How Many Years Is a Bachelor’s Degree: Factors That Impact Timing

A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree you earn in a specific college major. It’s the most common degree that high school students seek and the degree most often required for jobs in the United States. In fact, in 2023, 24.7 percent of workers had this four-year degree, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [1].

It typically takes between four and five years to complete a bachelor’s degree when you attend school full-time. However, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that 64 percent of students who started a bachelor’s degree program in 2014 completed their degree in 2020, after six years of schooling [2].

The total time it takes you to earn your bachelor’s degree can. If you're able to attend school full-time and successfully transfer previously earned college credits, you may be able to graduate in less than four years. Explore some of the factors that can accelerate—or extend—getting to graduation.

How many years is a bachelor's degree: 7 factors that could impact your timeline

Many factors can affect your completion date, including finances, schedules, and credits earned during high school. A clear understanding of these factors can help you better plan for your future.

1. Full-time vs. part-time status

One of the biggest factors that weigh into your degree timetable is whether you attend college full-time or part-time. This tends to be a personal decision that you'll make based on your availability and commitments. For example, if you're working a full-time job, you may only have time to dedicate to school after hours or on weekends. 

If you want to potentially finish your degree in four years, it's important to commit to a full-time course of study. If, however, you have other responsibilities and cannot dedicate the majority of your time to school, enroll as a part-time student. The timeline in which you'll finish depends on the number of courses you can take each semester.

Tip: To earn a bachelor’s degree in four years, you’d typically need to take 15 credits (roughly five courses) a semester. However, if you increase your course load each semester or take summer classes, you could shorten your degree completion time.

Discuss the pros and cons with your counselor to avoid overwhelming yourself with classes, and ask them for suggestions regarding class combinations that make the most sense.

2. Finances

In the US, federal financial aid options are usually available to obtain your degree in a timely manner. It may be financially lucrative to budget for your degree by working as you study, but that choice could extend your timeline.

Did you know? A baccalaureate degree is another name for a bachelor's degree.

3. Special degree programs

Some universities offer special degree programs, like accelerated bachelor's or dual degrees. An accelerated bachelor's degree allows you to earn your degree in less than four years but requires intensive coursework. A dual degree, on the other hand, makes it possible to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time than it would take to earn each one individually.

If either of these options interests you, research possible programs to see what's available in your area.

4. AP classes

Many high schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses for students who want to get ahead in their college education. These courses may apply toward college credit and can shorten the number of years it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree.

As of December 2024, 39 AP classes are available to high school students [3]. If you already know what you plan to major in, take subjects that align with your potential major. For example, if you plan on becoming a pre-med student, you can take AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1 and 2, and AP Calculus. If each of these classes counts for three credits, you could enter college with 15 approved credits, which is about a semester’s worth of higher education.

Speak with your school advisor or guidance counselor to learn more about advancement opportunities available in your school.

5. CLEP exams

You can also take College Level Examination Programs, or CLEP exams, through the College Board to demonstrate your understanding of introductory college subjects. If you pass an exam, you can earn college credit. Some colleges and universities accept CLEP results, while others prefer AP courses, so it's best to check with an advisor about your options.

6. Transferring schools

Many students earn their associate degree at a community college before transferring to a bachelor's degree program at a four-year institution. Other students start at one institution before learning they're more interested in another.

In either case, plan accordingly. Each school has a predetermined course load for its degree programs, so be sure your new school recognizes your courses to prevent losing credits.

7. Changing majors

Much like transferring schools, changing majors can influence the progress of your degree completion. The number of bachelor's degree students who change their major continues to rise, according to the US Department of Education [4]. Despite that popularity, changing your major can extend your time in school. Speak with an advisor about what impact, if any, changing your major might have on your timeline and determine if the change is convenient for you.

Get started with a bachelor's degree on Coursera

Many different factors—like your financial situation, how many classes you take, and if you change majors—can influence how many years it may take you to earn a bachelor's degree. Enroll in an online bachelor's degree program offered by a leading college or university, and earn your degree from the comfort of your home. Consider options like the Bachelor of Science in Marketing offered by the University of London or the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences offered by the University of North Texas.