If you want to become a licensed real estate agent, taking classes at one of the best online real estate schools is the most convenient and cost-effective way to complete your pre-licensure education I compared over a dozen schools across the country based on affordability, course quality, availability, and other important factors to come up with this list of the 5 top online real estate schools for 2023
Why Take Real Estate Classes Online?
There are two main advantages to taking real estate classes online rather than in person
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Cost savings – Online classes are almost always cheaper than in-person classes. You’ll save money on things like textbooks, transportation, and classroom fees. Most online schools charge a few hundred dollars, while in-person classes can cost $500 or more.
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Convenience – With online classes, you can complete your coursework on your own schedule, anywhere you have an internet connection. No commuting or attending classes at set times each week. Learn at your own pace when it works for you.
Online real estate schools offer the same quality education as in-person schools. Many have excellent pass rates on the licensing exam. And you get the flexibility and cost savings of learning remotely.
How I Selected the Top Schools
I compared over a dozen highly-rated online real estate schools across the country. Here are the factors I looked at for each school:
- Availability – Which states does the school offer pre-licensing classes in?
- Course options – Does it offer exam prep, continuing education, post-licensing, etc?
- Accreditation – Is the school accredited? By whom?
- Pass rate – What is the school’s first-time licensing exam pass rate?
- Cost – How much do the courses cost compared to alternatives?
- Guarantee – Is there a pass guarantee or refund policy?
- Ease of use – Is the course interface modern, intuitive, and mobile-friendly?
Based on these criteria, these 5 online real estate schools stood out from the competition.
The Top 5 Online Real Estate Schools of 2023
1. The CE Shop
The CE Shop is my #1 pick for best online real estate school Here’s an overview
- Availability: Courses in all 50 states
- Accreditation: ARELLO
- Pass guarantee: Varies by state
- Cost: $199-$349 for most pre-licensing courses
They have a huge catalog of pre-licensing, exam prep, continuing education, and post-licensing courses. Their instructors are extremely knowledgeable. And their course platform is easy to use.
They’re a bit more expensive than some alternatives but totally worth it for the quality education. Use promo code DOTDASH30 to get 30% off your purchase.
2. Real Estate Express
Real Estate Express is another excellent choice with courses in many states:
- Availability: Courses in 49 states
- Accreditation: ARELLO
- Pass guarantee: Yes, in most states
- Cost: $199-$399 depending on state
Their courses are very comprehensive and they have great supplemental study tools like flashcards, practice exams, and webinars. I highly recommend them if The CE Shop doesn’t offer classes in your state.
3. Kaplan Real Estate
Kaplan has a long track record of online education:
- Availability: 29 states
- Accreditation: None
- Pass guarantee: No
- Cost: $249-$379 depending on state
Their courses involve live interaction with instructors – a good fit if you prefer scheduled classes. However, their prices are higher than some alternatives.
4. Aceable Agent
Aceable has some of the most affordable courses:
- Availability: 14 states
- Accreditation: Varies by state
- Pass guarantee: Yes, in most states
- Cost: $116-$199 depending on state
If you just need basic pre-licensing education on a tight budget, Aceable is a great option in the states where they operate.
5. Real Estate U
Real Estate U has the lowest prices on pre-licensing courses:
- Availability: 14 states
- Accreditation: ARELLO
- Pass guarantee: No
- Cost: $69-$199 depending on state
Again, it’s bare bones education. But if you just need to complete your hours for the lowest possible price, Real Estate U delivers.
Key Factors to Consider
Here are some important things to keep in mind when choosing an online real estate school:
- State availability – Make sure the school offers pre-licensing in your state.
- Accreditation – Look for ARELLO or IDECC accreditation for quality assurance.
- Pass rates – Schools with first-time exam pass rates of at least 70% are preferable.
- Cost – Compare course costs between schools for the best deal.
- Guarantee – Some schools offer pass guarantees or refunds if you fail.
- Course features – Consider supplements like flashcards, practice tests, ebooks, etc.
Doing thorough research before choosing a school will ensure you get quality education and pass the licensing exam on your first attempt.
How to Enroll in an Online Real Estate Course
Enrolling in online real estate classes only takes a few minutes:
- Compare schools and choose the one that best fits your needs.
- Visit the school’s website and click enroll or register.
- Provide your contact & payment info to complete enrollment.
- Take the course by accessing the online learning portal.
- Pass the licensing exam and start your career!
That’s all it takes to complete your pre-licensure education online. Just make sure to pick one of the top schools for the best experience.
Is an Online Real Estate School Right for You?
Online real estate classes provide an affordable, flexible way to earn your license without attending in-person classes. But they aren’t necessarily right for everyone.
Consider these pros and cons:
Pros
- Cheaper than in-person classes
- Learn on your own schedule
- Access courses anywhere online
Cons
- Less instructor interaction
- Requires self-motivation
- No in-person networking
If you’re disciplined and driven, online classes make the licensing process quicker and simpler. But if you prefer face-to-face instruction, traditional classes could be a better fit.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully this breakdown of the top real estate schools online has helped you identify the right pre-licensing program for your needs and budget.
I recommend The CE Shop as the best overall choice for most students because of their exceptional educational quality. But all of the schools on this list can fully prepare you to pass the licensing exam and launch an exciting career in real estate!
