Do I need a real estate school if I already have a license from another state?

Good news! If you’re currently licensed in a state other than the one you want to do business in, you may be able to have your prelicensing education requirements waived thanks to license reciprocity agreements between states. Each state’s license reciprocity and portability rules are unique, so learn more about your state in our reciprocity guide here.

Which is better: online or in-person real estate classes?

Choosing the right learning method really depends on what works best for you. If you thrive on face-to-face interaction and need to get away from home distractions, in-person classes at local real estate schools could be the way to go. But if you’re open to online learning or want to give it a shot, good online real estate schools are super convenient. They offer flexible, self-paced courses and have tons of online resources to answer your questions on the spot. And if you get stuck, most big online schools provide instructor support via email, live chat, or even video chat.

I’ve never attended an online class before. Is it hard?

Online learning might seem intimidating at first, but it’s really not. If you’ve ever used YouTube to fix something, you’ve already experienced it. The live stream classes from our top five online real estate schools are interactive and engaging. Self-paced video and audio courses offer flexibility but require you to manage your own time. No matter which 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.

5 Best Online Real Estate Schools

Are you looking to become a real estate agent? Well, you are in luck. I have compiled the top five online real estate schools to help you start a successful career. Whether you need help with the exam, staying on track with your continuing education requirements, or upgrading your license, choosing a school that aligns with your goals is key. I researched and compared the top schools based on pricing, course offerings, learning platforms, and user experience to compile my top online real estate schools. 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
Fortune Academy: Best for student support
The CE Shop: Best for continuing education
AceableAgent: Best for mobile

The Close’s top picks of online real estate schools in 2026
Best for exam prep: Colibri Real Estate
Best for career advice: Kaplan
Best for student support: Fortune Academy
Best for continuing education: The CE Shop
Best for mobile: AceableAgent
Honorable mention: RealEstateU, best for budget-friendly courses
How we selected the best online real estate schools
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Bringing it all together

The Close’s top picks of online real estate schools in 2026

Our Top Picks	Best for	Average price	Promo Code
Colibri Real Estate	Exam prep	$307	TheClose40—Save 40%
Kaplan	Career advice	$294	No promo code yet
Fortune Academy	Student support	$283	No promo code yet
The CE Shop	Continuing education	$283	TheClose35—Save 35%
AceableAgent	Mobile	$259	Click our AceableAgent link—Save 25%
*All prices throughout the article are based on the average cost of prelicensing courses in TX, NY, FL, and CA.

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

Pros

Package options in most states nationwide
Great customer service
Live Q&A with expert instructors
Buffini & Company coaching videos
Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee

Cons

Extensive independent reading required in courses
Limited options for broker license classes
Text-heavy courses

The Close Score

5.2

Value

4.6

Learning format & accessibility

3.5

Course features

4.3

Help & support

4.5

Reputation

4.4

Expert score

5.0

/ 5

My expert opinion on Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate is my top online real estate school because its comprehensive exam prep materials go beyond just questions. In addition to its extensive prelicensing courses, its top-tier exam prep package includes the Exam Crammer Webinar series and a live instructor Q&A session. These features provide students with real-time answers to questions while helping them tackle complex topics with confidence.

Room for improvement: While Colibri offers live instructor Q&A sessions, many of its courses are text-heavy. It would be great to incorporate additional live instruction and video courses to break up the monotony of primarily text-based courses.

Colibri Real Estate cost

Colibri Real Estate’s course packages include exam-prep materials such as audio review guides, flashcards, and simulated exams.

Type of education	Price range	Features
Prelicensing	$199-$729	Instructor support Interactive study tools Live Q&A sessions
Post-licensing	$79-$389	Career success tools State-required education hours provided Study guides
Continuing education	$19-$305	Online textbook E-books Variety of courses
Broker prelicensing	$219-$899	Instructor support Real estate practice e-book One-year professional development membership
Exam prep	$115-$609	CompuCram exam prep Live and interactive instruction

Visit Colibri Real Estate

Promo Code: TheClose40—Save 40%

Best for career advice: Kaplan

Pros

Practice tests with feedback provided
Instructor-led courses
Professional development tools
Excellent textbook and class materials
Live Online Learning Hub
Career Mentor Connect via Zoom

Cons

More expensive live courses
More expensive live courses
Only accessible for six months
Dated interface making mobile access difficult

The Close Score

5.1

Value

4.6

Learning format & accessibility

3.5

Course features

4.1

Help & support

4.5

Reputation

4.8

Expert score

4.3

/ 5

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, during which students 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: Kaplan should work to update its interface, as students have noted issues with its mobile access. I also encountered difficulties with Kaplan’s website while compiling my research.

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.

Type of Education	Price Range	Features
Prelicensing	$129-$699	Self-paced and live online learning formats Exam prep materials Live Online Learning Hub Real Estate Accelerator course
Post-licensing	$59-$159	State-approved instructor support Supplemental learning materials available e-Books included with courses
Continuing education	$19-$133	Individual courses or packages are available Broker and salesperson courses
Broker prelicensing	$349-$859	Career Mentor Connect Exam prep content Virtual classroom proctoring is included in some states
Exam prep	$29-$199	On-demand course Online student community available 24/7 Hundreds of practice questions Live Online Learning Hub included in top-tier exam prep package

Visit Kaplan

Best for student support: Fortune Academy

Pros

Live instructor support available
100% money-back guarantee
Supplemental courses for professional development

Cons

Limited live course offerings
No mobile app
Course extension fee

The Close Score

4.8

Value

3.9

Learning format & accessibility

4.5

Course features

3.8

Help & support

5.0

Reputation

2.9

Expert score

4.1

/ 5

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 instructor attention, ensuring no one is left waiting for a response. Its commitment to supporting students is rare among online real estate schools. Fortune Academy is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a responsive provider, available 24/7 through mobile, email, and live chat.

Room for improvement: Since Fortune Academy already offers in-person classes in a handful of areas, expanding live courses to other states would be a significant next step. Adding in-person 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.

Type of Education	Average Price	Features
Prelicensing	$139-$1169	Narrated course content Live instructor support Supplemental courses available
Post-licensing	$85-$409	Individual and packaged courses available Courses geared to local markets
Continuing education	$45-$145	Packaged and individual options Various course topics
Broker prelicensing	$125-$1,025	Self-paced Individual courses are also available
Exam prep	$135	Practice exams National and state sections included 24/7 customer support

Visit Fortune Academy

Best for continuing education: The CE Shop

Pros

Interactive courses with a progress dashboard
Easy-to-use online platform
Best continuing education options
Accessible on all devices

Cons

No direct access to an instructor
No one-on-one coaching or training
Limited online support options

The Close Score

4.84

Value

3.9

Learning format & accessibility

2.5

Course features

3.8

Help & support

5.0

Reputation

4.9

Expert score

5.0

/ 5

My expert opinion on The CE Shop

The CE Shop is my go-to for real estate continuing education courses and is also one of the best online real estate schools. Its CE courses are always up to date and aligned with industry trends and regulations. Students can choose from unique, practical electives such as Wholesaling in Today’s Market, Technology Tools, Trends, and Risk Management, and The Fundamentals of Commercial Real Estate. So whether you’re studying for your license, completing your CE credits, or expanding your expertise, The CE Shop has your back.

Room for improvement: The CE Shop can improve by adding one-on-one coaching and training options to help students who need a more individualized approach.

The CE Shop cost

The CE Shop offers a variety of affordable courses. Each package includes career resources and a study schedule to keep you on track.

Type of Education	Price Range	Features
Prelicensing	$139-$1,015	Career resources Digital flashcards Real estate glossary Kickstarter Professional Development program
Post-licensing	$25-$529	Individual and packaged courses Mandatory and elective courses are available One-year course access
Continuing education	$9-$275	Individual and packaged courses NAR Code of Ethics course
Broker prelicensing	$115-$1,999	Money-back guarantee Downloadable course materials Unlimited practice exams
Exam prep	$79-$135	Available in all states Initial assessment Interactive course dashboards Unlimited simulated exams

Visit The CE Shop

Promo Code: TheClose35 — Save 35%

Best for mobile: AceableAgent

Pros

Mobile app
Superior format and written content
Affordable pricing
Private tutoring available with certain plans

Cons

Not available in many states
Continuing education is only offered in three states
Broker prelicensing classes not available

The Close Score

4.7

Value

3.9

Learning format & accessibility

4.0

Course features

3.8

Help & support

3.0

Reputation

4.5

Expert score

4.5

/ 5

My expert opinion on AceableAgent

Unlike other education providers, AceableAgent stands out as one of the best online real estate schools due to its mobile app. AceableAgent’s 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 consider offering courses in more states, increasing its customer pool.

AceableAgent cost

AceableAgent offers affordable courses that are accessible on any device, including its mobile app.

Type of Education	Price Range	Features
Prelicensing	$199-$1,119	Three packages are available in 14 states PrepAgent exam prep included Live tutoring and webinars
Post-licensing	$169-$555	Only available in Texas, Georgia, Illinois, and Florida Narrated course content Payment plan available
Continuing education	$24-$179	Self-paced courses Available in Florida, Illinois, Texas, New York, and Georgia
Exam prep	$59-$99	Standalone exam prep is available via PrepAgent Multiple subscription types available Available in all states

Visit AceableAgent

Promo Code: No code needed—Click our link to save 25%

Honorable mention: RealEstateU, best for budget-friendly courses

Pros

Very affordable
30-day money-back guarantee
Option to access content anytime on any device

Cons

Prelicensing only available in 20 states
Exam prep and textbooks not included
No continuing education or broker prelicensing course offerings

The Close Score

3.5

Value

3.9

Learning format & accessibility

1.5

Course features

2.6

Help & support

4.0

Reputation

4.1

Expert score

3.7

/ 5

My expert opinion on RealEstateU

While RealEstateU didn’t make my list of top five online real estate schools, due to its limited availability and minimal course offerings, it’s definitely 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 consider offering more CE and license renewal courses for additional states. It currently only offers these courses in New York and Florida.

RealEstateU cost

RealEstateU offers some of the most budget-friendly courses without compromising quality.

Type of Education	Price Range	Features
Prelicensing	$99-$1,030	Self-paced learning Mobile-friendly access Downloadable resources Career resources in high-tier plans
Post-licensing and continuing education	$99-$149	Only available in Florida and New York Flexible learning
Exam prep	$125	Question bank Exam study guides Performance tracking

Visit RealEstateU

How we selected the best online real estate schools

At The Close, our team of licensed real estate professionals, writers, and editors developed a weighted rubric that evaluates each school. Our experts have researched dozens of the best online real estate schools to identify the top options 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 includes items that assist agents and brokers in completing their education, such as 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 covers real estate school offerings for 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 across multiple devices, such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones, determines user convenience.
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)

Choosing the best online real estate school for you is a very personal choice. You have to determine what you prioritize in your real estate education, whether that is exam prep tools, instructor support, in-person classes, etc. Once you have identified your key factors, thoroughly research any school you are considering. Always check student reviews; they can provide valuable insight into what it is really like to attend the school.

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.

Yes, most online real estate schools are mobile-friendly and allow you to study on your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet. Some schools also offer dedicated mobile apps for their online courses. Always check the access methods of the school you are considering to confirm.

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!

5 Best Online Real Estate Schools in 2026

The Close’s top picks of online real estate schools in 2026