(This is our third post in a series on the economics of taking gap time.)
The Gap Year Association website posts research conducted by Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson from their second book, “Gap Year: American Style”. Many of the gap year students used in their research are actually Center for Interim Programs alumni since we had one of the largest available pool of students - over 8,000 - dating back to 1980. Their research found that 90% of students who take a structured gap year return to college within a year. 98% of these students claim that their gap years helped them develop as a person while 97% claim that it increased their maturity. Additionally, 84% stated that their gap year helped them acquire skills to be successful in future careers and 73% say that their gap year increased their college readiness.
We have witnessed many of our gap year students finish college and continue on the path they discovered and decided upon with the help of their gap year. They often head straight into a career or further education with fewer doubts about their choice and direction. An added benefit is that a gap year resume can help students more easily land internships or jobs given the work skills they have accrued, along with a compelling sense of self and self-confidence that is palpable during interviews.
If gap year college graduates start their careers immediately, they will begin to earn salaries and likely have the discretionary income they ideally planned for when they chose their major. They can more quickly pay off any college debt they might have incurred. All of these elements offer true economic value and the gap year plays a unique part assisting students position themselves more powerfully for the rest of their working lives.