If you want to become a real estate agent, choosing the right education provider is essential for a successful career. Whether you need help getting your license, keeping up with your continuing education requirements, or upgrading your license, picking one that aligns with your goals is key. To put together our top five, I researched and compared the best online real estate schools based on pricing, course offerings, learning platforms, and user experience. Plus, I’ve included an honorable mention worth checking out. Let’s jump in!
- Colibri Real Estate: Best for exam prep
- Kaplan: Best for career advice
- The CE Shop: Best for continuing education
- AceableAgent: Best for mobile
- Fortune Academy: Best for student support
Colibri Real Estate has paid for this placement. However, our team of experts approved Colibri Real Estate as an appropriate product and our content remains editorially independent.
Use Our Code “TheClose40” to Get 40% Off on All Colibri Real Estate Prelicensing Courses.
The Close’s Top Picks of Online Real Estate Schools in 2025
| Our Top Picks | Best For | Average Price | Promo Code | Read More Below |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colibri Real Estate | Exam prep | $318 | TheClose40—Save 40% | Colibri Real Estate ↓ |
| Kaplan | Career advice | $387 | KAPRE5—Save 5% | Kaplan ↓ |
| The CE Shop | Continuing education | $283 | TheClose35—Save 35% | The CE Shop ↓ |
| AceableAgent | Mobile | $259 | Click our AceableAgent link—Save 25% | AceableAgent ↓ |
| Fortune Academy | Student support | $258 | No promo code yet | Fortune Academy ↓ |
| *All prices throughout the article are based on the average cost of prelicensing courses in TX, NY, FL, and CA. |
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Need a little more information about what it takes to get a real estate license? Start with our comprehensive guide on how to get a real estate license.
Best for Exam Prep: Colibri Real Estate
My Expert Opinion on Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate is one of our top online real estate schools for its comprehensive exam prep materials because it goes beyond just questions. Besides its packed prelicensing courses, its top-tier exam prep package includes the Exam Crammer Webinar series and a live instructor Q&A session. These features give students real-time answers to questions while tackling tricky topics confidently.
💡 Room for improvement: Colibri Real Estate could improve by adjusting its course completion timeline. Extending course access would provide more flexibility for those juggling busy schedules.
Colibri Real Estate Cost
Colibri Real Estate’s course packages include exam prep materials like audio review guides, flashcards, and simulated exams.
| Prelicensing | $147-$941 |
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| Post-licensing | $29-$329 |
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| Continuing education | $19-$179 |
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| Broker prelicensing | $199-$499 |
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| Exam prep | $115-$399 |
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Promo Code: TheClose40—Save 40%
Best for Career Advice: Kaplan
My Expert Opinion on Kaplan
Kaplan is hands-down the best online real estate license program for its career advice. Its Career Launcher package includes the Real Estate Accelerator online course and live coaching, where students can meet weekly with industry experts to discuss key real estate topics. If Career Launcher’s cost doesn’t fit your budget, Kaplan’s basic package already comes with the Live Online Learning Hub access and Career Mentor Connect via Zoom.
💡 Room for improvement: If I could improve one thing about Kaplan, it would be to add a pass guarantee to its course packages, like some of its competitors. Adding a safety net would give students more confidence.
Kaplan Cost
Kaplan’s courses are a bit pricier, but they offer excellent value. They include top-notch test prep materials and access to a live online community.
| Prelicensing | $319-$899 |
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| Post-licensing | $23-$629 |
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| Continuing education | $15-$144 |
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| Broker prelicensing | $119-$839 |
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| Exam prep | $29-$199 |
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Promo Code: KAPRE5—Save 5%
Best for Continuing Education: The CE Shop
My Expert Opinion on The CE Shop
The CE Shop is my go-to for the best online classes for real estate continuing education courses. Its CE courses are always fresh and relevant to industry trends and regulations. Students can choose unique and practical electives like Growing Green, Roadmap to Success, and Real Estate Auctions. So whether you’re completing your CE credits or expanding your expertise, The CE Shop has your back.
💡 Room for improvement: The CE Shop can improve by adding live webinars or networking opportunities. These features would help students build valuable relationships as they grow their careers.
The CE Shop Cost
The CE Shop’s courses are affordable and can be taken quickly. Each package includes career resources and a study schedule to keep you on track.
| Prelicensing | $139-$1,015 |
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| Post-licensing | $25-$529 |
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| Continuing education | $9-$275 |
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| Broker prelicensing | $115-$1,999 |
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| Exam prep | $79-$135 |
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Promo Code: TheClose35—Save 35%
Best for Mobile: AceableAgent
My Expert Opinion on AceableAgent
Unlike other education providers, AceableAgent stands out as one of the best online real estate schools with a mobile app. Its platform, which is compatible with all devices, allows prospective agents to study anytime, anywhere. If budget is not an issue, take advantage of its Premium package, which includes a live Q&A session, webinars, and an hour of private tutoring at your convenience.
💡 Room for improvement: AceableAgent could climb higher in the top school rankings by expanding its services to more states. Broadening its reach would allow even more agents to benefit from its innovative mobile platform.
AceableAgent Cost
AceableAgent offers affordable courses that are accessible on any device:
| Prelicensing | $116-$749 |
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| Post-licensing | $135-$469 |
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| Continuing education | $24-$89 |
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| Exam prep | $59-$99 |
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Promo Code: No code needed—Click our link to save 25%
Best for Student Support: Fortune Academy
My Expert Opinion on Fortune Academy
Fortune Academy is one of the best online real estate schools because of its exceptional student support. Students benefit from round-the-clock assistance to ensure no one is left waiting for a response. Its commitment to supporting students is rare among real estate schools. Fortune Academy is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a provider with reliable customer service available through mobile, email, and live chat.
💡 Room for improvement: Since Fortune Academy already offers in-person classes in South Carolina, expanding live courses to other states would be a significant next step. Adding live instruction could attract students who learn best in a traditional classroom setting.
Fortune Academy Cost
Fortune Academy offers some of the best real estate classes online, combining them with top-notch student support.
| Prelicensing | $256-$729 |
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| Post-licensing | $199 |
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| Continuing education | $45-$125 |
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| Broker prelicensing | $355-$489 |
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| Exam prep | $89-$145 |
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Honorable Mention—Best for Budget-friendly Courses: RealEstateU
My Expert Opinion on RealEstateU
While RealEstateU didn’t make our list of top five rated online real estate schools, it’s still worth mentioning. RealEstateU offers solid courses that won’t break the bank. While its content is text-heavy, it’s easy to follow if you learn best by reading. If you’re looking for a no-frills, cost-effective way to get your license, RealEstateU is your top choice.
💡 Room for improvement: RealEstateU should offer more CE and license renewal courses in more states, as it’s currently only available to New York and Florida.
RealEstateU Cost
RealEstateU offers some of the most budget-friendly courses without compromising quality.
| Prelicensing | $99-$1,220 |
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| Post-licensing and continuing education | $99-$149 |
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| Exam prep | $125 |
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How We Selected the Best Online Real Estate Schools
Regarding our methodology at The Close, our team of licensed real estate professionals, writers, and editors created a weighted rubric that evaluates each school. Our experts have researched dozens of the best real estate schools online to determine the best for our readers. The features we explored are essential for students to become successful agents and brokers in the real estate industry.
Our detailed criteria included the following:
- Course Features (25%)
- This comprises items that assist agents and brokers in completing their education, like pass and refund guarantees, career and instructor support, coaching, training, interactive study groups, and course extensions.
- Value (20%)
- Pricing and availability of coursework are essential factors to assess. This accounts for real estate school offerings in prelicensing, post-licensing, continuing education, broker prelicensing, and exam prep.
- Learning Format & Accessibility (20%)
- Real estate professionals must consider the best format for their learning, which includes self-paced, on-demand video, live stream, and in-person classes. Also, accessibility via multiple devices, like computers, tablets, and mobile devices, determines the convenience for users.
- Expert Score (15%)
- The Close closely reviews each course for stand-out features, details, ease of use, and the value for money spent from a real estate expert’s perspective.
- Help & Support (10%)
- If students need additional support, they must know the customer service options available through phone, email, live chat, and the ticket system.
- Reputation (10%)
- This examines the reputation of each real estate school through the lens of current and past students, reviewing each provider’s customer reviews and popularity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a real estate school if I already have a license from another state?
It depends on the state where you’re licensed. Some states allow you to bypass prelicensing requirements or the national real estate exam. Since each state’s license reciprocity and portability rules vary, checking the state’s regulations where you want to do business is essential. Learn more about your state in our reciprocity and portability guide here.
Which is better: online or in-person real estate classes?
Choosing your course delivery method depends on your learning style. If you thrive on direct interaction, in-person classes at your local real estate school might be your best bet. But if you’re comfortable with online learning, many good online real estate schools offer courses that fit around your schedule. In addition, most online schools provide instructor support via phone, email, and live chat.
I’ve never attended an online class before. Is it hard?
Online learning might seem intimidating at first, but it’s really not. The livestream classes from top online real estate schools are all interactive and engaging. Self-paced video and audio courses offer flexibility but require managing your time. Whatever method you choose, online real estate education will need your time and attention, but if you can learn from a YouTube video, you’ll do great.
Bringing It All Together
Choosing a real estate school is the beginning of a new career. We hope we’ve helped you find the best online real estate school that fits your state’s requirements, budget, and learning style.
Have you taken courses with these or other schools? Share your experiences in the comments!
