A Monte Carlo algorithm is designed to predict the average time to graduate by enrolling virtual students in a degree plan. The algorithm can be used to improve graduation rates by identifying bottlenecks in a degree plan (e.g., low pass rate courses and prerequisites). Random numbers are used to determine whether students pass or fail classes by comparing them to institutional pass rates. Courses cannot be taken unless prerequisites and corequisites are satisfied. The output of the algorithm generates a relative frequency distribution which plots the number of students who graduate by semester. Pass rates of courses can be changed to determine the courses that have the greatest impact on the time to graduate. Prerequisites can also be removed to determine whether certain prerequisites significantly affect the time to graduate.