6 Best Online Real Estate Schools in New Jersey (NJ)

Education dashboard

• Accreditations: Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO), International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC), NJ Real Estate Commission (NJREC)
• Refund/cancellation policy: Students are eligible for refunds within 30 days following their purchase date.
• Partial refund guarantee: A partial refund policy is provided to unsatisfied students.
• Career assistance: Career assistance services, like guidance on job placements and professional development, help students transition into successful real estate careers.

Frequently praised for its comprehensive and well-structured course materials, Kaplan Real Estate Education received an overall customer review rating of 4.6 out of 5. Reviewers often highlight the content’s quality and the teaching methods’ effectiveness in preparing them for the real estate exam. Many appreciate the flexibility of Kaplan’s online courses, which allow students to learn at their own pace, and the expertise of the instructors is also a commonly noted positive aspect. One student mentioned the tough QBank questions helped them pass the final tests.

Some students have expressed concerns about the lack of response from the school’s technical team. They stated that they’ve waited over two weeks for a response. Other critiques have been made about the user interface of their online platform, which some find less intuitive and somewhat outdated, possibly impacting the overall learning experience. For individuals seeking a more user-friendly platform, Colibri Real Estate emerges by offering a balance of affordability and an easy-to-navigate online learning environment.

The prelicensing course at Kaplan is one of the most cost-effective choices among available providers. They offer a range of options along with exam prep courses tailored to brokers and salespersons.

Course textbooks (Source: Center for Real Estate Education)

• Accreditations: NJREC and undergoing approval from the American Council on Education and ARELLO
• Refund/cancellation policy: Deposits and extensions are non-refundable. No refunds after 30 days. Salesperson prelicensing refunds are charged a $195 fee. Broker course assessed a 30% fee on the course list price, not the sale price.
• Free intro class: A free introductory class gives prospective students a no-cost opportunity to learn about licensing requirements, costs, and qualifications to become a real estate agent in NJ.
• Pass guarantee: If a student fails the school exam, they are allowed unlimited retakes and can attend additional classes at no extra cost for up to one year from the date of purchase.

Highly regarded for its rolling admissions and multiple-course format, the Center for Real Estate Education stands out as a top choice in NJ real estate education. Students appreciate the hands-on instructor support and the real-world experience in the classes, which enhances the learning experience. The opportunity to network with industry professionals and the diversity of the course offerings are also frequently mentioned as highlights. Center for Real Estate Education received an overall customer review rating of 5 out of 5.

Although the Center for Real Estate Education received glowing reviews, our expert review found some improvements that could be implemented. The course pricing for broker licensing is significantly higher than most other providers in the state. Additionally, the school’s website could use some improvement to provide a better user experience when looking to obtain course information. For those seeking a more affordable broker licensing option, NJ Real Estate Institute is a suitable alternative.

Pricing varies based on the chosen course format. However, to get your real estate license in NJ, Center for Real Estate Education classes are priced a little higher than live courses.

Exam prep dashboard

• Accreditations: ARELLO, IDECC, and NJREC
• Refund/cancellation policy: For online courses, students can request a refund within 30 days of their purchase date. In the case of livestream classes, a refund request is available within 24 hours after the first class.
• Professional growth membership: Provides ongoing resources and tools to support career advancement in real estate.
• Hardcopy textbooks: The printed textbooks serve as valuable guides throughout the livestream classes.

Often lauded for its highly flexible courses, Colibri Real Estate is particularly beneficial for those balancing other commitments while pursuing their education in real estate. The user-friendly online platform and the variety of course formats available are commonly praised features. Reviewers also appreciate the affordability and accessibility of the courses. Colibri Real Estate received an overall customer review rating of 4.15 out of 5.

As a national real estate education provider, Colibri Real Estate’s courses have been criticized for lacking some interactive elements. Another concern is the limited opportunity for in-person networking, which is crucial in the real estate industry. Many students said there was some delay in customer service’s response and found the course material could be more straightforward and easy to comprehend. For students looking for a more interactive learning environment with opportunities for live in-person instruction and networking, the Center for Real Estate Education could be an ideal choice.

The cost at Colibri Real Estate varies depending on the course type, with options ranging from comprehensive prelicensing packages to targeted exam preparation materials.

Online Zoom course (Source: New Jersey Real Estate Institute)

• Accreditation: NJREC
• Refund/cancellation policy: Students are eligible for a partial refund, subject to a $25 cancellation fee and a 3% charge of the purchase price. Students must submit a written request up to 72 hours before the class begins.
• Free placement consulting: Guidance to help students choose the real estate agency that best fits their needs.
• Accessible on all devices: Courses are designed to be accessible to ensure a seamless and flexible learning experience no matter where you are.

NJ Real Estate Institute received an overall customer review rating of 3.5 out of 5. Expert instructors and the practical knowledge they impart are often highlighted as key strengths of NJ Real Estate Institute. Students said the instructor was engaging and encouraged students to ask as many questions as needed. The structured courses are appreciated for their depth and applicability, and the school’s focus on real-world scenarios in real estate is often highlighted as a key advantage.

While recognized for its expert instructors, NJ Real Estate Institute faces criticism for technical issues with out-of-classroom assignments. These technical issues lead to late assignments and extreme frustrations from students. One student mentioned the course fees were high compared to other providers while also having issues with payment processing. Students looking for a more technologically advanced program should consider Kaplan Real Estate.

Straightforward pricing is offered at NJ Real Estate Institute. Each course is offered at one flat rate, regardless of course times.

Course dashboard

• Accreditations: ARELLO, IDECC, and NJREC
• Refund/cancellation policy: Refunds are available for any course provided the request is made within 30 days of purchase, before the course expires, and if less than 50% of the course has been completed.
• Free trial: A free trial allows potential students to explore their courses and platforms before committing financially.
• Business e-books: It provides monthly e-books written by its experts, which serve as valuable resources.

The CE Shop has earned a customer review rating of 4.05 out of 5, with students appreciating its self-paced class style and course resources like study guides and quizzes. Students have commended The CE Shop for its clear and easy-to-understand course format, aiding material retention. The well-structured course offerings and packages simplify the selection process, making it easier for students to identify necessary courses. Additionally, the school’s frequent discounts contribute to its affordability and accessibility.

Some students encountered difficulties with The CE Shop, especially regarding customer support. They experienced delays in receiving course and login information and responses to their inquiries. Concerns were raised about the lengthy lessons for each course section, with suggestions for extending course access times to better manage the materials. For those seeking longer access periods, the Center for Real Estate Education offers one-year access that might be a more suitable option.

The CE Shop’s pricing structure is designed to accommodate a range of budgets and educational needs. The school offers affordable CE packages for license renewal as well as individual course options.

Broker partnerships (Source: GSRE Academy)

• Accreditation: NJREC
• Refund/cancellation policy: Refunds are available upon the student’s written request as long as it’s received before class starts. A $50 administrative fee will be deducted from the refund amount.
• Course textbooks: Comprehensive textbooks are available with their courses to provide in-depth material specifically written to help students pass the state exam.
• Blog posts: The school offers a variety of informative blog posts to keep students updated with the latest trends and insights in the real estate industry.

Over 500 Google reviews on Garden State Real Estate Academy gave it an overall customer review rating of 4.9 out of 5. The school receives high praise for its engaging and interactive teaching style, which many students find essential to their learning process. A standout mention is the instructor David Forward, renowned for his extensive knowledge and real-life experience in the real estate business. His approach, combining expertise with humor, effectively aids in retaining material, making complex concepts more memorable.

Negative reviews for GSRE Academy often point to concerns about the actual class time provided, with some students feeling short-changed as classes ended early or were skipped due to instructor unavailability. Another issue is the approach to teaching complex topics like math, with students feeling inadequately supported and the instruction deemed dismissive. Additionally, some students found errors in the textbook. For a course that is consistently up to date with its material, consider The CE Shop as an alternative option.

The pricing structure at Garden State Real Estate Academy is straightforward, with simple pricing options for each class offering. The course schedule accommodates busy schedules, and for those registering for broker classes, the academy offers a savings of $125 by selecting the course packages option.