Finding the best real estate schools in Colorado is more complicated than you think. There is no single “best” real estate school because there are so many different variables. Don’t fear. I’ve been a real estate broker in Colorado for 26 years and I’ll help you find the right Colorado real estate school to fit your needs.
To narrow your search, we chose our six favorite real estate schools in Colorado based on course formats, pass rates, pricing, what’s included in their packages, and so much more. First we’ll break down the most important criteria to consider, and then we’ll share the six best real estate schools in Colorado based on our findings.
6 Best Real Estate Schools in Colorado for 2022
| Our Top Picks | ||
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall: Kaplan Real Estate Education | ||
| Best Value: Real Estate Express | ||
| Best for Service: American Dream Real Estate School | ||
| Best Long-term Provider: VanEd | ||
| Best for Video Format: Colorado Real Estate School | ||
| Best for Continuing Education: The CE Shop |
(Colorado Prelicensing Package Prices as of December 2021)
Real Estate Schools in Colorado: Criteria to Consider
All of the packages we’ve included in our top six list meet the state’s 168-hour prelicensing requirements. If you need more info on the process of becoming an agent, please refer to How to Get Your Colorado Real Estate License (+ Tips From a Top Broker).
The process begins with completing a course of study, and in my experience, not all Colorado real estate schools are created equal. Here are eight criteria to consider when choosing which Colorado real estate school is right for you:
1. Student Pass Rate
Colorado provides the student pass rate for each real estate school. The school’s pass rates are broken out by national and state exam scores.
2. Cost
Cost is an important factor, but it shouldn’t be the most crucial factor in determining the right online real estate school for you.
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 pursue their Colorado real estate license.
4. Live Instructor Q&A
Unless you have previous experience in law or real estate, you may find the material challenging to learn. Having the ability to ask questions and interact with a live instructor may be the difference between passing and failing your exam, depending on your learning style.
OK, 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 Real Estate Education
Kaplan Real Estate Education is well known for exam prep courses, but many people don’t know that they have an excellent real estate education division. In fact, Kaplan maintains one of the highest national and state student pass rates for real estate licensure exams.
Kaplan offers multiple real estate class delivery options, including home study, on-demand, and live online options. The on-demand option allows you to move at your own pace while still having access to a live instructor. This is the best option for those trying to get through the material as quickly as possible.
Kaplan Real Estate Education Pass Rate & Features
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Exam Pass Rate | 81% Colorado exam pass rate |
| Exam Prep | |
| Live Instructor Q&A | |
| Books | |
| Payment Plans | |
| Pass Guarantee | |
| Post-license Education | |
| Course Access Limit |
Kaplan Real Estate Education Pricing
Kaplan Real Estate Education offers online prelicensing course packages for prospective Colorado real estate school students looking to complete their 168 hours of classes.
- Colorado Broker Licensing Success OnDemand Package ($799): This course includes exam prep, live instructor support, and a weekly live, online group mentoring session.
- Colorado Broker Licensing Success Live Online Package ($899): This scheduled, live online class also has everything that’s in the previous package.
- Career Launcher OnDemand Package ($999): Includes access to Kaplan’s Real Estate Accelerator course, an eight-hour intensive course that will give you real-world advice on launching your career.
- Career Launcher Live Online Package ($1,099): Includes everything in the previous package, but with material presented in a live, online format.
(Kaplan Real Estate Education Prelicensing Package Prices as of December 2021)
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. 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 real estate education courses are well-oiled machines. Visit their website to get started on your coursework today.
Best Colorado Real Estate School for Value: Real Estate Express
Every penny counts when you’re starting a new career in real estate. With packages starting at $399, Real Estate Express is the most affordable option on our list.
Real Estate Express also 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 Pass Rate & Features
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Exam Pass Rate | Colorado exam pass rate: 43% |
| Exam Prep | |
| Live Instructor Q&A | |
| Books | |
| Payment Plans | |
| Pass Guarantee | |
| Post-license Education | |
| Course Access Limit |
Real Estate Express Pricing
Real Estate Express offers four value-packed prelicensing course packages for prospective Colorado real estate school students.
- The Basics ($399): This is a perfect course for a disciplined self-starter who just wants the essentials.
- Exam Preparation ($459): You’ll receive all the benefits of The Basics plus Colorado state exam prep materials and the “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee.
- Exam Preparation Plus ($514): Includes everything from the previous package, plus instructor Q&A and a live exam crammer series.
- Ultimate Learning ($595): Includes everything in the previous package as well as a printed textbook and one year of professional development courses.
(Real Estate Express Prelicensing Package Prices as of October 2021)
BEST FEATURE: Real Estate Express 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. Real Estate Express’ student pass rate on the national exam is currently 100%. Conversely, only 43% of students are passing the state portion.
Real Estate Express’ state exam pass rate is lower than we would like to see. Improve your chances of passing the Colorado real estate exam by selecting one of their top-tier packages (Exam Prep Plus or Ultimate Learning) that include exam prep materials.
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re a self-starter who likes a deal, Real Estate Express is your best option. Visit their website to get started.
Visit Real Estate Express Today
Best Real Estate School in Colorado for Customer Service: American Dream Real Estate School
If you’re looking for a personalized educational experience, 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 Pass Rate & Features
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Exam Pass Rate | Colorado exam pass rate: 61% |
| Exam Prep | |
| Live Instructor Q&A | |
| Books | |
| Payment Plans | |
| Pass Guarantee | |
| Post-license Education | |
| Course Access Limit |
American Dream Real Estate School Pricing
American Dream Real Estate School offers both online and live online real estate courses. 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 online real estate course also includes books and exam preparation.
- Zoom Class ($795): The required 168 prelicensing class hours are completed as online self-study. Students take quizzes and tests each week to verify their grasp of the material before moving on. Classes meet via Zoom once a week for chapter review.
- Small Group Class ($895 – $945): This option is the same as the Zoom class, except you meet in person.
Classes are currently offered in Alvada, Aurora, Broomfield, Colorado Springs, Conifer, Crested Butte/Gunnison, Denver Downtown, Denver Cherry Creek, Denver Highlands, Durango, Edwards, Evergreen, Grand Junction, Lakewood, and Montrose.
- Accelerated One-on-One 168-Hour Real Estate Broker Training ($1,294): 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.
(American Dream Real Estate School Prelicensing Package Prices as of December 2021)
BEST FEATURE: The thing I like most about American Dream Real Estate School is the individualized support. They will customize a plan that will work for you and are always eager to help with your unique situation.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: Compared to some other online providers, American Dream could benefit by upgrading its technology and student interface.
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 courses ranging 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 boasts an outstanding student pass rate. They also allow students up to 12 months of access to their courses.
If cost is a concern, then take advantage of VanEd’s three-payment option and start your real estate education with as little as $183. We like that VanEd also offers additional discounts to veterans.
VanEd Pass Rate & Features
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Exam Pass Rate | Colorado exam pass rate: 79% |
| Exam Prep | |
| Live Instructor Q&A | |
| Books | |
| Payment Plans | |
| Pass Guarantee | |
| Post-license Education | |
| Course Access Limit |
VanEd Pricing
VanEd offers three prelicensing course packages for Colorado.
- Essentials ($549): Includes the prelicensing courses for Colorado, live instructor support and customer service, and exam prep materials.
- Advantage ($649): Includes everything in the previous package as well as an e-book. This package also includes a money-back guarantee.
- Premium ($749): The Premium package includes the CREC Annual Commission Update Course, 20% off one year of continuing education courses, and the Career Kickstart Course.
(VanEd Prelicensing Package Prices as of December 2021)
BEST FEATURE: There are a lot of great things to say about VanEd. For example, exam preparation and live instructor support are included with all the courses.
But, my 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 been our Best Option choice 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.
Best Video Courses: Colorado Real Estate School
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 | Colorado exam pass rate: 70% |
| Exam Prep | |
| Live Instructor Q&A | |
| Books | |
| Payment Plans | |
| Pass Guarantee | |
| Post-license Education | |
| Course Access Limit |
Colorado Real Estate School Pricing
Colorado Real Estate School offers three video course package options.
- Standard ($399): Besides receiving the 168 hours of videos, this package includes a weekly Q&A webinar and the Math Made Simple course. Students are given 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 an exam prep course called “The Insider’s Ultimate Assessment & Prep Tool for Passing the State Exam” and an “Intro to Commercial Real Estate” course.
- 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 Real Estate School Prelicensing Package Prices as of December 2021)
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.
ROOM TO 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.
BOTTOM LINE: If you like learning through video tutorials, Colorado Real Estate School is a perfect fit. Learn more about their video instruction on their website.
Visit Colorado Real Estate School Today
Best Real Estate School in Colorado for Continuing Education: The CE Shop
The CE Shop experts specialize in online education. We have no doubt that they can help you pass your real estate exam and provide materials for your continuing education 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.
Colorado Real Estate School Pass Rate & Features
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Exam Pass Rate | Colorado exam pass rate: 65% |
| Exam Prep | |
| Live Instructor Q&A | |
| Books | |
| Payment Plans | |
| Pass Guarantee | |
| Post-license Education | |
| Course Access Limit |
The CE Shop Pricing
You have four Colorado prelicensing packages to choose from with The CE Shop.
- Courses Only ($399): Includes the basic course material, a business e-book, career resources, digital flashcards, and an exam study schedule.
- Standard ($459): The standard package includes everything from the previous package as well as state and national exam prep and a pass guarantee.
- Value ($499): You’ll receive everything in the previous package as well as access to three Business Building Courses with this option.
- Premium Package ($575): The Premium package includes everything in the previous course plus a 16-hour continuing education package. You won’t need another real estate education provider for years!
(The CE School Prelicensing Package Prices as of December 2021)
BEST FEATURE: We love that The CE Shop takes care of our military members and veterans by offering a 40% discount on packages for servicemen and women.
We also can’t overstate that this is the best user interface that we’ve seen. 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 from virtually anywhere.
ROOM TO IMPROVE: 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 live or live-online course.
BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a school with an excellent, easy-to-follow interface that excels in prelicensing education and beyond, The CE Shop is well worth a look.
Colorado Real Estate Schools FAQs
While we’ve given you a lot of information to digest regarding real estate schools in Colorado, and now we’ve got a little more for you about the process. If you have any other questions please feel free to leave them in the comments section of this article. We’d be happy to help!
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. This includes the cost of the prelicensing coursework, application fee, and exam fee.
[Related article: 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 by PSI. However, there are nine test center locations in the state of Colorado, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a test center near you.
They are located in the following Colorado cities:
- Centennial
- Colorado Springs
- Durango
- Fort Collins
- Grand Junction
- Pueblo
- Wheat Ridge
How hard is the Colorado real estate exam?
The Colorado exam is known to be one of the most challenging real estate licensing exams in the nation. Students need a 75% to pass.
To improve your chance of passing, it’s important to understand real estate vocabulary and spend time with quality test prep materials.
Consider purchasing an exam prep package through Mbition. Mbition’s National Master Exam Prep Package for Colorado includes their Real Estate Exam Prep Toolkit, which will help you review important terminology that you’ll see on the test.
How do I prepare for the Colorado real estate exam?
Colorado’s real estate exam is no joke. In fact, it’s touted as being one of the most difficult real estate licensing exams in the country.
If you’ve completed your 168 hours of prelicensing work, and you feel you’re not quite prepared for the Colorado state exam, consider adding an exam prep course.
Real Estate Express offers an exam prep package for $99, which includes a money-back guarantee if you don’t pass the state exam on your first try!
More Career Resources From The Close
Hopefully, this guide will help 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. You can begin by joining our Facebook Mastermind Group to ask realtors nationwide how to launch your real estate business after getting licensed.
Join The Close Pro to level up your skills and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles direct to your inbox so you won’t miss important insights from the real estate pros here at The Close.
Add comment