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University students face a range of material hardships that significantly affect their academic success and overall well-being. The pressure on the cost of living due to inflation poses mental health challenges for students, reducing their ability to make informed decisions. The current study aimed to explore the disruptive impact of inflation on student mental health and academic resilience, and the strategic ecosystem implications for rural universities in South Africa. A qualitative exploratory research design was employed, with 20 self-funded students purposively selected from the University of Venda. The study employed one-on-one semi-structured interviews for data collection, followed by thematic analysis in data analysis. This study identified factors contributing to the lack of funding, including being defunded despite meeting full funding criteria, being affected by the N+ rule (exceeding the funding eligibility duration), and a lack of funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The study also revealed challenges arising from inflation, including declines in academic performance, overstudying, and struggles to meet basic needs. The current study highlights the pressing need for collaborative strategies to support students navigating financial stress amid inflationary pressures. From a business and strategic perspective, the study contributes to higher education management by framing rural universities as interconnected ecosystems requiring coordinated responses. Implications include the need for integrated organizational strategies that align financial aid models, student wellness services, and academic support mechanisms. The findings underscore the importance of capacitating academic and administrative staff to recognize and respond to student distress, while fostering a culture of resilience and inclusivity. At the policy level, the study highlights the need for multi-stakeholder coordination among government, institutions, and private-sector partners to mitigate inflationary pressures through targeted subsidies, flexible funding mechanisms, and infrastructure investment.