This study investigated academic burnout among 2704 college students, including 1009 impoverished college students, in Chinese higher vocational colleges using a random sampling method. Utilizing psychological capital questionnaire, learning motivation scale, and academic burnout questionnaire, the research explored the interplay between psychological capital, learning motivation, and academic burnout. Findings indicated moderate levels of psychological capital, learning motivation, and academic burnout among impoverished college students in vocational colleges. Strong positive correlations were observed between the overall level and dimensions of learning motivation and psychological capital, indicating high consistency. A significant negative correlation was found between psychological capital and academic burnout, indicating a significant predictive effect. Overall, learning motivation and its dimensions exhibited significant negative correlations with academic burnout, particularly at the organizational level and dimensions.