5 Best Online Real Estate Schools for 2026 (Tested & Ranked)

Why Choosing the Right Online Real Estate School Actually Matters

You’re thinking about getting your real estate license. Before you pay for any course, let’s talk about what actually matters when choosing a school.

The national average first-time pass rate for the real estate exam is 61.4%. That means nearly 4 out of 10 people fail on their first attempt. The school you choose has a direct impact on which side of that stat you land on.

We’ve spent weeks testing platforms, comparing pricing, and reading hundreds of student reviews. In this guide, we’re breaking down the best online real estate schools for 2026—what they actually offer, what they cost, and who each one works best for.

What You Need to Know Before You Enroll

Hour Requirements Vary by State

Most states require between 60 and 180 hours of pre-licensing education. Florida requires 63 hours. Texas requires 180. The school you choose must be approved in your specific state.

Before you compare schools, check your state’s licensing board website to confirm the exact hour requirement. You can’t skip this step—completing unapproved coursework means starting over.

Basic Prerequisites Apply Everywhere

To qualify for a real estate license, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and possess a valid U.S. Social Security number. In some states, you don’t even need a high school diploma as long as you meet the minimum age requirement.

Criminal history doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but each state reviews applications case-by-case. If you have a felony conviction, you’ll face a more detailed application process—but licensure is still possible in many states.

The Exam Is Hard—Plan Accordingly

We’re not here to scare you, but we are here to be honest. Pass rates vary significantly by state, with California at 51% and some states exceeding 70%.

You can retake the exam if you don’t pass, but choosing a school with solid exam prep significantly improves your odds of passing the first time. That means less money spent on retake fees and more time earning commissions.

Online Schools Save Time and Money

Online real estate schools offer flexibility and lower costs compared to traditional classroom-based programs. All study materials are accessible online, and you control your schedule. If you’re working full-time or managing family obligations, online education is the only realistic option.

1. Colibri Real Estate (Best Overall)

More than 520,000 students have enrolled in Colibri Real Estate’s courses, and the platform consistently earns 4.5 out of 5 stars from students. If you want a smooth user experience and comprehensive exam prep, Colibri is the top choice for 2026.

What Courses Does Colibri Offer?

Colibri offers pre-licensing, post-licensing, continuing education, and career support. Colibri has served over 520,000 customers and is recognized as an accredited provider in 40 states plus Washington, D.C.

All learning materials are online. You can study from home, track your progress, and interact with instructors through live Q&A sessions and student forums. Colibri Real Estate is accredited by both ARELLO (Association of Real Estate License Law Officials) and IDECC (International Distance Education Certification Center).

Visit the Colibri website, select your state, and register for your course. They cover pre-licensing in over 35 states and post-licensing in more than 10.

How Much Does Colibri Cost?

Pre-licensure basic packages range from $77 to $479, depending on your state and package tier. Colibri frequently runs promotions—we’ve seen discounts of 15% to 25% off during sales periods.

Colibri offers four package levels for each state:

• The Basics: Courses and study guides
• Exam Preparation: Includes exam prep tools and practice tests
• Exam Preparation Plus: Adds live instructor Q&A and webinar series
• Ultimate Learning: Full package with career resources and one-year access to the Career Booster Pack

For Colorado, packages range from $429 for The Basics to $735 for the Premium Package, which includes 16 hours of continuing education and career resources. Pricing varies by state based on required hours and local regulations.

Colibri Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Best interface of all major online real estate schools—smooth, easy to navigate, and free of annoying glitches
• Wide range of courses for various state requirements
• Interactive learning with quizzes, practice exams, and progress tracking
• Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee on most packages
• Responsive customer support with live chat and email
• Affordable pricing with frequent discounts

Cons:

• No in-person class options—if you aren’t a self-motivated learner, you might struggle with some of the drier material
• Quality can vary from state to state—check reviews for your specific course
• State-specific focus means you need separate courses for multiple licenses
• Technology requirements: reliable internet and basic computer skills necessary

Visit The CE Shop to compare pricing and features for your state.

2. The CE Shop (Best for Continuing Education)

The CE Shop is where I personally took my real estate licensing course. While the name suggests continuing education (and they excel at it), they’re also widely used for pre-licensing in over 40 states.

What Does The CE Shop Offer?

The CE Shop offers real estate courses in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and boasts a 96% student satisfaction rate. They provide pre-licensing, post-licensing, exam prep, and continuing education.

The CE Shop offers pre-licensing courses in 34 states and post-licensing courses in 23 states. If you’re licensed in multiple states, they’ll bundle your continuing education courses for free—a huge money saver.

The platform uses LEAP, their proprietary learning system. Unlike schools that offer only one delivery format, The CE Shop integrates text, animated videos, and interactive quizzes. This variety keeps learning engaging and helps with material retention.

The CE Shop Pricing

Continuing education courses cost as low as $9 per course—one of the most competitive rates in the industry.

Pre-licensing costs vary widely by state. In Arizona (90 hours required), the standard package costs $464.25 and includes exam prep. In Florida (60 hours required), the course-only package is $96.75, or $224.25 for courses, exam prep, and 45 hours of post-licensing.

Check The CE Shop’s Florida pricing page for current rates, or explore their Value Package for bundled savings.

The CE Shop Pros and Cons

Pros:

• ARELLO-certified, which carries significant weight in the real estate industry
• Pass Guarantee available in some states—if you don’t pass on the first try, they reimburse your exam fee
• Courses available in all 50 states for continuing education
• 5-day risk-free trial for pre-licensing and free initial assessment for exam prep
• High-quality instructors teaching in their areas of expertise, not just generic real estate agents
• Multi-state license bundles save money

Cons:

• Pre-licensing not available in all states (currently 34 states)
• No mobile app—courses accessed through browser only
• Pass Guarantee not available in every state
• Pricing complexity: many package tiers can be confusing

Visit The CE Shop Online Real Estate School to explore courses in your state.

3. AceableAgent (Best Mobile Experience)

AceableAgent offers a mobile app, which is pretty unique in the industry—most online real estate schools, including Colibri and The CE Shop, do not offer one. If you have a packed schedule and plan to study during lunch breaks, commutes, or while waiting for your kids, AceableAgent is built for you.

What Makes AceableAgent Different?

AceableAgent’s lessons are audio-based, similar to podcasts. You can listen while doing dishes, driving, or walking the dog. The narrator is engaging, and the format makes studying feel less like work.

AceableAgent currently offers courses in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New York, and Texas. Their Florida real estate exam pass rate is 95%, well above the state average of 55%.

AceableAgent Pricing

Pricing varies by state. Check their website for current rates and package options. They typically offer course-only, exam prep, and bundled packages.

AceableAgent Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Dedicated mobile app for on-the-go learning
• Audio-based lessons perfect for multitasking
• Pass rates significantly above state averages—95% in Florida, 83% in Georgia
• Modern, engaging user interface
• Study anytime, anywhere without needing to stare at a screen

Cons:

• Limited state availability—only five states as of 2026
• Newer company with less historical data than established competitors
• Audio-first format may not suit visual learners
• No desktop-optimized experience for those who prefer larger screens

4. 360training (Solid Budget Option)

360training Agent Campus offers pre-licensing courses in 14 states, with exam prep packages available for all 50 states plus D.C. If you’re on a tight budget, 360training delivers the required education at a lower price point than most competitors.

What Does 360training Offer?

360training provides state-approved pre-licensing courses, post-licensing education, and exam prep. The platform is straightforward—no flashy features, just the coursework you need to qualify for your exam.

Courses are self-paced and text-heavy. If you prefer reading over videos, this format works well. If you need more interactive elements, you might find it less engaging than Colibri or The CE Shop.

360training Pricing

Pricing is competitive, with most pre-licensing packages priced lower than Colibri or The CE Shop. Check their website for current state-specific pricing.

360training Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable pricing for budget-conscious students
• Exam prep available in all 50 states
• Self-paced with no deadlines
• Straightforward platform without unnecessary features

Cons:

• Limited to 14 states for pre-licensing (as of 2026)
• Text-heavy format may not engage all learning styles
• Less instructor interaction compared to premium options
• Basic interface lacks polish of top-tier competitors

5. NAR’s Center for Realtor Development (Best for Designations)

If you’re already licensed and want to earn designations like ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) or CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), NAR’s Center For Real Estate Development is the official source.

What Does NAR Offer?

Center for Realtor Development provides professional development courses, certification programs, and specialty designations. These aren’t for getting your initial license—they’re for advancing your career after you’re licensed.

Courses cover topics like luxury home marketing, senior housing, green building, and commercial real estate. Earning designations can differentiate you in competitive markets and justify higher commission splits.

NAR Pricing

Pricing varies by course and designation. NAR members receive discounted rates. Check the Center for Realtor Development catalog for specific costs.

NAR Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Official NAR-backed education and credentials
• Wide range of specialty designations
• Recognized industry-wide by brokers and clients
• Networking opportunities with other NAR members
• Continuing education credit for most courses

Cons:

• Not for pre-licensing—only for licensed agents
• Higher cost compared to basic CE courses
• Requires NAR membership for best pricing
• Some designations require significant time commitment

Other Schools Worth Considering

While the five schools above are our top picks, a few others deserve mention:

Superior School of Real Estate: Regional focus with strong in-person options in select states. Good for students who prefer classroom interaction.

Hogan School of Real Estate: Another regional option with a long history in certain markets. Known for experienced instructors and solid exam prep.

How to Choose the Right School for You

Your ideal online real estate school depends on your learning style, budget, and schedule. Here’s how to decide:

If you want the best overall experience: Go with Colibri. The interface is unmatched, the exam prep is thorough, and the Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee removes risk.

If you’re already licensed and need CE: The CE Shop offers the best continuing education selection, with courses in all 50 states and multi-state bundles.

If you have a busy schedule: AceableAgent’s mobile app and audio-based lessons let you study anywhere, anytime.

If budget is your top concern: 360training delivers required coursework at a lower price point.

If you want career advancement after licensing: NAR’s Center For Real Estate Development provides designations that set you apart.

Your Next Step

Getting your real estate license is the first step. The school you choose impacts whether you pass the exam on your first attempt and how confident you feel walking into your first listing appointment.

We recommend starting with The CE Shop or Colibri for most students. Both offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can test the platform before committing.

Already licensed? Check out NAR’s Center For Real Estate Development for designations that boost your credibility and income potential.

Some links in this article are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend schools we’ve personally reviewed and believe deliver real value to agents.