Best Online Real Estate Schools 2026
The best online real estate school for you depends on your state, budget, and learning style. Kaplan, The CE Shop, Colibri Real Estate, Aceable, and mbition are the most widely approved providers, with prices ranging from $100 to $700+ depending on the state and package. Each has distinct strengths: Kaplan offers the most instructor-led options, Aceable has the best mobile experience, and The CE Shop leads in continuing education breadth.
How Do the Major Online Schools Compare?
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the five largest online real estate education providers:
| School | Pre-License States | CE States | Price Range | Pass Guarantee | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaplan | 30+ | 30+ | $200-700 | Yes (select packages) | Self-paced + live online |
| The CE Shop | 40+ | 50 | $100-500 | Yes | Self-paced |
| Colibri Real Estate | 30+ | 40+ | $150-600 | Yes (select packages) | Self-paced + live online |
| Aceable | 14 | 14 | $100-400 | Yes | Self-paced (mobile-first) |
| mbition (by Colibri) | 20+ | 20+ | $100-400 | Varies | Self-paced |
A few notes on this comparison. State approval varies significantly by provider. Just because a school operates in 40 states doesn’t mean it offers pre-license courses in all 40. Some states have strict approval requirements that limit which providers are available. Always verify your specific state’s approved provider list before enrolling.
Pricing also varies by state because course hour requirements differ so much. A Florida pre-license package (63 hours) will cost less than a Texas package (180 hours) from the same provider.
What Makes Each School Stand Out?
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Kaplan is the most established name in real estate education. They’ve been in the business for decades and offer the widest range of course formats.
Strengths:
- Live online classes with real instructors (not just recorded lectures)
- Strong exam prep materials with practice tests
- Available in most major states
- Physical textbook options for those who prefer printed material
Limitations:
- Generally the most expensive option
- Interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
- Live class schedules may not fit everyone’s availability
Best for: Students who want instructor interaction and don’t mind paying a premium. If you learn better in a classroom-style environment, Kaplan’s live online format is the closest you’ll get without commuting.
The CE Shop
The CE Shop started as a continuing education provider and expanded into pre-license education. Their CE catalog is unmatched in the industry.
Strengths:
- Available in the most states for both pre-license and CE
- Clean, modern learning platform
- Agent Essentials package includes post-license and CE courses
- Competitive pricing
Limitations:
- No live instructor option (all self-paced)
- Pre-license offerings not as deep in some states
- Customer support can be slow during peak enrollment periods
Best for: Self-disciplined learners who want one platform for both pre-license and all future CE needs. Particularly strong for agents who plan to get licensed in one state and maintain CE in multiple states.
Colibri Real Estate (Formerly Real Estate Express)
Colibri rebranded from Real Estate Express and upgraded their platform in the process. They occupy the middle ground between Kaplan’s premium feel and budget providers.
Strengths:
- Both self-paced and live online options
- Solid exam prep with pass guarantee on select tiers
- Good mobile experience
- Boot camp-style intensive options in some states
Limitations:
- Rebranding caused some confusion with older reviews
- Not approved in as many states as The CE Shop
- Basic packages lack exam prep (need to upgrade)
Best for: Students who want options. Colibri lets you choose between self-paced and instructor-led, upgrade for exam prep, and add study tools as needed.
Aceable
Aceable took a tech-first approach to real estate education. Their platform was built for smartphones from day one.
Strengths:
- Best mobile learning experience in the industry
- Bite-sized lesson format (great for studying on the go)
- Video-heavy content rather than text-heavy readings
- Competitive pricing
- Pass guarantee included
Limitations:
- Approved in only 14 states (smallest coverage)
- Limited continuing education offerings
- Less depth in study materials compared to Kaplan or Colibri
- No instructor-led option
Best for: Busy professionals who want to study during commutes, lunch breaks, and downtime. If you’re in one of their approved states and prefer video content on your phone, Aceable’s experience is hard to beat.
mbition (by Colibri)
mbition is Colibri’s secondary brand, often offering simpler courses at lower price points. Think of it as the budget-friendly option in the Colibri family.
Strengths:
- Lower prices than the Colibri-branded courses
- Straightforward, no-frills course delivery
- Solid for CE requirements
- Good for states with lower hour requirements
Limitations:
- Fewer features and study aids
- No live instructor options
- Limited exam prep resources
- Smaller state coverage than parent brand
Best for: Budget-conscious students in states with moderate hour requirements who just need to complete coursework without bells and whistles.
What Should You Look For in an Online School?
Beyond brand name, these factors should drive your decision:
State Approval (Non-Negotiable)
Your school must be approved by your state’s real estate commission. This isn’t optional. Hours completed through a non-approved provider won’t count toward your licensing requirements. Check your state board’s website directly. Don’t just take the school’s word for it.
Our states directory links to each state’s regulatory board where you can verify approved providers.
Course Format and Your Learning Style
Be honest about how you learn. If you need structure and deadlines, self-paced courses might lead to procrastination. If you can’t commit to a set class schedule, live online won’t work.
| Learning Style | Best Format | Providers |
|---|---|---|
| Need structure and interaction | Live online | Kaplan, Colibri |
| Self-disciplined, flexible schedule | Self-paced | All providers |
| Mobile-first, bite-sized lessons | App-based | Aceable |
| Traditional textbook learner | Self-paced with print materials | Kaplan |
Exam Prep Quality
The pre-license course gets you eligible for the exam. Exam prep helps you pass it. These are different things. Some providers bundle exam prep into their packages; others charge extra.
Look for providers that offer:
- Practice exams that mirror the real test format
- Performance tracking (which topics you’re weak in)
- Pass guarantee with clear terms (refund vs. free retake?)
Our exam prep guide covers preparation strategies regardless of which school you choose.
Pass Guarantee Fine Print
“Pass guarantee” sounds great, but read the details. Common restrictions include:
- Must complete all course materials before the exam
- Must use the provider’s exam prep tools
- Must attempt the exam within a specific timeframe
- Guarantee may be “free retake of the course” (not a refund)
- Some require proof of exam failure
A pass guarantee that gives you a free course retake is essentially worthless if you’ve already learned the material. A money-back guarantee has more teeth, but fewer providers offer that.
How Much Should You Spend?
Pricing varies dramatically by state and package level. Here are rough ranges:
| State Type | Basic Package | Premium Package |
|---|---|---|
| Low-hour states (40-60 hrs) | $100-200 | $250-400 |
| Medium-hour states (60-100 hrs) | $150-300 | $350-500 |
| High-hour states (100-180 hrs) | $250-450 | $500-700+ |
Premium packages typically add exam prep, practice tests, instructor Q&A access, and sometimes post-license courses. Whether the premium is worth it depends on your confidence level and study habits.
One cost-saving approach: buy a basic pre-license package and supplement with a dedicated exam prep tool (like PrepAgent or Real Estate Exam Scholar) for $30-80. This sometimes costs less than a provider’s “premium” bundle.
What About Continuing Education?
Once you’re licensed, you’ll need continuing education for every renewal cycle. CE requirements vary by state (from 8 to 45 hours per cycle), and most agents complete them online.
The CE Shop has the broadest state coverage for continuing education. Kaplan and Colibri are strong in their approved states. Aceable’s CE offerings are limited.
When choosing a CE provider, look for:
- Courses approved specifically in your state
- Topics relevant to your practice area
- Engaging content (you’ll be doing this every 1-4 years for your entire career)
- Reasonable completion deadlines
Our continuing education guide covers requirements by state and tips for making CE useful rather than just checking a box.
Bottom Line: Which School Should You Choose?
There’s no single best school for everyone. Here’s a quick decision framework:
| If You… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want instructor-led classes and don’t mind paying more | Kaplan |
| Need one platform for pre-license + CE in many states | The CE Shop |
| Want flexibility between self-paced and live options | Colibri |
| Study mostly on your phone and live in an approved state | Aceable |
| Want the lowest price for straightforward coursework | mbition |
Whatever you choose, the most important factor is completion. The best school in the world doesn’t help if you don’t finish the courses. Pick the format that matches how you actually study, not how you wish you studied, and commit to a realistic timeline.
For a full walkthrough of the licensing process from education through exam day, see our getting licensed guide.