Whether you’re just entering into real estate, renewing, or leveling up your license, our top picks for the best online real estate courses in NC have various course options, classroom types, and career resources. Get ready to break through the barriers of becoming a licensed real estate agent because we’ve compiled a list of the best real estate schools in North Carolina. So sit back, relax, and grab your composition notebook to take notes on which features suit you best. 

The Close’s Top Picks of Online Real Estate Schools in North Carolina 

Our Top PicksStarting PricePromo CodeRead More Below
Kaplan: Best for interactive learning$449KAPRE5Kaplan ↓
The CE Shop: Best for career resources$675Theclose35The CE Shop ↓
Superior School of Real Estate: Best for class options$529Superior School of Real Estate ↓
Aceable Agent: Best for mobile$479Save 25%Aceable Agent ↓
Trav Talks Real Estate: Best for local instructors$465Trav Talks Real Estate ↓
Carolina School of Real Estate: Best for instructor support$460Carolina School of Real Estate ↓

Featured Partner

Use Our Code “TheClose30” to Get 30% Off on All Colibri Real Estate Prelicensing Courses.

Colibri Real Estate logo
  • Pre-Licensing & Exam Prep: State-required courses and exam preparation with practice tests and study guides.
  • Continuing Education: Courses to maintain licenses and improve skills in real estate.
  • Flexible Online Learning: Self-paced, interactive online courses with videos and quizzes.

Need to learn more about North Carolina education requirements before choosing a school? Check out our article How to Become a Real Estate Agent in North Carolina in 5 Easy Steps or scroll to our section below with Helpful North Carolina Licensing Info to get all the info you need. 

Best for Interactive Learning: Kaplan

Kaplan
Pros
  • Variety of class formats
  • Exam prep included in all packages
  • Interactive study groups
  • Career Mentor Connect via Zoom
Cons
  • Not a great mobile experience
  • No pass guarantee
  • No in-person classes
The Close Score
4.90
Course Features
4.4
Value
3.5
Learning Format & Accessibility
4.0
Expert Score
5.0
Help & Support
5.0
Reputation
4.6
out
of
5

Education Available

  • Prelicensing
  • Post-licensing
  • Continuing education
  • Exam prep

My Expert Opinion on Kaplan

Kaplan shines in its interactive learning environment. It consistently provides direct access to instructors and other students through live webinars, such as interactive study groups, career mentorship, and community forms. 

Years ago, I took my prelicensing class through Kaplan and really enjoyed the format. The information was easy to digest, and the quizzes along the way helped me feel prepared for the test. Kaplan takes education seriously and even provides textbooks, like “Modern Real Estate Practice,” recommended by the same people who designed the licensing exam. 

💡Room for improvement: With all that Kaplan offers, adding a pass guarantee would strengthen its already strong education model and add more value to its prelicensing and exam prep packages. Additionally, if it adds a broker-in-charge course, the company may see an increase in enrollments and keep students coming back.  

Kaplan Cost

Kaplan offers various tiers of course packages with self-paced and live online options. All packages include an interactive study group and exam proctoring. However, students can enjoy add-on benefits such as live coaching and real estate math courses in some of the more expensive packages. 

Type of EducationPrice RangeFeatures
Prelicensing$449-$849

  • Exam prep

  • Live online learning hub

  • Online coaching 

  • Interactive Study Group

  • Career Mentor Connect

Post-licensing$165-$629

  • Individual and packaged courses available

  • Live online or self-paced formats

  • Online coaching 

  • Exam proctoring included

Continuing Education$69-$133

  • Available in live online, self-paced, or hybrid formats

  • Wide variety of course options

Exam Prep$99-$199

  • Available in online format

  • Live online learning hub

  • Drill and practice QBank

  • Online Student Community

  • Career Mentor Connect 

Need to see more before deciding if this is the best online real estate school in NC for you? Check out this informational video from Kaplan below: 

What students can expect from Kaplan (Source: Kaplan)

Best for Career Resources: The CE Shop

 The CE Shop
Pros
  • Offers a wide range of interesting CE courses
  • Pass guarantee
  • Post-licensing course included in Premium Package
  • Lots of bonus resources
Cons
  • No networking opportunities
  • No live class option
  • No access to live instructors
  • No interactive study groups
The Close Score
4.50
Course Features
3.7
Value
2.7
Learning Format & Accessibility
3.5
Expert Score
5.0
Help & Support
5.0
Reputation
4.9
out
of
5

Education Available

  • Prelicensing
  • Post-licensing
  • Continuing education
  • Broker prelicensing
  • Exam prep

My Expert Opinion on The CE Shop

While The CE Shop offers an interesting array of continuing education (CE) courses that will pique your interest each renewal period, don’t let the name fool you. This NC real estate license online school is not just limited to continuing education classes. It provides everything from obtaining your license to upgrading and renewal, ensuring your bases are covered. 

The self-paced, online learning style makes this school appealing to those who need a more flexible schedule. The cherry on top? The site offers a ton of additional resources to help agents succeed and grow their businesses. It also has a referral program where you can earn $25 for each person you refer, and they get 35% off on The CE Shop courses. Today, $25 might not seem like a lot, but adding it to your real estate agent referral fees can add up fast. This best online real estate school in NC is an excellent choice for students who want to immerse themselves in the industry. 

💡Room for improvement: No live, interactive class or networking options make it hard for students who may need more direct engagement to learn. Adding in study groups or virtual “office hours” with instructors could improve student confidence in choosing The CE Shop as their school of choice. 

The CE Shop Cost

The CE Shop is the most expensive of the bunch; however, it’s easy to see why they are one of the best real estate schools in NC. Their courses and website are chock-full of bonus resources. Students can choose from multiple course package options based on their learning needs and budget. 

Type of EducationPrice RangeFeatures
Prelicensing$675-$1295

  • Self-paced, online course format

  • Exam prep

  • Proctored exam 

  • Career resources

  • Digital flashcards and study schedule

  • Pass guarantee

Post-licensing$249-$685

  • Self-paced online course format

  • Professional development program

Continuing Education$59-$79

  • Individual and packaged courses

  • Available for both broker and broker in charge

  • NAR Ethics course

Exam Prep$59-$101

  • Initial assessment

  • Interactive dashboard

  • Practice exams

  • Individual lessons per topic

Need to see more before making a decision, check out this video to see what The CE Shop offers:

The CE Shop course explainer (Source: The CE Shop)

Best for Class Options: Superior School of Real Estate

Superior School of Real Estate
Pros
  • Various weekday, evening, and weekend class options
  • Online, self-paced course options
  • Free online proctored exams
  • Free career night
Cons
  • Exam prep not included in their packages
  • No interaction in online self-paced course
  • Lack of career development resources
The Close Score
4.2
Course Features
3.2
Value
2.7
Learning Format & Accessibility
4.5
Expert Score
4.2
Help & Support
3.0
Reputation
4.8
out
of
5

Education Available

  • Prelicensing
  • Post-licensing
  • Continuing education
  • Broker prelicensing
  • Exam prep

My Expert Opinion on Superior School of Real Estate

Students have their pick of the litter with the diverse course options and hours offered by Superior School of Real Estate. In partnership with Colibri Real Estate, self-paced and virtual livestream are available. However, for students who prefer an in-person classroom experience, multiple locations in NC are available. Class times that include half days, full days, nights, and weekends make this school an accessible choice for many. 

The Career Nights and Crammer courses are standout offerings compared to other schools. The Crammer course is recommended for current or past students and a great option for out-of-state licensees looking for reciprocity. It’s evident that the school wants students to feel supported and confident in their decision to pursue a career in the industry.

💡Room for improvement: Although Superior School of Real Estate offers resources to help students get up and running in real estate, the website does not offer many career resources to keep students coming back for more. Providing additional content and resources as students’ careers grow might benefit the school/student relationship. 

Superior School of Real Estate Cost

Superior School of Real Estate offers a range of package options for its courses, including free online proctored exams, regular instructor support, progress quizzes, and career fairs. It also provides a continuing education membership option with unlimited access for a 12-month auto-renew subscription. 

Type of EducationPrice RangeFeatures
Prelicensing$529-$949

  • Available in livestream, self-paced, or in-person formats

  • Exam prep

  • Instructor Q&A

  • Free online proctored exams

  • Progress quizzes

  • Crammer course

  • Buffini & Company videos

Post-licensing$269

  • Available in livestream, self-paced, or in-person formats

  • Digital course materials 

  • Adventure Guide book included

  • Free online proctored exams

  • Progress quizzes

Continuing Education$69-$199

  • Available in-person, livestream, or self-paced video format

  • On-demand library 

  • How-to videos 

  • Membership option

Exam Prep$109-$199

  • Local instructors 

  • Available online or in person 

  • One-day cram session covering all major exam topics 

Best for Mobile: Aceable Agent

Aceable Agent
Pros
  • Great learning platform for mobile
  • Live webinars and private tutoring included in the premium package
  • Pass guarantee
  • Exam prep materials included in all packages
Cons
  • No live stream options for required courses
  • No broker prelicensing classes
  • No continuing education offerings
The Close Score
4.10
Course Features
3.0
Value
2.2
Learning Format & Accessibility
4.0
Expert Score
4.6
Help & Support
4.0
Reputation
4.9
out
of
5

Education Available

  • Prelicensing
  • Post-licensing
  • Continuing education
  • Broker prelicensing
  • Exam prep

My Expert Opinion on Aceable Agent

The real estate industry is constantly changing, so Aceable Agent really sets itself apart as the best online real estate school in NC for real estate education designed for mobile. It was one of the first schools to offer this feature. While this may appeal to the more tech-savvy student, its website is straightforward to navigate for just about anyone. 

With the “Ace or Don’t Pay” guarantee, you pass your test or get your money back. Although this may seem like a bold claim, I would feel compelled to give it a try if I saw a school offering this when I was deciding where to take my prelicensing course.

💡Room for improvement: Offering post-licensing and continuing education courses in more states will reach a larger audience and increase enrollments. It will also benefit past students, who can return for their real estate education needs. Currently, Aceable Agent only offers these courses in three states. 

Aceable Agent Cost

When getting your real estate license in NC, Aceable Agent is among the more affordable options, offering abundant prelicensing resources. With an Ace or Don’t Pay guarantee, you will receive a refund if you don’t pass the real estate exam after three attempts.

Type of EducationPrice RangeFeatures
Prelicensing$479-$779

  • Self-paced online format accessible across all devices

  • Instructor support

  • Exam prep 

  • Private tutoring, live webinars, and instructor Q&A in premium package

  • Accelerated Learning With AI

  • Ace or don’t pay guarantee

Exam Prep$59-$99

  • National and state questions

  • 75+ exam prep videos

  • Online interactive flashcards

  • Audio lessons and recorded webinars

  • Live online webinars

  • 100% money-back guarantee

Best for Local Instructors: Trav Talks Real Estate

Trav Talks Real Estate
Pros
  • Access to a live instructor
  • Course and exam prep materials included
  • Local to North Carolina
Cons
  • Limited course options
  • Only offers livestream scheduled classes
The Close Score
3.70
Course Features
1.6
Value
4.2
Learning Format & Accessibility
3.5
Expert Score
3.4
Help & Support
2.5
Reputation
5.0
out
of
5

My Expert Opinion on Trav Talks Real Estate

Trav Talks Real Estate offers a cost-effective option when looking for NC real estate schools. Although the courses are only offered online, the owner and instructors are local to North Carolina. 

In addition to the standard coursework offered, the school’s YouTube channel offers an abundance of free videos. The videos are highly viewed and appreciated by people taking real estate courses. Overall, this school puts a fun twist on learning the material and is passionate about helping students succeed. 

💡Room for improvement: There are numerous North Carolina real estate classes online; however, since Trav Talks Real Estate is a local school, it would be nice if it offered some in-person class options. This could open up a whole new group of students who prefer in-person learning. 

Trav Talks Real Estate Cost

Trav Talks Real Estate offers transparent pricing with no additional fees for books or exam prep. All its courses, except exam prep, are taught with a live instructor online via Zoom.

Type of EducationPrice RangeFeatures
Prelicensing$465

  • Available in live online format

  • Textbook included 

  • Practice quizzes and prep exams

  • Online learning management system

Post-licensing$229

  • Available in live online format

  • Interactive learning 

  • Quizzes and open-book exams

Continuing Education$55

  • Available in live online format

  • Quizzes and open-book exams

Exam Prep$99

  • Recorded video sessions

  • Personalized feedback

Best for Instructor Support: Carolina School of Real Estate

Carolina School of Real Estate
Pros
  • In-person and livestream class options
  • Instructor support and Q&A
  • Multiple course dates and locations
Cons
  • The website is not easy to navigate
  • Lack of career development resources
The Close Score
3.50
Course Features
1.4
Value
3.5
Learning Format & Accessibility
3.5
Expert Score
3.7
Help & Support
2.5
Reputation
4.6
out
of
5

My Expert Opinion on Carolina School of Real Estate

Get the basics with Carolina School of Real Estate. This school makes getting students through their main coursework its mission by offering prelicensing, post-licensing, and continuing education. It’s a great option for those interested in an in-person classroom setting, as it has a variety of course dates and locations available. 

While you may not get the frills of career resources or coaching, this is a solid choice for having a more traditional classroom setting with an instructor working with you face-to-face. However, Carolina School of Real Estate partners with The CE Shop and Superior School of Real Estate for those who prefer self-paced online learning. 

💡Room for improvement: The Carolina School of Real Estate website is dated, and the navigation makes it easy to miss courses and resources that it offers. I had to get lost on the site to find that it provides an exam prep course, among other features. Updating the information and design of the site could help draw in more students, as it offers a nice range of course dates and locations at a reasonable price. 

Carolina School of Real Estate Cost

Compared to similarly priced schools, Carolina School of Real Estate offers more in-person options than most but lacks some bonus resources or add-on features. However, its CE and exam prep are among the more budget-friendly options across the board. Prices vary when taking its online courses via The CE Shop or Superior School of Real Estate

Type of EducationPrice RangeFeatures
Prelicensing$460-$529

  • Available in-person and self-paced online 

  • Textbook included 

  • Practice quizzes and prep exams

Post-licensing$225

  • Available in-person and self-paced online 

  • Textbook included 

Continuing Education$55 per class or 2 for $100

  • Available in-person, livestream, and self-paced online 

Exam Prep$59-$75

  • Available on-demand

  • Guided questions and answers

  • Video lessons

  • Practice questions 

How We Selected the Best Online Real Estate Schools in NC

Regarding our methodology at The Close, our team of licensed real estate professionals, writers, and editors created a weighted rubric that evaluates each school. Our experts have done hours of research to analyze dozens of real estate schools to determine the best for our readers. The features we explored are essential for students to become successful agents and brokers in the real estate industry. 

Our detailed criteria included: 

  • Course Features 25%
    • This comprises items that assist agents and brokers in completing their education, like pass and refund guarantees, career and instructor support, coaching, training, interactive study groups, and course extensions.
  • Value 20%
    • Pricing and availability of coursework is an important factor to assess. This accounts for real estate school offerings in prelicensing, post-licensing, continuing education, broker prelicensing, and exam prep. 
  • Learning Format & Accessibility 20%
    • Real estate professionals must consider the best format for their learning, which includes self-paced, on-demand video, livestream, and in-person classes. Also, accessibility via multiple devices, like computers, tablets, and mobile devices, determines the convenience for users. 
  • Expert Score 15%
    • The Close closely reviews each course for standout features, details, ease of use, and the value for money spent from a real estate expert’s perspective. 
  • Help & Support 10%
    • If students need additional support, knowing the customer service options through phone, email, live chat, and ticket system is necessary. 
  • Reputation 10%
    • This examines the reputation of each real estate school through the lens of current and past students, reviewing the customer reviews and popularity of each provider. 

Helpful North Carolina Licensing Info

The Close logo
Quick Facts
account_balance

North Carolina Real Estate Governing Board:

North Carolina Real Estate Connection

schedule

Prelicensing Requirements:

75 Hours

inventory

Post-licensing Requirements:

90 Hours Within the First 18 Months

school

Continuing Education Requirements:

8 Hours Every 12 Months

FAQs





Bringing It All Together

Now that we’ve broken down some of the best real estate schools in North Carolina, I hope this information has given you some guidance on what might work for you when pursuing your career in real estate, whether you want to become an agent or make money as a managing real estate broker. It’s my mission to help you find the best resources to build a successful business, make top dollar, and be the rock star real estate agent you want to be. So, what school features do you like best? Did any questions pop up? Leave us a comment below!