Gap Year Affordability

In our attempts to spread the word about gap years and to encourage the gap year option for more students, we run into a lot of gap year myths. Much of our gap year advocacy involves debunking those myths in order to get more people thinking about realistic gap year possibilities. A common example: GAP YEARS ARE EXPENSIVE.

Let’s bust this myth, shall we?

First and foremost, we must acknowledge that yes, the idea of a gap year—an opportunity to take time dedicated to personal growth and exploration—is a privileged concept that isn’t going to feel accessible to every person in every situation (at least not currently, though we’d love for this to change). We also believe you could say the same thing about college and a number of other options facing students after high school. We’d like to debunk the myth that a gap year is necessarily more expensive than some of those other options.

An intentional gap year can come with a range of associated costs: from tuition-based programs, to cost-neutral options like internships and volunteer positions, to actual income-generating opportunities. Organizations will often offer scholarships and financial aid packages for students on structured programs. Many volunteer programs will offer food and lodging in exchange for service work, allowing gappers a more affordable way of pursuing international travel. National service and work exchange programs offer students opportunities to earn income while developing career skills and getting to know new places and communities. The possibilities are many and varied, but at the end of the day, students should know that not only is a low-cost gap year possible, it can also be a savvy investment in long-term financial health…

According to research from the Education Data Initiative, “the average cost of college* [for first time, full-time undergraduates at 4-year institutions] in the United States is $36,436 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses.” This number has more than doubled in the 21st century. EducationData.org reports that:

• The average in-state student attending a public 4-year institution spends $26,027 for one academic year.

• The average cost of in-state tuition alone is $9,678; out-of-state tuition averages $27,091

• The average private, nonprofit university student spends a total of $55,840 per academic year living on campus, $38,768 of it on tuition and fees.

• Considering student loan interest and loss of income, the ultimate cost of a bachelor’s degree can exceed $500,000. 

As college-bound American students face this economic reality, it’s logical to conclude that most students will be best-served by making efficient use of their time in college, which is more likely to occur if they enter college with confidence and a mature sense of self and direction—which happen to be two of the most common outcomes of intentional gap year experiences.

Past research by GYA has shown that 83% of gap year alumni went on to pursue a four-year degree within a year of finishing up their gap year experience. Those that do go to college tend to complete their degrees within 4 years, compared to the national average of 6 years (National Student Clearinghouse). This can be attributed, at least in part, to a matured sense of self and higher degree of clarity around academic and career goals

Considering the skyrocketing costs of higher education, an intentional gap year can be a reasonable and financially justifiable choice for those who want to make the most out of their educations and careers. 

The Gap Year Association maintains a collection of current scholarship and financial assistance opportunities to help prospective gappers assess their options.