6 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Illinois 2023

There are many online real estate schools to choose from in Illinois (IL). Still, it’s important to find the right education to fit your learning needs. Whether you’re seeking your initial broker licensing, post-licensing, continuing education (CE), or managing broker’s license, there are high-quality Illinois real estate schools that offer a variety of course formats, pricing, and features to tailor your education. We looked at those elements, customer reviews, and course availability to determine the six best real estate schools in Illinois.

• Colibri Real Estate: Best school for online learning with comprehensive exam prep for real estate agents and brokers
• The CE Shop: Multiple licensing package options to fit all budgets and learning styles
• Illinois Realtors: Ideal for real estate agents who want extensive career development assistance
• Net Real Estate School: Excellent option for agents who need hands-on, live instructor-led courses
• Real Estate Institute: Top school offering a variety of course formats for students who want both self-study and live instruction
• McKissock Learning: Recommended for experienced agents who need to complete CE for license renewal

Best Online Real Estate Schools in Illinois at a Glance

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Colibri Real Estate: Best Overall for Online Learning With Comprehensive Exam Prep

Colibri Real Estate is a premier online real estate education provider across the country, offering online prelicensing, post-licensing, CE, broker licensing, and exam preparation courses for agents in all stages of their Illinois real estate careers. Courses are available as live webinars for those who want to learn in real time with an instructor. There’s also a self-paced option for the independent learner. Its exam prep master course ensures students pass their state test on the first try through practice tests and final exam examples.

The school is one of the few real estate schools in Illinois to offer a pass guarantee for aspiring real estate agents who do not pass the state exam on the first attempt. For exam preparation, it offers digital flashcards and the ability to create custom exams to help students focus on the topics that need additional learning. The school also offers a career hub with resources to help students succeed after meeting the licensing requirements of Illinois.

Additional Colibri Real Estate Features

• Learning management system: Provides students with an in-person classroom experience in online learning
• Real estate coaching: Colibri has partnered with Buffini & Company to provide agents with training and coaching services
• Smart Bites: A learning methodology to help students remember and retain course materials
• Satisfaction Guarantee: Full refund if students are not satisfied with the courses within a week of online course purchase or a week after the first day of class for livestream courses

Colibri Real Estate Reviews

Customers rate Colibri Real Estate a 4.1 out of 5 stars, with most reviews highlighting the course flexibility. Many students enjoyed taking the course entirely online between other professional commitments. One student liked the ability to adjust their learning schedule to complete the course quickly. The extra practice exams helped students feel confident and prepared to pass the exams.

A few students would have preferred the online course to include more visuals and interaction, like charts and videos, to help teach the coursework. Some students specifically mentioned difficulties with finding a proctor for taking the exams. Students who don’t want to find a proctor and test location should consider a local IL school with an office location for test taking, like Real Estate Institute.

Colibri Real Estate Pricing

Colibri real estate education offers education and course plans for all stages of a real estate career.

Prelicensing: Starting at $339

• The Basics: $339 for the 75-hour prelicensing course, real estate e-books, and access to instructor support
• Exam Preparation: $449 for everything in the basic plan plus exam prep with audio playback and the pass guarantee
• Exam Preparation Plus: $529 includes everything above plus post-license courses, real estate dictionary, instructor Q&A, live exam crammer series, and interactive learning videos from Sketchy
• Ultimate Learning: $629, students get everything included in the exam preparation plus a plan with an additional course textbook and a one-year membership for professional development
• Livestream Course: Similar to the Ultimate Learning plan, but includes livestream courses for $649

Post-licensing: $279

• 45-hour Post-license Package: Includes mandatory education hours covering applied broker principles, transactional issues, and risk management/discipline for $279

Managing Broker Licensing: $200

• Broker Basics: $200 for a 45-hour broker course, Principles of Real Estate Practice e-book, math e-book, instructor support, and access to discussion board

Continued Education: Starting at $19

Illinois continuing education is offered through Colibri Real Estate sister company McKissock Learning.

• Membership: $255, access to all courses and resources available to real estate professionals
• 12-hour Broker Renewal: $99.95 for salesperson not renewing for the first time
• 24-hour Managing Broker Package: $195.95 for managing brokers requiring license renewal
• Individual courses: Starting at $19 each

Exam Prep: $99

Exam prep package includes progress exams, digital flashcards, customized exams, pass guarantee, and access to state and national exams.

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The CE Shop: Best for Licensing Package Options to Fit All Budgets & Learning Styles

The CE Shop offers two online interactive courses for prelicensing education that consist of 60 hours of broker prelicensing and 15 hours of applied real estate principles. As one of the best real estate schools in Illinois, the CE Shop strictly provides self-paced courses, allowing students to take their courses anywhere, any time. Each course offering has a selection of plans for students to choose from, starting with just the basics to a premium package, with e-books, exam prep, and classes to renew your license with post-licensing courses.

Although it doesn’t offer live webinars or on-demand video courses like all of the other schools providing real estate license courses in Illinois, it does have an abundance of resources provided with each course package at no additional charge. These resources include e-books, downloadable resources, digital flashcards, a real estate glossary, and a study schedule. All resources are aimed at supporting a student during their 75-hour online course.

Additional The CE Shop Features

• LEAP platform: The custom LEAP 2.0 platform helps engage students and provides interactive learning
• Agent Essentials resources: Resources to support an agent’s business growth, like blogs, e-books, webinars, podcasts, etc.
• Unlimited practice exams: Practice test familiarizes a student with topics that will be on the final exam
• Interactive dashboards: Real-time dashboards gauge student’s proficiency on course topics throughout the program

The CE Shop Reviews

The user-friendly courses and ability to take the classes at home garnered The CE Shop a review rating of 4.2 out of 5. Students said the course was easy to navigate, and the material was thorough and easy to understand. One student specifically mentioned the exam prep gave them the confidence to pass the test on their first attempt.

Some students experienced some technical difficulties when attempting to complete the final test. Customer service could not assist students with technical problems after many failed attempts to get a good connection. Another student was disappointed in the short free trial period. For students who would like to try out courses with an option for a refund, Colibri Real Estate provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

The CE Shop Pricing

Packages offered by The CE Shop are aimed toward fitting all student budgets with options starting with just the course to premium packages, including all possible features and add-ons.

Prelicensing: Starting at $339

• Course only: $339 for the 75-hour course and course resources
• Standard package: $399 for the course and resources plus exam prep edge and pass guarantee
• Value package: $449 includes everything in the standard package plus business building courses
• Premium package: For $689, the package includes everything in the value package plus post-licensing package and e-textbooks

Post-licensing: Starting at $109

• Broker post-licensing package: $279 includes all 45 mandatory course hours for brokers renewing for the first time
• Post-licensing individual courses: $109 for each applied broker principles, transactional issues, and risk management/discipline courses

Managing Broker Prelicensing: Starting at $259

• Course only: $259 for the 45-hour IL broker course
• Standard Package: $315 for the course plus unlimited practice exams

Continued Education: Starting at $29

• Continuing education packages: Two package for brokers for $99 each and a managing broker package for $195
• Individual continuing education courses: Classes priced starting at $29 courses from 3 to 12 credits each.

Exam Prep: Starting at $75

• Exam Prep Edge: National and state exam prep starting at $75

Visit The CE Shop

Illinois Realtors: Best for Extensive Career Development Assistance

Illinois Realtors is one of Illinois’ largest real estate trade associations, and it also offers Illinois real estate education as part of its offerings. We named it one of the best schools for career development because it offers the REALTORS designation, certification, and endorsements along with Graduate and REALTOR Institute designations. These designations provide agents with the proper credentials to showcase their expertise in the real estate industry.

One course not offered by many other Illinois real estate schools is the 15-hour residential leasing agent prelicense course. Illinois Realtors has the best real estate classes in Illinois that offer both online and live in-person. This course is specific to residential leasing activity, which provides additional cash flow to buyer and seller agents. Residential leasing agents must still pass the state and national real estate exams.

Additional Illinois Realtors Features

• D2L online course platform: Both self-led and instructor-led courses created by experienced Illinois REALTORS
• Hybrid course formats: Students can have an instructor-paced course combined with self-led learning
• Leadership development program: Agents can apply to participate in the program for professional placement and training
• Scholarships: Students with financial hardships can apply for scholarships, grants, and tuition reimbursement through the Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation

Illinois Realtors Reviews

The positive reviews of Illinois Realtors said the courses and learning materials were organized and easy to follow. Many said the package they purchased was an affordable option, and some students could complete the course in just a few weeks. Students said the course thoroughly prepared them to pass the state exam, which probably contributed to Illinois Realtors being rated 3.9 out of 5 by customers.

Students of Illinois Realtors found it challenging to get access to instructors when not participating in live sessions. Many calls were left unreturned, and most students were redirected to email and were not provided an explanation. For a school with extended business hours and a higher response time, students should consider The CE Shop for its real estate classes in Illinois.

Illinois Realtors Pricing

Illinois Realtors offers classes presented on LEAP Learning and D2L online course platforms to meet individual learning styles.

Prelicensing: Starting at $129

• Broker Prelicensing Packages: Starting at $475 for 75 education hours of online self-guided, live webinar, or hybrid packages
• Broker Prelicense Topics: Starting at $385 for the 60-hour self-guided online course
• Broker Prelicense Applied Real Estate Principles: Starting at $129 for the 15-hour self-guided or live webinar course

Post-licensing: Starting at $99

• Post-licensing package: Starting at $269 for three 15-hour courses each
• Individual courses: $99 for each 15-hour course

Managing Broker Licensing: Starting at $149

• Managing broker package: Includes 45 hours of a self-guided online course for $259
• Individual courses: $149 for each managing broker prelicensing course

Continued Education: Starting at $10.95

• CE course packages: Starting at $195 for 24 hours of education credit
• Individual courses: Starting at $10.95 for individual courses ranging from 1 to 12 hours of credit

Exam Prep: Starting at $49

Illinois Realtors partners with ExamSmart to provide state and national exam prep starting at $49 per year.

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Net Real Estate School: Best for Live Instructor-led Courses

Net Real Estate School offers each student enrolled in its real estate courses individualized attention resulting in a 98% pass rate. Net is one of the most affordable schools for local Illinois real estate education. Many of Net’s licensing courses are performed through live webinars with a live in-person option for broker licensing. Although it provides online self-paced courses for students who wish to complete the courses independently, the self-led courses still come with full instructor support through Zoom.

Net does not offer a separate exam prep course like many other Illinois real estate schools. However, exam prep and practice tests are included in the tuition for the course. Even though Net does not offer a pass guarantee, it offers something different from other best online real estate schools in Illinois—a retake course package at a discounted rate for students who are unsuccessful in passing the exams.

Additional Net Real Estate School Features

• Career consultation: Complimentary career consultation via phone for aspiring real estate agents
• Free tutoring: For students who choose self-paced licensing courses
• Payment plans: For $244.50 down, students can register for the course and finalize full payment at a later date
• Instructor experience: Instructors have an extensive background in brokerage experience

Net Real Estate School Reviews

Customers have rated Net Real Estate School a 4.8 out of 5, with an emphasis on excellent course experience and the professionalism of instructors. The classes were informative, and the course materials were engaging. Many students said the instructors go above and beyond to help prepare their students for the exam. The students felt connected to their instructor since Net was a smaller local school providing real estate education.

There were very few negative reviews on Net. However, one student felt the live in-person classes were too crowded, causing a disruptive learning environment. Students who want space should consider taking an online live webinar class through Net or other providers like Colibri Real Estate School.

Net Real Estate School Pricing

The cost of tuition covers the course plus textbooks, study materials, a practice exam, a math review, and exam reviews.

Prelicensing: Starting at $359

• Self-paced webinar course: $359 for the 75-hour course to be completed individually
• Livestreaming webinar course: $489 for a hybrid course that includes 60 hours of instructor lead learning plus 15 hours of self-paced learning

Post-licensing: $199

• Online Bundle: $199 for the 45-hour post-licensing courses

Managing Broker Licensing: $399

• Managing Broker Courses: 45-hour package for $399

Continued Education: $65

• CE online bundle: $65 for each 12-hour course

Visit Net Real Estate School

Real Estate Institute: Best for Its Variety of Course Formats

Courses at Real Estate Institute are taught by real estate industry experts. Its real estate courses are offered at multiple locations with flexible learning options. Students can choose live classroom, webinar, online instructor-led, or self-study courses that meet their learning preferences. Students have access to the courses for a six-month period, and they have a dedicated student service team available for support.

The course packages offered by Real Estate Institute let students choose from three different options based on how quickly they would like to complete their education. It offers courses categorized as Flex Path, Directed Track, and Fast Track.

Flex Path courses offer flexible schedules for students to complete the course independently. Directed Track courses offer three-, five- six-, or eight-week course programs, while Fast Track is a two-week program with all-day webinars or live courses. Students have the ability to select which course is needed based on their ability to retrain information.

Additional Real Estate Institute Features

• Course financing: In partnership with Affirm, students can make payments for their courses over three, six, or 12 months
• Q&A webinar: Access to instructors through weekly live Q&A webinar sessions
• Course location options: Five locations around Chicago, Illinois, that offer live courses
• Exam prep: Exam preparation with Real Estate Institute is included in course tuition, but students can enroll with ExamSmart for additional learning

Real Estate Institute Reviews

Real Estate Institute has one of the highest customer review ratings of 4.9 out of 5—touted for its interactive course formats. Students say the courses are easy to follow and engagement with instructors makes it a positive learning environment. One student really enjoyed the course hours, with the ability to fit in live courses before their personal commitments.

Real Estate Institute had few negative reviews, but the few that exist mention the long course hours. It seems the students who chose the self-lead courses didn’t find them to be as interactive as those with an instructor present. Many of the negative reviews also spoke about technical difficulties with the course platform. Students who want to avoid technical difficulties may consider the live in-person courses at Real Estate institute or Net Real Estate.

Real Estate Institute Pricing

The flexible learning packages allow students to choose how fast they would like to complete each program.

Prelicensing: Starting at $250

• Directed-track: Live class or webinar for $699
• Fast-track: Live class with self-study for $699
• Flex Path: Self-paced course for $599
• Individual courses: Staring at $250 for a 15-hour applied real estate principles or 60-hour prelicense topics

Post-licensing: $299

• Broker post-license program: $299 for three 15-hour courses in an online distance learning format

Managing Broker Prelicensing: $350

• Managing broker prelicense course: $350 for a 30-hour self-study course and 15 hours of interactive webinars

Continued Education: Starting at $85

• All Online, Anytime CE: $85
• All Live: Class or Webinar: $149

Exam Prep: Starting at $49*

• Basic Package: $49 per year, includes 500 questions, comprehensive explanations, hyperlink glossary, practice exams, detailed exam reports, and flashcards
• Premium Package: $59 includes Basic Package plus 68 videos

*Offered through ExamSmart

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McKissock Learning: Best Continuing Education Provider for License Renewal

McKissock Learning provides unmatched continuing education while being one of the only schools in Illinois to offer continuing education memberships. The annual memberships allow professionals access to all the CE courses offered in Illinois, an on-demand library of webinars, how-to videos, job aids, and partnership discounts. For students who are not interested in a membership, there are individual courses available for purchase.

In addition to the CE courses, McKissock offers real estate coaching and training to inform agents of changing market trends and practical skill applications, and assists with career advancement through webinars and online courses. However, these courses act as professional development and do not provide credit that can be applied to license renewal. McKissock also provides prelicensing through its partner school Colibri Real Estate.

Additional McKissock Learning Features

• Partner discounts: Passes along discounts through partner business to students
• Real estate blog: Blog posts provide insightful information to keep students and agents up to date with changing trends
• 100% satisfaction guarantee: Full refund within 10 days of purchase if students are unsatisfied with their courses
• McKissock dashboard: A central location for students to access courses, certificates, a learning hub, and resources

McKissock Learning Reviews

Students who used McKissock for continuing education found the courses were well-priced, easy to navigate, and informative. Customers gave the school an overall review rating of 4.4 out of 5 for its flexible classes, great teachers, and extremely helpful career services. Students found the career services really prepared them for a successful career. Other students also gave positive reviews of other real estate practices, like McKissock’s appraisals and home inspection courses.

For students taking self-paced continuing education courses, it requires a lot of self-motivation to get through the massive amount of information presented in the courses. Students who prefer to take live continuing education courses can check out Illinois Realtor’s education calendar. Its online continuing education also is offered in LEAP and D2L formats for more interaction.

McKissock Learning Pricing

Prelicensing: Starting at $339*

• The Basics: $339 for the 75-hour prelicensing course, instructor support, and real estate e-books
• Exam Preparation: $449 for everything in the basic plan plus exam prep with audio playback and the pass guarantee
• Exam Preparation Plus: $529 includes everything above plus post-license courses, real estate dictionary, instructor Q&A, live exam crammer series, and interactive learning videos from Sketchy
• Ultimate Learning: For $629, students get everything included in the exam preparation plus a plan with additional course textbook and a one-year membership for professional development
• Livestream course: Similar to the Ultimate Learning plan, but includes livestream courses for $649

Managing Broker Licensing: $200*

• Broker Basics: $200 for a 45-hour broker course, Principles of Real Estate Practice e-book, math e-book, instructor support, and access to discussion board

Continued Education: Starting at $19

• Membership: $255 access to all courses and resources available to real estate professionals
• 12-hour Broker Renewal: $99.95 for salesperson not renewing for the first time
• 24-hour Managing Broker Package: $195.95 for managing brokers requiring license renewal
• Individual courses: starting at $19 each

*Offered through affiliate partner, Colibri Real Estate

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How We Evaluated the Top Real Estate Schools in Illinois

Aspiring and current Illinois real estate agents have multiple options for completing their required coursework, passing the real estate exam, renewing, and upgrading their licenses. Many of these Illinois real estate license classes offer additional career guidance to support a successful post-education career. When choosing one of the best online real estate schools in Illinois, students must evaluate available course features, price, former student reviews, and customer support to find the best school fit for them.

We’ve determined that Colibri Real Estate is the best overall Illinois online real estate school. Its comprehensive exam preparation package assures students are prepared to pass their final exams. With a customer review rating of 4.1 out of 5 and a satisfaction guarantee, Colibri Real Estate sets itself apart from the other Illinois real estate classes.

We considered the following criteria when determining the best online real estate school in Illinois: