Best Online Real Estate Schools in 2026: Pre-License Courses Compared
March 15, 2026 · HowToGetLicensed Team
Getting your real estate license starts with completing your state's required pre-license education. With dozens of online schools competing for your attention, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. We've compared the top providers to help you decide.
Every state has different hour requirements — from 40 hours in some states to over 300 in others. Check our state-by-state real estate agent licensing guides to see exactly what your state requires before choosing a school.
Top Online Real Estate Schools at a Glance
| School | Price Range | States Covered | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colibri Real Estate | $139–$500+ | All 50 states | Self-paced + live online | Most students (widest state coverage) |
| AceableAgent | $99–$399 | 14 states | Mobile-first, self-paced | Texas and Florida students |
| The CE Shop | $119–$479 | All 50 states | Self-paced + exam prep | Students who want bundled exam prep |
| Kaplan Real Estate | $179–$549 | All 50 states | Self-paced + live online + in-person | Students who prefer live instruction |
| PrepAgent | $39–$79 | All 50 states | Exam prep only | Exam prep add-on (not pre-license courses) |
Detailed Reviews
Colibri Real Estate (formerly Real Estate Express)
Colibri is the largest online real estate school in the U.S., with state-approved courses in all 50 states. Their packages typically include the required pre-license coursework, exam prep, and instructor support. They offer both self-paced and live online formats, so you can choose whichever fits your schedule.
Pros:
- Available in every state — no need to switch providers if you move
- Regularly updated to reflect current state requirements
- Multiple package tiers (basic course-only up to premium with mentoring)
- Pass guarantee on higher-tier packages
Cons:
- Higher price point than some competitors
- Self-paced courses can feel text-heavy without video
AceableAgent
AceableAgent stands out for its modern, mobile-friendly platform. If you want to study from your phone during lunch breaks or commutes, this is the best option. Their courses include video content, interactive exercises, and built-in exam prep.
Pros:
- Best mobile experience of any real estate school
- Engaging video-based content (not just reading)
- Lower starting price than most competitors
- High pass rates, especially in Texas and Florida
Cons:
- Only available in 14 states (check your state's page for availability)
- Limited course format options (no live classes)
The CE Shop
The CE Shop covers pre-license, post-license, and continuing education all under one roof. Their pre-license packages come bundled with exam prep tools, making them a solid all-in-one choice. The platform uses an interactive learning approach with quizzes woven into every chapter.
Pros:
- Bundled exam prep included in most packages
- Covers pre-license, post-license, and CE (one platform for your whole career)
- Interactive course design with chapter quizzes
- Available in all 50 states
Cons:
- No live class option
- Interface can feel dated compared to AceableAgent
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Kaplan is one of the most recognized names in test prep and professional education. Their real estate program offers the widest range of formats: self-paced online, live online with an instructor, and in-person classes in select cities. If you learn better with a live instructor, Kaplan is your best bet.
Pros:
- Live instructor-led classes (online and in-person)
- Trusted brand with decades of education experience
- Strong exam prep materials
- Available in all 50 states
Cons:
- Most expensive option on this list
- Live class schedules may not fit everyone's availability
PrepAgent (Exam Prep Only)
PrepAgent is not a pre-license school — it's a dedicated exam prep tool. Use it alongside any of the schools above to boost your chances of passing the state licensing exam on the first try. Their study tools include practice exams, audio lessons, flashcards, and video crash courses.
Pros:
- Very affordable ($39 for a week of access)
- Multiple study formats (audio, video, flashcards, practice tests)
- Pass-or-don't-pay guarantee
- Great supplement to any pre-license course
Cons:
- Exam prep only — you still need a separate pre-license course
- Some content could be more in-depth
How to Choose the Right School
Here's a quick decision framework:
- Want the widest state coverage? Go with Colibri or The CE Shop — both cover all 50 states.
- In Texas or Florida? AceableAgent has the best mobile experience and competitive pricing for those states.
- Prefer live instruction? Kaplan is the only major provider with live online and in-person classes.
- On a tight budget? AceableAgent starts at $99. Pair it with PrepAgent ($39) for exam prep.
- Want everything in one place? The CE Shop bundles pre-license, post-license, and continuing education.
What to Check Before Enrolling
- Verify your state's requirements. Hour requirements vary dramatically — California requires 135 hours while Texas requires 180 hours. Check our state-by-state guide first.
- Confirm the school is state-approved. Your state's real estate commission maintains a list of approved education providers. A course that isn't approved won't count toward your license.
- Check refund policies. Most schools offer a refund within 3–30 days if you haven't completed a certain percentage of the course.
- Look for bundled packages. Buying pre-license + exam prep together is almost always cheaper than buying separately.
Bottom Line
Colibri Real Estate is the best choice for most students — it has the widest state coverage, multiple format options, and a strong track record. If you're in Texas or Florida and want a mobile-first experience, AceableAgent is excellent. And no matter which school you choose, adding PrepAgent for exam prep is a smart investment at $39–79.
Ready to get started? Find your state's specific requirements, costs, and steps in our real estate agent licensing guide, real estate broker guide, or real estate appraiser guide.