9 Colleges that Offer Gap Year Programs
Mia Russell As you’re walking across that graduation ceremony stage to receive your high school diploma, you might suddenly realize that you’re not ready to jump straight into the world of college—you want to explore first. Maybe you realized that you don’t quite know what you want to study yet, or what school to go to, or what your goals are…and you want to spend some time figuring that out!
Get a head start—choose a college that offer sensational gap year programs!
Or most importantly, maybe you’ve realized that an education outside the classroom on the streets of other countries can sometimes be just as valuable as that Psych 101 class, and maybe, just maybe, you were meant to see the world.
Does that sound like you? Then you might be just the person to defer college for a year, and take a gap year abroad.
Why attend colleges that offer gap year programs?
So why should you consider a gap year paired with college admission, exactly? Gap years offer students the incredible opportunity to pause and reevaluate what they want in life before immediately beginning college.
While gap years were initially conceived as a year of travel before college, it has since become a chance to expand your resume and personal life experiences, so that you are even more prepared for college a year later. Many gap year programs offer students the chance to immerse themselves in other languages, do community service in underdeveloped countries, or learn about music, art, and food.
It is not just a year of light, frivolous vacation. It’s a chance to explore the world, to push yourself to your limits, to test yourself and see what it is that really makes you feel alive. When you attend a university that supports experiential education and taking the time to gain clarity towards your goals before college (like the ones listed below), then you know that when you eventually start college the following fall, you’ll be in community with like-minded folks.
Thanks to your forward thinking and plan for the year after your gap year, you’ll also have peace of mind while traveling that not every gap year student is afforded. That means you can really focus on being present abroad rather than filling out last minute college applications or collecting recommendation letters on the fly.
And, you’ll have a whole year to stock up on adorable souvenirs for your dorm room!
Sound like your kind of party? Check out the universities and colleges below, which don’t just offer gap year programs—they encourage them.
READ: How to Defer College Enrollment to Take a Gap Year
9 progressive (and pro-gap year) universities
These universities encourage gap years that are chock full of personal growth.
Although gap years are widely accepted as A Thing in countries such as Australia or the United Kingdom, other countries, such as the United States, might be slightly less understanding or supportive of gap years.
That’s why it’s great to find out that more and more, universities in the U.S. are starting to not just approve of gap years, but provide programs for high school graduates/prospective students who want to defer their acceptance for a year.
Here are a few progressive colleges that offer gap year programs for future students (and future explorers).
1. Tufts University 1+4 Bridge Year
It makes sense that a university known nationally (and globally) for its international relations department would take the lead on forging its very own gap year program. Tufts University has created an innovative “bridge-year” program that is focused on volunteering and community service. Students can give back to communities in Ecuador, India, Nicaragua, or Brazil; there are even domestic programs in the United States, which focuses on city-based outreach.
2. Princeton University: Novogratz Bridge Year Program
Gain a clear life path (and view) when choose a gap year program in Bolivia with Princeton University!
In a competitive bridge program, Princeton University offers a select number of students the opportunity to participate in a nine-month, tuition-free volunteer program abroad. Students who give back to communities at any of the program locations of Bolivia, China, India, Indonesia or Senegal will be better-equipped to give back to, and be active participants in, the Princeton University community as well, when they return for their deferred freshman year.
READ: Understanding Bridge Year Programs & Others Like It
3. Florida State University (FSU) Gap Year
Gap years aren’t just for the Ivy Leagues! Florida State University (FSU) highly encourages incoming freshman to take a gap year. Not only that, they even provide additional funding for gap year students in need! Pretty awesome, right? So go off and explore the world, then come back to Tallahassee to don your gold and garnet proudly.
4. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC) Global Gap Year Fellowship
The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC)’s gap year program is structured like a fellowship program, in which students receive funding for a gap year that is dedicated to service project abroad for a year. Students get to propose their own gap year location in their application, and explain why they’re passionate about pursuing this project in this specific location.
5. American University (AU) Gap Program
If your goal is a meaningful international career, this is the one for you.
Although not a gap year abroad, American University’s gap year program is located in one of the most international and globally-minded cities in the United States: Washington, D.C.! The program is geared towards helping students transition into the fast-paced life of college and career-preparation. Students have the unique opportunity to tackle internships with organizations such as the National Geographic Society or the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, giving them invaluable life and work experience that they can carry onto their international careers.
READ: 11 Helpful Gap Year Program Reviews
6. Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech is fully supportive of students who want to defer their enrollment and take a gap year, happily holding their spot at the university in the meantime. However, students interested in taking a gap year will first have to contact the admissions office and pay an admission deposit ($250). You’ll need to be sure of your plans though—once your entry term is moved, they won’t move it again.
7. University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is vocally in favor of gap years as means of “time on”. They encourage all students who are considering a gap year to plan carefully in order to make the most of their time (hey, us too!). Not everyone will be granted permission to take a gap year, but as long as you’re committed to attending the University of Oregon after, prepare a statement of intent for your plans, and have a stable GPA, you should be golden.
8. James Madison University
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Students admitted to James Madison University will need written approval from the Director of Admissions and a detailed gap year plan in order to be granted deferral for a gap year. You’ll also be eligible for up to 8 college credits during your gap year! JMU has gap year guidelines regarding college coursework that must be acknowledged, and deferrals are granted for one year only.
READ: How to Set (and Achieve) Gap Year Goals
9. College of William and Mary
Deferral for one semester or one year? The choice is yours! Much like other institutions, in order to be granted deferral you’ll need to notify the Senior Associate Dean of Admission of your plan, and provide a detailed explanation of said plan (in writing). As long as your plans are thoughtful and driven by personal growth, your deferral should be approved after payment of your enrollment deposit.
BONUS: Gap year options that look amazing on a college application
Peace Corps
Peace Corps is a massive commitment and hard work, but your entire life will be changed.
Not for the faint of heart, Peace Corps is a globally-respected program that brings American volunteers to communities in need throughout the world. Although not a university program, the Peace Corps is an incredible program that would truly set you apart in future college and job applications.
Volunteers must tackle the challenge of living relatively self-sufficiently in remote, rural areas of the world. It is a life-changing, life-affirming experience that will open your eyes to other ways of living, making you a much more globally-aware individual.
READ: 10 Signs You Should Spend Your Gap Year Volunteering
AmeriCorps
If you’re itching for a gap year abroad but can’t quite afford it, AmeriCorps is an incredible opportunity based in the United States. Not only will students spend ten months to a year giving back to small communities through volunteer service, they are also provided room, board, and a monetary stipend that goes towards their college education or student loans. Even better? Certain colleges and universities will match that stipend.
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Get into college AND into adventure
These colleges that offer gap year programs are just scratching the surface. If nothing jumps out at you, what’s stopping you from talking to your dream school about deferring for a year and starting the following fall? Or, you could also consider applying for college after your gap year instead of before. The sky’s the limit!
