* Degree pursued: An associate's degree typically takes two years, while a bachelor's degree usually takes four years. Master's degrees can take 1-3 years, and doctoral degrees can take 5-7 years or even longer.
* Course load: Students who take a full course load (typically 12-18 credit hours per semester) will graduate faster than those who take fewer classes.
* Major: Some majors require more coursework than others, impacting the time to graduation. Engineering and pre-med programs, for example, often require more time.
* Transfer credits: Students who transfer credits from another institution may shorten their time in college.
* Academic performance: Students who need to repeat courses will extend their time in college.
* Part-time vs. full-time study: Part-time students naturally take longer to complete their degrees.
* Gap years or breaks: Taking time off from college will extend the overall time spent.
In short, there's no single answer. It could range from two years to well over a decade depending on the individual's circumstances.