The Top 10 Best Online Real Estate Schools | Exhaustive 2024 Guide

Real estate is a booming field! It’s resilient, and has potential for substantial financial rewards. And finding the best online real estate school for your goals can elevate your career in this thriving industry.

Real estate agents hold professional licensure, facilitate real estate transactions, and more. A career in this field offers substantial benefits. For example, flexibility and networking opportunities. Not to mention the income potential, usually earned as a percentage of a sale price.

However, success as a real estate agent demands motivation, practical skills, and specialized knowledge. That’s where a top online realtor school with pre- and post-licensing courses becomes essential. This article guides you through the best online programs for a real estate career. Read on to find out more!

What is the Best Online Real Estate School?

Certain factors qualify a school as a top option for real estate education. Typically, the best online real estate schools hold regional accreditation and perhaps some programmatic accreditation as well. They offer state-specific courses that meet licensing requirements. They also provide classes catering to different interests. That includes pre and post-licensing, continuing education, and specializations. Hence, whichever school you choose should meet these criteria.

Article Navigation: Real Estate Online Programs | How to Take Real Estate Classes Online – Types of Degrees | The Top Two Online Real Estate Schools for a Certificate | 8 Best Online Real Estate Schools in 2024 | What Can You Do with a Real Estate Degree Online? | Take the Next Step with an Online Real Estate Degree Today

Real Estate Online Programs

If you’re considering a career as a real estate agent, it’s wise to explore the top real estate programs online. These programs assist in fulfilling continuing education prerequisites and preparing for licensing exams. So, how exactly do these programs operate, and what should you expect from the best real estate schools?

The best real estate classes online cover topics required by state licensing boards. They also provide electives and specializations. These topics include real estate principles, law, ethics, contracts, finance, appraisals, and brokerage. Accredited online real estate classes also offer flexible learning options. Students can opt for self-paced, live, on-demand, or hybrid formats.

A program’s in-person requirements are state-dependent. In some states, students must complete field experiences, workshops, seminars, or networking events before taking the licensing exam. The best real estate schools prepare students for these licensing exams with:

• Pre-licensing courses
• Practice tests
• Preparation resources

Accreditation is crucial for any online program. Typically, reputable schools have regional accreditation, emphasizing academic excellence and learning benefits such as credit transfers, financial aid, and employer recognition.

Most times, regionally accredited real estate schools online also feature business programmatic accreditations. They evaluate their program’s quality in business education. Some examples of programmatic accreditation agencies for business degrees include:

• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

How Much Does Real Estate School Cost Online?

You should always consider the cost of a real estate degree online. Budgeting the financial aspects of your education is crucial for planning your academic and professional future.

The average prices of real estate online programs depend on the degree level you are pursuing. Here is a list of the average prices:

• Certificate in Real Estate – $2,711
• Associate in Real Estate – $11,948
• Bachelor's in Real Estate – $57,426
• Graduate Certificate in Real Estate – $13,900
• Master’s in Real Estate – $33,611
• Doctorate in Real Estate – $46,836

Who Has the Best Real Estate Training Program?

Selecting the best real estate training program can really impact your success in the industry. However, pinpointing the best online realtor school can be subjective. The best depends on your preferences, goals, and location.

Factors to consider when assessing training programs include accreditation, curriculum, flexibility, and faculty expertise, to mention a few. In addition, researching previous graduates’ success rates can provide valuable insights.

How to Take Real Estate Classes Online – Types of Degrees

Online real estate programs offer many benefits:

• Convenience and flexibility
• Affordability
• Accessibility

These programs allow students to learn anywhere, anytime, and at their own pace. Students also choose from a variety of programs and degrees that suit their goals and interests.

Certificate Programs Online

Certificate programs in real estate are short-term commitments. They provide the basic knowledge and skills to enter the industry and offer a route to continued education. It’s suitable for career starters or those seeking to boost their qualifications. Concentrations vary based on interests, with examples such as:

• Salesperson Certificate
• Broker Certificate
• Appraisal Certificate
• Development Certificate

The curriculum for these certificate programs generally includes courses in real estate principles, finance, ethics, and appraisals. Completing a real estate certificate online opens various career paths too. If you want to become a real estate agent, appraiser, and property manager, consider and online certificate in real estate.

Associate Programs Online

Associate real estate programs online take an average of two years to complete. They specifically provide a foundation on real estate principles and practices. This degree benefits those seeking a broad knowledge of the industry. Associate degrees are also perfect to prepare for further education, like a bachelor’s degree. Students can apply to three different types of associate programs.

• (AS) Associate of Science in Real Estate – Focuses more on sciences
• (AA) Associate of Arts in Real Estate – Focuses more on liberal arts
• (AAS) Associate of Applied Science in Real Estate – Career-ready programs

An associate degree includes major courses in real estate principles, brokerage, law, finance, and management. This diverse education leads to careers as agents, property managers, appraiser trainees, or real estate analysts.

Bachelor’s in Real Estate Programs

A bachelor’s degree is a four-year program. Generally, it offers a deeper education in real estate theory and practice than an associate program. It’s ideal for those starting, specializing, or advancing their careers. Common courses cover topics such as property transactions, finance, law, market analysis, and property development. You can search for three different kinds of real estate bachelor’s programs:

• (BS) Bachelor of Science in Real Estate – Focuses more on sciences
• (BBA) Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate – Focuses heavily on business topics
• (BA) Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate Studies -Focuses more on liberal arts

Bachelor’s programs generally cover advanced real estate principles. They offer elective options, too, like global real estate, property management, and green building. Graduates can pursue professional or leadership roles in sales, management, investment, or consulting.

Graduate Certificate Real Estate Programs Online

A graduate certificate in real estate is a post-baccalaureate program that provides specialized knowledge and skills in the field. It is best for bachelor’s degree graduates looking to enhance their credentials, update their skills, or pursue a new path in real estate. This program can also be a stepping stone for further education, like a master’s degree.

Students can concentrate on different real estate elements. Specialization determines the program’s coursework. Upon completing an online graduate certificate, professionals can pursue specialized real estate roles like investment, analysis, and development.

Master’s in Real Estate

An online master’s degree is an excellent choice for career advancement. It equips you with advanced skills and knowledge for specialized roles in business leadership. Consider the following options when it comes to master’s in real estate online:

• (MS) Master of Science in Real Estate – Focus on principles of the career
• (MBA) Master of Business Administration in Real Estate – Focuses more on business functions
• Masters of Professional Studies – Focuses on principles applied to a professional environment
• Executive Masters – Best benefit experienced professionals seeking leadership roles

Courses depend on the type of master’s you choose. For example, you could take anything from advanced finance and investment to urban economics, sustainable practices, market analysis, and ethics. A master’s degree qualifies professionals for real estate specialization and leadership positions.

Doctorate Programs in Real Estate Online

An online doctorate is the highest-level academic qualification. It is excellent for advancing knowledge and skills suitable for leadership, research, or teaching roles. Doctorate programs enhance your career prospects, certainly. It also enhances your marketability, and earning potential, with various types available, including;

• (DBA) Doctor of Business Administration – Focused on solving real-world business challenges through research
• (PhD) Doctor of Philosophy in Real Estate – Focused more on scholarly contribution to the field

Doctorate programs delve into advanced real estate principles. They can lead to roles as developers, investors, managers, consultants, and educators. Ultimately, doctorate degrees signify the highest level of expertise for academia, leadership, research, or policy development careers.

The Top Two Online Real Estate Schools for a Certificate

Selecting the best online real estate school is paramount to becoming a successful realtor. As such, we introduce you to two of the top schools renowned for their excellence in certificate programs. Both schools on this list are selected based on the most affordable costs and most program offerings.

1. Coastline Community College

   Degree(s): Certificate of Achievement in Real Estate Broker or Real Estate Studies; Certificate of Specialization in Real Estate Lending and Mortgage Brokering or Real Estate Property Salesperson
   Tuition (in-state): $46 per unit
   Tuition (out-of-state): $381 per unit

   Coastline Community College is a two-year community college in Orange County, CA. This college serves a diverse student population. It offers various associate degree and certificate programs in various fields, including real estate.

   This institution is one of the best real estate school online for a certificate in part because of the sheer number of programs on offer. Students can find training in sales, property management, finance concepts, and technology that can help them excel and navigate the real estate market.

   – The Certificate of Specialization in Real Estate Property Salesperson is a nine-unit program. It fulfills the academic requirement for a salesperson license.
   – Certificate of Achievement in Real Estate Broker can fulfill the requirements to qualify for the real estate broker license exam.
   – Certificate of Specialization in Real Estate Lending and Mortgage Brokering is a 15-unit program. It provides students with overall training for careers in real estate.
   – The Certificate of Achievement in Real Estate Studies is an 18-unit program providing knowledge to succeed in a rapidly changing industry.

   Coastline also offers one of the most cost-effective accredited real estate classes online. Tuition ranges from $46 per unit in-state to $381 out-of-state.

   Find Out More:
   Real Estate Broker Certificate of Achievement
   Certificate of Achievement in Real Estate Studies
   Real Estate Lending and Mortgage Brokering Certificate of Specialization
   Certificate of Specialization in Real Estate Property Salesperson

    

2. Kentucky Community and Technical College System

   Degree(s): Certificate in Pre-Licensing Real Estate; Certificate in Residential Real Estate
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $186 per credit hour

   Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is a statewide network of 16 community and technical colleges in Kentucky. This system is known for its flexibility and responsiveness. Also, its commitment to improving students’ employability.

   KCTCS offers quality real estate certificates at several community and technical colleges for traditional and non-traditional students. The Certificate in Pre-Licensing Real Estate is a six-unit program that requires a core course in Real Estate Principles. Students must also select one of four technical courses based on their interests.

   On the other hand, students can pursue the Certificate in Residential Real Estate. This program focuses on critical aspects of residential real estate. This includes property transactions, real estate laws, ethical practices, market analysis, and client representation. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers as licensed real estate agents or enhance their existing jobs.

   KCTCS emphasizes accessible education and affordability, justifying its inclusion as one of the best real estate license schools available. The tuition for both certificates is about $186 per credit hour in-state and out-of-state.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Pre-Licensing Real Estate
   Certificate in Residential Real Estate

    

8 Best Online Real Estate Schools in 2024

Affordability and extensive program offerings are vital when choosing the best online real estate school. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top eight online programs in the field. The list focuses on colleges that balance cost-effectiveness and a comprehensive range of programs.

1. West Los Angeles College

   Degree(s): Associate of Arts in Real Estate; Real Estate Certificate
   Tuition (in-state): $84 per unit
   Tuition (out-of-state): $342 per unit

   West Los Angeles College offers online real estate programs with a strong foundation in the industry. You can pursue certificates or associate degrees in real estate, preparing for careers as an agent, property manager, or related professional.

   WLAC’s Associate of Arts in Real Estate is ideal for education and workforce development. The degree explores all facets of the real estate profession. Graduates of this program are on track for the California Real Estate Broker’s License.

   WLAC also offers a Real Estate Certificate program where students must complete 24 units of required courses. Students can opt for either the Certificate in Real Estate Assistant or Real Estate Appraiser Trainee. Whichever the case, completing this program also fulfills the academic requirement for the Real Estate Broker’s License.

   Furthermore, WLAC is one of the most affordable DRE approved real estate schools, with tuition of $84 per unit in-state and $342 per unit out-of-state. Hence, students can get affordable training in compliance with California State Department of Real Estate regulations and requirements.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Arts in Real Estate

    

2. Lorain County Community College

   Degree(s): Associate of Applied Business in Real Estate; Real Estate Short-Term Technical Certificate
   Tuition (in-state): $184.21 per credit hour
   Tuition (out-of-state): $335.78 per credit

   Lorain County Community College is well-regarded for its quality and relevance in diverse career fields. Offering flexible scheduling and learning options that accommodate a diverse range of students, LCCC has become a popular choice for online programs.

   LCCC offers pre-licensure classes required to become a licensed real estate salesperson in Ohio. The Associate of Applied Business in Real Estate program is a two-year degree with 60 credit hours of coursework. The ABB also includes four best real estate courses that satisfy pre-licensing education requirements.

   Then there’s the Real Estate Short-Term Technical Certificate. This includes four courses covering real estate principles, law, finance, and appraisal. Graduates can also apply this certificate program toward an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in real estate or related fields.

   LCCC’s real estate online programs are fully approved by the Ohio Department of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. Completing any of these programs will cost students about $184.21 per credit hour in-state and $335.78 per credit out-of-state.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Applied Business in Real Estate

    

3. American Public University System

   Degree(s): Certificate in Real Estate Management; Associate of Arts Real Estate Studies; BBA in Real Estate Construction & Portfolio; BBA in Real Estate Marketing Management
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $5,545 – $36,900

   The American Public University System (APUS) is an online-based institution that comprises two universities: American Military University and American Public University. This system offers programs across multiple fields of study, including real estate.

   The first is the Certificate in Real Estate Management. It helps aspiring and current real estate professionals build the knowledge required to excel. This program requires 18 credits, with students allowed to transfer up to nine credits into the program. The average tuition for this undergrad certificate is about $5,545.

   APUS also offers an Associate of Arts in Real Estate Studies that covers the industry’s fundamentals. This program thoroughly explores the skills, experience, education, and licenses required for various roles in real estate. Students can enroll in this program with an average tuition of about $18,500.

   Finally, students can opt for a BBA in Real Estate Construction & Portfolio or Real Estate Marketing Management. The Construction specialization focuses on technical and managerial aspects, while the BBA in Marketing Management emphasizes the marketing and sales aspect of real estate. The average tuition cost for both programs is about $36,900.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Real Estate Management
   Associate of Arts in Real Estate Studies
   BBA in Real Estate Construction & Portfolio
   BBA in Real Estate Marketing Management

    

4. Purdue Global

   Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Real Estate; Bachelor of Science in Finance / Real Estate
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $371 per credit

   Purdue is one of the top online real estate schools for its BSBA in Real Estate and Bachelor of Science in Finance with a real estate concentration. Each program prepares students for excellent careers in the real estate industry. You’ll develop critical skills from computer literacy to communications, analysis, and more.

   The BSBA program covers real estate’s managerial and legal aspects when it comes to both residential and commercial properties. The program also leads directly to national real estate licensing examination, providing a curriculum aligned with industry standards. This makes this accredited institution one of the best real estate license schools online.

   Completing this program qualifies graduates for brokerage, finance, investment analysis, appraisal, and property management careers. The program also features a business programmatic accreditation from ACBSP. It’s available completely online. Finally, the average tuition for this program is about $371 per credit hour, with the BS and BSBA rounding up about 180 credits in total.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Real Estate
   Bachelor of Science in Finance / Real Estate

    

5. Longwood University

   Degree(s): MBA in Real Estate
   Tuition (in-state): $13,361
   Tuition (out-of-state): $13,671

   Longwood University is a public liberal arts school with a rich history and tradition of providing a well-rounded education. Consider its many undergrad and graduate degree programs across various disciplines, including its MBA in Real Estate.

   Longwood’s online MBA program with a track in Real Estate prepares students to become industry leaders in diverse real estate fields. For example, development, investment, and finance. The program is AACSB-accredited and can take as few as ten months, making it one of the top 5 online real estate schools on this list.

   This advanced program provides students with practical skills and analytical tools to tackle the challenges and grasp opportunities in the real estate market. Graduates can pursue careers as real estate agents, brokers, developers, analysts, and managers.

   Furthermore, Longwood’s MBA in Real Estate degree prepares students for the state licensing exam in Virginia. The average tuition cost for this program is about $13,361 in-state and $13,671 out-of-state.

   Find Out More:
   MBA in Real Estate

    

6. Liberty University

   Degree(s): BSBA in Real Estate; MBA in Real Estate Development; DBA in Real Estate Development
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $26,770 – $48,892

   Over time, Liberty University has become one of the largest Christian institutes with its wide range of academic programs at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Liberty offers academic excellence, and is dedicated to providing a rigorous education.

   LU implements this dedication to real estate with several degrees. The BSBA in Real Estate program provides a general business education and specialized knowledge in different real estate aspects. Completing this program qualifies graduates for careers as agents, brokers, analysts, or managers.

   The online MBA in Real Estate Development is a two-year program. It trains current and aspiring professionals on best practices and business strategies. The MBA’s focus is on real estate and business skills relevant to management, human resources, accounting, finance, and marketing.

   Alternatively, students can pursue a DBA in Real Estate Development. ACBSP accredits all LU’s real estate programs with some of the best online real estate courses on offer at affordable costs. The average tuition for the BSBA and MBA programs is about $48,892 and $26,770, while the DBA program costs about $37,543.

   Find Out More:
   BSBA in Real Estate
   MBA in Real Estate Development
   DBA in Real Estate Development

    

7. University of Arizona

   Degree(s): Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Analysis; Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Practice; Master of Real Estate Development
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $7,808 – $26,132

   The University of Arizona is another top accredited real estate school online offering graduate certificates in real estate development. You can earn these certificates individually or as part of a master’s degree program.

   First, there’s the Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development Analysis. It’s a nine-unit credential focusing on real estate development fundamentals. Students also learn about the processes by which private and public sector decisions are made. This certificate covers market analysis, feasibility analysis, and land development processes.

   Students can also choose the Certificate in Development Practice to learn the practical aspects of real estate development. This program incorporates project management, design, construction, and sustainability. It requires four courses and 12 units of coursework and costs an average of $10,358 in-state and out-of-state.

   If you wish to explore more advanced options, the University of Arizona also offers a Master of Real Estate Development program. This MRED program is perfect for current or aspiring developers and industry leaders. It also provides studies in real estate finance, law, construction management, and site planning. The average tuition for this program is about $26,132.

   Find Out More:
   Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Analysis
   Graduate Certificate in Real Estate Practice
   Master of Real Estate Development

    

8. Florida International University

   Degree(s): Master of Science in International Real Estate
   Tuition (in-state): $28,000
   Tuition (out-of-state): $30,000

   This Master of Science in International Real Estate is Florida’s most extensive real estate program. An accelerated degree, it focuses on high-level industry aspects, making FIU one of the best real estate schools online.

   The ACBSP accredits this program. Overall, the master’s covers every primary phase of real estate, including analysis, valuation, financing, and closing. Students also develop real-world knowledge and earn substantial credit toward various industry designations and licenses.

   As the name suggests, FIU’s program has a strong international focus, preparing students to work in the global real estate market. For instance, graduates are on track to engage in cross-border transactions, investment, and development. The average tuition cost for this program in-state is about $28,000, while out-of-state students would have to pay about $30,000.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in International Real Estate

    

What Can You Do with a Real Estate Degree Online?

Online real estate programs have proven ideal for those becoming licensed real estate agents or brokers. However, if you’re seeking career advancements, you can also benefit from enrolling in good online real estate schools. It’s a great way to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices.

These programs prepare students for licensing exams. They can enhance resumes, expand networks, and most importantly, increase earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, real estate brokers and sales agents earn a median annual wage of $52,030 in 2022. The job projection is also expected to rise by 3% between 2022 and 2032.

Ultimately, the worth of a real estate program depends on your preferences. Online real estate programs offer convenience. They’re flexible, more affordable. Plus, they lead to quality career opportunities.

Take the Next Step Today

If you are ready to take your career to the next level, then enroll in a program from the best online real estate schools. Proper education can open the door to becoming a licensed professional or specializing in areas of real estate.

GetEducated offers a vast database of online programs. Our research helps prospective students find the right degree that meets their goals. Use this effective degree finder and take the first step toward a bright future in the real estate industry.