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Top 5 Real Estate Schools Online in 2024

Choosing the right real estate school is crucial for your career, and it’s important to thoroughly research your options and understand what each course offers. While there are countless real estate schools available, only a select few stand out for their exceptional education and comprehensive support in preparing you to obtain your real estate license.

At Smart Agent Alliance, we are committed to guiding new agents in launching successful careers. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the leading online real estate schools in the US. Our detailed analysis covers the offerings of each school, their course delivery methods, and a balanced view of the advantages and disadvantages of studying with each one.

Our Top 5 Real Estate School Selections

Top 5 Real Estate Schools Online by State

California

Florida

Illinois

Michigan

Missouri

Ohio

Oklahoma

Texas

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Aceable Agent Logo

AceableAgent

SmartAgentAlliance Score: A+
Top Feature: Ability to study on the go with the mobile app

Why We Chose It:

AceableAgent has quickly become a favorite among students due to its modern approach and flexibility. It is exclusively focused on real estate education, offering courses for every step of a real estate career, from pre-licensing to continuing education and career advancement. The courses are state-approved and designed to be accessible from any device, providing students with the flexibility to study anywhere.

Overview:

AceableAgent offers three pre-licensing packages, all of which include the required coursework. The courses are fully online and accessible via desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. This accessibility is one of AceableAgent’s standout features, allowing students to study on the go. Courses are developed by experienced professionals and are accredited by ARELLO. Additionally, AceableAgent is known for its interactive coursework, which helps students grasp and retain information effectively.

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Why AceableAgent is Great for Pre-Licensing:

AceableAgent’s pre-licensing courses are available in multiple states, ensuring they meet state-specific requirements. The courses include engaging video lectures, interactive content, and practice exams to help students prepare effectively for their licensing exams. AceableAgent offers a satisfaction guarantee and provides career resources to help new agents start their careers successfully.

User Experiences and Feedback:

Students have reported that AceableAgent’s courses are particularly user-friendly, with a modern interface that makes navigation easy. The mobile app is highly rated for its convenience, allowing users to study during commutes or breaks. The interactive content, including quizzes and video explanations, has been praised for making complex topics easier to understand. Additionally, AceableAgent’s customer service, though sometimes slow, is generally helpful and responsive to student needs.

Pro's and Cons of AceableAgent

To view their current pricing for pre-licensing, first click this linked button, then under “Choose Your State to Learn More” click on the drop down menu to select your state. If it is not listed, click on browse all at the bottom of the drop down menu.

The CE Shop Logo

The CE Shop

SmartAgentAlliance Score: A
Top Feature: Course is easy to follow, high pass rates among students

Why We Chose It: The CE Shop offers a variety of real estate education options with an interactive and inquiry-based approach in their studying methods. While their focus is mainly on continuing education, they also provide excellent pre-licensing courses, exam prep, and post-licensing education. Their courses are accredited by ARELLO and have received numerous awards for their educational programs.

Overview: The CE Shop’s pre-licensing courses can be taken in 34 states, through four different course packages: Courses Only, Standard Package, Value Package, and Premium Package. Every package comes with business ebooks, career resources, downloadable resources, real estate glossary, digital flashcards, study schedules, and access to instructor-led webinars. Students have praised the course content for being easy to follow and highly informative, which has led to high pass rates.

Why The CE Shop is Great for Pre-Licensing: The CE Shop’s pre-licensing courses emphasize real-world applications with scenario-based learning. This approach helps students apply their knowledge to practical situations they will face in their real estate careers. Additionally, The CE Shop provides an exam prep edge program that offers additional practice tests and study aids to ensure students are well-prepared for their licensing exams.

User Experiences and Feedback: The CE Shop is well-regarded for its robust customer support and comprehensive resources. The ability to access instructor-led webinars provides an additional layer of support and interaction, which can be particularly beneficial for students who need more guidance. The frequent promotions and discounts make it a cost-effective option for many. Students appreciate the clear and structured study schedules, which help them stay on track and complete the course efficiently.

Pro's and Cons of The CE Shop

To view their current pricing for pre-licensing, first click this linked button, then under the main heading select “Real Estate” then fill in your State, Education, and License type (Your State, Pre-Licencing, Sales-Licencing)

Colibri Logo, a bird with two wings

Colibri Real Estate

SmartAgentAlliance Score: A
Top Feature: Affordable and comprehensive study materials

Why We Chose It: Colibri Real Estate is known for its affordability and thorough course materials. It provides excellent support to students preparing for their exams and offers a range of courses that cater to different learning needs. Colibri courses are designed to be clear and easy to understand, making them a great choice for budget-conscious students.

Overview: Colibri Real Estate offers various online courses with comprehensive study materials. The courses are designed to prepare students effectively for their licensing exams, with detailed support and resources. The pricing is competitive, making it an accessible option for many students.

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Why Colibri Real Estate is Great for Pre-Licensing: Colibri Real Estates’ pre-licensing courses include interactive study tools such as flashcards, practice tests, and exam simulators. The courses are state-approved and designed to meet all the requirements for licensure. Colibri also offers a “pass or don’t pay” guarantee, ensuring students can retake the course if they don’t pass the exam on the first try. They also provide a career starter guide to help new agents transition smoothly into their real estate careers.

User Experiences and Feedback: Colibri Real Estate has a strong reputation for providing value for money. The comprehensive study materials are frequently updated to reflect the latest industry standards and practices. Students have noted that the detailed exam preparation support, including practice exams and study guides, is particularly helpful for passing the state licensing exams. The school’s customer support, though sometimes slow, is knowledgeable and helpful in resolving issues.

Pro's and Cons of Colibri Real Estate

To view their current pricing for pre-licensing, first click this linked button, then click either “View Online Packages” or “View Livestream Packages” depending on what your looking for. (This link is to their Pre-Licensing courses, however they have other course types as well)

Real Estate U Logo

RealEstateU

SmartAgentAlliance Score: A-
Top Feature: Most affordable courses available

Why We Chose It: RealEstateU is known for its affordability and straightforward approach to real estate education. The audio-based courses are perfect for students who prefer to study on the go. The courses are designed to be simple yet effective, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious students.

Overview: RealEstateU offers audio lectures that can be accessed on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. The courses are divided into chapters with related key terms, infographics, and quizzes to reinforce learning. Students can take the final exam online and receive a certificate of completion upon passing. The courses are highly affordable, often available at discounted rates.

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Why RealEstateU is Great for Pre-Licensing: RealEstateU’s pre-licensing courses are tailored for various states, ensuring compliance with state-specific regulations. The audio-based format is ideal for students who prefer auditory learning, and the courses are designed to be flexible and convenient. RealEstateU also offers an online exam prep course to help students prepare for their licensing exam and includes a detailed course completion timeline to keep students on track.

User Experiences and Feedback: RealEstateU’s unique audio-based approach allows students to study hands-free, making it convenient for those with busy schedules. The courses are structured to be easy to follow, with clear explanations and relevant examples. Students appreciate the flexibility to listen to lectures while commuting or during other activities. The affordable pricing, coupled with frequent discounts, makes RealEstateU an attractive option for many.

Pro's and Cons of RealEstateU

To view their current pricing for pre-licensing, first click this linked button, then click “Real Estate License” and fill in your state and the type of real estate education you are looking for (Your State,  Get Your License)

360 Training Logo

360 Training

SmartAgentAlliance Score: B-
Top Feature: Budget-friendly with flexible study options

Why We Chose It: 360 Training Real Estate School offers affordable pricing and comprehensive content, making it an attractive option for students on a budget. The courses are designed to be straightforward and easy to understand, providing a solid foundation for exam preparation.

Overview: 360 Training offers basic and premium course packages, both of which are fully online and can be accessed anytime. The courses are text-based and come with customer support available seven days a week. While the materials are simple and easy to understand, some students have reported issues with the software and customer service.

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Why 360 Training is Great for Pre-Licensing: 360 Training’s pre-licensing courses are available for various states and include all necessary coursework to meet state requirements. The courses are structured to be self-paced, allowing students to complete them on their own schedule. Additionally, 360 Training provides exam prep courses and practice tests to help students prepare for the state licensing exam. They also offer a study planner tool to help students organize their study schedule effectively.

User Experiences and Feedback: 360 Training Real Estate School is noted for its budget-friendly pricing and straightforward course design. The self-paced format is particularly beneficial for students who need flexibility in their study schedules. The text-based materials, while simple, are comprehensive and cover all necessary topics for the licensing exams. The school also offers ongoing customer support to assist students throughout their course.

Pro's and Cons of 360Training

To view their current pricing for pre-licensing, first click this linked button, then choose your State from the dropdown menu on the right of “Get Certified In:” and click “Continue” you will see the prices on the next screen.

Methodology for Our Reviews

Our Review Process:

At SmartAgentAlliance, our goal is to provide accurate and helpful reviews of online real estate schools to assist prospective real estate agents in making informed decisions. Our review process involves several key steps:

Research and Data Collection:

We begin by gathering comprehensive information about each real estate school, including course offerings, pricing, accreditation, and user reviews. This involves visiting the schools’ websites, reading third-party reviews, and gathering feedback from current and former students.

Evaluation Criteria:

Our evaluation is based on several important criteria, including:

    • Course Quality:

      We assess the content and structure of the courses to ensure they cover all necessary topics comprehensively and are easy to follow.

    • Accessibility:

      We evaluate the flexibility and accessibility of the courses, including the availability of mobile apps and study materials.

    • Pass Rates:

      We consider the pass rates of students who have completed the courses and taken the licensing exam.

    • Student Support:

      We look at the level of support provided to students, including access to instructors, customer service, and additional resources like study guides and practice exams.

    • Pricing:

      We compare the cost of the courses relative to the value they offer, including any discounts or payment plans available.

    • User Feedback:

      We gather and analyze feedback from students who have taken the courses to get an understanding of their experiences and satisfaction levels.

Scoring and Ranking:

Each school is scored based on the evaluation criteria, and an overall score is calculated. The scores are then used to rank the schools, with additional considerations given to standout features that may set a school apart from the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a pre-licensing course?

A pre-licensing course is a state-required educational program that prospective real estate agents must complete before they can take the real estate licensing exam. These courses cover fundamental topics in real estate, including property laws, real estate practices, and ethics.

How long does it take to complete a pre-licensing course?

The duration varies depending on the state requirements and the pace at which the student completes the coursework. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Are these online real estate schools accredited?

Yes, the schools reviewed here are accredited by relevant real estate regulatory bodies such as ARELLO and state real estate commissions, ensuring the courses meet state requirements for licensure.

Can I study for the real estate license exam on my mobile device?

Yes, many online real estate schools, such as AceableAgent, offer mobile apps or mobile-friendly platforms that allow students to study on the go.

Do these courses include exam preparation materials?

Yes, most of the courses reviewed include exam preparation materials such as practice exams, flashcards, and study guides to help students prepare for the state licensing exam.

What support is available if I have questions during the course?

Support varies by school but generally includes access to instructors via email or chat, customer service support, and sometimes live webinars or Q&A sessions.

Why Join Smart Agent Alliance at eXp Realty?

At Smart Agent Alliance, we offer unparalleled support and resources to new agents. As part of the Wolf Pack at eXp Realty, you’ll benefit from:

SAA License PAge

Smart Agent Alliance Benefits:

At Smart Agent Alliance, we prioritize organization, clarity, and efficiency to help our agents succeed. We provide essential onboarding resources, customizable presentations, business automations, client checklists, business assets, social media content, YouTube support, a growth plan, quality lead generation, production know-how, website support, and top-notch organizational tools.

WP License PAge

Wolf Pack Benefits:

The Wolf Pack team at eXp Realty offers expert-led courses like Social Agent Academy 3.0, the Wolf Pack Hub, and the Investor Army for property flipping. We provide tailored assistance for new agents, developing agents, top producers, team leaders, and broker owners. Key resources include lead generation, production know-how, social media content, and YouTube support.

eXp License PAge

eXp Realty Benefits:

eXp Realty offers a comprehensive range of benefits for agents, focusing on top pay structures, low fees, and free stock options. Agents get an 80/20 commission splits that cap at $16,000 annually, with opportunities to earn 100% commission, receive annual stock awards and gain income through Revenue Share. Additional resources include 24/7 agent support, affordable healthcare, live training, and advanced tech tools like kvCORE and customizable IDX websites.