Does a gap year delay student loans?

If I take a gap year before starting college, will it have any impact on the timeline for my student loans? I'm trying to figure out if they start accruing interest or are deferred during that time.

If you've already taken out student loans and then decide to take a gap year before starting college, your loans may start accruing interest depending on the type of loan. Here's why:

For Federal Direct Subsidized Loans, the government pays the interest while you’re in school at least half-time, and during deferment periods, which would include your gap year if you've already been accepted to a college and deferred your admission.

On the other hand, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans begin accruing interest as soon as the loan is taken out. This interest will accumulate and be added to the principal balance of your loan while you're in your gap year.

So, your gap year wouldn't really delay your student loans per se, but it could potentially alter when interest begins accruing, specifically for the Unsubsidized Loans. However, it's important to remember that until you actually start college, you won't need to begin repaying those loans.

It's always a good idea to discuss your situation with your financial aid office or loan servicer to get the most accurate information for your specific case. They can provide you with the best advice based on your individual loan situation.