5 Best Real Estate Schools for 2024
Aceable Agent is the editor’s best choice for real estate education due to its course offerings, including continuing education, post-licensing, and professional development.
With 14 pre-licensing courses available, it caters to various learning preferences, offering online and self-paced PDF courses.
Its innovative approach, user-friendly platform, and focus on real-world application make it a top choice for aspiring and practicing real estate professionals.
Real estate is a good industry for go-getters with positive attitudes.
Top agents can earn big salaries and even start their businesses. The average annual pay for a real estate agent in the United States is $85,793.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of real estate agent and broker jobs is projected to increase by 3% between 2022 and 2032.
Still, building a successful real estate career is more work than many people imagine.
Real estate might be the right career for you if you love challenges, negotiations, and helping people buy, sell, or rent property.
The entry barrier is low, but you must attend real estate school. However, each state has different licensing requirements.
In this blog, we will explore the best estate schools that we know will fit your schedule, budget, and learning style.
List of the Top-rated Real Estate Schools
Here’s the list of the five top real estate schools you can enroll:
- Aceable Agent: It is the best real estate school where you can find continuing education, post-licensing, and professional development courses. There are 14 prelicensing courses offered, though only some are identified as truly online courses. The other courses are marketed as a learn-at-your-own-pace PDF correspondent course.
- The CE Shop: It is one of the best self-paced learning real estate programs. With affordable prices across its prelicensing packages, it is thoughtfully designed by real estate industry veterans who have been in the business for several years. With a generous 5-day free trial and refund policy, the CE Shop offers plenty of in-depth options for licensed real estate professionals looking to enhance their skills.
- 360training: It is one of the best schools for professional development and offers salesperson prelicensing and continuing education. Its prelicensing packages include a real estate math course, and its premium package adds a communication course to help students connect with their real estate clients.
- Kaplan Real Estate Education: One of the most versatile options, it offers pre-license, post-license, appraisal, home inspection, contracting, and professional development courses. It also includes an interactive study group every week and a career mentorship course twice a month for students.
- RealEstateU: It is one of the most affordable online courses that includes everything you need to change your career and go into the real estate business for yourself. It is focused exclusively on getting your real estate license as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Our Criteria for Choosing Real Estate Training Programs
When selecting the best real estate schools, we evaluated several key criteria to ensure comprehensive, high-quality training programs.
Here’s a detailed explanation of each factor:
- Types of Courses: We reviewed each school’s various courses, including pre-licensing, post-licensing, continuing education, and exam preparation. We checked if the programs catered to different stages of a real estate career, from beginners to experienced professionals looking to advance.
- Instructor Expertise: We evaluated the qualifications and real-world experience of the instructors. Ensuring that courses were taught by experienced professionals who could provide valuable insights and practical knowledge was essential. This included reviewing their backgrounds in real estate practice, teaching experience, and any relevant certifications.
- Practical Opportunities: Practical training is important in real estate education. We checked if the schools offered hands-on projects, assignments, or simulations to reinforce learning. This included role-playing exercises, real-world scenarios, and other interactive activities that help students apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
- Resources and Support: We reviewed the resources and support systems available to students. This included access to study materials, digital tools, online forums, career counseling, and customer support. We also considered the availability of additional learning aids like e-books, flashcards, and practice exams.
- Accreditation and Reputation: Accreditation ensures that a school meets certain standards of quality and rigor. We checked if the schools were accredited by recognized bodies such as ARELLO and IDECC. Additionally, we looked at the school’s reputation in the real estate community, including student reviews and industry recognition.
- Affordability and Value: We evaluated the cost of the courses and the value they provided. This included comparing the pricing of various packages, the quality of the content, and any additional benefits like pass guarantees or job placement assistance. We also considered the availability of discounts, deals, and payment plans.
- Graduate Student Stories: We reviewed testimonials and success stories from graduates. These stories provided insights into the training programs and the support provided by the school. They also helped us measure former students’ satisfaction levels and career outcomes.
- Industry Connections and Internship Opportunities: We checked if the schools had partnerships with real estate firms and other industry connections. These partnerships can provide students with internship opportunities, job placements, and networking events.
5 Best Real Estate Schools – Detailed Reviews
1. Aceable Agent – The Editor’s Best Choice
The editor’s perspective:
As one of the best real estate license schools, Aceable Agent is an innovative online school for mobile app and web use. The platform supports agents in becoming the best through top-notch educational programs and tools.
Aceable Agent’s courses are fully online and can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Currently, they are available in 12 states, and they plan to expand.
The learning experience at Aceable Agent is engaging and interactive, featuring videos, interactive games, and short lessons.
Courses are designed by a team of educators, designers, and real estate experts to provide real-world preparation through advanced video technology.
The Texas Pre-License course has a 69% TREC state exam pass rate as of May 31, 2024, with 6,216 students passing out of 9,043 registrants.
Aceable Agent offers several course packages: Basic, Standard, Premium, and Ultimate. The Basic Package includes essential pre-licensing course materials, while the Standard Package adds exam prep and additional study aids.
The Premium Package includes all Standard features plus advanced training and business-building classes. The Ultimate Package includes everything in the Premium Package plus a pass guarantee.
Prelicensing courses range between $116 and $799 at full price, though discounts are often available and cut prices. Prices vary by state and package, with specific details available on the Aceable Agent website.
After passing the exam, Aceable Agent provides resources to help you start your real estate career, including career resources, professional development tools, and ongoing support to ensure your success in the real estate industry.
The respective state government approves each state’s course, and the curriculum includes a real estate glossary, e-books, digital flashcards, instructor-led webinars, and career resources.
Moreover, features include PrepAgent, a comprehensive real estate exam prep service, and industry-approved courses praised by experts like Chris Heller.
Who should take this course?
This real estate school is ideal for aspiring real estate agents needing pre-licensing education, licensed agents needing continuing education, and professionals looking for advanced training and real-world preparation.
Does the course offer hands-on projects or assignments to reinforce learning?
The interactive learning activities, games, and real-world scenario videos reinforce learning and prepare students for real estate practice.
What are the prerequisites to study?
There are generally no strict prerequisites to start studying with Aceable Agent, but you should:
- Be at least 18 years old (age requirements may vary by state).
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Check specific state requirements, as some states might have additional prerequisites.
- Have access to a computer and the internet for online coursework.
What does social media sentiment tell us?
According to Reddit reviews, Aceable Agent is an amazing platform for learning real estate knowledge and passing the exam.
Also, another user stated that Aceable Agent helped them pass the VERB test for Virginia, and that too as a beginner-level learner.

Source: Reddit
Another review on Reddit stated that the student could pass the Texas test by practicing on the Aceable Agent platform. One user also says it is the best school for passing the test in the minimum time.

Source: Reddit
2. The CE Shop – Offers The Best Self-Paced Programs
The editor’s perspective:
The CE Shop offers real estate courses for every career stage, from getting your license to continuing education.
If you’re already a real estate agent, you might need continuing education to keep your license or to advance your career. The CE Shop offers exam prep, post-licensing, and continuing education courses, which vary by state.
Experienced real estate professionals create their courses, including brokers, lawyers, CPAs, and mortgage loan originators. They also offer classes for those wanting to become mortgage and appraisal professionals.
Every month, over 50,000 students choose us as their go-to education resource. They provide pre-licensing courses for 43 states and continuing education for all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
The cost varies by state and course package. Basic licensing in Florida starts at $139 and goes up to $935 for a premium package in Minnesota.
There are four package options, starting with basic courses and going up to include exam prep, business-building classes, and a pass guarantee (in most states).
Every package includes a real estate glossary, e-books, digital flashcards, webinars, and career resources.
An online educational experience that lets you learn when and where it’s convenient for you. Interactions bring the learning experience to life through revolutionary practice exercises.
The CE Shop maintains an impressive 90% pass rate among California students. While it may not be the highest pass rate in the state, it’s higher than the average pass rate.
You can get a full refund if you haven’t completed more than 50% of the coursework within the first 30 days.
However, the course videos are not captioned, there is no mobile app, and there is no immediate access to instructors to ask questions.
Who should take this course?
This course is ideal for:
- Aspiring real estate agents who need pre-licensing education.
- Licensed real estate agents are looking to complete their continuing education requirements.
- Real estate agents want to advance their careers by becoming or managing brokers.
- Professionals seeking to enter the mortgage or appraisal fields.
Does the course offer hands-on projects or assignments to reinforce learning?
The CE Shop provides unlimited practice exams with unique questions to get you ready for your upcoming exam.
You can also take a free initial assessment and receive immediate feedback on the topics you’ve mastered and the ones you still need to work on.
Moreover, you’ll improve your practice exam scores by studying individual lessons on topics outlined in your state’s Candidate Handbook.
Most importantly, the real-time dashboards guide students through each topic while gauging their competency so they know what to concentrate on before exam day.
What are the prerequisites to study?
There are generally no strict prerequisites to start studying, but you should:
- Be at least 18 years old (age requirements may vary by state).
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Check specific state requirements, as some states might have additional prerequisites.
- Have access to a computer and the internet for online coursework.
What does social media sentiment tell us?
According to the reviews on Reddit, the CE shop real estate school offers flexible learning programs and prepares you well for the actual tests.

Source: Reddit
According to another review on Reddit, users recommend using the CE shop to prepare for the exam. Another user stated that the flexibility enabled them to learn at their own pace and pass the first exam.

Source: Reddit
3. 360training – The Best Option for Professionals
The editor’s perspective:
360training, with over 25 years of experience, provides a direct path to real estate education through its Agent Campus Real Estate School.
It offers a range of self-paced courses designed for flexibility and convenience. Students can choose from individual or packaged self-paced courses, allowing them to study at their own pace. Courses are available 24/7 on various devices, including computers, phones, and tablets.
The school offers an array of continuing education electives that can keep learning interesting and engaging. Courses are competitively priced, making them accessible to a wider range of students.
However, pre-licensing is limited. It’s only available in 11 US states, considerably fewer than the other schools on our list.
360Training is available in only five states for post-licensing, which is another limitation.
The platform is modern and easy to navigate. ARELLO, IDECC, the Real Estate Educators Association, and The Appraisal Foundation accredit it.
However, there is limited interaction due to no live online or in-person classes, which might be a downside for those who prefer direct interaction. Also, the absence of live instructors can make it challenging for students who need real-time assistance.
Unlike some competitors, 360training does not offer a course pass guarantee. It also lacks job placement assistance or networking opportunities, which are valuable for new agents.
360training primarily relies on electronic PDFs for course materials. While simple, this approach may be less engaging and effective for some learning styles.
360training offers two main prelicensing packages in Georgia:
- Basic Package ($210): Includes the 75-hour prelicensing course and a three-hour real estate math course.
- Premium Package ($255): This includes everything in the Basic Package, plus exam prep loaded with study guides, practice exams, and a bonus class in client communications.
Individual classes cover essential topics like working with buyers, identifying bad loans, and client communications, all offered at a lower cost than many competitors’ basic packages. Overall, 360training aims to provide resources to help students jump-start their careers.
Who should take this course?
The 360training real estate courses are ideal for:
- Aspiring real estate agents who need pre-licensing education.
- Licensed agents seeking to complete their continuing education requirements.
- Professionals looking to advance their real estate careers with additional training and certifications.
- Individuals who prefer self-paced, text-based learning and require flexible study schedules.
Does the course offer hands-on projects or assignments to reinforce learning?
360training primarily offers text-based study materials in electronic PDF format. The courses are designed to be clear and easy to understand but do not emphasize hands-on projects or interactive assignments. The learning experience may not be as engaging or immersive as other programs incorporating videos, games, and interactive activities.
What are the prerequisites to study?
The prerequisites for enrolling in 360training courses generally include:
- Being at least 18 (age requirements may vary by state).
- Holding a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Meeting specific state requirements for pre-licensing education (these can vary, so it’s essential to check the requirements for your state).
- Having access to a computer, phone, or tablet with internet connectivity to access the online course materials.
What does social media sentiment tell us?
According to the Trustpilot reviews, it is an amazing real estate school with simple questions about the subject matter.

Source: 360training
4. Kaplan Real Estate Education – The Most Versatile Option
The editor’s perspective:
Kaplan Real Estate School is a prominent name in real estate education, and it is known for its extensive experience and variety of course delivery formats.
Kaplan’s offerings include online OnDemand video courses, live online classes with expert instructors, and home study programs using text materials.
This variety ensures that Kaplan can cater to different learning styles and preferences, making it a versatile choice for real estate education.
Kaplan provides educational services across the entire real estate career spectrum, from pre-licensing to continuing education, making it a one-stop source for real estate professionals.
While Kaplan offers nationwide courses, it also leverages local expertise by acquiring smaller, specialized state schools. This blend of national reputation and local knowledge is particularly beneficial for students.
As one of the accredited real estate schools, Kaplan is accredited by ARELLO and IDECC, ensuring its courses meet high educational standards. Kaplan’s courses can be relatively expensive, with pre-licensing programs ranging from $199 to $1,199. While the quality is high, the cost may be prohibitive for some students.
Moreover, the courses expire six months after purchase, which may be a short period for those needing more time to complete their studies.
Overall, the Kaplan Real Estate School is a reputable and versatile real estate education provider, offering comprehensive and flexible course options across various formats.
While the costs can be high and the course expiry period relatively short, the quality of instruction and breadth of resources make it a strong contender for those seeking thorough and professional real estate training.
Who should take this course?
It suits aspiring real estate agents, professionals needing continuing education, and individuals with varied learning styles.
Does the course offer hands-on projects or assignments to reinforce learning?
Kaplan Real Estate School delivers high-quality content through various formats, including videos, live classes, and text-based materials. While it provides interactive tools and resources, it does not emphasize hands-on projects or assignments.
Engaging instructional methods and comprehensive study materials enhance the learning experience but need practical assignments that simulate real-world scenarios.
What are the prerequisites to study?
The prerequisites for enrolling in Kaplan Real Estate School courses typically include:
- Age Requirement: Students must be at least 18 (age requirements may vary by state).
- Educational Background: A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required.
- State-Specific Requirements: Additional prerequisites, such as background checks or specific pre-licensing education hours, may exist, depending on the state. It’s essential to check the requirements for your particular state.
- Access to Technology: Students need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access to participate in online and on-demand courses.
What does social media sentiment tell us?
According to the student reviews, Kaplan’s real estate education is easy to follow, and the instructors are extremely helpful and supportive.

Source: Kaplan Real Estate School
According to a review posted on Reddit, Kaplan real estate online school helped the student pass all the tests with a score of 90% and above.

Source: Reddit
4. RealEstateU – The Most Affordable School
The editor’s perspective:
As one of the best places to get a real estate license at an affordable option, RealEstateU provides pre-licensure courses in 14 states, making it accessible to a significant portion of the market.
The pricing for these courses ranges from $99 to $399, with additional costs for exam prep and downloadable textbooks.
The course packages are competitively priced, often under $100, which makes them accessible to a wide range of students.
The flexibility to study on any device, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones, adds to its appeal, especially for busy individuals who need to fit their studies around other commitments.
Including audio courses and downloadable materials allows on-the-go learning, a great advantage for those with hectic schedules.
While the focus is primarily on delivering the necessary content to pass the state licensing exams, the additional resources help reinforce key concepts.
However, it should be noted that the course materials are primarily text-based, which may be less engaging for some learners.
RealEstateU offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, allowing students to try the course and access all materials with the option for a refund if they are not completely satisfied. This policy assures students who might hesitate to commit to an online course.
However, RealEstateU has some limitations. For those who prefer more interactive learning experiences, more hands-on projects or assignments may be needed.
Who should take this course?
RealEstateU is best suited for:
- Aspiring Real Estate Agents: Individuals seeking an affordable and flexible way to obtain their real estate license.
- Busy Professionals: Those who need the convenience of studying at their own pace and on their schedule.
- Cost-Conscious Learners: Students looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on the quality of education.
- Self-motivated individuals: Those who can manage their studies independently and do not require interactive or hands-on learning experiences.
Does the course offer hands-on projects or assignments to reinforce learning?
RealEstateU does not offer hands-on projects or assignments. The course materials primarily consist of audio lectures, transcripts, and infographics designed to help students understand and retain key concepts. While these resources are comprehensive, they do not provide the practical, real-world application that hands-on projects or assignments offer.
What are the prerequisites to study?
The prerequisites for enrolling in RealEstateU’s courses generally include:
- Age Requirement: Students must typically be at least 18 years old.
- Educational Background: A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required.
- State-Specific Requirements: State-specific requirements may vary, so it’s essential to check the prerequisites for your particular state before enrolling.
- Access to Technology: Students need a device with internet access, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone, to participate in the online courses.
What does social media sentiment tell us?
According to the student reviews, real estate is an ideal platform for preparing for the texts, with high-quality content, online classes, and quizzes.

Source: RealEstateU
Another review on Reddit indicated that the whole online program offered by RealEstateU is legit, thorough, and works best with your schedule due to flexibility.

Source: Reddit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How hard is the real estate exam?
The real estate test is hard without real estate exam prep. Many find it challenging due to the breadth of material covered and the necessity of understanding complex legal concepts and mathematical calculations. Adequate preparation through a reputable real estate school and thorough study is essential for success.
What are the requirements for getting your real estate license?
To get your real estate license, you must be 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete a pre-licensing education course. The number of required course hours varies by state. After completing the coursework, you must pass the state licensing exam and submit a license application, often including a background check. Some states also require you to be sponsored by a licensed real estate broker.
What is the fastest way to get your real estate license?
Enrolling in an online real estate school that offers self-paced courses is the fastest way to get your real estate license. You can complete the required coursework in weeks by dedicating significant time and effort. Scheduling your exam immediately after finishing the course and being prepared to pass on the first attempt can further expedite the process.
How much does real estate school cost?
Online courses can range from as low as $100 to upwards of $1,000, with more comprehensive packages, including exam prep and additional resources, generally costing more. In-person classes may be more expensive. Moreover, costs associated with taking the licensing exam and applying for the license can add several hundred dollars to the total expense.
Conclusion
If you like hard work, are self-motivated, and want to make your schedule, a career in real estate might be right for you. Selling enough properties can help you earn a good living.
Therefore, all these best online realtor classes and courses we evaluated will not just grant you a legal license to broker deals; they will equip you with the practical skills and insights required to work in the field.
After walking through the best real estate schools we evaluated in-depth, you’ll be able to make a confident decision about choosing the best school for you and starting the process of becoming a real estate agent.
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