English classes tend to have lots of little papers and one larger paper.

Pysch classes tend to have a couple smaller papers and then the same final you are talking about: 48 hours to do a 10-page or several 3-5 page papers.

Science classes tend to require three 10-pagers during the year.

But, as you said: it is going to depend upon the college and the subject. LOTS of variables. But, most classes are going to require one research paper each semester. That means a student will be writing three or four of them, minimum, a semester!