Cost
Cost of the Vanguard Gap Year: 2026-2027
If a Vanguard takes full advantage of the opportunities to reduce program cost, the total out-of-pocket program cost is $18,865.
There's no way around it: a gap year is a significant investment. College? Even more so.
Students who have completed a gap year are more motivated and disciplined in their academic pursuits. Too many students use valuable time in college just learning how to navigate life away from home. Instead of focusing on classes, extra-curriculars, and building healthy relationships, they're learning how to balance time demands, developing realistic expectations and boundaries, and taking extra classes trying to determine their major.
While Vanguard is an investment, it prepares students to jump into college with a purpose, knowing who they are and where they want to go.
Program Costs
| Program Deposit | $300 |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | $9,778 |
| Spring Semester | $9,778 |
| Total Program Costs | $19,865 |
Additional Information: Vanguard Program Costs
- Deposit: A $300 deposit (nonrefundable after May 1) confirms enrollment. After successful completion of the program, all bills being paid, this deposit will be refunded.
Decrease the Cost of Your Gap Year
Summer Staff at HoneyRock
Incredible community, meaningful work, beautiful place...it's the best way to spend a summer!
Estimated Indirect Costs
The costs may be greater or lower depending on the individual situation.
Listed below are the estimated indirect costs that a participant could incur that are outside of the program cost.
We strongly encourage each Vanguard to have a debit card that parents can access and monitor. This allows Vanguards to learn how to budget their living expenses over the course of one year.
- Personal expenses/miscellaneous = $1,000
Includes but not limited to laundry, snacks, dinner in town, movie, etc... - Transportation = $600
Traveling to and from HoneyRock during Christmas and pre-summer breaks. - Total Estimated Indirect Costs = $1,600
Sign up and stay in the loop! Hear from our leadership, read stories from past Vanguards, and learn about unique distinctives Vanguard offers high school graduates.