6 Best Online Real Estate Schools in Maryland 2023
This article is part of a larger series on How to Become a Real Estate Agent.
The best online real estate school in Maryland (MD) provides reasonable pricing, various course formats, and highly qualified instructor support. They allow you to complete the 60 hours of Maryland Real Estate Commission-approved prelicensing education required to become a real estate agent, as well as ongoing training to maintain or upgrade your license. We’ve identified the best online real estate schools in Maryland that offer education options from the comfort of your home:
- Best for most affordable prelicensing education: Colibri Real Estate
- Best for bundled course packages: The CE Shop
- Best for career enhancement courses: McKissock Learning
- Best for interactive learning features: Kaplan
- Best for the live virtual learning environment: Elite Learning Academy
- Best for upgrading broker’s license through livestream education: Tristar Academy
Best Online Schools in Maryland at a Glance
School | Education Provided | Price Range | Learning Formats | Pass Guarantee | Customer Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
| $39 - $527 |
| ✓ | Phone, email, and live chat |
Use Promo Code: FSB25 for 25% off | |||||
 |
| $39 - $639 |
| ✓ | Phone, email, and live chat |
Use Promo Code: FSB30 for 30% off | |||||
 |
| $39 - $527 |
| ✕ | Phone and email |
 |
| $99 - $479 |
| ✕ | Phone, email, and live chat |
Use Promo Code: Kapre5 for 5% off | |||||
 |
| $22 - $1,497 |
| ✕ | Phone and email |
 |
| $18 - $510 |
| ✕ | Phone and email |
Things you need to know before enrolling for your Maryland real estate license education: Along with education requirements, there are additional steps to completing your real estate licensure. Check out our step-by-step guide to becoming a real estate agent in Maryland to help you get started.
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Colibri Real Estate: Most Affordable Prelicensing Education
Overall Score:
4.95 / 5
Pros
- Offers tiered course packages
- Instructor support
- Lowest price
Cons
- Pass or Don't Pay guarantee is not available in the Basic package
- No broker prelicensing or post-licensing education
- No mobile app
Our Expert Opinion on Colibri Real Estate
If you’re saving up for the next Raven’s or O’s game, Colibri Real Estate is a budget-friendly choice for your prelicensing real estate classes in MD. Even though it is the cheapest compared to its competitors, it still provides high-quality content and comprehensive delivery through its Learning Management System (LMS). The LMS is an easy-to-navigate platform with built-in tools to enhance productivity and retention.
Although the course is mainly self-paced, higher-tiered packages provide live interaction with instructors and classmates. Plus, it offers a pass guarantee, meaning Colibri is confident in its program that students will get a refund of the licensing course or exam prep course if they fail to pass on the first try. It could improve by adding a post-licensing or a broker licensing course for students who want to build a brokerage or start a team.
Screenshot of Colibri’s learning interface (Source: Colibri Real Estate)
- Accreditations: Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC), and the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC)
- Refund/cancellation policy: With online courses, students have 30 days from the date of purchase to ask for a full refund. As for students enrolled in livestream real estate classes in MD, they may request a refund within 24 hours of the first lesson.
- Instructor Q&A webinars: Allows students to ask their instructors questions and get responses in real-time, five days a week.
- Professional development membership: Through the Career Hub, students can access blog pieces, e-books, and career guidance.
Colibri Real Estate has a student rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. They were happy with the online courses’ affordable, high-quality education, which gave them the knowledge they needed to pass the real estate licensure exam the first time. Students also love the user-friendly and informative platform.
However, some users said the course materials were outdated and had several errors. In addition, students found the self-paced option difficult and wished there was more live engagement. If you are the same type of learner, consider Elite Learning Academy or Tristar Academy for their livestream courses.
Read how our experts feel about this real estate school in our Colibri Real Estate review.
Colibri Real Estate differs from the other schools in giving you full-course packages with the ability to add features to enhance your learning experience.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
|---|---|---|
Prelicensing | $284 - $527 |
|
Continued Education* | $39 |
|
Exam Prep | $99 - $219 |
|
*Offered by its affiliate partner, McKissock Learning
The CE Shop: Best for Prelicensing & Continuing Education Bundle
Overall Score:
4.63 / 5
Pros
- Courses are offered in self-paced instruction
- Tiered course packages
- Customizable continuing education courses
Cons
- No post-licensing and broker licensing courses
- No livestream courses
- No mobile app
Our Expert Opinion on The CE Shop
The CE Shop is an excellent choice for Maryland real estate classes if you want a self-paced learning environment flexible to your schedule. It offers tiered packages with add-ons to enhance your learning experience with exam prep and professional development courses. Most unique is the option to bundle your prelicensing and continued education to purchase all the classes you’ll need for the next three years of your real estate career.
If you prefer to purchase your online Maryland real estate continuing education separately, The CE Shop allows you to either purchase a premade package or customize your course selection to include classes of your interest to complete your license renewal. The CE Shop can be improved by offering livestream classes, giving students more opportunities for real-time engagement with their teachers and classmates.
Free sample questions and free readiness assessment (Source: The CE Shop)
- Accreditations: ARELLO and MREC
- Refund/cancellation policy: The CE Shop provides a full refund within 30 days of purchase before the course is completed, and the course cannot be more than 50% completed.
- Exam Prep Edge: This intuitive online study platform includes initial assessment, individual lessons by topic, and unlimited practice exams.
- Agent Essentials: A knowledge database that is accessible to all students with free resources, including blogs, e-books, videos, podcasts, and webinars.
Because of the reasonably priced and accessible courses and home study options, satisfied students rate The CE Shop 3.6 out of 5 stars. Students remarked on how straightforward the course was and how extensive and informative the material was. Another student commended its Exam Prep Edge, claiming that it gave them the confidence they needed to ace the exam the first time.
However, a few students could not finish the final exam due to technical issues. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the restricted free trial period and poor customer service. Consider Colibri Real Estate, which has a student concierge available seven days a week to assist you with any concerns.
Read how our experts feel about this real estate school in our The CE Shop review.
Similar to Colibri Real Estate, as a national provider, The CE Shop offers tiered packages and individual real estate classes in MD tailored to your educational needs.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
|---|---|---|
Prelicensing | $279 - $639 |
|
Continued Education | $39 - $235 |
|
Exam Prep | $79 - $135 |
|
McKissock Learning: Best for Career Enhancement Classes
Overall Score:
4.29 / 5
Pros
- Course format variety
- Instructors with real-world experience
- Classes can be purchased individually
Cons
- No post-licensing, broker licensing, or exam prep courses
- No pass guarantee
- No live chat customer support
Our Expert Opinion on McKissock Learning
McKissock Learning offers various CE courses and professional development opportunities to help advance your real estate career. McKissock Learning provides webinars as part of the “Pro-Series Courses” meant to tackle hot topics in the real estate industry and career-oriented skills to improve your technique and increase your knowledge. Classes are in prerecorded and live webinar formats delivered by distinguished real estate experts.
Furthermore, its courses contain relevant and up-to-date content and real-world examples, helping students understand the topics better and be well-prepared for their exams. McKissock Learning also provides professional development resources, including access to knowledgeable education specialists, how-to videos, and job aids. McKissock could offer exam prep lessons for those wanting to pass their license exam to enhance the learning experience.
Intuitive learning interface (Source: McKissock Learning)
- Accreditations: ARELLO, IDECC, and MREC
- Refund/cancellation policy: Students who take online courses have 30 days to ask for a refund, while a refund for livestream course formats should be within 24 hours of the first day of the course. For memberships, students are not eligible for a refund if one course has been completed.
- Printed course materials: Students can print online courses one chapter at a time to supplement their online learning.
- McKissock dashboard: Provides quick and easy access to courses and completion certificates, with no requirement for additional software.
McKissock Learning received an excellent rating of 4.5 out of 5 from students who recognized it as their go-to source for all their continuing education needs. One student commented that the platform is very user-friendly and the programs are reasonably priced. Some students also stated that the course content was entertaining and included relevant real-world situations, aiding their job preparation and development.
Students who were dissatisfied with the customer service claimed it was difficult to receive a response. Other students also expressed their dismay for the time limit on course access. For more extended access to course materials, students should consider the one-year time frame provided by The CE Shop.
Read how our experts feel about this real estate school in our McKissock Learning review.
McKissock Learning courses are available individually rather than in packages like other providers.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
|---|---|---|
Prelicensing* | $284 - $527 |
|
Continued Education | $39 |
|
*Offered through its affiliate partner, Colibri Real Estate
Kaplan: Best for Interactive Learning Features
Overall Score:
4.18 / 5
Pros
- Various online and offline course formats
- Instructors are active professionals in the industry
- Provides extensive career support
Cons
- Only prelicensing and exam prep courses are available
- No pass guarantee
- No mobile app
Our Expert Opinion on Kaplan
Kaplan’s online courses are jam-packed with interactive elements like videos and real estate flashcards to keep students on track while learning at their own pace. It also gives students who study online or at home through correspondence access to Interactive Study Groups. These are weekly live webinars covering the real estate examination’s state and national sections. Interactive Study Groups let you participate in a dynamic discussion of topics with Kaplan’s highly qualified instructors and other prelicensure students.
Furthermore, Kaplan’s Career Toolbox page provides an extensive selection of free real estate news, blogs, recorded webinars, a video library, and topical advice to keep you updated with industry trends. Its exam prep also contains customizable drills and practice QBank, a performance tracker, and a simulated exam to help you pass and secure a real estate license. Kaplan might be improved by offering extended course access to those who need more time to understand the material.
Example of Kaplan’s video course (Source: Kaplan)
- Accreditations: ARELLO and IDECC
- Refund/cancellation policy: Refunds are issued within 30 days of enrollment if the course is not completed.
- Learning Management System (LMS) platform: Offers a simple learning management system platform for easy navigation and a convenient learning experience.
- PassProtection Retake policy: If students fail to pass their licensing exam, they can retake the same classes within six months from the date of purchase unlimitedly.
Based on Kaplan Real Estate school’s online reviews, students are pleased with its outstanding instructors, who were described as “very professional, friendly, and responsive.” In addition, many students love Kaplan’s study group instructions, clear explanations, and weekly resources since they helped them pass their real estate exam on their first try. As a result, Kaplan obtained a 4.4 out of 5 customer review rating.
However, unfavorable Kaplan Real Estate reviews emphasize dissatisfaction with its poor customer service and six-month online access to study materials. Furthermore, Kaplan does not offer a pass guarantee. Consider The CE Shop, which has a 90% national pass rate and offers course access for one year.
Read how our experts feel about this real estate school in our Kaplan review.
Kaplan’s prelicensing and exam prep education are offered in packages and various learning formats to match your needs.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
|---|---|---|
Prelicensing | $249 - $479 |
|
Exam Prep | $99 |
|
Elite Learning Academy: Best for Live Virtual Learning Environment
Overall Score:
4.10 / 5
Pros
- Multiple course formats
- Courses are accessible via computer or laptop
- Highly knowledgeable and expert faculty
Cons
- No on-demand video format
- No pass guarantee
- You can't take the final exam online (it must be completed in person at the school)
Our Expert Opinion on Elite Learning Academy
Straight out of Pasadena is local Maryland online real estate class provider Elite Learning Academy. It offers livestream instruction for every stage of licensing, from aspiring agents to experienced agents looking to renew or upgrade their licenses. Elite Learning Academy’s live virtual courses are available through Zoom at different times throughout the day so you can coordinate classes with your schedule.
If you prefer less face-to-face interaction, you may also take online courses, which are 100% self-paced through its partner company, The CE Shop. Classes are offered via Zoom for its broker licensing, but you must take the final exam in person in its Pasadena classroom. It consists of three modules, and you must take and pass all three modules to sit for the PSI exam. Elite Learning Academy can be improved by providing a mobile app for accessibility and flexibility.
Realtor designations online (Source: Elite Learning Academy)
- Accreditation: MREC
- Refund/cancellation policy: Full refunds will only be issued if the student cancels within 72 hours. There will be no reimbursements or CE credit awarded if a student is not admitted to class due to tardiness or failure to attend the entire duration of the course.
- Designations and certifications: Elite Learning Academy offers online and classroom realtor designations and certifications.
- PSI exam prep online: In addition to the prelicensing course and PSI Bootcamp, Elite Learning Academy offers PSI exam prep to assist you in passing your PSI exam and moving ahead with your career in real estate.
With a perfect 5 out of 5-star rating, customers raved about the knowledgeable and helpful instructors, content delivery, and Zoom platform. One student particularly loves the admin and instructional services, saying they are very informative and classes are a pleasure to attend.
However, one student said that there were occasionally items on tests that were never covered and some tech issues when using the platform. Consider McKissock Learning if you wish for courses with relevant and up-to-date content and real-world examples, helping you understand the topics better and be well-prepared for your exam.
Although Elite Learning Academy is a local provider with its livestream content, they partner with The CE Shop, which provides self-paced online classes and offers multiple course packages.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
|---|---|---|
Prelicensing* | $279 - $639 |
|
Broker Prelicensing | $1,497 |
|
Continued Education | $22 - $199 |
|
Exam Prep | $59 - $79 |
|
Tristar Academy: Best for Upgrading to a Broker’s License
Overall Score:
3.73 / 5
Pros
- Easy-to-navigate website
- Livestream learning format
- Reasonably priced courses
Cons
- No live chat customer support
- It doesn't offer course extension
- No interactive study groups and 1:1 coaching and training
Our Expert Opinion on Tristar Academy
To upgrade to your broker’s license in Maryland, you must complete 135 hours of licensing education, which is a lot of time sitting in front of the computer and can be expensive. Tristar Academy offers broker prelicensing education, initial licensing, continuing education, and exam prep through livestream via Zoom. Its budget-friendly livestream courses are offered in bundled packages to ensure you can fulfill the Maryland licensing requirements in an interactive and engaging fashion.
Moreover, Tristar Academy offers professional skills development courses—helping you develop your professional skills to improve and advance your real estate business. To further enhance the quality of education provided by Tristar Academy, it could offer an on-demand video learning format and a mobile app so that students can access their courses anytime and anywhere.
Online Zoom courses offered (Source: Tristar Academy)
- Accreditation: MREC
- Refund/cancellation policy: Tristar Academy will refund the purchase price of any CE, Exam Prep, or Professional Skills Development course if the refund request is submitted within 30 days of purchase, before course expiration, and the course is not more than 50% completed.
- Instructors: All of Tristar Academy’s instructors are active real estate agent brokers fully equipped to deliver the best.
- Customer support: Students can connect with the school via email, text, call, and in-person 24/7.
Tristar Academy has 5 out of 5-star reviews from over 2,000 users, making it one of the most highly rated online real estate schools by customers on our list. There is praise for the professional and experienced instructors, interactive classes, and fast-paced curriculum.
However, some students wished for an option to take their courses as self-paced. If live Zoom instruction does not enthuse you, check out The CE Shop for its 100% self-paced courses.
Unlike its competitors, Tristar Academy offers only limited course packages, so pricing is simple for each bundle of courses.
Education Type | Price Range | Course Details |
|---|---|---|
Prelicensing* | $305 |
|
Broker Prelicensing | $430 - $510 |
|
Continued Education | $18 - $199 |
|
Exam Prep | $60 |
|
How We Evaluated the Top Real Estate Schools in Maryland
Earning your initial real estate license in Maryland is relatively easy and requires considerably fewer hours than other states. Even though the process is simpler, the quality of online education from national and local education providers maintains high satisfaction levels. Online education programs provide self-paced and live instruction options, customizable course selections to tailor your education to your interests, and instructor support from real estate professionals to guarantee high quality and comprehension.
After examining the criteria for dozens of online real estate classes in Maryland, we’ve found that Colibri Real Estate is the best online real estate school in Maryland and the number one choice for licensing education. Colibri Real Estate stands out from its competitors with a score of 4.95 out of 5 for its tiered and customized course packages, low cost, and sophisticated learning platform.
Other standards we used to determine the best online real estate school in Maryland are:
25%
Learning Style/Course Features
20%
Pricing
15%
Education Provided
15%
Additional Features
10%
Customer Reviews
10%
Expert Score
5%
Help & Support
25% of Overall Score
Consists of various formatting and learning styles for each course to meet the specific needs of the agent as well as ease of course accessibility.
20% of Overall Score
Pricing is based on the cost and availability of pre- and post-licensing, continuing education courses, and exam prep for each online institution.
15% of Overall Score
The availability of each level of education for different stages of licensure. This would include pre- and post-licensing, continuing education courses, broker prelicensing, and exam prep.
15% of Overall Score
Extending services past licensure such as coaching and training and career assistance. Also, whether the provider offers pass or refund guarantees for its courses.
10% of Overall Score
Based on customer feedback for each program, with particular attention given to reviews of the product and popularity of the provider, to certify the course meets user satisfaction.
10% of Overall Score
Expertise in the field and firsthand experience with the providers allow us to evaluate the standout features, value for the money, and ease of use for each school.
5% of Overall Score
We looked into the convenience and attainability of customer service for technical support and instructor assistance.
*Percentages of overall score
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Maryland real estate exam requires the proper knowledge in order to pass. The two-hour computer-based exam contains 110 multiple-choice questions. The examination is divided into two sections. The first part covers national real estate topics, while the second focuses on Maryland real estate laws and procedures. Candidates must score at least 70% on each section to pass.
The real estate course packages and individual courses on our list range from $18 to over $1,000. Colibri Real Estate is in the middle—however, you can get a 25% discount using our coupon code: FSB25.
