WASHINGTON – Suicide is the leading cause of death among college students, according to the first study in more than 70 years that looks at the major causes of death on student campuses.

Suicides account for 6.18 deaths per 100,000 students, while alcohol factors in 4.86 deaths per 100,000.

The alcohol related deaths factor in both traffic-related and non-traffic-related deaths.

The findings are based on data from 157 four year colleges nationwide, representing 1.36 million students between the ages of 18 and 24.

The study was done by researchers at the University of Virginia, and the findings were presented earlier this month at the American Public Association annual meeting.

Read more about the study here.

Follow WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2011 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)