With all the elegant properties across Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Aspen, a real estate career in Colorado is definitely something to consider. And if you’re looking for the perfect real estate school for you, I’m here to help. Of course, there is no single “best” real estate school because there are so many different variables. But as a real estate broker in Colorado for 28 years, I’ll help you find the right real estate school to fit your needs.
To narrow your search, here are six of my favorite real estate schools in Colorado based on course formats, pass rates, pricing, package features, and more. Let’s take a look to get your exciting new career in real estate started.
6 Best Real Estate Schools in Colorado
| Our Top Picks | ||
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall: Kaplan | ||
| Best Value: Colibri Real Estate | ||
| Best Customer Service: American Dream Real Estate School | ||
| Best Long-term Provider: VanEd | ||
| Best for Online: Colorado Real Estate School | ||
| Best for Continuing Education: The CE Shop |
(Colorado prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)
Real Estate Schools in Colorado: Helpful Info
Colorado Real Estate Governing Board:
Colorado Real Estate Commission
Prelicensing Requirements:
168 Hours
Post-licensing Requirements:
None
Continuing Education Requirements:
24 Hours Every Three Years
All of the schools we’ve included in our top picks list meet the state’s 168-hour prelicensing requirements. But you’ll be returning to your real estate education over and over, so let’s take a look at the types of programs each of these schools offer.
Prelicensing Courses
The journey to getting your Colorado real estate license begins with a 168-hour prelicensing course. The 168 hours are split into six separate courses (real estate law and practice, local contracts and regulations, rules around recordkeeping and trust accounts, legal issues, closing procedures, and practical applications). You’ll need to complete them all in a specific order to qualify for the Colorado real estate exam.
Colorado real estate schools offer prelicensing courses in online, self-paced, livestream, and in-person formats. You’ll have your choice of the learning environment that suits you best. Plus, each school offers a variety of prelicensing packages with different features, such as books, videos, and extra instructor support.
Exam Preparation
Once you’ve finished your prelicensing course, you’ll need to pass both the state and national portions of the Colorado real estate license exam. Exam preparation tools are an efficient way to ensure you feel confident on exam day. Some schools even provide targeted practice in the areas where you need the most help, as well as flashcards, simulated exams, study schedules, and more.
Continuing Education
When you receive your Colorado real estate license, you’ll enter into a three-year licensing cycle. You’ll need to complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every three years in order to renew your license. Keep your eye out for the features you enjoyed from your real estate school during your prelicensing course, because you can likely take CE courses through the same provider.
Now that you know a little more about how to choose a school, here’s a deep dive into my top six picks for the best real estate schools in Colorado.
Best Overall Real Estate School in Colorado: Kaplan
Kaplan offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
Kaplan is well known for exam prep, but many people don’t know that they have an excellent real estate education division.
The school offers multiple real estate class delivery options, including home study, on-demand, and live online. On-demand allows you to move at your own pace while still having access to a live instructor. It’s the best option for those trying to get through the material as quickly as possible.
Kaplan Real Estate Pass Rate & Features
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Exam Pass Rate (data from Colorado Real Estate Division) | |
| Exam Prep | |
| Live Instructor Q&A | |
| Books | |
| Payment Plans | |
| Pass Guarantee | |
| Professional Development Education | |
| Course Access Limit |
Kaplan Pricing
You have a huge number of choices when it comes to Kaplan’s online education packages:
- Licensing Success Home Study Package ($599): This at-your-own-pace package includes your course materials plus access to Kaplan’s Interactive Study Group Live Online and Career Mentor live support. You’ll also get Kaplan’s exam prep full of practice questions.
- Career Launcher Home Study Package ($799): You’ll get everything in the Success package plus an eight-hour intensive business prep course in a live online format and eight weeks of professional coaching.
- Licensing Success Online Video Package ($799): This package delivers your course via video and includes all the features of the home study package, plus live instructor support.
- Career Launcher Online Video Package ($999): This combines the Licensing Success package with access to an eight-hour intensive business prep course.
- Licensing Success Live Online Package ($999): This scheduled, online class also has everything that’s in the previous Licensing Success packages.
- Career Launcher Live Online Package ($1,199): You’ll get everything in the previous package in a live, online format, plus an eight-hour intensive business prep course.
(Colorado prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)
SAVE on all Kaplan prelicensing courses in Colorado. Use promo code KAPRE5 at checkout!
BEST FEATURE: If you’re looking for the best chance of passing the Colorado real estate license exam in less than eight weeks, then Kaplan is the right choice. All of Kaplan’s courses provide live instructors and exam prep to help you succeed the first time you take the Colorado real estate exam.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Kaplan is the priciest of all the courses listed, so it’s not the best option for those with a tight budget. It would be nice to see Kaplan offer a wider range of price points to meet the needs of the cost-conscious student.
BOTTOM LINE: Kaplan’s courses are well-oiled machines. I chose Kaplan as the best overall real estate school in Colorado for the flexibility of its packages. Visit their website to get started on your coursework today.
Best Colorado Real Estate School for Value: Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
If you’re looking to save some money on your prelicensing education, this is a good place to start. With packages starting at $399, Colibri Real Estate is one of the most affordable options on our list. The company also offers the ability to upgrade your course package to include the Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee, exam preparation, and live instructor Q&A.
Colibri Real Estate Pass Rate & Features
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Exam Pass Rate (data from Colorado Real Estate Division) | |
| Exam Prep | |
| Live Instructor Q&A | |
| Books | |
| Payment Plans | |
| Pass Guarantee | |
| Professional Development Education | |
| Course Access Limit |
Colibri Real Estate Pricing
In Colorado, Colibri Real Estate offers four value-packed prelicensing course packages for prospective real estate school students.
- The Basics ($399): This is a perfect course for a disciplined self-starter who just wants the essentials. You’ll also get a study guide, coaching videos, and instructor support.
- Exam Preparation ($498): You’ll receive all the benefits of The Basics plus state exam prep materials and the Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee.
- Exam Preparation Plus ($560): This includes everything from the previous package plus instructor Q&A and a live exam crammer series.
- Ultimate Learning ($670): Includes everything in the previous package as well as a printed textbook and one year of professional development courses.
(Colorado prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)
SAVE 30% on any Colibri Real Estate package when you use promo code TheClose30 at checkout.
BEST FEATURE: Colibri Real Estate offers several affordable prelicensing packages beginning at just $399, and their usability combined with this low price makes them the best value option on our list.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: The Colorado state portion of the exam is known to be challenging. The Colibri Real Estate student pass rate on the national exam is currently at 70%. However, only 37% of students are passing the state portion.
Colibri Real Estate’s state exam pass rate is lower than we would like to see. Still, you may be able to improve your chances of passing the Colorado portion of the real estate exam by selecting one of the top-tier packages that include exam prep materials.
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re a self-starter who likes a good deal, Colibri Real Estate is your best option.
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Best Real Estate School in Colorado for Customer Service: American Dream Real Estate School
American Dream Real Estate School offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
If you’re looking for an individualized educational experience, American Dream Real Estate School is an outstanding option. American Dream Real Estate School offers personalized services and flexible payment options. Exam preparation and books are also included with all courses.
American Dream Real Estate School Pass Rate & Features
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Exam Pass Rate (data from Colorado Real Estate Division) | |
| Exam Prep | |
| Live Instructor Q&A | |
| Books | |
| Payment Plans | |
| Pass Guarantee | |
| Professional Development Education | |
| Course Access Limit |
American Dream Real Estate School Pricing
Students can take both online and in-person real estate courses with American Dream Real Estate School. The price of the prelicensing course depends on the format you choose and the location of the classes.
- Online Colorado Broker Licensing Course ($399): American Dream’s at-your-own-pace real estate course also includes books and exam preparation.
- Zoom Virtual Real Estate Broker Training ($795): Take your prelicensing class hours via livestream on Zoom. Students take quizzes and tests each week to verify their grasp of the material before moving on.
- Small Group Colorado Broker Licensing Course ($895-$945): This option is the same as the Zoom class, except you meet in person. Classes are currently offered in Arvada, Aurora, Broomfield, Colorado Springs, Conifer, Crested Butte/Gunnison, downtown Denver, the Cherry Creek neighborhood, the Highlands neighborhood, Durango, Edwards, Evergreen, Grand Junction, Lakewood, and Montrose.
- Private One-on-One Colorado Broker Licensing Course ($1,249): You’ll receive all the materials you need and one-on-one instruction to help you pass the Colorado real estate exam the first time.
(Colorado prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)
BEST FEATURE: The thing I like most about American Dream Real Estate School is the individualized support. They will customize a plan for you and are eager to help with your unique situation. They are also the only school on this list to offer one-on-one classes.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Compared to some other online providers, American Dream could benefit by upgrading its technology and student interface. Their website may also be confusing to a first-time visitor.
BOTTOM LINE: If you want the feel of an in-person real estate school that offers online education, you won’t be disappointed with American Dream Real Estate School.
Best Real Estate School in Colorado for Continued Growth: VanEd
VanEd offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
VanEd offers courses ranging from real estate prelicensing education to the Graduate, Realtor Institute designation. They truly are a one-stop shop for online real estate education. VanEd boasts an outstanding student pass rate and allows students up to a year of access to their courses.
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If cost is a concern, you may want to take advantage of VanEd’s three-payment option and start your real estate education for as little as $113. We like that VanEd also offers additional discounts to veterans.
VanEd Pass Rate & Features
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Exam Pass Rate (data from Colorado Real Estate Division) | |
| Exam Prep | |
| Live Instructor Q&A | |
| Books | |
| Payment Plans | |
| Pass Guarantee | |
| Professional Development Education | |
| Course Access Limit |
VanEd Pricing
You’ll have your choice of three prelicensing course packages with VanEd in Colorado:
- Essentials ($425): Includes the prelicensing courses for Colorado, live instructor support and customer service, and exam prep materials.
- Advantage ($525): Includes everything in the previous package as well as an e-book. This package also includes a money-back guarantee.
- Premium ($650): The Premium package includes everything in the Advantage Package, the Colorado Real Estate Commission’s annual update course, 20% off one year of continuing education courses, and the Career Kick-start Course.
(Colorado prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)
BEST FEATURE: There are a lot of great things to say about VanEd. For example, exam preparation and live instructor support are included in all the courses. Our favorite feature is that VanEd offers prelicensing, continuing education, and Graduate, Realtor Institute designation for Colorado real estate brokers.
ROOM TO 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 topped our list if they provided this.
BOTTOM LINE: You can grow in your real estate career by taking all of your prelicensing and continuing education courses with VanEd. And because of VanEd’s 12-month access for all their packages, busy would-be real estate agents will have twice the typical amount of time in which to complete their education.
Best School for Online: Colorado Real Estate School
Colorado Real Estate School offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
The entire 168-hour prelicensing course is presented in an on-demand streaming video presentation through Colorado Real Estate School. This course presentation method allows you to work at your own pace since you can stop and start the video as needed.
Designed for students with no real estate experience, this fully online video course will prepare you to pass the Colorado real estate license exam and succeed in your real estate career.
Colorado Real Estate School Pass Rate & Features
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Exam Pass Rate (data from Colorado Real Estate Division) | |
| Exam Prep | |
| Live Instructor Q&A | |
| Books | |
| Payment Plans | |
| Pass Guarantee | |
| Professional Development Education | |
| Course Access Limit |
Colorado Real Estate School Pricing
This at-your-own-pace school offers three course package options:
- Standard ($399): Besides receiving the 168 hours of videos, this package includes a weekly Q&A webinar, the Math Made Easy course, and the Insider’s Ultimate Exam Prep System course. Students have six months to complete the course.
- Enhanced ($450): This package includes all the Standard package features, plus an additional two months to complete the course. You’ll also receive two courses: New Agent Business Training and Intro to Commercial Real Estate.
- Deluxe ($550): This package offers all of the benefits of the previous courses plus the Colorado Exam Cram workshop and a full 10 months to complete the course.
(Colorado prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)
BEST FEATURE: We all have different learning styles. Colorado Real Estate School helps people who learn best by watching videos. It’s also possible to easily review previous lessons. Another special feature that they have is the TruSupport Pass Guarantee for all students. If you fail to pass the licensing exam, they will renew your access to their video classes and assist you until you pass the exam—even if it takes you five tries!
ROOM TO IMPROVE: You definitely need to be a self-starter with this option. Also, Colorado Real Estate School offers a pass incentive exclusively for those who purchase the Deluxe package. If you pass the state license exam on your first try, they’ll reimburse you the cost of the test ($45). That’s a sweet deal—but we think that it would be better if they included the pass incentive in all packages.
BOTTOM LINE: If you like learning through video tutorials, Colorado Real Estate School is a great fit. Learn more about their video instruction on their website.
Best Real Estate School in Colorado for Continuing Education: The CE Shop
The CE Shop offers:
- Prelicensing
- Exam prep
- Continuing education
The CE Shop’s experts specialize in online continuing education. We have no doubt that they can help you pass your real estate exam and provide materials for your CE requirements for years to come.
The software interface is optimized for both desktop and mobile devices. In addition, The CE Shop provides an exam preparation course, a math handbook, and a payment plan option with all their packages.
The CE Shop Pass Rate & Features
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Exam Pass Rate (data from Colorado Real Estate Division) | |
| Exam Prep | |
| Live Instructor Q&A | |
| Books | |
| Payment Plans | |
| Pass Guarantee | |
| Professional Development Education | |
| Course Access Limit |
The CE Shop Pricing
You have three Colorado prelicensing packages to choose from with The CE Shop:
- Standard ($495): This package includes your course, business e-books, career resources, digital flashcards, and an exam study schedule, plus state and national exam prep and an exam pass guarantee.
- Value ($545): You’ll receive everything in the previous package as well as access to three business-building courses with this option.
- Premium Package ($689): The Premium package includes everything in the previous course plus a 16-hour continuing education package. This gives you a nice head start on the 24 hours of CE you’ll need to renew your license over the first three years of your career.
(Colorado prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)
SAVE 35% on prelicensing packages at The CE Shop. Use promo code TheClose35 at checkout!
BEST FEATURE: We love that The CE Shop takes care of our military members and veterans by offering a discount on packages for servicemen and women.
Also, this is the best user interface out of all the schools on this list. The CE Shop courses are easy to use and navigate. Best of all, they are optimized for both desktop and mobile, so you can complete your real estate education virtually anywhere.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Again, my concern with an online-only program is that students can get stuck when they aren’t able to ask questions of an instructor. It’s also easy for students to fall behind and give up if they don’t have the structure of a live or live-online course. Some students need a live Q&A session where they can talk to instructors in real time.
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a school with an excellent, do-it-yourself interface that excels in prelicensing education and beyond, The CE Shop is well worth a look.
How We Selected the Best Real Estate Schools in Colorado
First of all, I’ve been a real estate broker in Colorado for 28 years, so I have a ton of experience to draw on. But also, the larger team at The Close is made up of licensed real estate professionals, editors, and writers in the real estate industry. We’ve put together this list using a methodology that involves thorough research. We took into consideration the pricing, course offerings, ease of use, web and mobile interface, instructor support, medium of instruction, pass rate, and more. Read more about our methodology here.
Colorado Real Estate Schools FAQs
While we’ve given you a lot of information to digest regarding real estate schools in Colorado, now we have a little more for you about the process. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section of this article. We’d be happy to help!
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Colorado?
It costs between $1,100 and $2,000 to get your Colorado real estate license. This includes the cost of the prelicensing coursework, application fee, and exam fee. The bulk of the cost comes from your 168-hour prelicensing course, and what you pay will depend on whether you choose to take it online or in person, as well as the type of package you choose.
For a breakdown of associated costs, take a look at my post, How to Get Your Colorado Real Estate License (+ Tips From a Top Broker).
Can I take the Colorado real estate exam online?
No, the Colorado real estate exam is provided in-person by PSI. However, there are several test center locations in the state of Colorado, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one near you:
- Centennial
- Colorado Springs
- Durango
- Fort Collins
- Grand Junction
- Pueblo
- Wheat Ridge
How do I prepare for the Colorado real estate exam?
Colorado’s real estate exam is no walk in the park. In fact, it’s touted as being one of the most difficult real estate licensing exams in the country. Students need to get at least 75% of the answers correct in the national portion and at least 72% in the state portion to pass. If you’ve completed your 168 hours of prelicensing work, start by reviewing your course notes.
If you’re looking for extra exam prep so you’re confident on exam day, we love Kaplan and Colibri Real Estate. Colibri Real Estate even offers an add-on exam prep package for $115, which includes a money-back guarantee if you don’t pass the state exam on your first try.
How many Realtors are there in Colorado?
According to the National Association of Realtors’ data, there are 28,712 Realtors in Colorado. This is a very slight increase from the previous month, and a 3% decrease from last year.
How much do real estate agents make in Colorado?
Of course, it all depends on the number of deals and the commission splits, but according to Indeed.com, a real estate agent in Colorado can expect to make an average of $99,312. That’s about the same as the national average. Agents with 10 or more years of experience could make almost $18,000 more a year.
What’s the average home price in Colorado?
According to Zillow, the average home price in Colorado is now $549,847, a 3.6% decrease from last year. However, small ski towns have actually seen an increase. Vail home values are up 7% at $1,587,924, for example.
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Bringing It All Together
Hopefully this guide helped you pinpoint the best real estate schools in Colorado to meet your needs. The Close offers resources for every stage of your real estate career. Have thoughts or questions about getting your Colorado license or the right school for you? Leave a comment below!
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