* Type of degree: An associate's degree typically takes 2 years, a bachelor's degree 4 years, a master's degree 1-2 years (often after a bachelor's), and a doctoral degree 4-7 years (or even longer).
* Course load: Full-time students generally complete their degrees faster than part-time students. Full-time often means taking a minimum number of credits per semester or term.
* Institution: Some institutions offer accelerated programs that allow students to graduate sooner. Others may have stricter requirements that extend the time to graduation.
* Major: Some majors require more coursework or have prerequisites that extend the length of study.
* Student's pace: Individual student learning styles and time management skills significantly affect how quickly they progress.
* Transfer credits: Students who transfer credits from previous institutions can potentially shorten their degree completion time.
In short, there's no single answer. A reasonable estimate for a bachelor's degree is 4 years full-time, but it could be shorter or longer depending on the factors listed above.