With all the elegant properties across Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Aspen, a real estate career in Colorado is definitely something to consider. And if you’re looking for the perfect real estate school for you, I’m here to help. Of course, there is no single “best” real estate school because there are so many different variables. But as a real estate broker in Colorado for 28 years, I’ll help you find the right real estate school to fit your needs.

To narrow your search, here are six of my favorite real estate schools in Colorado based on course formats, pass rates, pricing, package features, and more. Let’s take a look to get your exciting new career in real estate started.

6 Best Real Estate Schools in Colorado

Our Top Picks
Pricing From
Promo Codes
Best Overall: Kaplan
$599
KAPRE5 - Save 5%
Best Value: Colibri Real Estate
$399
TheClose30 - Save 30%
Best Customer Service: American Dream Real Estate School
$399
Best Long-term Provider: VanEd
$425
Best for Online: Colorado Real Estate School
$399
Best for Continuing Education: The CE Shop
$495
TheClose35 - Save 35%

(Colorado prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)

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.

Real Estate Schools in Colorado: Helpful Info

The Close logo
Quick Facts
account_balance

Colorado Real Estate Governing Board:

Colorado Real Estate Commission

schedule

Prelicensing Requirements:

168 Hours

inventory

Post-licensing Requirements:

None

school

Continuing Education Requirements:

24 Hours Every Three Years

All of the schools we’ve included in our top picks list meet the state’s 168-hour prelicensing requirements. But you’ll be returning to your real estate education over and over, so let’s take a look at the types of programs each of these schools offer.




Now that you know a little more about how to choose a school, here’s a deep dive into my top six picks for the best real estate schools in Colorado.

Best Overall Real Estate School in Colorado: Kaplan

Kaplan scorecard
Pros
  • Best-in-class live and online courses
  • Excellent textbook and class materials
  • Great professional development tools
Cons
  • Interface is a little dated
  • Difficult to take classes on a mobile device
  • Live online classes are pretty pricey
The Close Score
4.5
Value:
5.0
Customer service:
3.8
Student experience:
5.0
Features:
4.0
Reputation:
5.0
Online experience:
4.3
out
of
5

Kaplan offers:

  • Prelicensing
  • Exam prep
  • Continuing education

Kaplan is well known for exam prep, but many people don’t know that they have an excellent real estate education division. 

The school offers multiple real estate class delivery options, including home study, on-demand, and live online. On-demand allows you to move at your own pace while still having access to a live instructor. It’s the best option for those trying to get through the material as quickly as possible.

Kaplan Real Estate Pass Rate & Features

Features
What Kaplan Offers
Exam Pass Rate (data from Colorado Real Estate Division)
63%
Exam Prep
Included with all course plans
Live Instructor Q&A
Included with all course plans
Books
None
Payment Plans
None
Pass Guarantee
None
Professional Development Education
Only included with Online Video and Career Launcher plans
Course Access Limit
6 months for all courses

Kaplan Pricing

You have a huge number of choices when it comes to Kaplan’s online education packages:

  • Licensing Success Home Study Package ($599): This at-your-own-pace package includes your course materials plus access to Kaplan’s Interactive Study Group Live Online and Career Mentor live support. You’ll also get Kaplan’s exam prep full of practice questions.
  • Career Launcher Home Study Package ($799): You’ll get everything in the Success package plus an eight-hour intensive business prep course in a live online format and eight weeks of professional coaching.
  • Licensing Success Online Video Package ($799): This package delivers your course via video and includes all the features of the home study package, plus live instructor support.
  • Career Launcher Online Video Package ($999): This combines the Licensing Success package with access to an eight-hour intensive business prep course.
  • Licensing Success Live Online Package ($999): This scheduled, online class also has everything that’s in the previous Licensing Success packages.
  • Career Launcher Live Online Package ($1,199): You’ll get everything in the previous package in a live, online format, plus an eight-hour intensive business prep course.

(Colorado prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)

SAVE on all Kaplan prelicensing courses in Colorado. Use promo code KAPRE5 at checkout!

BEST FEATURE: If you’re looking for the best chance of passing the Colorado real estate license exam in less than eight weeks, then Kaplan is the right choice. All of Kaplan’s courses provide live instructors and exam prep to help you succeed the first time you take the Colorado real estate exam.

ROOM TO IMPROVE: Kaplan is the priciest of all the courses listed, so it’s not the best option for those with a tight budget. It would be nice to see Kaplan offer a wider range of price points to meet the needs of the cost-conscious student.

BOTTOM LINE: Kaplan’s courses are well-oiled machines. I chose Kaplan as the best overall real estate school in Colorado for the flexibility of its packages. Visit their website to get started on your coursework today.

Visit Kaplan today

Best Colorado Real Estate School for Value: Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate scorecard
Pros
  • Easy-to-use online platform
  • Packages offer a variety of features
  • Affordable
Cons
  • The Basics course doesn’t come with test prep materials
  • No access to local real estate brokerages
The Close Score
3.9
Value:
5.0
Customer service:
3.8
Student experience:
3.5
Features:
2.0
Reputation:
5.0
Online experience:
5.0
out
of
5

Colibri Real Estate offers:

  • Prelicensing
  • Exam prep
  • Continuing education

If you’re looking to save some money on your prelicensing education, this is a good place to start. With packages starting at $399, Colibri Real Estate is one of the most affordable options on our list. The company also offers the ability to upgrade your course package to include the Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee, exam preparation, and live instructor Q&A.

Colibri Real Estate Pass Rate & Features

Features
What Colibri Real Estate Offers
Exam Pass Rate (data from Colorado Real Estate Division)
70%
Exam Prep
All course plans except The Basics
Live Instructor Q&A
All course plans except The Basics and Exam Preparation
Books
Most plans offer e-books; Ultimate Learning offers printed textbooks instead
Payment Plans
None
Pass Guarantee
Included with all course plans
Professional Development Education
Only included with Ultimate Learning package
Course Access Limit
6 months for all course plans

Colibri Real Estate Pricing

In Colorado, Colibri Real Estate offers four value-packed prelicensing course packages for prospective real estate school students.

  • The Basics ($399): This is a perfect course for a disciplined self-starter who just wants the essentials. You’ll also get a study guide, coaching videos, and instructor support.
  • Exam Preparation ($498): You’ll receive all the benefits of The Basics plus state exam prep materials and the Pass or Don’t Pay guarantee.
  • Exam Preparation Plus ($560): This includes everything from the previous package plus instructor Q&A and a live exam crammer series.
  • Ultimate Learning ($670): Includes everything in the previous package as well as a printed textbook and one year of professional development courses.

(Colorado prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)

SAVE 30% on any Colibri Real Estate package when you use promo code TheClose30 at checkout.

BEST FEATURE: Colibri Real Estate offers several affordable prelicensing packages beginning at just $399, and their usability combined with this low price makes them the best value option on our list.

ROOM TO IMPROVE: The Colorado state portion of the exam is known to be challenging. The Colibri Real Estate student pass rate on the national exam is currently at 70%. However, only 37% of students are passing the state portion.

Colibri Real Estate’s state exam pass rate is lower than we would like to see. Still, you may be able to improve your chances of passing the Colorado portion of the real estate exam by selecting one of the top-tier packages that include exam prep materials.

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re a self-starter who likes a good deal, Colibri Real Estate is your best option.

Visit Colibri Real Estate Today
Related Article
Can You Be a Part-time Real Estate Agent? (+ Free Guide & Videos)

Best Real Estate School in Colorado for Customer Service: American Dream Real Estate School

American Dream Real Estate School
Pros
  • Livestream and in-person class options
  • Various class locations
Cons
  • No self-paced classes
  • No professional development course offerings
The Close Score
4.3
Value:
4.5
Customer service:
3.8
Student experience:
5.0
Features:
3.0
Reputation:
5.0
Online experience:
4.3
out
of
5

American Dream Real Estate School offers:

  • Prelicensing
  • Exam prep
  • Continuing education

If you’re looking for an individualized educational experience, American Dream Real Estate School is an outstanding option. American Dream Real Estate School offers personalized services and flexible payment options. Exam preparation and books are also included with all courses.

American Dream Real Estate School Pass Rate & Features

Features
What American Dream Real Estate School Offers
Exam Pass Rate (data from Colorado Real Estate Division)
72%
Exam Prep
Included with all course plans
Live Instructor Q&A
Included with all course plans
Books
Included with all course plans
Payment Plans
Included with all course plans
Pass Guarantee
None
Professional Development Education
None
Course Access Limit
6 months for all course plans

American Dream Real Estate School Pricing

Students can take both online and in-person real estate courses with American Dream Real Estate School. The price of the prelicensing course depends on the format you choose and the location of the classes.

  • Online Colorado Broker Licensing Course ($399): American Dream’s at-your-own-pace real estate course also includes books and exam preparation.
  • Zoom Virtual Real Estate Broker Training ($795): Take your prelicensing class hours via livestream on Zoom. Students take quizzes and tests each week to verify their grasp of the material before moving on.
  • Small Group Colorado Broker Licensing Course ($895-$945): This option is the same as the Zoom class, except you meet in person. Classes are currently offered in Arvada, Aurora, Broomfield, Colorado Springs, Conifer, Crested Butte/Gunnison, downtown Denver, the Cherry Creek neighborhood, the Highlands neighborhood, Durango, Edwards, Evergreen, Grand Junction, Lakewood, and Montrose.
  • Private One-on-One Colorado Broker Licensing Course ($1,249): You’ll receive all the materials you need and one-on-one instruction to help you pass the Colorado real estate exam the first time.

(Colorado prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)

BEST FEATURE: The thing I like most about American Dream Real Estate School is the individualized support. They will customize a plan for you and are eager to help with your unique situation. They are also the only school on this list to offer one-on-one classes.

ROOM TO IMPROVE: Compared to some other online providers, American Dream could benefit by upgrading its technology and student interface. Their website may also be confusing to a first-time visitor.

BOTTOM LINE: If you want the feel of an in-person real estate school that offers online education, you won’t be disappointed with American Dream Real Estate School.

Visit American Dream Today

Best Real Estate School in Colorado for Continued Growth: VanEd

VanEd scorecard
Pros
  • Live instructor support
  • Offers a free trial
  • Option to include post-licensing
Cons
  • No exam pass guarantee in lowest-tier package
The Close Score
4.2
Value:
5.0
Customer service:
5.0
Student experience:
4.0
Features:
2.0
Reputation:
5.0
Online experience:
4.0
out
of
5

VanEd offers:

  • Prelicensing
  • Exam prep
  • Continuing education

VanEd offers courses ranging from real estate prelicensing education to the Graduate, Realtor Institute designation. They truly are a one-stop shop for online real estate education. VanEd boasts an outstanding student pass rate and allows students up to a year of access to their courses.

Related Article
9 Real Estate Designations That Will Actually Make You Money

If cost is a concern, you may want to take advantage of VanEd’s three-payment option and start your real estate education for as little as $113. We like that VanEd also offers additional discounts to veterans.

VanEd Pass Rate & Features

Features
What VanEd Offers
Exam Pass Rate (data from Colorado Real Estate Division)
74%
Exam Prep
Included with all course plans
Live Instructor Q&A
Included with all course plans
Books
Included with all course plans except Essentials
Payment Plans
Included with all course plans
Pass Guarantee
Included with all course plans except Essentials
Professional Development Education
Included with Premium only
Course Access Limit
12 months for all course plans

VanEd Pricing

You’ll have your choice of three prelicensing course packages with VanEd in Colorado:

  • Essentials ($425): Includes the prelicensing courses for Colorado, live instructor support and customer service, and exam prep materials.
  • Advantage ($525): Includes everything in the previous package as well as an e-book. This package also includes a money-back guarantee.
  • Premium ($650): The Premium package includes everything in the Advantage Package, the Colorado Real Estate Commission’s annual update course, 20% off one year of continuing education courses, and the Career Kick-start Course.

(Colorado prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)

BEST FEATURE: There are a lot of great things to say about VanEd. For example, exam preparation and live instructor support are included in all the courses. Our favorite feature is that VanEd offers prelicensing, continuing education, and Graduate, Realtor Institute designation for Colorado real estate brokers.

ROOM TO IMPROVE: My concern with most online courses is that the students can become overwhelmed and get off track without a set course schedule to hold them accountable. VanEd would have topped our list if they provided this.

BOTTOM LINE: You can grow in your real estate career by taking all of your prelicensing and continuing education courses with VanEd. And because of VanEd’s 12-month access for all their packages, busy would-be real estate agents will have twice the typical amount of time in which to complete their education.

Visit VanEd Today

Best School for Online: Colorado Real Estate School

Colorado Real Estate School scorecard
Pros
  • Weekly live Q&A webinars
  • Exam prep included in all plans
  • Real estate math course included
Cons
  • Dated interface
  • No exam pass guarantee
The Close Score
3.9
Value:
5.0
Customer service:
3.8
Student experience:
3.5
Features:
2.0
Reputation:
5.0
Online experience:
4.3
out
of
5

Colorado Real Estate School offers:

  • Prelicensing
  • Exam prep
  • Continuing education

The entire 168-hour prelicensing course is presented in an on-demand streaming video presentation through Colorado Real Estate School. This course presentation method allows you to work at your own pace since you can stop and start the video as needed.

Designed for students with no real estate experience, this fully online video course will prepare you to pass the Colorado real estate license exam and succeed in your real estate career.

Colorado Real Estate School Pass Rate & Features

Features
What Colorado Real Estate School Offers
Exam Pass Rate (data from Colorado Real Estate Division)
62%
Exam Prep
Included with all course plans
Live Instructor Q&A
Included with all course plans
Books
E-books included in all course plans
Payment Plans
Included with all course plans
Pass Guarantee
None
Professional Development Education
Intro to Commercial Real Estate and New Agent Business Training included with Enhanced and Deluxe options
Course Access Limit
6 months for Standard, 8 months for Enhanced, and 10 months for Deluxe

Colorado Real Estate School Pricing

This at-your-own-pace school offers three course package options:

  • Standard ($399): Besides receiving the 168 hours of videos, this package includes a weekly Q&A webinar, the Math Made Easy course, and the Insider’s Ultimate Exam Prep System course. Students have six months to complete the course.
  • Enhanced ($450): This package includes all the Standard package features, plus an additional two months to complete the course. You’ll also receive two courses: New Agent Business Training and Intro to Commercial Real Estate.
  • Deluxe ($550): This package offers all of the benefits of the previous courses plus the Colorado Exam Cram workshop and a full 10 months to complete the course.

(Colorado prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)

BEST FEATURE: We all have different learning styles. Colorado Real Estate School helps people who learn best by watching videos. It’s also possible to easily review previous lessons. Another special feature that they have is the TruSupport Pass Guarantee for all students. If you fail to pass the licensing exam, they will renew your access to their video classes and assist you until you pass the exam—even if it takes you five tries!

ROOM TO IMPROVE: You definitely need to be a self-starter with this option. Also, Colorado Real Estate School offers a pass incentive exclusively for those who purchase the Deluxe package. If you pass the state license exam on your first try, they’ll reimburse you the cost of the test ($45). That’s a sweet deal—but we think that it would be better if they included the pass incentive in all packages.

BOTTOM LINE: If you like learning through video tutorials, Colorado Real Estate School is a great fit. Learn more about their video instruction on their website.

Visit Colorado Real Estate School Today

Best Real Estate School in Colorado for Continuing Education: The CE Shop

The CE Shop scorecard
Pros
  • Expertly designed courses
  • Lots of bonus resources
Cons
  • No access to live instructors
  • No live instructor support
The Close Score
4
Value:
5.0
Customer service:
5.0
Student experience:
3.0
Features:
2.0
Reputation:
5.0
Online experience:
5.0
out
of
5

The CE Shop offers:

  • Prelicensing
  • Exam prep
  • Continuing education

The CE Shop’s experts specialize in online continuing education. We have no doubt that they can help you pass your real estate exam and provide materials for your CE requirements for years to come.

The software interface is optimized for both desktop and mobile devices. In addition, The CE Shop provides an exam preparation course, a math handbook, and a payment plan option with all their packages.

The CE Shop Pass Rate & Features

Features
What The CE Shop Offers
Exam Pass Rate (data from Colorado Real Estate Division)
79%
Exam Prep
Included with all course plans
Live Instructor Q&A
None
Books
Included with all course plans
Payment Plans
Included with all course plans
Pass Guarantee
Included with all course plans
Professional Development Education
Included in Premium package only
Course Access Limit
12 months

The CE Shop Pricing

You have three Colorado prelicensing packages to choose from with The CE Shop:

  • Standard ($495): This package includes your course, business e-books, career resources, digital flashcards, and an exam study schedule, plus state and national exam prep and an exam pass guarantee.
  • Value ($545): You’ll receive everything in the previous package as well as access to three business-building courses with this option.
  • Premium Package ($689): The Premium package includes everything in the previous course plus a 16-hour continuing education package. This gives you a nice head start on the 24 hours of CE you’ll need to renew your license over the first three years of your career.

(Colorado prelicensing package prices as of June 2023)

SAVE 35% on prelicensing packages at The CE Shop. Use promo code TheClose35 at checkout!

BEST FEATURE: We love that The CE Shop takes care of our military members and veterans by offering a discount on packages for servicemen and women.

Also, this is the best user interface out of all the schools on this list. The CE Shop courses are easy to use and navigate. Best of all, they are optimized for both desktop and mobile, so you can complete your real estate education virtually anywhere.

ROOM TO IMPROVE: Again, my concern with an online-only program is that students can get stuck when they aren’t able to ask questions of an instructor. It’s also easy for students to fall behind and give up if they don’t have the structure of a live or live-online course. Some students need a live Q&A session where they can talk to instructors in real time.

BOTTOM LINE: If you’re looking for a school with an excellent, do-it-yourself interface that excels in prelicensing education and beyond, The CE Shop is well worth a look.

Visit The CE Shop Today

How We Selected the Best Real Estate Schools in Colorado

First of all, I’ve been a real estate broker in Colorado for 28 years, so I have a ton of experience to draw on. But also, the larger team at The Close is made up of licensed real estate professionals, editors, and writers in the real estate industry. We’ve put together this list using a methodology that involves thorough research. We took into consideration the pricing, course offerings, ease of use, web and mobile interface, instructor support, medium of instruction, pass rate, and more. Read more about our methodology here.

Colorado Real Estate Schools FAQs

While we’ve given you a lot of information to digest regarding real estate schools in Colorado, now we have a little more for you about the process. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section of this article. We’d be happy to help!







Related Article
Real Estate Broker vs. Agent: A Head-to-Head Analysis

Bringing It All Together

Hopefully this guide helped you pinpoint the best real estate schools in Colorado to meet your needs. The Close offers resources for every stage of your real estate career. Have thoughts or questions about getting your Colorado license or the right school for you? Leave a comment below!