Deferred Admission

Deferred (Gap Year) Enrollment at Albion College

Deferred enrollment can offer valuable learning and growth outside the classroom before beginning your Albion journey. We welcome students to explore a gap semester or gap year and will work to accommodate reasonable requests.

Learn more about taking a Gap Year with Verto Education

 How It Works

  • Apply as a first-year. When admitted, the default assumption is that you’ll enroll in the fall term for which you applied.
  • Request a deferral. Notify your admission counselor, or the Office of Admission, about your intent to defer. A deferral request form will be added to your Briton Bound Account. Submit the deferral request form by August 1 for fall entry consideration.
  • Decision timeline. The Office of Admission will review your request and notify you within 7–10 days.
  • Keep your spot. If approved for deferral, an enrollment deposit is required to hold your place in the class.

 Scholarships & Financial Aid

  • Guaranteed Merit Scholarships: Admitted students are eligible for guaranteed merit scholarships ranging from $30,000–$42,000 per year (renewable, based on continued eligibility).
  • Honoring awards after a deferral: Albion merit scholarships are typically honored for up to one year.
  • Need-based aid: Students taking a full gap year will need to reapply for need-based aid by filing the FAFSA for the new academic year.

Taking Courses Elsewhere During a Gap

Students who defer may pursue classes at another institution during their gap term(s). Transferability of any credits is subject to Albion’s transfer credit policies and departmental evaluation. We’ll work with you to understand how outside coursework may apply to your Albion degree. As a first step, please view our transfer credit guides.

Staying Connected

We’ll stay in touch during your gap experience with next steps for onboarding and orientation so your transition to Albion—whether in spring or the following fall—is smooth and well-supported.

Interested in Direct Admission?

Albion offers a Direct Admit program. Learn more and get started at albion.edu/admission/direct-admit.

Questions?

Please contact Travis Tekiele ’13 in Admission at [email protected] or via phone at 517-629-0321, and we’ll be glad to help you plan a deferral that fits your goals.

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