I believe most schools will be in person. Some have gotten that down, this year.

Between increased availability of testing and the vaccines, I believe they will figure it out, in part because they lose SO much money when kids are not on campus.

Schools should tell you if deferring a year has scholarship implications.

DD was accepted early into a safety and got their biggest scholarship; I read the letter and they make it clear the money is contingent upon Fall 2021 enrollment.

I don't think most schools will be completely on line next fall - I mean it's possible if the new strain is resistant to the vaccines, but I expect most schools to be open.

If you defer, most schools will not allow you to enroll in another college for credit.

I know that no one has a crystal ball, but if you know your DC's chosen college is entirely online next year, what would you do? I am thinking about suggesting my DD defer and complete several gen ed courses at a local community college (online) since paying $30k+ to do these classes from home -- without meeting teachers or classmates -- seems like a waste. For those that have deferred (for Covid or other reasons), do you give up scholarship money?