Gap Year Statistics: How Many Students Take a Gap Year?

You may have heard of a gap year and wondered exactly what that entails. If you are considering whether or not it’s the right choice for you, first you need to understand what it is. This break from traditional academic or career paths to explore new experiences has gained popularity among young adults from various backgrounds. 

There are plenty of benefits that come with taking a year off before diving into your studies or career training, including higher academic performance and improved job satisfaction. Individuals often return from immersing themselves in different cultures and service opportunities feeling more focus and equipped with valuable life skills. 

What Is a Gap Year?

A gap year isn’t just a year off. Instead, it is a structured break from formal education — typically taken between high school and college or during university studies. During this time, students engage in a variety of activities from traveling and volunteering to internships and cultural exchanges. 

These experiences are great opportunities for personal growth and gaining a broader worldview. Many students choose to pause their education to explore personal interests and gain real-world experience, which has the added benefit of preventing academic burnout. 

Gap Year Statistics

How many students take a gap year?

According to the Gap Year Association, which is an Oregon-based nonprofit dedicated to helping students access gap year opportunities, between 40,000 and 60,000 students in the United States choose to take a gap year each academic year. This number reflects the growing trend and acceptance of this break as a valuable part of personal and academic development. 

What percentage of students return to college after a gap year?

Approximately 90% of students who take a gap year return to college within a year. This high return rate just goes to show that a gap year does not deter students from continuing their education. In fact, it often provides them with the time to gain clarity and focus on what they want to study so that they can get right to work when they return. Gap years tend to improve commitment to academic pursuits since students have more time to figure out what they are really interested in. 

How does a gap year affect students’ performance in college?

Studies from Australia and the UK reveal that students who took a gap year generally achieve higher academic performance in college compared to those who went straight to the next level of education. This improvement is particularly notable with students who experienced lower academic achievements in high school, as the gap year helps them develop skills like better study habits and a stronger work ethic. 

Are gap year students more likely to graduate with higher GPAs?

Yes, research shows that gap year students in both the UK and the US are more likely to graduate with higher GPAs than their peers who did not take a gap year. This suggests that the experiences and skills gained during this structured time off contribute to greater academic success — not to mention a more disciplined approach to studies. 

How does a gap year influence students’ career paths or academic majors?

Around 60% of gap year participants report that their experiences either set them on their current career path or confirmed their choice of academic major. This demonstrates the role of a gap year in providing students with the opportunity to explore different fields and gain practical experience. Rather than switching majors a few times before finding the right path, a gap year helps young adults make more informed decisions about their future careers. 

What are some psychological and behavioral benefits of taking a gap year?

Individuals who participate in a gap year often report increased maturity and self-reliance as a result of their break. They also tend to be more motivated when they do start college, showing better planning and task management skills. They even engage in more adaptive behaviors, having developed the skills necessary to respond to challenges. These psychological and behavioral benefits are critical for both personal development and academic success.

How common is taking a gap year in other countries?

In countries like Norway, Denmark, and Turkey, more than 50% of students take a year off before starting college. Several countries outside the United States encourage students to take a gap year, recognizing the value of taking time to gain experiences outside of the educational path.

What are the top reasons students choose to take a gap year?

There are a number of reasons that students choose to take a gap year, but one of the most common includes experiencing burnout from high school environments. The desire to learn more about themselves before committing to higher education paths is another reason many students opt for a year off before university. A gap year is a great time to recharge and gain new perspectives before returning to your studies with a clearer sense of purpose. 

How does taking a gap year impact employability?

A significant 88% of gap year graduates believe that their gap year significantly enhanced their employability. The skills and experiences gained during this time — such as adaptability, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication — are highly valued by employers and can set graduates apart in a competitive job market.