2025 Expert Comparison

The Best Online Real Estate Schools of 2025

We reviewed the top platforms so you don’t have to. Courses, exam prep, pricing, and student support — compared side by side.

5 Schools Reviewed
4.9 ★ #1 Pick Rating
3,000+ Student Reviews
$249–$495 Price Range

Choosing the right online real estate school can mean the difference between passing your licensing exam on the first attempt and spending months—and hundreds of extra dollars—trying again. With dozens of providers competing for your enrollment, it’s hard to separate genuine quality from good marketing.

We spent weeks evaluating course content, learning technology, exam-prep tools, student reviews, and customer support across the most popular online real estate education platforms in the country. Below you’ll find our top five picks for 2025, ranked by overall value to the student.

Disclosure: This article is published by Cameron Academy. While Cameron Academy appears on this list, every school was evaluated against the same criteria. We encourage prospective students to compare options and choose the program that fits their learning style, state requirements, and budget.
Quick Take

If you want a school that combines real, instructor-led classes (in person or livestream) with cutting-edge AI tutoring, recorded class sessions you can rewatch for free, and an exam-prep program you can try for 14 days at no cost — Cameron Academy is our top pick for 2025. But every school on this list earned its spot. Read on to find the one that matches your goals.

★ Editor’s Choice — Best Overall
1

Cameron Academy

Est. 2003 3,000+ Five-Star Reviews 4.9 ★ Rating In-Person, Remote & Online AI-Powered Learning 14-Day Free Exam Prep Trial

Cameron Academy has been a leader in Florida real estate education for over 20 years, and in 2025 it stands out as the most forward-thinking school on the market. What sets Cameron apart isn’t one single feature — it’s the way every piece of the student experience is designed to work together.

Live Classes with Real Flexibility

Cameron’s FREC-approved, 63-hour Florida Real Estate Sales Associate Pre-License Course is taught by experienced, passionate instructors — most notably founder Michael Cameron, who students consistently praise for making complex material accessible and even enjoyable. Students choose how they attend: in person at the Winter Park, FL campus, remotely via live Zoom, or fully online at their own pace. Miss a day? Cameron offers free makeup days so no one falls behind. That kind of flexibility is rare, especially at this price point.

Recorded Classes & On-Demand Access

Every live class is recorded and made available to enrolled students at no extra charge. You can rewatch your own class session — or browse previous recordings — whenever you need a refresher. The online course is structured as 19 individual units, each with its own recorded video class and a dedicated AI tutor for that specific unit.

Groundbreaking AI Tutor

Cameron Academy was one of the first real estate schools to embed an AI-powered tutor directly into its learning platform. This isn’t a generic chatbot — it’s a unit-specific AI study companion that helps students break down difficult topics, work through end-of-unit homework and case studies, and even run guided exam simulations. Available 24/7, it makes self-paced study feel more like having a private instructor on call.

Exam Prep with a 14-Day Free Trial

Cameron’s Exam Prep is built to prepare you for both the end-of-course final and the Florida state licensing exam. The package includes AI tutor support, a guided exam simulation, mock exams that don’t burn official attempts, interactive flashcards, crossword puzzles, and access to sit in on live remote classes. The best part? You can try it completely free for 14 days. Cancel with a single click. After the trial, it’s $19.99/month.

Customer Support That Sets the Standard

What surfaces again and again in reviews is the personal attention Cameron’s team provides. Students report receiving direct callbacks from the owner and tech-support staff who stay on the line for hours to solve problems. In an industry where many schools rely on email-only support, Cameron’s pick-up-the-phone approach is a meaningful differentiator.

Live Study Groups & Community

Cameron Academy fosters genuine classroom community with live study groups where students collaborate, ask questions, and hold each other accountable. The school’s Gaelic motto, Aonaibh Ri Chéile (“Let Us Unite”), speaks to a philosophy that student connection drives better outcomes.

Bottom line: Cameron Academy packs more innovation, support, and genuine value into its program than any other school we reviewed. Live instructor-led classes with free makeup days, full class recordings, a unit-by-unit AI tutor, and a risk-free exam prep trial make it the clear #1 for 2025.

2

Colibri Real Estate

25+ Years in Business 1.5M+ Alumni 4.5 ★ Available in Most States Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee

Colibri Real Estate (formerly Real Estate Express) is one of the largest names in online real estate education, with over 1.5 million alumni and state-approved courses across most of the U.S. The platform offers self-paced learning with text-based content, practice exams, and real-world examples. Higher-tier packages add instructor access and Exam Prep Plus tools. Colibri also offers a Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee — if you don’t pass within 30 days of course completion, they’ll reimburse your cost (where state laws allow).

Where Colibri excels: Nationwide availability, strong brand recognition, and a self-paced format for independent learners.

Where it falls short: Base packages are limited — instructor access and meaningful exam prep are locked behind upgrades. Some students report the text-heavy content alone doesn’t fully prepare them for the state exam.

Visit Colibri Real Estate
3

Kaplan Real Estate Education

Decades of Test-Prep Expertise AI Tutor in QBanks Live Online Classes Kaplan Commitment to Pass

Kaplan Real Estate Education brings the weight of a nationally recognized test-prep brand to real estate. Courses include readings, quizzes, interactive videos, and QBanks designed to replicate the actual licensing exam. Their AI Tutor offers personalized explanations, and the Kaplan Commitment provides one-on-one instructor time plus 18 months of continued access if you don’t pass on the first try.

Where Kaplan excels: Rigorous, exam-focused curriculum and a legacy test-prep brand. Great for test-anxious students.

Where it falls short: Premium packages run up to $749. The platform feels academic, and students wanting interactive community may prefer other options.

Visit Kaplan Real Estate
4

The CE Shop

All 50 States + D.C. 96% Student Satisfaction LEAP Platform Strong CE Library 5-Day Free Trial

The CE Shop built its reputation on continuing education and now offers pre-licensing in all 50 states plus D.C. Courses run on its proprietary LEAP platform — mixing text, video, quizzes, and interactive elements. A 5-day free trial lets students test the platform, and the school’s expansive CE catalog makes it a convenient one-stop shop for agents throughout their career.

Where The CE Shop excels: Unmatched state coverage for pre-licensing and continuing education alike.

Where it falls short: Pre-licensing content leans text-heavy compared to video-first or live-class competitors. Pricing varies significantly by state.

Visit The CE Shop
5

AceableAgent

Mobile-First Design Near-Perfect Trustpilot Score Interactive Curriculum Pass-or-Money-Back (Select States)

AceableAgent stands out for its modern, mobile-first approach. The course works seamlessly on phones and tablets with interactive graphics, pop-up quizzes, and bite-sized lessons. Pricing is competitive, and the base package includes exam-prep features that some competitors charge extra for. A pass-or-money-back guarantee is available in select states.

Where AceableAgent excels: Best-in-class mobile experience and a gamified curriculum that keeps engagement high.

Where it falls short: Still expanding state coverage. No live classes or study groups — geared toward solo, self-paced learners.

Visit AceableAgent

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Cameron Academy Colibri Kaplan CE Shop AceableAgent
Our Ranking #1 — Best Overall #2 #3 #4 #5
Live Instructor Classes In-Person & Remote Self-Paced (Base) Live Online Self-Paced Self-Paced
Recorded Class Access Free w/ Enrollment Limited
AI Tutor Unit-Specific, 24/7 QBank Integrated
Free Exam Prep Trial 14-Day Trial 5-Day Platform Trial
Live Study Groups Select States
Free Makeup Days N/A N/A N/A N/A
In-Person Option Winter Park, FL
Pass Guarantee Select
State Coverage Nationwide (Varies) Most U.S. States Wide Coverage All 50 + D.C. Expanding
Student Rating 4.9 ★ (3,000+) 4.5 ★ 4.5 ★ 4.6 ★ 4.7 ★

See Cameron Academy in Action

Don’t just take our word for it. Watch how the instructors teach, experience the classroom energy, and hear from real students — all before you enroll.

Inside a Cameron Academy Class
The Cameron Academy Student Experience

What to Look for When Choosing an Online Real Estate School

State approval. Confirm the school is accredited by your state’s real estate commission. Non-approved coursework won’t count toward your license.

Course format. Do you learn best by reading, watching video, or working with an instructor? Some schools are text-only and self-paced. Others offer recorded video. A few — like Cameron Academy — provide live, instructor-led classes you can attend in person or remotely.

Exam preparation. Passing your pre-license course is only half the battle. Look for dedicated exam-prep tools: practice exams, AI tutoring, flashcards, and mock simulations that mirror the state exam.

Student support. When you’re stuck on a concept at 11 PM, can the school help? AI tutors, instructor office hours, and responsive customer-support teams make or break the experience.

Flexibility and makeup policy. Life happens. Schools offering makeup days, extended access, or multiple delivery formats give you a safety net when your schedule shifts.

Verified student reviews. Marketing always sounds great. Check Google, Trustpilot, and Yelp to hear from students about what actually worked — and what didn’t.

How We Ranked These Schools

Curriculum quality & format (25%) — Depth of content, instructional methods, and state licensing alignment.

Exam preparation tools (25%) — Practice exams, AI tutoring, study aids, and exam simulations.

Student support & community (20%) — Support responsiveness, instructor access, study groups, and community features.

Flexibility & accessibility (15%) — Delivery options (in-person, remote, online), makeup policies, and mobile access.

Student reviews & reputation (15%) — Verified ratings and review volume on Google, Trustpilot, Yelp, and Groupon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best online real estate school in 2025?

Based on our evaluation, Cameron Academy is the best overall for 2025. It combines live instructor-led classes (in person or remote), recorded class access at no extra cost, a unit-specific AI tutor, live study groups, free makeup days, and a 14-day free-trial exam prep with practice exams, flashcards, and guided simulations.

How much do online real estate courses typically cost?

Pre-licensing packages range from $245 to $495 depending on school, state, and tier. Basic packages include course content only; premium tiers bundle exam prep, instructor access, and career resources. Cameron Academy’s exam prep starts with a 14-day free trial (then $19.99/month) — one of the lowest-risk ways to access premium study tools.

Can I get my real estate license entirely online?

In many states, yes — you can complete pre-licensing education entirely online. The state exam is typically taken at a proctored testing center. Cameron Academy offers the additional option of attending live classes via remote livestream, giving you real classroom engagement from home.

What makes Cameron Academy different from other schools?

Every class is recorded and available for free. A dedicated AI tutor is built into each of the 19 course units. The exam prep comes with a 14-day free trial and includes mock exams, flashcards, crossword puzzles, and guided simulations. Students can attend in person or remotely, with free makeup days if they miss a session. The school has earned over 3,000 five-star reviews and has been operating since 2003.

Do I need exam prep on top of my pre-licensing course?

Highly recommended. Pre-licensing teaches the required material, but exam prep targets the format, pacing, and question style of the licensing exam. Schools with AI tutoring and timed mock exams — like Cameron Academy and Kaplan — produce students who feel significantly more confident on test day.

What should I look for in student reviews?

Focus on themes, not just stars. Look for consistent praise around instructor quality, support responsiveness, exam readiness, and platform usability. Red flags include complaints about outdated content, slow support, or hidden fees. A 4.9-star average across 3,000+ reviews — like Cameron Academy maintains — signals long-term consistency.


Final Thoughts

Every school on this list earned its place. Colibri’s nationwide reach, Kaplan’s exam-prep pedigree, The CE Shop’s career-spanning catalog, and AceableAgent’s mobile-first innovation all bring real value.

But when you weigh the full package — live instruction with in-person and remote options, free class recordings, an AI tutor in every unit, a risk-free exam prep trial, free makeup days, live study groups, and a support team that genuinely picks up the phone — Cameron Academy delivers more than any other school we reviewed.

Ready to Start Your Real Estate Career?

Try Cameron Academy’s Unit 1 for free — no credit card, no commitment. See the AI tutor, watch the class recording, and decide for yourself.

Try Unit 1 Free

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

How an Israeli Proptech Startup Is Transforming the Future of Real Estate Investing

A fast‑growing Israeli startup called Agora is reshaping how real estate investment firms operate by replacing outdated spreadsheets and scattered emails with a seamless digital platform. Built by former military intelligence technologists, Agora centralizes investor onboarding, reporting, financial tracking and communication—giving firms a modern backbone for managing complex portfolios. As proptech adoption accelerates worldwide, understanding tools like Agora is becoming essential knowledge for new and seasoned real estate professionals alike.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Canada in 2026

Canada remains one of the fastest and most accessible places to launch a real estate career, with no university degree required and most provinces offering licensing timelines under a year. This guide breaks down every major step—eligibility, education, exams, brokerage registration, and income expectations—while comparing requirements across Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Quebec. It also highlights what truly separates successful agents from those who leave the profession: consistent prospecting, strong preparation, and long-term discipline.

Is It a Good Time To Buy a House in 2026? What the Market Is Really Telling Us

The 2026 housing market is starting off with colder-than-usual activity but warmer opportunities for buyers. Mortgage rates have dipped nearly a full percentage point from last year, inventory is slowly increasing, and competition is easing just enough to give buyers more leverage. While prices are still rising, the pace has cooled, and motivated sellers are becoming more flexible. Whether you're planning to buy or preparing clients as a real estate professional, the key message remains the same: the right time to purchase depends far more on your financial readiness than on headline noise.

Should You Form an LLC for Your Rental Property in 2025?

More landlords than ever are turning to LLCs to protect their assets, streamline operations, and unlock tax advantages. An LLC can separate your personal finances from your rental business, provide liability protection, and offer valuable tax benefits. This article breaks down what LLCs do for landlords, how they affect taxes, the benefits they bring, and the best practices for setting one up in 2025—giving real estate professionals and investors a clear, practical guide for making the right decision.

Florida Senate Backs Plan to Move Commercial Policies Out of Citizens Insurance

Florida lawmakers have approved Sen. Joe Gruters proposal to push more commercial properties from Citizens Property Insurance into the private market. The bill tightens eligibility rules, expands the clearinghouse process, and could shift about 25 billion dollars in risk to private carriers. Supporters say the change reduces taxpayer exposure after major storms, while opponents worry about relying more on the less-regulated surplus lines market. The measure now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis for final approval.

Wire Fraud Is Now One of the Biggest Threats to Real Estate Closings

Wire fraud has evolved into a major danger for Florida real estate transactions, with criminals hijacking email accounts, impersonating buyers and sellers, and creating fake title company websites. First‑time buyers are especially vulnerable, and losses often occur right before closing when emotions are high. Experts warn that nearly all wire fraud can be prevented with proper verification, secure communication, and professional training—making education a critical defense for today’s real estate professionals.