I don't know about City Year, but go ahead and take the gap year. You said you were already planning on taking it, so you'll regret it in your heart if you just go back to school right away. I agree with Crono, the debt is no laughing matter. I'd say it's better to take the time to really find yourself and cement your goals in life into your mind rather than go right back into schooling just so that you don't get out of the routine. That's my opinion anyways, although I don't have any lofty goals that require lots of schooling.