A descriptive, exploratory study of 76 young adult women enrolled in a women's health course at a large, midwestern university was undertaken to identify their current health status, health perceptions, and general health behaviors. Two groups of young adult females participated, nursing students (n = 38) and non-nursing students (n = 38). The panel of young adult women in this study reported their health as good or excellent, viewed health as very important and generally used positive health practices. However, data revealed that the lifestyles of many respondents were not conducive to promoting or maintaining health. Negative health practices identified were drinking and driving, non-performance of self breast examinations, ineffective stress management strategies and poor dietary and exercise habits. No significant differences were noted between nursing and non-nursing students.