How long are semesters in college usually?

I'm trying to plan ahead for college and set some expectations about how the schedule works. Can anyone share how long a typical college semester lasts? I've heard different things about semester lengths and how breaks fit into the schedule. Are there any differences between how semesters work in state schools versus private colleges? I'm hoping to get a sense of the academic calendar so I can start figuring out what my school year might look like!

The length of a college semester can vary based on the school and the type of academic calendar they follow. However, a typical semester-based calendar in many colleges, whether public or private, usually lasts about 15-16 weeks, including instruction and exam periods.

The academic year generally starts in late August or early September for the fall semester, which usually ends in mid-December. The spring semester typically begins in January and ends around mid-May. During the semester, there is usually a week-long break known as "midterm break" or "spring break".

There can be variations based on the institution. For instance, some colleges operate on a quarter system, where the academic year is divided into four equal parts (fall, winter, spring, and summer), each about 10 to 12 weeks long.

Also, remember there can be variations based on the country. For instance, in many European countries, the academic year usually starts in October and ends in June, with a substantial break in the summer.

Always make sure to check an institution's specific academic calendar since the start dates, break schedules, and end dates can vary. It's also important to look at the possible dates of midterms and finals, as these are significant parts of your semester schedule.