Do most people finish college in 5 years?

Hey everyone, I just wanted to get a sense of the average timeline for finishing a degree. Is it typical for individuals to finish up their college degree in around 5 years? Does the time taken typically differ based on major or institution? Looking for any advice or experiences.

The average completion time for a bachelor's degree really depends on various factors. Traditionally, many people aim to complete their four-year degree within four years of enrollment, but it's also very common for college students to take five or more years. This happens due to a variety of reasons.

For example, the completion time can extend for some students if they are enrolled part-time, if they change majors, if they take a gap semester, or if they need to meet additional requirements for their degree. Importantly, the timeline can also vary based on the specific major or program. Some degree programs, especially those in technical fields or those with a large number of core requirements, might take longer to complete.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, as of Fall 2018, about 41% of students who started at a 4-year institution in 2017 completed a bachelor's degree at the same institution within four years, and about 65% did so within six years. This indicates that a significant number of students take more than the traditional four years to complete their degrees.

So, while a five-year timeline might not be the most typical, it's certainly not uncommon. It ultimately depends on your personal situation and academic goals.