How long to transfer from community college to university?

I'm at a community college and looking to transfer to a university. How long do people usually spend at community college before they make the switch? I'm trying to make the best decision for my path.

Typically, students spend around 2 years at a community college before transferring to a university to complete their bachelor's degree. This is because the first two years are usually dedicated to completing general education requirements and lower-division courses, which are equivalent to those taken in the first two years at a university.

Here's how it works in a nutshell: you'll complete an associate's degree (or equivalent credits), and then those credits get transferred towards your bachelor's degree at a university. This way, you ideally enter the university as a junior and spend another two years to complete your bachelor's degree.

However, the exact time can vary depending on several factors, such as how many classes you take each semester and whether you have any college credits already from high school Advanced Placement (AP) courses or similar programs.

It's a good idea to map out your course plan early, including knowing which courses are transferable to the universities you're interested in, to ensure you're on track for a timely transfer. You'll also want to pay attention to any prerequisites needed for your desired university major, as you'll mostly want to have them completed before you transfer.

Keep in mind that every student's situation can be different, so it's important to connect with academic advisors both at your community college and prospective universities to ensure you're meeting all requirements for a smooth transfer.