For those deciding between college and a gap year, this guide is for you. In this article, we’ll compare both life paths: gap year or college, and see the cost and benefit of time away against academic velocity, burnout recovery and future career clarity.
This guide lays it all out side by side, so you can figure out what’s going to help you grow, stay healthy, and get where you want to go in the long run.
Illustration comparing gap year and starting college right away. Hand-drawn illustration for editorial use.
Gap Year vs College: What’s a Gap Year, and Who Takes One?
A gap year is time off between high school and college to do something that isn’t college. That other thing could be travel, volunteering abroad, work, or learning a new skill. The majority of gap year alumni chose to do so because of a desire for personal growth, life experience, and travel (Gap Year Association 9).
Most people join a structured program with a schedule and support, while others plan their own thing. According to a 2020 gap year study, only 28% of gap year students don’t join any structured gap program (Gap Year Association 2020).
If you’re considering a gap year, then take it. Uni is not going to go anywhere. (…), I wish I took a gap year. Just to kind of give myself a break from like, 18 years of constant education. But also to give yourself time to figure out whether what you wanna do at uni is 100% what you wanna do.
A Brown University study from the Warren Alpert Medical School explored how a gap year before medical school impacts student burnout. The researchers found that students who took gap years had lower burnout. The study also found that students who took two or more gap years had experienced even less burnout than those who took just one.
This research highlights the prophylactic effect of a gap year (or two years more) on burnout in demanding academic paths (Guang et al. 613-614). In effect, a gap year could function as an academic burnout recovery period or as insurance against academic fatigue.
After traveling with Rustic, I’m convinced that seeing new parts of the world, meeting new people, and immersing oneself in new cultures is a unique and highly valuable sort of education, maybe the best there is. The people traveling with me and the relationships I formed were really important, so was an open-minded attitude towards new experiences and people. Sharing emotions with them and being open about everything was a great experience that helped me mature and grow. My new friends helped me through hard times and made the good ones even better.
Choosing gap year vs college? Adventure travel and teamwork activities are a big part of gap year experiences.
For students aiming to stay in their academic rhythm, jumping into college right after high school just makes sense. It keeps things moving and feels like the “normal” next step. Some upsides include:
You’re still in school mode. You’ve got the routine down: classes, homework, all that, so it’s easier to keep going.
You’ll finish earlier. Getting a head start means you could graduate sooner, start a career earlier, or even move on to grad school faster.
Built-in structure. College comes with advisors, clubs, professors, and people who can help you figure stuff out.
Instant community. Starting when everyone else does makes it easier to make friends and feel like you belong.
Quick tip: Go to orientation, stay organized, and connect with people early (roommates, mentors, whoever) so your first year feels a little less overwhelming.
Why Some Students Wait and Actually Benefit from a Gap Year
Gap year vs college decisions often come down to what type of experiences you want — immersive travel is a key part of many gap year programs.
Some students are not ready to jump into college right after high school, and that’s totally fine. Taking a gap year can be a mental reset and a smart way to figure out what you want.
A paper about academic planning during the COVID-19 pandemic argues that a well-designed, school-supported gap year can help students continue to be involved in meaningful tasks: activities that should improve the odds of successfully navigating a college career (Kim and Maloney 26).
Real Cost Comparison
Gap Year Investment:
Structured programs: $8,000-$25,000
Independent travel/volunteering: $3,000-$12,000
Opportunity cost (lost earnings): ~$15,000
Total: $11,000-$40,000
College Year One:
Public in-state: ~$25,000
Public out-of-state: ~$45,000
Private: ~$55,000
Educational ROI Analysis:
While gap years require upfront investment, they can deliver strong educational ROI through:
Higher college GPAs (better long-term earning potential)
Reduced likelihood of changing majors (saves time and money)
Improved graduation rates (maximizes your college investment)
Enhanced employability skills (faster career advancement)
Key insight: Gap year programs can cost less than one year of college, and students often return with better academic performance, improving their overall educational ROI.
Best Times to Decide:
Fall Junior Year: Start gap year program research
Spring Junior Year: Apply for competitive programs
Fall Senior Year: Last chance for many programs
Spring Senior Year: Defer college admission deadline
Summer: Emergency gap year planning in the case that college plans fall through
Key insight: Many gap year programs cost less than one year of college, and students often return with better academic performance.
Here’s how it can help:
Determine your interests.Volunteering abroad gives you time to meet great people and make new friends.
Build confidence and independence. Time away opens up space to make your own choices. Students pick up important life skills during a gap year, like budgeting, self-management, and adaptability.
Show up to college more prepared. Whenever you get there, you’ll be ready.
I’ll be turning 24 next month and I’m in my final year of uni, and I’m sure that for lots of people this sounds like I am probably very behind. But if anything, I feel like I’m ahead. Because the only person I’m competing with is myself.
Fun fact: According to researchers from the Gap Year Research Consortium at Colorado College, U.S. gap year alumni outperformed their predicted GPAs as freshmen, with the academic boost lasting all four years (“Academic Outcomes” 3).
Comparing Outcomes: GPA, Maturity, and Job Readiness Gap Year vs. Direct Matriculation
Category
Gap year students
Students who start college right away
Academic Performance
Often have higher GPAs and participate more in class thanks to better focus and decision-making
Might hit burnout early when they aren’t sure why they’re there
Emotional Readiness
Usually show more confidence and bounce back from challenges more easily
Still getting used to living on their own and handling responsibilities
Career Clairity
More likely to know what they want to do after exploring real-world options
Might change majors a few times before finding the right fit
Networking & Experience
Get global experience and meet people through service or travel
Can join student clubs and find internships through school
Financial Timing
Might take longer to start earning or finish college
Start working sooner after graduation, depending on their path
Many college admissions officers support the idea [of deferring admission for a year or two]. While cautioning that a gap year between high school and college isn’t for everyone—and that just goofing off isn’t worthwhile—they say many students who take one return more confident and self-aware.
Matt McGann Former Director of Admissions, MIT
Red Flags: When College or Gap Year Might Be Wrong
Wildlife photography safaris are a bucket-list experience for many gap year students.
These warning signs often predict poor student life outcomes, including lower GPAs, higher dropout rates, and increased anxiety:
Don’t Take a Gap Year If:
Your only plan is “I need a break” with no structured activities.
You’re avoiding problems (anxiety, family issues) that will exist in a year.
Your family would go into serious debt to fund it.
You’re choosing it because your friends are doing it.
Don’t Go Straight to College If:
You’re picking a major just to pick something.
You feel completely burned out and dread more school.
You have no idea why you’re going besides “it’s what’s expected.”
You’re only going because your parents are pressuring you.
I didn’t want to take a gap year. But I looked at the admission statistics and taking a gap year improves your chances for pretty much all law schools, especially the top law schools.
Learn more about how to afford a gap year using scholarships, financial aid, and smart budgeting.
Final Thoughts: The Right Path to College is the One That Fits You
Gap years create lifelong friendships and lasting memories through shared experiences.
There’s no “right” choice. The only question is: What works best for you right now? Either direct matriculation or deferred enrollment can mean a great college experience.
Still unsure? Try our Gap Year vs College Pathway Quiz to see which option might be the better fit.
Gap Year vs College Decision Quiz
Should you take a gap year or start college?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to go to college right away?
Going to college right away is better for the students who are financially able, have the motivation and have a clear academic path. Those who are unsure or burned out may benefit more from a gap year before starting college.
What should new students expect from college life?
New students should expect college life to bring personal freedom, new friendships, and different experiences on one hand and deadlines, stress, and personal responsibility on the other hand.
What if my gap year plans fall through?
In the situation that your gap year plans fall through, choose backup options like local volunteering, community college classes, or job experience. Most colleges still accept late enrollment. It never hurts to ask!
What if I get to college and hate it?
In case you get to college and hate it, consider taking a gap semester. Take a pause and return to college later with more motivation.
What are the downsides of delaying college?
The downsides of delaying college are graduating later than your peers, missing campus events, and losing academic momentum. These challenges are reduced when you prepare.
Gap Year Citations & Research Sources
Gap Year Association. Gap Year Alumni 2020 National Survey Report. Gap Year Association, 2021, p. 9.
Google Keyword Planner. “gap year.” Accessed 21 May 2025.
Guang, Stephanie A., et al. “Medical Student Burnout: Impact of the Gap Year in Burnout Prevention.” Work, vol. 66, no. 3, 2020, pp. 611–616. View Source
Kim, Joshua, and Edward J. Maloney. The Low-Density University: 15 Scenarios for Higher Education. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2020. Project MUSE. View Book
Gap Year Research Consortium at Colorado College. “Academic Outcomes.” Colorado College. View Report
@legallyamrutha. “i am a huge advocate for gap years, let me know if you wanna hear what I did in my gap year.” TikTok, 24 Apr. 2023. View Video
@lolafrancess. “taking 2 gap years before uni & why it was the best decision.” TikTok, 20 Dec. 2024. View Video
@melka.yap. “Just my opinion, obviously do what you want lol.” TikTok, 13 Mar. 2025. View Video
Shellenbarger, Sue. “Delaying College to Fill in the Gaps.” The Wall Street Journal, 29 Dec. 2010.
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