How many years would a actor need to be in college

Actors, male and female, are all different. Many actors do not have a college degree, and many do. Most of us actors will suggest you have another skill, too.

Acting is often a difficult way to make a living. So, if you choose a four-year college either study theatre AND teaching, or theatre AND English. Then you can become a Drama Teacher if your acting career isn't paying or a substitute teacher in English. It is also advisable to study business. Half is Show Business is about 80% to 90% business and 10 to 20% "show".

Then there are 2-year programs for actors, at "technical" schools. You can to these and receive a AA in Theatre, then get your BA at a college or university.

Finally, do as much theatre as you can. The strongest actors often started with theatre before going to film and television.