However, it's important to note that the speed of completion often depends on factors like:
* Prior learning: Credit for prior learning (including college courses, military training, and work experience) can significantly shorten the time required.
* Program intensity: Accelerated programs, often requiring more intensive study, can condense the coursework into a shorter timeframe.
* Full-time vs. part-time study: Part-time students will naturally take longer to finish a degree.
So while an Associate's degree is generally considered the shortest *degree*, the actual time it takes to obtain one can vary considerably.