The unemployment rate right now is really low - this is a particularly good year to use a gap year to save up. Beyond reducing loans needed for freshman year, the summer between sophomore and junior year the student would have a better chance at landing a well paid co-op with a successful year of employment already under their belt. There are a lot of resorts (even year round ones) that have dorms for workers. The social skills they get their first year of college (getting along with others, managing time and responsibilities) are all being developed and with no risk to gpa and no outlay for tuition. If you aren’t financially ready, don’t put yourself or your student in a hole. A working gap year lets them grow and gives them not only a good financial foundation, but also helps develop skills they need to be successful at school, too.