One of the best things about living in the time we do is that education is more accessible than ever.
And luckily, the same is true when it comes to earning your real estate license.
With the real estate market showing resilience—home showings are up 7% year-over-year—it’s an exciting time to jump into the industry. Online real estate schools offer courses from pre-license requirements to exam prep. Everything you need to kick-start your dream career is just a few clicks away.
That’s great. But how much does it cost?
Great question. Aspiring real estate agents need to think about more than passing the licensing exam—they also have to budget for the journey. Let’s break it all down, step by step, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- Cost Varies by State: Online real estate school pricing depends on your state’s licensing requirements, with pre-licensing hours ranging from 40 to 180 hours.
- Choose the Right School: Top options like Colibri Real Estate, AceableAgent, and The CE Shop cater to various budgets and learning styles.
- Plan for Additional Expenses: Beyond course fees, you’ll need to budget for application fees, exam fees, and other costs like a background check.
- Flexibility is Key: Online real estate schools let you study at your own pace, making them ideal for busy schedules.
- Start Your Career Smart: The total cost to become a real estate professional generally ranges from $825 to $2,700+, offering a manageable path to a new career.
What Does Online Real Estate School Include?
Online real estate schools typically cover the essentials you need to get your real estate license, as well as fulfilling additional educational needs. This includes:
- Pre-Licensing Courses: These are the required classes that teach you the basics of real estate law, contracts, and ethics. Often, these will be state-specific, so it’s important to find a school that offers a pre-licensing course for your state.
- Exam Prep: Some schools offer tools to help you study for your state licensing exam. The real estate exam is different in every state, so again, find a provider who serves your state of residence.
- Specific Licenses: If you want a specialized license, such as becoming a home inspector or residential contractor, online schools have what you need.
- Continuing Education: It varies by state, but generally speaking, agents need between 6 and 15 credit hours per year. You can often fulfill your requirements with online providers.
Now that you know what online real estate schools have to offer, let’s look at what the top schools charge and what you’ll get for your money.
How Much Do Popular Online Real Estate Schools Cost?
Let’s discover the price ranges of some of the top real estate education and exam prep providers. Keep in mind that every package varies depending on the state and the package you choose. For the sake of this article, we’ll be looking exclusively at price ranges for pre-licensing and exam prep courses and materials.
| Provider | Price Range | Features | Why Choose? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colibri Real Estate | $100–$900 |
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| AceableAgent | $149–$1,119 |
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| The CE Shop | $79–$1,015 |
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| Real Estate U | $99–$1,030 |
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| Kaplan Real Estate | $29–$899 |
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Several of the top real estate courses provide real estate discounts to help bring costs down. Check out our exclusive promos for these courses:
How Much Does Online Real Estate School Cost on Average?
Now, let’s add it all together and give you a better idea of what your investment will look like.
- Pre-Licensing Course Average Cost: $500
- Exam Prep Course Average Cost: $200
- Total Average Cost: $700
- Total Average Range: $500 to $1,200
Generally speaking, expect your pre-licensing course to run around $500, give or take a few hundred. Exam prep, meanwhile, is often much more affordable. Many exam prep courses sell for around $200. The total for both will average around $700 but can range between $500 and $1,200 or so, depending on your state and the packages you choose.
Other Costs to Keep in Mind
Getting your real estate license involves more than just paying for classes. Here’s a breakdown of additional costs you’ll need to budget for:
1. State Licensing Exam Fees
- These typically cost between $50 and $100, depending on your state.
2. Background Check Fees
- Most states require a background check, which costs about $25–$100.
3. Application Fee
- Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll need to apply for your license. This usually costs $50–$300, depending on your state.
4. Continuing Education Costs
- To maintain your license, you’ll need to complete continuing education (CE) requirements. CE courses typically cost $25–$50 per course.
5. Other Expenses
- Marketing costs: Business cards, a website, and advertising are essential once you start building your client base.
- Desk fees: If you work under a brokerage, they may charge you a monthly fee for office space and resources.
What’s the Total Cost of Becoming a Real Estate Agent?
When you add it all up, here’s what you can expect:
- Real estate school: $500–$1,200 (for pre-licensing and exam prep; varies by provider/package)
- State exam fee: $50–$100
- Application fee: $50–$300
- Background check fee: $25–$100
- Other business expenses: $200–$1,000+ (initial costs for marketing, desk fees, etc.)
Your real estate license cost will range from $825 to $2,700+ total, depending on your state and the school you choose. Keep in mind that you can easily pay more or less, as this is intended to be more of an average than a comprehensive gambit of possible prices.
While this may feel like a big chunk of change, it’s a sound investment in your career. This starting cost opens the gateway to countless benefits, from flexibility to unlimited earning potential.
Picking the Right School for Your Needs
When choosing a real estate school, cost isn’t the only factor to consider. Think about:
- Learning Style: Do you prefer self-paced learning or live classes?
- Budget: Are you looking for the most affordable option, or do you want extra features like live support and exam prep?
- Career Goals: If you plan to specialize in a state like Florida, make sure the school offers Florida real estate license courses.
- Read Reviews: Personally, I enjoy reading Reddit reviews because they tend to be less biased than those of larger companies.
- Additional Offers: If you want to get your pre-licensing course, real estate exam review course, and your CE credits from the same place, find a provider who does it all.
Conclusion
So, how much does it cost to take real estate classes online? The answer varies depending on the school, the package, and your state, but expect to pay around $500 to $1,200 for your state-specific licensing course and exam review course.
And while this may feel like an intimidating amount, it’s a small price to pay for a smart investment in your future.
FAQs
The cost of getting a real estate license varies by state, typically ranging from $825 to $2,700 when you include pre-licensing courses, application fees, exam prep, and other expenses.
Membership in the National Association of Realtors is not mandatory but can provide benefits like networking opportunities, educational resources, and credibility for real estate professionals.
Most courses cover state-required pre-licensing education, exam prep, and additional resources like study guides. Some providers also offer live instructor support or post-licensing education.
Yes, once you’ve passed the state licensing exam and your license is approved, you can start working as a real estate salesperson under a licensed brokerage.
The cost of a real estate license varies due to differences in pre-licensing requirements, application fees, and state-specific exam costs, making some states pricier than others.
