Vanguard Gap Year FAQs

We realize that a gap year is often an unanticipated "extra" in the higher education decision. That's why we work to offer several solutions to help decrease the cost and make your gap year experience more affordable. 

Any student can get the cost of Vanguard down to $11,000 through fundraising, a matching scholarship, and working at HoneyRock during the summer immediately following their gap year. 

The total cost without utilizing opportunities to decrease is $18,300. The cost of the program covers room and board, 8 transferable college credits, and all program trips and activities. 

Whether you've recently graduated from high school or are a year or two into college, we welcome your application! Generally, Vanguards are 17-20 years old. Most are recent high school graduates, but every year, we have one or two students who spent a semester or two at college. We want to note that you do not have to attend Wheaton College to participate in the Vanguard Gap Year program. 

Taking a purposeful gap year does not negatively impact your chances of admission into college. Higher education institutions see a gap year as giving students time to mature, explore their interests, and build life experience. Instead of admitting a student who will be learning how to navigate life away from home for the first time while managing a full course load, an Admissions Counselor would see an adjusted, independent, and motivated applicant.

Vanguard is built to help students grow in confidence, maturity, and focus. We give Vanguards the tools to clearly articulate their experience in college applications and interviews, which improves their admissions chances. 

• Provides an opportunity to self-assess and reflect on individual goals and direction
• Offers a chance to navigate life independently without the added stress and pressure of academics
• Explores areas of study beyond the limitations of high school curriculum
• Builds soft skills such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, teamwork, etc.
• Provides a nurturing environment to build up Christian faith
• Allows for thorough consideration of higher education options, including the choice of major, institution, and timeframe
• Helps you to grow into a more confident, mature, and focused individual
• Ensures that you learn to navigate life away from home before starting college
• Increases chances of you finding your purpose before making a significant investment in college
• Taking a gap year can increase degree completion rates.

According to the National Center for Education Studies, from 2011 to 2017, only 60% of students who began pursuing a bachelor's degree at a 4-year institution completed that degree (at the original institution) within 6 years. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center shares a slightly smaller stat: 58% of students will complete a degree within 6 years.