How long do you have to go college be a judge?

The educational path to become a judge varies by jurisdiction, but in the United States, the most common path is to earn a bachelor's degree, then a law degree (Juris Doctor, or J.D.), and finally serve as a law clerk for a judge or in another legal setting. Depending on the jurisdiction, the total amount of formal education required to become a judge can take anywhere from 7 years (bachelor's degree + J.D.) to over 10 years (bachelor's degree + J.D. + clerkship).