Objective: To investigate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health status through network analysis in college students, so as to provide empirical evidence for the development of targeted intervention programs. Methods: From October to November 2023, a survey was conducted on 1 974 college students from three universities in Hubei Province by using ACEs Questionnaire and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). The network analysis method was used to construct a network structure to analyze the association between ACEs and SCL-90 symptom factors among college students. Results: The network structure of SCL-90 symptom factors and ACEs was stable, each forming a relatively tight cluster; there were 89 non zero edges between ACEs and SCL-90 symptom factors. Emotional neglect-depression played a significant pathway role in connecting the ACEs and SCL-90 symptom factors network. Depression, anxiety, and interpersonal sensitivity of SCL-90 symptom factors had the highest centrality in the ACEs and SCL-90 symptom factors network. Emotional neglect and physical neglect in ACEs and depression and psychoticism in SCL-90 symptom factors had a high node bridge expected influence, acting as Touchpoints to activate the whole network. Conclusion Early identification and intervention of emotional and physical neglect, with a focus on depression, anxiety, and interpersonal sensitivity symptoms of childhood neglected individuals, which is beneficial for improving the overall mental health level of college students.