Navigating the complex world of online Colorado real estate schools can be overwhelming. The difficulty is there is no single “best” real estate school because there are many variables that must be considered when selecting the best school for you. You’ll need to consider factors like: How fast do you wish to get your license? Are you good at independent online learning or do you prefer being guided by an instructor?
No fear, I have been a real estate broker in Colorado for 26 years, and I will help you navigate the vast jungle of online real estate schools that are available to get your license in Colorado today.
Here are our top picks for the best online real estate school in Colorado:
The 6 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Colorado for 2021
| Online Real Estate School | Cost of Prelicensing Course | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kaplan Real Estate Education | $799 | (Best Overall) For exam prep live instruction and a high pass rate |
| Real Estate Express | $244 | (Best Value) Our lowest cost option, with a la carte options |
| American Dream Real Estate School | $349 | (Best for Service) One-on-one feel; flexible solutions |
| VanEd | $449 | (Best Long-term Provider) Offers prelicensing and higher-level courses |
| Colorado Real Estate School | $399 | (Best Video Course) Includes 168 hours of video education |
| The CE Shop | $298 | (Best for Military) Offers a 40% military discount |
8 Things to Consider Before Selecting the Right Online Real Estate School for You
All of the courses in this article meet the state’s minimum requirements of 168-credit hours for your Colorado real estate license application. But in my experience, not all online courses are created equal. Here are eight things to consider when choosing which online school is right for you:
1. Student Pass Rate
Perhaps the most important thing you need to know about your Colorado real estate school provider is their student’s exam pass rate. The state of Colorado provides this information to the public. The school’s rates are separated by the student’s national and state exam score.
2. Cost
Cost is an important factor, but it should not be the most important factor in determining the right online real estate school for you. Later in this article, I break down each offer so you can quickly compare the schools.
3. Exam Preparation
It is well known that Colorado has one of the most challenging real estate exams in the nation. I personally believe that an exam preparation course should be a necessity for anyone choosing to obtain their real estate license.
4. Live Instructor Question & Answer
Getting your real estate license requires you to understand complex concepts and new vocabulary. Unless you have previous experience in law or real estate, you may find the material difficult to learn. Having the ability to ask questions to a live instructor throughout the educational process may be the difference between passing and failing your exam.
5. Books
Some real estate schools provide books, some provide e-books, and others may require you to pay extra for books—up to $50 extra. It is important to clarify this before you make your selection.
6. Guarantee
There is no guarantee you will pass the exam on your first try. However, some online real estate schools offer a money-back guarantee and others offer additional time extensions or one-to-one attention to assist you until you pass the state exam.
7. Post-license Education
Once you have passed your real estate exam, you may be interested in additional classes to help you jump-start your career. You will also need to complete continuing education requirements each year to keep your license active in Colorado. Some online schools include additional post-license education courses to support your future continuing education requirements.
8. Course Access Limit
Most schools limit the time that you will have access to their course. If you wish to take your time, you must pay attention to the course access limits.
OK, now that you know a little more about how to select a school, here’s a deep dive into my top six picks for the best online real estate schools in Colorado:
Best Overall: Kaplan Real Estate Education
Cost: $799 to $1,099
National exam pass rate: 91%
Colorado exam pass rate: 81%*
*Exam numbers are Denver and Colorado Springs locations combined.
Why Kaplan Real Estate Education Is My Best Overall Choice
Kaplan Real Estate Education is well known for in-class real estate courses, but many people don’t know that they also offer options to learn from their experienced instructors online. Kaplan maintains one of the highest national and state student pass rates.
If your number one goal is to pass the real estate exam and cost is not a major concern, then Kaplan may be your best option. Besides, there is no point in doing the education if you don’t pass the exam, right?
Kaplan Real Estate Education Course Options
Kaplan offers multiple real estate class delivery options, from in-class and home study to on-demand and live online. In-class courses have been suspended due to COVID-19. Kaplan is still offering online courses through their OnDemand and Live Online offerings.
OnDemand
The Kaplan OnDemand option is a traditional, self-paced online course that allows you to move at your own pace. This course costs $799 and includes live instructor Q&A and both national and state exam preparation.
Live Online
If you are looking for an instructor-paced course that includes all the tools you will need to successfully pass the state exam, then look no further. Kaplan Live Online provides the best of both worlds by combining the online courses with a live (virtual) instructor review. Courses begin at $899.
Kaplan Real Estate Education Features
| Features | Course Plans That Include This Feature |
|---|---|
| Exam Prep | Included with all course plans |
| Live Instructor Q&A | Included with all course plans |
| Books | None |
| Payment Plans | None |
| Pass Guarantee | None |
| Post-license Education | Only included with OnDemand with Career Launcher |
| Course Access Limit | 6 months for all courses |
My Favorite Feature of Kaplan Real Estate Education
If you are looking for the best chance of passing your real estate license exam the first time, in less than eight weeks, then Kaplan is the right choice. All of Kaplan’s courses provide live instructors and exam prep. Combined with a proven track record of successfully helping agents pass the challenging Colorado exam, this is a strong testament to why Kaplan is my Best Overall choice.
Where Kaplan Real Estate Education Could Improve
Cost is a strong determining factor when selecting a real estate educational provider. Kaplan is the priciest of all the courses listed. It would be nice to see Kaplan offer a wider range of price points to meet the needs of the cost-conscious student.
Get Started With Kaplan Real Estate Education
Kaplan’s real estate education courses are well-oiled machines. Visit their website to get started on your coursework today.
Best Value: Real Estate Express
Cost: $244 to $395
National exam pass rate: 100%
Colorado exam pass rate: 43%
Every penny counts when you are starting a new career in real estate. With prices starting under $250, Real Estate Express is the most affordable option on our list. So if you would like to get your Colorado real estate license and save some money, Real Estate Express is your best option.
Real Estate Express offers you the ability to upgrade your course package to include the “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee, exam preparation, and live instructor Q&A.
Real Estate Express Course Options
Real Estate Express offers options for online real estate education in Colorado ranging from the basic package at $244 to the ultimate at $595.
Basic Package
Starts at $244. This course is the most affordable of all the courses listed. With limited instructor interaction, this course is geared toward self-starters and students with previous real estate experience.
Exam Preparation Package
This course includes all the benefits of the Basic Package, as well as the state exam prep and the “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee. This package is $285.
Exam Preparation Plus
Purchase this package and receive everything in the Exam Preparation Package along with the Exam Cram Video and 40 hours of instructor Q&A. The Exam Prep Plus package is $332.
Ultimate Learning Package
Normally retailing for $595, this package includes all the features above plus a printed textbook instead of an e-book and one year of professional development courses.
Real Estate Express Features
| Features | Course Plans That Include This Feature |
|---|---|
| Exam Prep | All course plans except The Basics |
| Live Instructor Q&A | All course plans except The Basics |
| Books | All course plans offer e-books except Ultimate Learning |
| Payment Plans | None |
| Pass Guarantee | Included with all course plans |
| Post-license Education | None |
| Course Access Limit | 6 months for all course plans |
My Favorite Feature of Real Estate Express
My favorite feature of Real Estate Express is that they provide multiple, affordable options for students to choose from.
If you have real estate experience and you simply need an inexpensive way to get your course hours, you can choose The Basics for $244.
If you prefer to have an instructor to guide you and to ask questions, then the Exam Preparation Plus ($333) or the Ultimate ($595) may be the right choice for you.
Where Real Estate Express Could Improve
The Colorado state portion of the exam is known to be challenging to pass the first time. Real Estate Express’ student pass rate on the national test is currently perfect at 100%. Conversely, only 43% of students are passing the state portion.
Real Estate Express’ state exam pass rate is quite lower than we would like to see. I suspect that the low score is due to students selecting The Basics and not opting for the exam test prep. I suggest spending a few dollars more for the Exam Preparation course.
Get Started With Real Estate Express
If you’re a self-starter who likes a deal, Real Estate Express is your best option. Visit their website to get started.
Best Service: American Dream Real Estate School
Cost: $348 to $895
National exam pass rate: 88%
Colorado exam pass rate: 61%
If you are looking for a personalized experience, then American Dream Real Estate School is an outstanding option. American Dream Real Estate School offers personalized service and flexible payment options. Exam preparation and books are also included with all courses.
American Dream Real Estate School Course Options
American Dream Real Estate School offers two courses for you to complete your Colorado real estate education online.
Online
American Dream’s online real estate course provides the essentials to meet the requirements of your real estate license. Unlike most online-only courses, American Dream includes books and exam preparation for only $349.
Small Group Classes
The required 168 educational hours are completed as online self-study. Students take quizzes and tests each week to verify their knowledge. Classes meet via Zoom once a week for chapter review. Each small group stays on pace together for each six-week course. This option is available for $895.
American Dream Real Estate School Features
| Features | Course Plans That Include This Feature |
|---|---|
| Exam Prep | Included with all course plans |
| Live Instructor Q&A | Included with all course plans |
| Books | Included with all course plans |
| Payment Plans | Included with all course plans |
| Pass Guarantee | None |
| Post-license Education | None |
| Course Access Limit | 6 months for all course plans |
My Favorite Feature of American Dream Real Estate School
The thing I like most about American Dream Real Estate School is the individualized support that they provide. They will customize a plan that will work for you. They are always eager to help with your unique situation.
Where American Dream Real Estate School Could Improve
Compared to some of the other online providers, American Dream could benefit by upgrading their technology and student interface.
Get Started With American Dream Real Estate School
If you’d like to learn more about American Dream Real Estate School’s course options, visit their website.
Best Long-term School: VanEd
Cost: $419 to $599
National exam pass rate: 91%
Colorado exam pass rate: 79%
VanEd offers courses range from real estate prelicense education to continuing education, and GRI Certification courses. They truly are a one-stop shop for online real estate education.
VanEd Course Options
VanEd offers three packages for online real estate education. The packages range from $449 for the Essentials to $599 for the Premium. VanEd boasts an outstanding student pass rate. They also allow students up to 12 months access to the training.
If the cost of getting your real estate career started is a concern, then take advantage of VanEd’s three-payment option and start your real estate education with as little as $153. We like that VanEd also offers additional discounts to veterans.
Essentials
The Essentials is exactly that—what you need and nothing more—your 168-hour educational requirements plus an exam prep course. This option is $419 or you can make three payments of $153.
Advantage
Upgrade to the Advantage for $489 or three payments of $176, and receive the Essentials package with exam study guides, an adviser to help guide you through the course, and their money-back guarantee.
Premium
The Premium option includes all above plus the Career Kickstarter course and discounts on future continuing educational requirements. This package can be had for $559 or three payments of $200.
VanEd Features
| Features | Course Plans That Include This Feature |
|---|---|
| Exam Prep | Included with all course plans |
| Live Instructor Q&A | Included with all course plans |
| Books | Included with all course plans |
| Payment Plans | Included with all course plans |
| Pass Guarantee | Included with all course plans except Essentials |
| Post-license Education | Included with Premium only |
| Course Access Limit | 12 months for all course plans |
My Favorite Feature of VanEd
There are a lot of great things to say about VanEd. Exam preparation is included with all the courses. Live instructors, real books, and a money-back guarantee, to name a few. But my favorite feature is the three-payment option, allowing students on a budget to get started today.
Where VanEd Could Improve
My concern with most online courses is that the students can become overwhelmed and get off track without a set course schedule to hold them accountable. VanEd would have been our Best Option choice if they provided this.
Get Started With VanEd
If VanEd looks like your cup of tea, you can spend some more time getting to know their programs by visiting their website.
Best Video Courses: Colorado Real Estate School
Cost: $399 to $550
National exam pass rate: 80%
Colorado exam pass rate: 70%
At Colorado Real Estate School, the entire 168-hour educational requirements are provided by experienced real estate instructors in an on-demand streaming video presentation. Classes are online and will fit whatever schedule you have. You can work at your own pace with prerecorded video and start and stop as needed.
Designed for students with no real estate experience, this fully online video course will prepare you for your career and to pass the Colorado real estate license exam.
Colorado Real Estate School Course Options
Colorado Real Estate School offers three video-based real estate education programs.
Standard
The Standard option provides a weekly Q&A webinar and the Math Made Simple course. For $399, it also provides the student up to six months to complete the course.
Enhanced
The Enhanced option, for $450, includes all the Standard features plus an additional two months to complete the course and an exam test preparation course called “The Insider’s Ultimate Assessment & Prep Tool for Passing the State Exam.”
Deluxe
The highest-level course Colorado Real Estate School provides is the Deluxe, at $550. It offers all the benefits of the previous courses plus the Colorado Exam Cram Workshop and a full 10 months to complete the course.
Colorado Real Estate School Features
| Features | Course Plans That Include This Feature |
|---|---|
| Exam Prep | Included with all course plans except Standard |
| Live Instructor Q&A | Included with all course plans |
| Books | E-books included om all course plans |
| Payment Plans | None |
| Pass Guarantee | None |
| Post-license Education | None |
| Course Access Limit | 6 months for Standard and Enhanced; 10 months for Deluxe |
My Favorite Feature of Colorado Real Estate School
Providing the full 168-hour real estate course in on-demand video format is my favorite feature. Colorado Real Estate School is doing an outstanding job helping hundreds of students pass their real estate exam each year.
Where Colorado Real Estate School Could Improve
With just over 50 students testing each month, Colorado Real Estate School is currently the number one provider in real estate licensing in Colorado. Unfortunately their student pass rate is below what I would like to see, with 80% of their students passing the national exam and 70% passing the state exam.
Get Started With Colorado Real Estate School
If you are a visual learner and you like learning through video tutorials, Colorado Real Estate School will be a perfect fit. Learn more about their video instruction on their website.
Visit Colorado Real Estate School
Best for Military & Veterans: The CE Shop
Cost: $298 to $413
National exam pass rate: 100%
Colorado exam pass rate: 65%
The CE Shop is well known for providing continuing education within the real estate industry. But did you know that The CE Shop also offers real estate license education?
Besides, they are experts in online education. We have no doubt that they can help you pass your real estate exam and continue to provide your educational requirements for years to come.
The software interface is optimized for both desktop and mobile devices. The CE Shop provides an exam preparation course, a math handbook, and a payment plan option with all their courses.
The CE Shop is currently offering a 35% discount if you use the code PRIMETIME. For our military, they also offer a 40% discount.
The CE Shop Course Options
The CE Shop has three courses packaged for you to choose from. Courses start under $300 for the Standard real estate licensing course.
Standard
The CE Shop’s Standard real estate prelicense course provides the 168 required credit hours and an exam preparation course for just $298. Additionally, you can get started for as little as $163 if you select the three-payment option.
Value
The Value prelicense course provides you with all the features in the Standard course and adds three Business Building Courses: Building Your Sphere, Building Your Real Estate Business, and Is Commercial Real Estate for You? The Value package is available for $330.
Premium
The Premium package includes the 168-hour prelicensing course, the exam test preparation course, the three Business Building Courses, plus a 16-hour continuing education package. This package is available for $413.
The CE Shop Features
| Features | Course Plans That Include This Feature |
|---|---|
| Exam Prep | Included with all course plans |
| Live Instructor Q&A | None |
| Books | None |
| Payment Plans | Included with all course plans |
| Pass Guarantee | None |
| Post-license Education | Included with Value 7 Premium only |
| Course Access Limit | N/A |
My Favorite Feature of The CE Shop
The CE Shop has the best user interface that we have seen. It is easy to use and navigate. Best of all, it is optimized for both desktop and mobile so you can do your real estate education virtually anywhere.
Where The CE Shop Could Improve
My concern with any online only program is that students can get stuck when they don’t have an instructor to ask questions. Students may fall behind and give up if they don’t have a class to keep pace with.
Get Started With The CE Shop
If you’re looking for a school with a great, easy-to-follow interface that excels in prelicensing and beyond, The CE Shop is well worth a look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Your Colorado Real Estate License Online
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Colorado?
The total cost to get a real estate license in Colorado can range from $1,100 to $2,000.
See our article How to Get Your Colorado Real Estate License (+ Tips From a Top Broker) for more details.
Can I take the Colorado real estate exam online?
No, the Colorado real estate exam is provided by PSI. There are seven test center locations in the state of Colorado, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a test center near you.
How hard is the Colorado real estate exam?
The Colorado test is known to be one of the most difficult in the nation. Students need to achieve 75% to pass. The majority of the questions are vocabulary and multiple choice. Therefore, if you know the vocabulary, you have a good chance of passing.
How do I prepare for the Colorado real estate exam?
It is well known in the industry that Colorado’s real estate exam is no joke, touted as being one of the most difficult to pass in the country. If you have completed your 168 hours and you still feel you are not prepared for the Colorado state exam, then consider an exam prep course. Real Estate Express offers Real Estate Exam Prep for $99, which includes a money-back guarantee if you don’t pass the state exam on your first try!
Where can I take the Colorado real estate exam?
PSI is Colorado’s real estate exam test provider. All tests are in person, and students are given four hours to complete the state and national exams. A valid ID is required to take the exam. Students are required to pass with a minimum score of 75%. The cost of each exam is $44.95, and retakes are an additional cost.
PSI has seven test center locations in the state of Colorado, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a test center near you. The locations are:
Colorado PSI Real Estate Test Center Locations
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Centennial, Colorado | 12200 E. Briarwood Ave, Suite 270 |
| Colorado Springs, Colorado | 5050 Edison Avenue, Suite 121 |
| Durango, Colorado | 799 East 3rd Street, Suite 3 |
| Fort Collins, Colorado | 3000 S College Ave, Suite #206 |
| Grand Junction, Colorado | 743 Horizon Court, #203 |
| Pueblo, Colorado | 803 West 4th Street, Suite #803S |
| Wheat Ridge, Colorado | 4891 Independence St., Suite 220 |
Over to You
Now that you know the best real estate schools out there you are ready to start your journey and get your real estate license.
Do you have a favorite online real estate school in Colorado that I didn’t mention here? Let me know in the comments, or if you’re an active agent, join our Facebook mastermind group here.
Karen
Thank you for your kind words. When I wrote this article we were in the middle of the lockdown here in Colorado. If I remember correctly I reached out to Armbrust to see if they were offering any online or on demand classes and they were not open or didn’t respond at that time. I don’t have any personal experience with them. Sean
Hi Sean,
I appreciate your article and have spent a fair amount of time researching these programs. A very successful realtor friend of mine recommended Armbrust Real Estate Institute and I am curious about your thoughts on them.
Thanks!