Not sure whether to go to college or jump into a real estate career? You’re not alone. Many people are asking: What education is required to be a real estate agent? The answer might surprise you.
The good news is that you can build a successful, rewarding real estate career without earning a four-year degree. At the same time, pursuing a real estate degree may help you specialize, advance, or gain credibility in certain roles.
In this blog, we’ll break down whether you need a degree to work in real estate, which college majors are helpful, and how to get started in the industry—whether you go the college route or not.
Key Takeaways
- No Degree Required In Most States: No U.S. state requires a college degree to become a licensed real estate agent.
- You Can Start With Pre-Licensing Courses: Instead of a degree, state-approved pre-licensing education is usually all you need to begin.
- College Degrees Can Open Doors: Degrees in business, finance, or real estate can help you access specialized or leadership roles.
- Majors That Align With Real Estate: Consider majoring in business administration, finance, marketing, or real estate if you’re headed to college.
- Success Without College Is Common: Thousands build lucrative real estate careers without any college education, as experience and dedication matter more.
What Education Is Required to Be a Real Estate Agent?
To become a real estate agent, most states require you to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete a state-approved pre-licensing course
- Pass a real estate licensing exam and background check
- Submit a license application
- Work under a licensed broker
A college degree is not required to get a real estate license in the U.S. However, some states may require a high school diploma or GED to begin the licensing process.
Real Estate Careers Without a College Degree
Many successful professionals enter real estate straight from high school or after switching from another industry. These career paths don’t require a four-year degree but do offer opportunities to grow, earn, and specialize.
Real estate jobs you can start without a degree:
- Real Estate Agent: Get licensed, join a brokerage, and start helping clients buy and sell homes. The average income of a real estate agent is around $59,000, with top earners bringing in six figures.
- Real Estate Assistant: Support brokers or agents with scheduling, paperwork, and client communication. This position is great for gaining industry experience.
- Property Manager: Manage residential or commercial properties, coordinate maintenance, and collect rent. No degree is required, but you must have strong organizational skills. Many states require a real estate license to work in this field.
- Home Inspector: Conduct property inspections for buyers or insurance companies. Certification is required but not a college degree.
- House Flipper: Buy, renovate, and sell homes for a profit. Knowledge of the market and renovation costs is key. A degree is not necessary, but a real estate license will give you an edge.
- Real Estate Photographer/Videographer: Create stunning property images for online listings. No degree is needed, but experience with editing software is essential.
Real Estate Careers That May Benefit From a College Degree
While not required, a degree in real estate or a related field can give you an edge in specialized roles. These careers often involve analysis, management, or investment and may help you establish a career working for others.
Roles where a real estate degree or related education helps:
- Financial Analyst: Evaluate real estate investments, research market trends, and provide insights to investors. Degrees in finance or economics are ideal.
- Asset Manager: Manage large real estate portfolios on behalf of investors or institutions. Requires a deep understanding of market strategy and returns.
- Real Estate Appraiser: Determine property values for mortgages, sales, or legal cases. Licensing is required, and a college degree can strengthen your expertise.
College Majors That Support a Real Estate Career
If you choose to attend college before starting your real estate career, consider a degree that builds business acumen and market understanding.
Recommended college majors for real estate:
- Real Estate: Some universities offer real estate-specific degrees, covering property law, appraisal, finance, and investment.
- Business Administration: This degree offers a broad foundation in management, marketing, and operations, which is ideal for future brokers or team leaders.
- Finance or Accounting: Finance or accounting degrees are perfect for those interested in real estate investing, analysis, or property valuation.
- Marketing or Communications: These degree options are great for agents who want to master sales, branding, and customer relationship strategies.
- Economics: Economics helps you understand real estate market cycles, pricing trends, and housing demand.
Even if you earn a degree, you’ll still need to take a state-approved real estate licensing course before you can become an agent.
Benefits of Starting a Real Estate Career Without a Degree
Many people assume that college is the only path to success. However, that’s not true in real estate. If you’re driven, coachable, and willing to put in the work, you can build a thriving real estate career right away.
Why real estate is a great career path even without college:
- Lower Barrier to Entry: Most licensing programs take a few months, (not years!) to complete.
- High Earning Potential: Your income depends on performance not education level.
- Flexible Lifestyle: Set your own schedule and build a career that fits your goals.
- Room for Growth: Start as an agent, then grow into roles like broker, managing broker, or team leader.
- Hands-On Learning: Gain real-world experience and sharpen your skills as you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent?
No, a college degree is not required. Instead, you’ll need to complete a state-approved real estate pre-licensing course, pass the licensing exam, and submit an application. This makes real estate a flexible and accessible career option for those without a college education.
What education is required to be a real estate agent?
To become a licensed real estate agent, most states require you to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED (in many states)
- Complete a pre-licensing course
- Pass the state licensing exam
- Work under a licensed real estate broker
Check your state’s specific requirements to ensure you’re eligible.
Is it better to get a real estate degree before becoming an agent?
It depends on your career goals. A real estate degree can be helpful if you want to pursue specialized roles like a real estate analyst or an asset manager. However, many successful agents never earn a degree. You can start with pre-licensing education, gain experience, and grow your career over time.
What are the best college majors for someone interested in real estate?
If you’re considering a college degree, some of the best majors for real estate include:
- Real estate
- Business administration
- Finance or accounting
- Marketing or communications
- Economics
These majors provide valuable skills in negotiation, market analysis, finance, and client relations.
Can I work in real estate while going to college?
Yes, many people work in real estate part-time while completing their degree. Real estate offers flexible hours, making it a good fit for students. You’ll still need to complete your state’s licensing process, but once licensed, you can build experience and start earning even while in school.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent?
The timeline varies by state, but most people can complete the pre-licensing education and pass the exam in a few months. This is significantly faster than earning a college degree, making real estate a faster path to a professional career.
You Don’t Need a College Degree to Start in Real Estate—You Just Need a Plan
Whether or not you pursue a real estate degree, the most important step is getting started. If you’re motivated to begin your career and want to skip the time and cost of a four-year degree, Colibri Real Estate is here to help.
We’ve helped over half a million students earn their real estate licenses. With state-approved pre-licensing courses, expert instructors, and flexible online learning options, we make it easy for you to take the first step toward a successful career.
Ready to Start Your Real Estate Journey?
You don’t need a college degree to build a meaningful, lucrative real estate career. You just need the right training and support.
Start by finding your state’s licensing requirements, then enroll in a Colibri Real Estate course to begin your journey today. We offer a Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee! Whether you’re fresh out of high school or changing careers, there’s a place for you in real estate.
