Bad Credit on Credit Report..How long?

What is the name of your state? Mississippi

How long does bad credit stay on your credit report? Would you have to file bankruptcy adn wait 7 years to start over...or is there any way that a consumer can get past bad credit caused by college stupidity?

heres what i could find on one of my credit websites i visit

Miss
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)
Open Acct.: 3
Written Contract: 3
UCC: 6
Domestic Judgment: 7
Foreign Judgment: 7 (3 if resident)

BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY)
On checks up to and including $25.00, additional damages would be 100% of check amount. On checks from $25.01 to $200.00, additional damages would be 50% of check amount but not less than $25.00. On checks over $200.00 additional damages would be 25% of check amount.

GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS
See federal law.

COLLECTION AGENCY BOND & LICENSE
Bond: No
License: City-Business
Fee: $15-$50