Without any context about the OP’s academic goals and his/her state of residency, it is difficult to make good suggestions. Relevant factors:
A. Does the state university in question offer the majors and programs that the OP wants to study?
B. Is the state university affordable, with no more loans than the federal direct loans?
C. Is there a good transfer pathway from the community college to the various state universities that offer what the OP wants to study?
D. How does the cost compare between starting at the state university and starting at a community college and then transferring to a state university?
@alooknac, I took OP’s comments that he’s considering cc for “financial reasons,” that he’s “paying for (college) (him)self,” and that he’s concerned about “racking up debt” to mean he has greater financial worries than just repaying the federal student loans.
The difference a gap year makes in this case, apart from finances, is because OP is so uncertain about what he wants to do. If he defers the state school, he can attend next year. That gives him a year to work and decide what he really wants. If he decides on a different plan during that year, all he has to do is inform the state school. If he decides the state school is what he wants, then the option is still open. A gap year may be a good option for him.
Adding a question to #20:
E. If the OP takes a gap year to work and earn money (not attend school), are there additional four year schools that s/he can apply as a frosh to that (a) s/he could get admitted to, (b) s/he could afford, © have the desired academic offerings, and (d) are more desirable than the current state university or start-at-community-college options?