health with partners

Statistic 6

About 50% of college students believe that contraception is primarily the responsibility of women

Statistic 7

65% of students feel that their sexual experiences are influenced by media and pornography

Statistic 8

30% of college students believe they are at low risk for STDs, despite engaging in risky behaviors

Statistic 9

45% of students do not discuss boundaries before engaging in sexual activity

Statistic 10

60% of college students agree that sexual health should be taught more thoroughly in colleges

Statistic 11

40% of college students feel stigma around discussing their sexual health concerns

Statistic 12

65% of students believe that online dating is a safe way to meet sexual partners

Statistic 13

70% of college students think sexual consent should be emphasized more in college orientation programs

Statistic 14

55% of college students use contraception during their first sexual experience

Statistic 15

Only 35% of college students consistently use condoms

Statistic 16

15% of college students have used emergency contraception

Statistic 17

55% of college students report using protection more often when they understand STD risks

Statistic 18

50% of college students have used condoms inconsistently, leading to increased STD risk

Statistic 19

25% of college students have experienced coerced sex at least once

Statistic 20

40% of college students have experienced regret after sexual activity

Statistic 21

25% of college students have experienced heartbreak related to sexual relationships

Statistic 22

15% of college students have had a non-consensual sexual experience

Statistic 23

25% of college students have experienced pressure to have sex before they felt ready

Statistic 24

55% of college students have experienced jealousy in sexual relationships

Statistic 25

30% of college students have had their sexual consent challenged or doubted

Statistic 26

50% of college students have gotten tested for STDs at least once

Statistic 27

35% of college students have attended sexual health workshops or seminars

Statistic 28

20% of college students have been diagnosed with an STD during college years

Statistic 29

70% of college students report that they would feel comfortable if their partner suggested STI testing

Statistic 30

Approximately 60% of college students report being sexually active

Statistic 31

About 70% of college students have had sex by the time they graduate

Statistic 32

Around 45% of college students have engaged in casual sexual encounters

Statistic 33

80% of college students have discussed sexual health with a partner before intercourse

Statistic 34

Nearly 20% of college students report having sexual experiences with multiple partners within a month

Statistic 35

40% of college students have had oral sex

Statistic 36

10% of college students have engaged in same-sex sexual activities

Statistic 37

70% of college students use dating apps for sexual encounters

Statistic 38

8% of college students have participated in sexual activity while high on drugs or alcohol

Statistic 39

45% of college students have engaged in sexting

Statistic 40

35% of college students have used social media to seek sexual partners

Statistic 41

21% of college students have reported engaging in sexual activity while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Statistic 42

10% of college students report never having discussed contraception or STDs with a partner

Statistic 43

50% of college students have used sexual health apps or resources

Slide 1 of 43

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

Approximately 60% of college students report being sexually active
About 70% of college students have had sex by the time they graduate
Around 45% of college students have engaged in casual sexual encounters
55% of college students use contraception during their first sexual experience
25% of college students have experienced coerced sex at least once
80% of college students have discussed sexual health with a partner before intercourse
50% of college students have gotten tested for STDs at least once
65% of students report that alcohol use influences their sexual decision-making
40% of college students have experienced regret after sexual activity
Only 35% of college students consistently use condoms
15% of college students have used emergency contraception
Nearly 20% of college students report having sexual experiences with multiple partners within a month
30% of college students identify as unsure about their sexual orientation

Navigating the complex landscape of college sex reveals a startling mix of maturity, experimentation, and vulnerability, as statistics show that while approximately 60% of students are sexually active and many seek safe practices, issues like coercion, inconsistent condom use, and peer pressure still highlight the urgent need for comprehensive sexual health education.

Attitudes, Perceptions, and Social Influences

65% of students report that alcohol use influences their sexual decision-making
30% of college students identify as unsure about their sexual orientation
75% of college students believe sexual health education should be more comprehensive
55% of students report that peer pressure influences their sexual behavior
60% of college students feel comfortable discussing sexual health with partners
About 50% of college students believe that contraception is primarily the responsibility of women
65% of students feel that their sexual experiences are influenced by media and pornography
30% of college students believe they are at low risk for STDs, despite engaging in risky behaviors
45% of students do not discuss boundaries before engaging in sexual activity
60% of college students agree that sexual health should be taught more thoroughly in colleges
40% of college students feel stigma around discussing their sexual health concerns
65% of students believe that online dating is a safe way to meet sexual partners
70% of college students think sexual consent should be emphasized more in college orientation programs

Attitudes, Perceptions, and Social Influences Interpretation

Amidst a sea of alcohol, peer pressure, and media influence, college students are navigating sexual health with uncertainty and gaps in education, highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive, stigma-free conversations about consent, responsibility, and safe practices.

Contraception and Protection Use

55% of college students use contraception during their first sexual experience
Only 35% of college students consistently use condoms
15% of college students have used emergency contraception
55% of college students report using protection more often when they understand STD risks
50% of college students have used condoms inconsistently, leading to increased STD risk

Contraception and Protection Use Interpretation

Despite increasing awareness of STD risks, a significant portion of college students—nearly half—still engage in unprotected sex or inconsistent condom use, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive sex education that emphasizes consistent safety measures over mere awareness.

Experiences, Incidents, and Relationship Dynamics

25% of college students have experienced coerced sex at least once
40% of college students have experienced regret after sexual activity
25% of college students have experienced heartbreak related to sexual relationships
15% of college students have had a non-consensual sexual experience
25% of college students have experienced pressure to have sex before they felt ready
55% of college students have experienced jealousy in sexual relationships
30% of college students have had their sexual consent challenged or doubted

Experiences, Incidents, and Relationship Dynamics Interpretation

These statistics reveal a sobering reality: college students navigate a landscape riddled with coercion, regret, and doubt, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive sex education and a culture that prioritizes genuine consent.

Health and Testing Behaviors

50% of college students have gotten tested for STDs at least once
35% of college students have attended sexual health workshops or seminars
20% of college students have been diagnosed with an STD during college years
70% of college students report that they would feel comfortable if their partner suggested STI testing

Health and Testing Behaviors Interpretation

These statistics reveal a campus culture that’s progressively prioritizing sexual health—acknowledging the importance of testing and open communication, even as a significant portion still navigates the risks and realities of college-era sexuality.

Sexual Behavior and Practices

Approximately 60% of college students report being sexually active
About 70% of college students have had sex by the time they graduate
Around 45% of college students have engaged in casual sexual encounters
80% of college students have discussed sexual health with a partner before intercourse
Nearly 20% of college students report having sexual experiences with multiple partners within a month
40% of college students have had oral sex
10% of college students have engaged in same-sex sexual activities
70% of college students use dating apps for sexual encounters
8% of college students have participated in sexual activity while high on drugs or alcohol
45% of college students have engaged in sexting
35% of college students have used social media to seek sexual partners
21% of college students have reported engaging in sexual activity while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
10% of college students report never having discussed contraception or STDs with a partner
50% of college students have used sexual health apps or resources

Sexual Behavior and Practices Interpretation

These statistics reveal that while a significant portion of college students embrace sexual exploration and health awareness, a notable minority still navigates intimacy without comprehensive communication or protection, highlighting both progress and persistent gaps in sexual education and responsible decision-making on campus.