Is it normal to finish college in five or six years?

No, it's not considered "normal" to finish a four-year college degree in five or six years in the sense that it's outside the typical timeframe. However, it's becoming increasingly common and is far from unusual or exceptional. Many factors contribute to students taking longer than four years:

* Changing Majors: Students often switch majors, requiring them to retake some courses or take additional electives.

* Part-time Study: Working while studying significantly extends the time to graduation.

* Financial Aid Issues: Dealing with financial aid applications and appeals can cause delays.

* Personal Circumstances: Illness, family emergencies, or other personal issues can interrupt studies.

* Academic Challenges: Some students need more time to master the material, leading to repeated courses or slower progress.

While four years is the *expected* timeframe, five or six years is not necessarily a cause for concern unless there are underlying issues preventing timely progress. It's important to focus on graduating and achieving academic goals, rather than being fixated on a specific timeframe.