* Type of degree: An associate's degree typically takes 2 years, a bachelor's degree 4 years, a master's degree 1-2 years (sometimes longer), and a doctoral degree 4-7 years (or even longer).
* Credit hours per semester/term: Full-time students generally take a full course load, but part-time students take fewer courses, extending the time to graduation.
* Academic performance: Students who need to retake courses will take longer to graduate.
* Institution type: Some institutions offer accelerated programs, allowing students to complete their degrees faster. Others may have stricter requirements that extend the timeframe.
* Major: Some majors are more demanding and require more coursework, potentially lengthening the time to graduation.
* Transfer credits: Students who transfer credits from another institution may shorten their overall time to degree completion.
In short, there's no single answer. While a bachelor's degree is often *planned* for four years, it's not uncommon for students to graduate in 3-5 years, or even longer depending on the factors listed above.