Economic Woes Create a Silver Lining for Students and Parents

A recent article in the Miami Herald titled "Economic Downturn Forces Students to Rethink College", by Andres Viglucci points to the fact that families and students are looking for cost saving options to start college. The author says more students are applying to less costly in-state schools vs. expensive out of stat, and more opting for community college.

Like many articles popping up lately on the Internet, the columnist points out that students are DEFERRING college entrance to work for a year. This development reinforces the trend that college admissions offices have been reporting even prior to the economic crisis, and which suggests more and more students will be planning 'gap years' now and in the future.

Good news! The economic downturn has a silver lining, as I see it. For the first time in recent memory, U.S. students have a strong argument not to attend college immediately after high school, or to take a semester or two out during college. Stop worrying! It is finally okay to say, "Mom, Dad ..I'm taking some time out before committing to college".

The current economic crisis is forcing students to seek alternative options for the transition to college. A gap year involving a combination of work and travel, or a year-long commitment to national community service can cost far less than a year of college, and go further to prepare a student for the challenges of college life, career and life beyond.

What a change of course! One common reason more U.S. students don't take time out before or during college, is parents; parents often express concern that their son or daughter won't want to go to college if they take a 'gap year'. Ironically, the 'gap year' now has the possibility of becoming a god send for and parents, and students, alike! An economic lifeline of sorts.

A few gap year options for the economically cash strapped include National Service programs like AmeriCorps and Peace Corps. They cover your living expenses while you volunteer, pay you a stipend, and provide grant money at the end of your service to help pay for college, or pay off student loans...low cost or no cost opportunities that allow you to spend time serving our country, gaining valuable skills, and building your resume. Search our Database of Gap Year Options for more ideas!