A degree or certificate from one of the best 30 accredited online colleges for real estate prepares you to find employment in an entry-level or senior role after graduation – or even sooner.
Launching a long and lucrative career in real estate doesn’t take much schooling. Depending on the kind of qualification you pursue, the opportunities available to you can be fairly broad. Those opportunities can happen relatively quickly, too. As you’ll see in our rankings of best colleges for real estate, some programs require two years or less to complete. And in many cases, you can begin working in the real estate industry before you graduate!
What Kind of Career Can I Pursue With a Real Estate Qualification?
Most certificate programs teach you the foundational knowledge needed to work in entry-level real estate roles. However, many colleges and universities on this list offer undergraduate majors that lead to careers with more responsibilities. An example is a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor or concentration in real estate.
Should you obtain an associate’s degree in real estate online? Or would a bachelor’s degree be a better option? Should you consider graduate programs that give you even more knowledge and skills for your real estate career?
The answers to these questions depend on your real estate career goals. A real estate certification program is likely all you need if you want to help clients buy and sell real estate. However, what if you want to build a real estate business and become a real estate broker? Pursuing a real estate major in an advanced degree program with business administration, marketing, and business law courses might be a good plan.
In terms of what you learn in your program, the broad strokes include gaining a general understanding of subjects like corporate finance and accounting, management and leadership, and other transferable skills that will broaden your options. Graduates of such degree programs often work in residential brokerage, property management, and real estate investment roles, to name only a few.
See Also: Top 30 Accredited Online Degrees in Travel and Tourism
What are My Options for Further Study?
The answer to this question depends on where your academic journey begins. Some of the lower-level qualifications in real estate (e.g., certificate programs) have more scope for further study. For example, you might start with a basic real estate certification and then pursue an associate’s degree.
With other certificates in real estate, such as the Real Estate Licensing Level 1 Certificate from Austin Community College, you must work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker. If you want to work independently, you need to pursue additional education.
You can do that with a degree program that prepares you for licensure. To become licensed, you need to take the licensure examination your state’s licensure board offers. For example, the Associate of Applied Science in Real Estate at Lamar Institute prepares you to sit for a licensure examination set by the Texas Real Estate Commission. After completing this assessment, you’ll be able to work in the field without the supervision mentioned above.
Another option open to you is to transfer the credits you earn to any number of four-year colleges for real estate. This allows you to get a bachelor’s degree, which is a good move if you want to pursue senior positions in the industry. Of course, a graduate degree in real estate, business, finance, or a related area can help you pursue even higher career goals.
Not only are there many certificate and degree programs available, but they are also available from various colleges and universities. The rankings below demonstrate this – there are public and private universities, small community colleges, and institutions from all across the country that offer online programs.
Additionally, you can find on-campus real estate programs at some of the most widely-recognized schools in the nation, like:
- New York University (NYU)
- The University of Wisconsin (UW)
- The University of Southern California (USC)
- The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)
- The University of Georgia (UGA)
- Syracuse University (SU)
- The University of San Diego (USD)
- Texas Christian University (TCU)
- Cornell University (CU)
There are additional on-campus programs available at Virginia Tech (VT), Florida State University (FSU), and Southern Methodist University (SMU).
So, as a prospective real estate professional, there are many options for your studies. From just a couple of years in school for entry-level positions to more robust degree programs that take four or more years, you can tailor your educational experience to help you prepare for your dream job in real estate.
See also: Cheapest Online Business Degree Programs for Undergrads
What are the Best Accredited Real Estate Degrees?
Accredited Online College used the most recent data from the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics to determine this list of good colleges for real estate.
Each program has an individual score. That score is compared to all other universities offering the same degree to determine the final score you see by each ranking. Accredited Online College considers several factors to determine the overall scores for this ranking. This includes the affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, and the number of programs offered on-campus and online.
For more information, see our methodology page.
See Also: 10 Tips for Maximizing Your Learning Experience in Online College
1. University of Arizona Global Campus
At the top of our list of online real estate degree programs is this one from the University of Arizona Global Campus.
U of A’s Global Campus is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. The university puts a strong emphasis on online learning and on the flexibility that it offers to students like you who want a flexible learning experience. U of A’s Global Campus gives you an online learning platform with 24/7 access to your program via smartphone, tablet, or computer.
The real estate studies emphasis at UAGC allows you to learn basic real estate principles. The courses in this emphasis area include:
- Principles of Real Estate
- Real Estate Practice
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate
These courses explore both residential and commercial real estate. Additionally, you can pair these courses with a related program of study in business, finance, or marketing, to name a few.
2. Liberty University
At Liberty University, a Christian institution, you’ll be trained as a “champion of Christ.” You’ll learn to integrate your faith into your everyday practice during your studies.
Liberty’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Finance is a fully online program comprising eight-week courses and 120 credit hours. The program takes around three and a half years to complete, though you can transfer up to 75% of the total degree credits required for graduation.
In this program, you will take courses in two key areas: a core in business administration and a finance cognate. While you will learn about all the major factors that influence business management, you will also gain a specialization in finance. This further broadens your knowledge and career opportunities as you learn about real estate, investments, and economic forecasting.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Liberty University here.
3. Eastern Kentucky University
The distance-learning degree programs at Eastern Kentucky University are taught by the same faculty and follow the same high standard as the programs on campus. You can choose from multiple start dates to begin your studies. You’ll also pay less tuition for your courses than on-campus students.
EKU’s Bachelor’s in General Studies is broad enough to apply to many career aspirations. You’ll gain a solid academic foundation that strengthens your critical thinking, quantitative, and communication skills. Your courses are accessible anywhere and at any time. Classes are eight weeks in length.
You must successfully complete a total of 120 credit hours to graduate. The program curriculum includes upper-division requirements, free electives, and EKU general education requirements, plus three hours of core courses. You can add real estate, business, and finance courses to this mix to prepare for a career as a real estate professional.
Additionally, you can earn your degree at EKU knowing that its online programs are ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Eastern Kentucky University here.
4. Florida International University
Florida International University is highly regarded for the quality of its programs. U.S. News & World Report has named the institution in several rankings, including its Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, Best Online Veterans’ Programs, and Best Online Graduate Education Programs.
FIU offers its Online Bachelor of Business Administration with a Finance track. This specialization provides you with a solid foundation and practical knowledge in fields such as:
- Real estate
- Banking
- Investments
- Corporate finance
- Risk management
You’ll also work with state-of-the-art technology and learn how to gather and analyze financial data.
For admission into the program, you’ll need to submit an online application, along with an application fee, your official SAT or ACT scores, and your high school transcripts. You will also need to submit transcripts from each college you’ve attended if you have transferable college credits.
5. Sinclair Community College
Rounding out the five top colleges for real estate is Sinclair Community College. At Sinclair, you can choose from hundreds of certificate and degree programs. In recent years, the college has awarded over 15,000 credentials to its students.
In partnership with the Dayton Area Board of Realtors, Sinclair College offers a Short-Term Real Estate Sales Associate Certificate. The associate certificate includes four pre-licensing classes needed for the Ohio Real Estate Salesperson examination.
You can also choose an Associate of Applied Science in Real Estate if you prefer. This degree program meets the Ohio Real Estate Broker Licensing Examination requirements.
The AAS in Real Estate program has more than one incorporated certificate, which you automatically earn when the degree requirements are met. You’ll gain the knowledge to understand marketing, selling, and real estate management. Likewise, you’ll gain a strong foundation in communications, math, and IT and how they relate to the real estate profession.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Sinclair Community College here.
6. San Jacinto Community College
Student support at San Jacinto Community College is excellent. Distance learners can access virtual advisors for almost any topic, including:
- admissions
- career advice
- academic planning
Questions about financial aid, student engagement, and veteran services can also be directed to virtual advisors.
The real estate certificate program at San Jacinto Community College gives you the knowledge and credentials needed to sit for the Texas Real Estate Salesperson examination. The curriculum also features courses that count toward the annual renewal of such licensure.
What’s more, all the courses in the certificate program apply toward the Associate of Applied Science degree. The AAS program requires 60 credits to graduate. The credits you earn in the certificate program shorten the time you need to complete the AAS.
Additionally, if you want to continue your education and pursue a bachelor’s degree, your AAS credits will apply to four-year programs at other accredited schools.
This certificate program boasts the Exemplary Workforce Education Program rating from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This is a mark of quality for such programs. It should come as no surprise, then, that all courses are taught by faculty who are experienced specialists in the field of real estate.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at San Jacinto Community College.
7. Santa Rosa Junior College
The idea of Santa Rosa Junior College was born in the middle of World War I, with the campus formally approved in early 1918. The campus recently saw a massive overhaul after a $410 million investment.
The Associate of Arts in Business: Real Estate program at Santa Rosa leads to entry-level positions in the field. You’ll take courses that meet the requirements set for the State of California’s Real Estate Salesperson license through your studies. What’s more, your courses count toward eligibility for the California Appraiser Qualifications Board Exam and State of California Broker’s licensure.
Coursework includes:
- Real Estate Finance
- Real Estate Practice
- Real Estate Principles
- Computer Applications in Real Estate
- Real Estate Economics
While Santa Rosa does not offer programs at the bachelor’s level, you could transfer to a bachelor’s program after completing your associate’s degree. If this option is appealing, you should meet with an academic counselor to plan your studies and ensure that you meet the necessary requirements.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Santa Rosa Junior College here.
8. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College at Jacksonville offers degrees and certificates via its online learning platform, with some accelerated options available. One such example is the Loan Originator-Mortgage career certificate.
This pre-licensure program prepares you for Florida’s mortgage loan originator licensing exam. Likewise, this program adheres to national curriculum standards and class hours, so you will also be ready to sit for the national licensing exam.
This program includes a 20-hour work experience. This practicum puts you in a real-world mortgage lending environment where you can observe and work with a licensed mortgage lender. This work experience, combined with classroom work, gives you the tools you need for success in the mortgage-lending industry.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Florida State College at Jacksonville.
9. Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration can be taken entirely online and comprises ten-week terms with 15-18 hours of study time per week.
You have the option of starting your program on one of several dates throughout the year. Plus, if you’re interested in further graduate study, you can shorten the program with an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s option.
Your courses might include the following:
- Organizational Behavior
- Business Law
- Marketing
- Finance
- Operations Management
This program requires 180 credits to graduate. This includes 45 core credits, 83 major credits, and 52 elective credits, where you can specialize in real estate-related topics. You’ll need four years to complete the program if you study full-time.
For admission into the program, you must have a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Alternatively, you can hold an equivalent-level diploma. The university also recommends you participate in the online orientation before beginning any courses.
The cost of tuition is $371.00 per credit, regardless of your residency. Purdue Global accepts federal financial aid and may be able to help with other financial awards, too.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits Purdue University Global.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Purdue University Global here.
10. Houston Community College
Houston Community College is a public institution that provides academic programs and workforce training. HCC was founded in 1971 and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The college offers on-campus and distance-learning programs up to the associate’s level.
The school’s AAS in Real Estate takes two years to complete. It introduces you to numerous facets of real estate, including:
- Market analysis
- Property management
- Brokerage
- Real estate investment
Upon graduation, you’ll meet the necessary academic requirements to sit for the Texas Real Estate salesperson and broker licensure examinations.
In your first semester in HCC’s real estate program, you’ll take courses covering subjects like real estate principles, the law of contracts, and real estate mathematics. In semester two, you’ll study these principles in further depth, in addition to exploring subjects like:
- Real estate marketing
- Real estate law
- Contract forms and addenda
- Loan origination and quality control
The third and fourth semesters of the program focus on appraisals, macroeconomics, and real estate environmental issues, to name a few.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Houston Community College here.
11. University of Memphis Global
The University of Memphis Global provides a range of online courses, most of which are asynchronous and semester-based. In addition to providing full access to your course materials, UofM Global’s platform connects distance learners like you with student services. These include:
- Academic support
- Technology troubleshooting
- Library services
- Career advice
UofM Global’s Department of Finance offers a BBA in Finance with a concentration in Real Estate. The program focuses on graduating students who fully understand the principles and concepts needed to make real estate and finance business decisions.
This Real Estate concentration could lead you to many different careers. You might work in mortgage banking, real estate development or investment, or pursue government roles.
To successfully complete the program, you must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours. If you’ve already completed college credits, they might be transferable to UofM. Best of all, the curriculum is entirely online, with no need for campus visits.
12. Mt. San Antonio College
Including both distance learning and traditional programs, Mt. San Antonio College offers hundreds of degrees and certificates. There are more than two dozen student support programs and over 50 student clubs and organizations to help round out your educational experience.
Mt. San Antonio College offers an Associate of Science degree in Real Estate that prepares you to seek entry-level employment in this field. The AAS can parlay into a bachelor’s degree with around two years of additional study. If you’re considering a future transfer to a bachelor’s program, you should consult an academic advisor before starting your studies. Doing so informs you about which classes will and will not transfer to a four-year program.
The required courses for Mt. SAC’s Associate of Science degree in Real Estate cover subjects such as:
- Real estate principles
- Real estate law
- Finance
- Economics
- Fundamentals of accounting
Electives examine issues such as property management, investment planning, and mortgage loan brokering. Courses like these can help prepare you for the particular real estate career that interests you.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Mt. San Antonio College here.
13. Hinds Community College
Hinds Community College welcomes tens of thousands of students each year. The school maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, with more than 700 highly-experienced and knowledgeable professionals serving as faculty.
Founded in 1917, HCC has grown to become the largest community college in the state of Mississippi, in addition to being the fourth-largest institution of higher education in the state.
As part of HCC’s Marketing Management Technology program, the Real Estate Technology option provides a foundation of real estate knowledge and principles. Upon graduating from this program, you may enter roles such as:
- Property management
- Mortgage lending
- Appraisal
- Commercial and residential brokerage
Beyond covering the broader principles of real estate, this curriculum emphasizes applied business mathematics, real estate sales, and the principles of management, to name a few.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Hinds Community College here.
14. Excelsior College
Excelsior College is a regionally accredited institution that was founded in 1971. According to the college’s website, Excelsior was among the first institutions to offer online distance-learning programs.
The school’s tradition of online learning is still going strong. Its online Bachelor of Science in Business gives online students like you a strong foundation in sciences and liberal arts. Additionally, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to create a business plan for a future real estate company of your own.
The coursework in this program helps you build the skills needed to:
- Analyze and understand financial statements
- Communicate effectively in a business environment
- Create marketing proposals
- Tackle real-world projects
All of these skills apply directly to the field of real estate.
Concentrations available in this program include:
- Finance
- General business
- General accounting
- Logistics management
- Human resources management
- Marketing
You need to complete a total of 120 credit hours to graduate from this program. That includes 15 credits in your chosen concentration and 51 credits of business courses.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Excelsior College here.
15. Marion Technical College
Marion Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students. The school’s Associate’s in Real Estate is one of the best online associate’s degree programs in real estate in the country.
This is a two-year degree. It covers a core in business management alongside courses in communications, real estate, and computer skills. Additionally, you’ll learn how to:
- Communicate effectively and professionally
- How to integrate technology into business decisions and functions
- How to apply business concepts to the creation of a business plan
You’ll gain these skills in eight-week courses. Taking fewer courses at a time allows you to focus your studies and complete course requirements more quickly.
Furthermore, upon graduation, you’re eligible to sit for the Ohio Real Estate Salesperson examination.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Marion Technical College here.
16. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers over 200 programs taught across 13 campuses and distance learning options. The school’s business-related programs rank among the top ten most popular majors, according to UCF’s website. Competition for spots in these programs can be fierce – the average incoming freshman GPA is 4.2.
UCF’s online BSBA in Real Estate prepares you to begin a residential and commercial real estate sales and development career. You will need a GPA of 2.0 to graduate and complete all required courses. This includes completing a minimum of 30 of the last 39 hours of coursework at UCF.
Both The Princeton Review and Kiplinger have named UCF a best-value university for its low cost of tuition. This program, for example, costs $212.28 per credit hour for residents or $748.89 for out-of-state students.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at University of Central Florida here.
17. San Bernardino Valley College
With nearly 100 years of history, San Bernardino Valley College offers a range of degrees and transfer programs. While the programs at SBVC are at the associate’s level, you can save money on the cost of your education by completing your associate’s at San Bernardino and then transferring to a four-year university.
In as little as two years, you can get your Associate of Arts in Real Estate at SBVC. You can choose from specializations in either Escrow or Real Estate. The primary difference between the two curricula comes in your first year of study.
In year one, you’ll take courses in areas like real estate principles, finance and legal aspects, and real estate economics. Depending on your concentration, you’ll either study real estate practice and property management or escrow procedures.
In year two, you’ll explore subjects such as:
- Business law
- Principles of selling
- Financial accounting
- Loan processing
You’ll also take a course in advanced real estate finance. All told, the core coursework includes 24 credits of study.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at San Bernardino Valley College here.
18. Diablo Valley College
Diablo Valley College is a publicly supported, two-year community college. With two campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, DVC is one of three community colleges that form the Contra Costa Community College District and serves nearly 30,000 students each term.
DVC’s Business Administration Department offers two certificates in real estate: the Certificate of Achievement in Real Estate and the Certificate of Accomplishment in Real Estate Salesperson. These programs prepare you for a new career in the real estate field or for advancing an existing career in real estate.
As a student pursuing one of these certificates, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the industry and profession. You’ll study topics such as real estate principles, the legal aspects of real estate, and property management. Additional coursework focuses on real estate practice, finance, and economics.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Diablo Valley College here.
19. Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion University is home to around 5,000 students and is in the hills of western Pennsylvania. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the institution offers more than 170 academic programs and gives you access to more than 160 student organizations.
Clarion offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Real Estate both on-campus and online. This program imparts strong foundational knowledge of business management principles and real estate practice through coursework and field projects. Coursework includes studies in:
- Real estate finance
- Real estate brokerage
- Real estate valuation
Upon graduation, you’ll be ready for a real estate brokerage, development, appraisal, or investment analysis career.
Attendance costs depend on your residency, with Pennsylvania residents paying less. As a resident, you’ll pay around $9,829, while non-residents pay $11,108. There is a net price calculator on the university’s website for a more accurate picture of this program’s costs.
20. Palomar College
At Palomar College, around 30,000 students study in part-time and full-time programs. The school has more than 200 associate’s degrees and certificates from which to choose.
There are a couple of Palomar College Real Estate options. You can pursue the Real Estate Appraisal License Preparation (CP) option or the Real Estate Broker License Preparation (AS | CA) option. The first option produces graduates who intend to work as licensed real estate appraisers. The second option is more appropriate if you want to work in a real estate brokerage.
For admission into either program, you need a minimum of two years of full-time experience as a licensed salesperson gained within five years prior to application. You also need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship and be at least 18 years old.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Palomar College here.
21. The University of Alabama at Birmingham
An impressive 14 of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s programs have been named among the top 25 of their kind in rankings by U.S. News & World Report. What’s more, The Princeton Review has named UAB in several rankings, including in the Best 385 Colleges, Best Southeastern Colleges, and Green Colleges.
UAB offers a Bachelor of Science in Finance through the Collat School of Business. A fully online program, this degree can lead to careers in corporate finance, financial analysis, investment services, and real estate. The program accepts transfer credits and features an award-winning faculty.
As part of this curriculum, you’ll take a range of courses specializing in finance. Several of these courses are highly relevant to real estate. These include:
- Principles of real estate
- Financial accounting
- Management processes and behavior
- Basic marketing
That said, all the finance-related courses also provide useful skills and knowledge for a real estate role.
22. Clark State Community College
Clark State Community College offers an online Real Estate Short-Term Technical Certificate at its Springfield campus and a fully online distance-learning equivalent. The curriculum focuses on four critical areas of real estate and grants eligibility to sit for the Ohio Division of Real Estate exam upon completion.
The four areas covered by the curriculum are:
- Real Estate Principles
- Real Estate Law
- Real Estate Appraisal
- Real Estate Finance
Once you graduate from the program and pass the Ohio Division of Real Estate examination, you’ll be ready to find entry-level positions in the industry that help kickstart a lucrative career.
Clark State is among the least expensive higher education institutions in Ohio. Residents pay $175.33 per credit, while non-residents pay $312.66 per credit hour. These prices include tuition and fees.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Clark State Community College here.
23. University of West Georgia
The University of West Georgia was founded over a century ago, in 1906. One of the school’s mottos is “Go West,” signifying the student body’s and alumni’s commitment to chasing higher achievements.
UWG’s total enrollment sits at around 15,000 annually. As a student at UWG, you can choose from over 85 programs, including nearly 50 undergraduate degrees.
You can pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Small Business Management through the Department of Management. This program helps you build the necessary knowledge and skills to start your own real estate-related business. Coursework includes:
- Organizational Behavior
- Leadership
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
- Growing the Small Business
- Employment Law
Applications must be made for fall admission to the program by June 1. For spring admissions, the deadline is November 15. If you want to begin your program in the summer, applications must be received by May 15.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at the University of West Georgia here.
24. Truckee Meadows Community College
Based in Reno, NV, Truckee Meadows Community College is sometimes referred to as “the jobs college” of Nevada. Through a range of programs, the institution prepares students like you for careers in industries important to Nevada’s economy. Not to mention, according to the college’s website, more than 90 percent of graduates remain in-state after graduation.
TMCC’s Real Estate Salesperson Skills Certificate teaches you about property types, the law of agency, and the law of contracts. You’ll also learn about easements, listing agreements, and forms of ownership. Courses teach you about legal descriptions and numerous other critical aspects of the field as well. It’s a fully online program with no requirement for visits to the Reno campus.
For licensure, you must complete two particular courses:
- RE 101: Real Estate Principles
- RE 103: Real Estate Law and Practice
Additionally, you must pass the Nevada Real Estate Exam. After that, you’ll have everything you need to begin your career as a licensed real estate salesperson.
You can also take advantage of being able to find employment as a real estate salesperson at the same time as completing this program. By beginning your career early, you can start building clientele and your reputation as a well-qualified real estate salesperson.
25. Solano Community College
Solano Community College serves various California communities, including:
- Benicia
- Dixon
- Fairfield
- Suisun
- Vacaville
- Vallejo
- Winters
The school also provides educational programs for Travis Air Force Base personnel.
SCC’s flexible study schedule means you can advance your education while attending to everyday life and work needs.
SCC offers both a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate of Science in Real Estate. The Certificate of Achievement requires completion of the 24-25 unit major. Meanwhile, the two-year associate’s degree includes completing general education requirements and electives in addition to the major.
Once accepted to the major, you can look forward to taking courses like:
- Real Estate Principles
- Principles of Appraisal
- Real Estate Economics
- Legal Aspects of Real Estate
- Income Property Appraisal and Analysis
All of the courses in the program have approval from the California Department of Real Estate.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Solano Community College here.
26. Austin Community College District
Austin Community College is a two-year college serving Central Texas. The total annual enrollment is above 70,000 students, who choose from more than 100 programs of study. The school’s mascot is the Riverbat, and the institution’s motto is “Start Here. Get There.”
ACC offers a Real Estate Licensing Level 1 Certificate. This program necessitates at least 180 clock hours of study. After completing five mandatory courses, you’re ready to sit for the Texas Real Estate Sales Licensing Exam. This allows you to perform real estate activities, providing you’re working under the sponsorship and supervision of a licensed broker.
The certificate’s curriculum includes courses like Real Estate Principles, Law of Agency, and Law of Contracts. You’ll also take a course in Real Estate Finance, plus two electives.
Accreditation for ACC’s Real Estate Department is given by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
27. Delgado Community College
Delgado Community College is Louisiana’s largest and oldest community college and has locations throughout the state. DCC only offers degrees up to the associate’s level, but most four-year institutions across the U.S. have formed transfer-articulation agreements with the college. This means you can study for a bachelor’s at lower-than-average tuition rates before transferring elsewhere to finish your degree.
Delgado’s Associate’s in Business and Management is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Program. The program is also one of the most versatile at Delgado, with nine concentrations available, including Real Estate.
This is a two-year program if you study full-time. Your coursework includes required classes in accounting, business, and marketing. You’ll also take general education courses in math, science, and the humanities. The real estate concentration further requires that you take:
- Customer Service
- Principles of Real Estate
- Louisiana Real Estate Law
All told, you need to finish 60 credit hours to graduate.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Delgado Community College here.
28. Lamar Institute of Technology
Lamar Institute of Technology offers programs up to the associate’s level. According to LIT’s website, graduates of the school earn the highest median salaries of any two-year college in Texas a decade after commencing their coursework. For Lamar’s 7,000 students, that’s great news!
Among its offerings, LIT provides an excellent Associate of Applied Science in Real Estate program. The program’s curriculum is specifically designed for new students and professionals and those already working in real estate who want to expand their knowledge. The courses you take can also lead to eligibility for licensure examinations set by the Texas Real Estate Commission.
With 60 semester credit hours to complete, you’ll need to maintain a C or better in the recommended study program to continue and graduate. For admission, you’ll need to meet the college’s general admissions criteria. There are no additional admissions requirements for this program.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at Lamar Institute of Technology here.
29. East Tennessee State University
Founded under the name “East Tennessee State Normal School” in 1911, East Tennessee State University, as it is called today, has more than 14,500 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Moreover, there are over ten colleges and schools across the campus, including the College of Business and Technology.
ETSU’s College of Business and Technology offers you the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing. Since selling properties requires a strong foundation of marketing knowledge, this is a good option for pursuing a career in real estate.
Furthermore, the program has three tracks:
- Integrated marketing communications
- Marketing analytics
- Marketing management
Again, any of these concentrations can prove helpful for you as a prospective real estate professional.
This program is entirely online, with no campus visits required.
Learn more about Accredited Online Programs For Real Estate at East Tennessee State University here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Real Estate Agents Need a Degree?
In most cases, a college degree is not needed to become a real estate salesperson. However, completing a degree program can help your career advance more quickly and provide improved services to clients, in addition to increasing your earning potential.
For example, you might get a degree in business to learn how to run a real estate business effectively. As another example, you might get a degree in interior design so you can help your clients stage their homes for a faster sale. Yet another option would be to major in finance so you have a greater depth of understanding of topics like mortgage programs for prospective clients.
A degree program isn’t the linchpin for working in real estate, though. Instead, most states require a license to work in real estate.
The licensure examinations set by the majority of U.S. states require you to complete pre-license courses at a community college, four-year college, or university. Once the requirements for those courses have been satisfied, you may then sit for the examination required to gain licensure. Upon licensure, you can work as a real estate agent.
See also: 20 Accredited Online Colleges for Interior Design
How Much Can I Earn With a Real Estate Degree?
Your earning potential after graduation depends on numerous factors. For example, the type of online real estate degrees or qualifications you get have a strong influence on your earnings. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, only specific real estate certificates prepare you for licensure in certain roles. Entry-level positions are lower paid than more senior, managerial roles.
For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), entry-level workers like sales agents make a median annual salary of just over $48,000. However, real estate brokers – who must have additional education and training – earn a median yearly wage of more than $62,000 per year.
The length of time you’ve been in the industry also greatly affects your earning potential. According to Indeed, real estate agents make an average of around $84,000 per year with one or two years of experience. But with more than 10 years of experience, the average yearly salary is more than $110,000.
The geographic location in which you work is also highly impactful on your earnings. Real estate agents that work in high-price locations like New York City and Los Angeles stand to make far more money than real estate agents in rural Kansas or Iowa. The volume of sales is also important. Agents in large cities are likely to have more opportunities for buy-side and sale-side transactions than those in small towns.
What are the Admission Requirements for a Real Estate Program?
Admission requirements for real estate degrees online depend on the level of study and institution.
Certificate programs typically have the most lenient requirements. For example, you may only need to meet the institution’s admission requirements as opposed to a set of specific requirements for the real estate program. This might include submitting high school transcripts or proof that you’ve earned a GED.
Admission into an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program is typically more selective. You’ll need to have a high school diploma or GED as noted above. Additionally, some colleges might require you to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA. You might also be asked to submit your ACT or SAT scores along with your application to the school.
Academic achievements aside, it’s now extremely common to be asked for three letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and, in some cases, your resume for admission to a degree program.
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What Kind of Courses Will I Take in a Real Estate Program?
If you’ve never earned an Associate’s in Real Estate, or you want to keep your options open for transferring to a bachelor’s program in the future, then you should look for a degree program that provides foundational studies in general education. These courses include mathematics, sciences, and communications. Typically, your first semester includes these courses, plus an introduction to real estate principles.
As you continue your studies, subsequent semesters include more advanced topics in real estate. This might include courses in:
- Economics
- Property appraisals
- Property management
- Real estate investment
- Professional ethics
You’ll also gain an understanding of the legal aspects of real estate, including contracts, equal housing opportunity rules, and property titles, to name a few.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Degree in Real Estate?
The most basic credential is a certificate in real estate. The programs vary in length, but are generally 24 or so credits or less. In some cases, you might find a certificate program that requires 15 or fewer credit hours.
An associate’s degree in real estate is typically a two year program, provided you study full-time. Most of these programs are approximately 60 credits.
For a bachelor’s degree, the time and credit requirements are doubled, meaning around 120 credits and four years of full-time study. If you study part-time, it might take three or four years to complete an associate’s degree and up to six years to finish a bachelor’s degree program.
If you want an advanced degree, you can get a master’s in a real estate-related field. Again, these programs vary in their length. Some graduate degrees are around 30-33 credits. These programs take about two years of full-time study to complete. Other graduate programs require more credits – perhaps 45 or more – so the timeline for completion is longer. In most cases, you can finish a graduate degree in three years or less.
However, there are also ways to speed up the process. If you already have an associate’s degree in real estate or a related area, you may be able to transfer in credits that reduce the length of your studies in a bachelor’s degree program. This means earning a bachelor’s degree in as little as two years.
Some online programs offer accelerated options, too. These faster programs require completing more credits per semester than the average student. So, rather than taking 12 credits per semester, you might have to take 15-18 credits per semester. You will likely need to take courses year-round, too, rather than taking the summer term off.
What Does a Real Estate Agent Do?
Real estate agents assist in property purchases and sales. Some agents specialize in one or the other, while other agents work with both buyers and sellers. Likewise, some real estate agents are residential specialists and others focus on commercial properties. In some cases, real estate agents do a mix of both.
The most widely known duty for real estate agents is listing properties properties for sale. As a seller’s agent, a real estate professional markets the property, holds open houses, and works with buyer’s agents to make an agreement for sale.
Likewise, it’s common knowledge that real estate agents show properties to prospective buyers, help their clients secure financing to make the purchase, and negotiate with the seller’s agent to come to a sales price.
Real estate agents do much more than this, though. They also:
- Write contracts
- Work with title companies
- Arrange inspections
- Arrange appraisals
- Perform comparative market analyses (CMAs)
Real estate agents are also required to take continuing education courses. Doing so ensures they are appraised of the best practices in real estate and are abreast of current real estate trends.
Most real estate positions run on a commission-only basis. This means that if an agent isn’t buying or selling properties with a client, they aren’t making any money. Some large real estate firms often offer a basic salary, though.
If you’re interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out the Top SACS Accredited Online Colleges and the 30 Easiest Accredited Online College Programs for Undergrads!