Bridging the Gap (Year) Without Breaking the Bank
A gap year is now the norm for most pre med students, but it comes with real financial tradeoffs. This article explains why gap years are so common, what they typically cost, and how to plan your money and loans so the extra year strengthens your application without hurting your long term finances.
Juno Team
Feb 09, 2026
Taking a gap year before medical school has quietly shifted from being the exception to being the norm. Every year, the AAMC surveys medical school matriculants, with more than 15,000 students responding annually. Over time, the data has shown a steady increase in the percentage of students who take at least one gap year before starting medical school.
In 2025, only 27% of medical school matriculants came directly from undergrad. That means roughly 8,000 students nationwide entered medical school straight from undergrad. To put that in context, each year, there are around 100,000 pre med seniors. More than 50,000 of them make a serious attempt to get into medical school, whether by taking the MCAT, applying through AMCAS, or both. Of those who try to get into med school, only about 15% are accepted directly out of undergrad.
Financially and strategically, this creates a tough reality. If you are accepted into medical school, it is rarely advisable to delay matriculation purely for financial reasons. Becoming a physician one year earlier almost always outweighs what you can earn or save during a gap year, with a one year delay in starting your career as a doctor coming with an opportunity cost of $250-374K. But for roughly 85% of pre med seniors who attempt to get into medical school, a gap year is not a choice, it is unavoidable.
What students actually do during a gap year varies
Many students enroll in post baccalaureate or special masters programs to improve their GPA, complete missing prerequisites, or demonstrate academic readiness as a career changer. These programs are attractive because some offer direct linkage or strong placement into medical schools, which can materially improve acceptance odds.
Many students enroll in post baccalaureate or special masters programs to improve their GPA, complete missing prerequisites, or demonstrate academic readiness as a career changer. These programs are attractive because some offer direct linkage or strong placement into medical schools, which can materially improve acceptance odds.
Others work as medical scribes through companies like ScribeAmerica or ProScribe. Scribing offers paid clinical exposure, strengthens applications, and builds relevant experience without adding tuition costs.
International volunteer programs are also common. These experiences can enhance a resume and personal narrative, but they can be surprisingly expensive. Finally, some students work with nonprofits like AmeriCorps or Teach for America, pursue research roles through organizations like the NIH, or focus on shadowing and research opportunities, which are often unpaid but valuable.
International volunteer programs are also common. These experiences can enhance a resume and personal narrative, but they can be surprisingly expensive. Finally, some students work with nonprofits like AmeriCorps or Teach for America, pursue research roles through organizations like the NIH, or focus on shadowing and research opportunities, which are often unpaid but valuable.
The costs of a gap year can add up quickly
Post baccalaureate and special masters programs typically range from $15,000 to $75,000, depending on the institution, location, and cost of living. International volunteer programs may start around $500 for a short one to two week trip, but longer programs of six to ten weeks often cost $7,000 to $9,000. These figures frequently exclude airfare, vaccinations, and other required expenses.
Post baccalaureate and special masters programs typically range from $15,000 to $75,000, depending on the institution, location, and cost of living. International volunteer programs may start around $500 for a short one to two week trip, but longer programs of six to ten weeks often cost $7,000 to $9,000. These figures frequently exclude airfare, vaccinations, and other required expenses.
Research opportunities vary widely. Some offer stipends, while others do not. Shadowing is almost always unpaid.
On top of gap year program costs, applying to medical school itself is expensive
The MCAT, prep courses, tutoring, primary applications, secondary applications, and interview travel add up fast. For the 2026 cycle, the AMCAS application fee is $175 for the first school and $47 for each additional school. When interview travel and prep costs are included, many students spend around $8,000 just to apply.
On top of gap year program costs, applying to medical school itself is expensive
The MCAT, prep courses, tutoring, primary applications, secondary applications, and interview travel add up fast. For the 2026 cycle, the AMCAS application fee is $175 for the first school and $47 for each additional school. When interview travel and prep costs are included, many students spend around $8,000 just to apply.
Given those numbers, financial planning during a gap year matters
Three principles matter more than almost anything else.
First, live within your means. Second, maximize your chances of getting accepted after one gap year. Third, as long as it does not compromise acceptance odds, try to work at least part time or pursue paid roles like scribing while improving your profile.
That second point is critical. Roughly 40% of students who take a gap year AND get into medical school end up taking two or more gap years. Sometimes this is because a post bacc program lasts longer than a year. Sometimes it is because a student needs more time to raise their GPA, MCAT, or overall competitiveness. And sometimes it is simply because medical school admissions are extremely competitive, even with a gap year.
Beyond budgeting for the year itself, there are longer term financial considerations that are easy to overlook. Your credit profile matters more than most pre med students realize. With new limitations being applied to federal student loans starting in the 2026 to 2027 school year, private loans will play a larger role for many students. Private lenders underwrite based on credit history, not just future earning potential.
That means having a credit card in your own name, building on time payment history, and not relying solely on being an authorized user on someone else’s account. These steps can materially affect your loan terms later. Interest rates, deferment options during residency, and overall borrower friendliness vary widely across lenders. Shopping around matters.
One way to do that more effectively is by joining a negotiation based group like Juno’s medical school loan group. By pooling medical students together, Juno uses collective bargaining power to negotiate better rates and more flexible terms with lenders, including deferment during medical school and residency.
The right gap year decision depends on your readiness, your competitiveness, and your finances. For most students, the goal should not be to take a gap year, but to use one efficiently if it is necessary. Done intentionally, a gap year can strengthen your application without derailing your financial future. Done poorly, it can quietly become the most expensive year of your medical training, before medical school even begins.
Written By
Juno Team
Juno came into existence to help students save money on student loans and other financial products through group buying power by negotiating with lenders. The Juno Team has worked with 200,000+ students and families to help them save money.
