Why This Matters

  • 37% OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS HAVE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

    According to O*Net, 37% of real estate brokers surveyed have a bachelor’s degree, and 24% have some college experience.

  • 11,300 JOBS EXPECTED BETWEEN 2019 TO 2029

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that for the 10-year period between 2019 and 2029, there will be an estimated 11,300 new jobs in the U.S. for real estate brokers and sales agents.

  • REAL ESTATE AGENTS EARN $51,220 PER YEAR ON AVERAGE

    The median annual pay for real estate brokers and agents in 2020 is $51,220, which is an hourly rate of $24.63 per hour.

Our Research

Our guide features both private and public higher learning institutions. Some of the programs award Associate of Applied Science degrees while others are Bachelor of Science programs in fields such as real estate, business administration, and finance. There are also real estate certificate programs on the list.

All the programs we chose for this list are accredited, mostly by regional accreditors such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). An accredited degree can be transferred to another school for continuing education and is professionally recognized.

  • 63 hours to write this article
  • 108 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 112 education programs we compared

The Top 10 Best Online Real Estate Programs

Austin Community College District

Intelligent Pick

Austin Community College’s online real estate program prepares students for careers as real estate brokers, real estate sales agents, and property, real estate, and community association managers. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to take the real estate broker or real estate licensing exam. A distinctive feature of the program is that it offers stackable credentials that prepare students for a career change or career advancement and includes credits that count toward associate degrees. What also makes the program unique: Students are provided with a two-day Texas Real Estate Exam Prep workshop to prepare to take the state-mandated exam to become real estate licensees in Texas.

Things to Consider:

  • Cost per credit: $67 ( in-district Texas resident) $268 (out-of-district Texas resident) $335 (out-of-state and international)
  • Credits required to graduate: 60
  • Academic calendar: Traditional semester
  • Graduation rate: 10%

More Program Information: 

  • Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 512-223-2199

Learn more

New York University

Best Internships

New York University School of Professional Studies offers a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate and Urban Sustainability with classes available synchronously via Zoom or in an asynchronous, online format. A unique aspect of the program is its strong emphasis on a liberal arts foundation. In addition to 44 credits of required real estate courses, students also take 16 credits of liberal arts electives in writing, critical thinking, global perspectives, artistic expression, and more.  Students must also complete a graduation project in consultation with their advisor. One choice for a graduation project is an internship, which the program helps students find, at places like real estate companies, architectural firms, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

Things to Consider:

  • Cost: $1,583
  • Credits required to graduate: 128–130
  • Academic calendar: Traditional semester
  • Graduation rate: 85%

More Program Information: 

  • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 212-992-3336

Learn more

University of Arizona

Best Corporate Sponsorships

The University of Arizona’s College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture offers a Master of Real Estate Development program created for professionals who are (or intend to be) real estate industry leaders and developers. This program is unique in that most students are already working in the field and hold positions in areas that include urban planning, architecture, real estate, and finance. The program is designed to complement students’ already busy work schedules by being 100% online. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.

Things to Consider:

  • Cost per credit: $850
  • Credits required to graduate: 30
  • Academic calendar: Traditional semester
  • Graduation rate: 63%

More Program Information: 

  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 520-621-6751

Learn more

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Most Rigorous Curriculum

The 100% online Bachelor of Science in Finance degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business covers essential financial topics like real estate, risk management, information systems, accounting, and marketing. A four-credit strategic management capstone project makes this program unique. This senior project is writing-intensive and places a strong value on ethical reasoning and decision-making. Another differentiating factor about this rigorous program is that the same award-winning faculty members who teach on campus provide the instruction online too. The program also offers a 24/7 technical help desk and collaborative networking opportunities.

Things to Consider:

  • Cost per credit: $441
  • Credits required to graduate: 120
  • Academic calendar: Traditional semester
  • Graduation rate: 55%

More Program Information: 

  • Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 205-934-8221

Learn more

Florida International University Online

Best Faculty

Florida International University Online’s Master of Science in International Real Estate degree is part of the school’s Alvah H. Chapman Jr. Graduate School of Business. It’s geared toward students who already have a significant background in real estate or a related field. This 100% online program is unique in that it offers two start times throughout the year: every fall semester as a 10-month cohort and every spring semester as a 12-month cohort. Faculty members work or have worked in the field as consultants, attorneys, construction management program directors, statisticians, and more. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have at least a 3.0 GPA. There are also testing requirements with waivers available based on work experience in the field.

Things to Consider:

  • Cost per credit: $28,000 (in-state) $30,000 (out-of-state)
  • Credits required to graduate: 30
  • Academic calendar: Traditional semester
  • Graduation rate: 64%

More Program Information: 

  • Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 855-838-9830

Learn more

University of Memphis

Best Advisors

The Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis offers a Professional Real Estate program for students not interested in a four-year bachelor’s degree in the field. Coursework is real-world focused and includes topics like financial management, real estate investment, and real estate appraisal. This program is ideal for students who desire careers in real estate or for real estate professionals seeking additional education. Personalized advising sets this program apart, and attendees work closely with the program advisor in all areas from goals to scheduling classes.

Things to Consider:

  • Cost per credit: $419
  • Credits required to graduate: 120
  • Academic calendar: Traditional semester
  • Graduation rate: 48%

More Program Information: 

  • Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 901-678-2855

Learn more

Old Dominion University

Best For International Students

Old Dominion University’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in real estate program is part of the Strome College of Business Harvey Lindsay School of Real Estate. The program’s multidisciplinary focus sets it apart from others and includes coursework in science, technology, literature, and creativity. Also contributing to its uniqueness: Many classes don’t have a scheduled meeting time, so students can learn whenever is convenient for them. This course structure is particularly helpful for international students who may live in other time zones. The program welcomes transfer students and offers a guaranteed admission agreement with the Virginia Community College System.

Things to Consider:

  • Cost per credit: $360 (in-state) $407 (out-of-state)
  • Credits required to graduate: 120
  • Academic calendar: Traditional semester
  • Graduation rate: 58%

More Program Information: 

  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 800-968-2638

Learn more

Liberty University

Best Alumni Network

Liberty University’s online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Real Estate program focuses on leadership, real estate law, finance, and valuation. Program designers acknowledge that many people who go into real estate are drawn by the opportunity to make their own schedules. Therefore, they’ve modeled their class structure in the same way.  The program offers flexible 8-week courses with no set log-in times. It also stands apart in offering transfer credit for work experience in real estate or any professional certification in the field. To support networking and career opportunities, all students are granted membership in a professional network that has more than 9 million students and alumni.

Things to Consider:

  • Cost per credit: $390
  • Credits required to graduate: 120
  • Academic calendar: Traditional semester
  • Graduation rate: 36%

More Program Information: 

  • Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 434-582-3000

Learn more

Clarion University

Best Scholarships

Pennsylvania-based Clarion University offers an online undergraduate minor in real estate through its College of Business Administration and Information Sciences. Required courses include Real Estate Law, Legal Environment, and Financial Management. A minimum grade of “C” is required in each course to graduate. This program is unique in that learning outcomes are clearly defined. Students who complete the program will be able to: Solve time value-of-money problems, understand basic legal concepts as they apply to real estate, and demonstrate proficiency in real estate principles and practices. Many scholarships are available for students through the Department of Finance, Law, Accounting and Real Estate.

Things to Consider:

  • Cost per credit: $410.20 (in-state) $462.20 (out-of-state)
  • Credits required to graduate: 120
  • Academic calendar: Traditional semester
  • Graduation rate: 49%

More Program Information: 

  • Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 814-393-2600

Learn more

Nova Southeastern University

Best Career Services

Nova Southeastern University offers a Master of Science in Real Estate Development degree as part of their H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship. The program prepares students for mid- and senior-level roles in commercial and residential development. This online program is unique in that courses are offered both synchronously and asynchronously. It also boasts five start times a year, the most of any on our list.  Every student is provided with a dedicated executive mentor who serves as a professional guide and reference during job searches. Mentors are selected from the school’s Real Estate Advisory Board, which is made up of leaders in the real estate industry.

Things to Consider:

  • Cost per credit: $996
  • Credits required to graduate: 36
  • Academic calendar: Traditional semester
  • Graduation rate: 48%

More Program Information: 

  • Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
  • Email: 814-393-2600
  • Phone: 954-262-5067

Learn more

Other Online Real Estate Programs to Consider

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What You Should Know About This Degree

An online associate or bachelor’s degree in real estate is one option to consider, as is a real estate certificate from a community college. There are also similar degrees that may help you in your real estate career, such as a bachelor’s in business administration or a degree in finance.

Real estate agents can expect industry growth of 2% over the next 10 years. Although this rate of growth is considered slow, it still amounts to thousands of new job openings.

Each state has its own licensing requirements for real estate agents. The majority of states have educational requirements, and a state licensing exam must be passed to become a real estate professional.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching the best online real estate programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? If you have a high school diploma or equivalency, you are likely eligible for a real estate certificate program or associate degree program. Bachelor’s degree programs usually require an associate degree for admission. Some schools may have entrance exam requirements.
  • Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? For students who enjoy real-time interaction with their instructors and other students, the synchronous course format is best because it meets online at a scheduled time. Asynchronous courses can be completed at your own pace and are good for working students, although there are still program deadlines.

You should also consider your financial aid options. Through the U.S. Department of Education, you can get financial assistance for college in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and even work-study programs.