Direct answer
How much does a Christian gap year cost?
Most Christian gap year and discipleship programs cost between $10,000 and $30,000+ a year in tuition, not including travel or personal expenses. Cross to Life is different: there's no tuition. Participants pay a $100/month training fee and earn $12,000+ over the year — a swing of roughly $20,000 to $40,000+ compared to a typical tuition-based program.
The comparison
Typical gap year vs. Cross to Life
| Typical Christian gap year | Cross to Life | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $10,000–$30,000+ per year | $0 — no tuition |
| Monthly fee | Varies by program | $100/month training fee |
| Housing | Sometimes included, often extra | Included |
| Meals | Sometimes included, often extra | Included, 3x daily |
| Transportation | Usually the family’s responsibility | Arranged for outings and errands |
| Pay to participant | None | $12,000+ per year |
| Net financial position (1 year) | −$10,000 to −$30,000+ | +$10,800 (after the training fee) |
"Typical" figures reflect general ranges reported across Christian gap year, discipleship, and Bible school programs and will vary by organization. See our full FAQ for specifics on Cross to Life.
Cost questions
Straight answers
Is Cross to Life really paid, or is that just marketing?
It's really paid. Participants earn $12,000+ per year, plus free housing, daily meals, and transportation for outings and errands. The only program fee is $100/month — there is no tuition.
What is the $100/month training fee for?
It teaches financial responsibility and helps cover training materials, outings, and miscellaneous expenses the camp incurs each month. Over a full year, it totals $1,200 — well under the $12,000+ participants earn.
How do I apply?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Visit the Apply page and you'll hear back from our team within two weeks.
Have more questions? Read the full FAQ or learn more about the program.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
See what $12,000+ a year could mean for your next step.
Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort are reviewed on a rolling basis.
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