5 Best Online Real Estate Schools in New Jersey for 2024 (Updated!)

Chris Heller HeadshotChris Heller, Licensed Agent3/27/2024

Editorial Note: We sometimes earn a small commission from partners listed. This never affects editor opinions or evaluations. More

Need to get your real estate license in New Jersey? I’ve spent over 153 hours evaluating the 9 most popular courses approved by the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. I’ve checked out each and every course, and there are clear winners and losers – so be sure to read my guide thoroughly!

5 Best Real Estate Schools in New Jersey

What did I evaluate?
TX Online Screenshot (1)

I looked at the 5 most important factors for each course, including course value, ease of use, unique features, student satisfaction, and pass rates.

I also took into account thousands of online reviews from other agents who have attended the courses. Each course is different, so I’ve included video walkthroughs so you can really understand what you’re getting. My video reviews include my opinions too (I promise, they’re short and sweet).

How’d I do it? I “secret-shopped” each and every course in New Jersey. I got access to the courses, I contacted their support team as if I were an active student, and I took a look at the content. These New Jersey real estate schools may appear to be really similar when you’re first taking a look, but trust me – as probably the ONLY person who has actually evaluated all these New Jersey courses – they are very, very different!

A bit about Pass Rates:

You’ll see me refer to Pass Rates in my article – these are estimated using a variety of sources – pass rates directly from the providers, estimations from other states where providers operate in multiple states, and user-reported qualitative information.

SchoolEstimated Pass Rate
Colibri Real Estate
56%
Atlantic Cape Community College
48%
Rowan College
44%
Brookdale Community College
44%
Kaplan
41%

Alright, let’s get to it…After spending hundreds of hours evaluating each course and taking into account all these factors, I have narrowed down the list to the 5 best online real estate schools in New Jersey. Here they are!

Best Overall Real Estate School in New Jersey - $399: Colibri Real Estate

A+

Top Features

: Several packages to choose from, lots of practice exams, cheapest online real estate school out there
Starting at $479 $399

Colibri Real Estate’s course sets itself apart with its exceptional refund policy in New Jersey. Their Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee, course swap option, and opportunity to demo the student dashboard before payment make it the best choice for those uncertain about pursuing real estate school. This policy provides the highest likelihood of receiving a refund if you change your mind about the course.

In terms of pricing, Colibri’s course is a huge cost savings! It’s honestly one of the cheapest courses in the state, because most other licensing options require you to take classes at a community college. That can really add up, and you’ll end up paying for gas, transportation, etc. to get there. Colibri, however, offers four packages priced between $399 and $679, allowing you to select the package that best suits your needs and preferences. Additionally, Colibri frequently offers discounts and sales, making it even more affordable for those interested.

See Pricing

Convenience: 4.6 out 5. Colibri Real Estate ensures interactive course content and a hands-on approach to learning with their livestream options. In New Jersey, all students must livestream their course according to the NJ Real Estate Commission. That means you’ll have direct access to instructors, and you’ll be able to choose from a number of scheduling options. It’s typically a two week long course, so it goes by super fast, and you’ll have classmates and instructors who can help you accountable so that you actually finish! The schedule is fairly open, and you can choose the dates and times that work best for you, but just know that New Jersey will be a different experience than most other states because of the livestream requirement.

Another standout feature of Colibri is the “readiness assessment,” which evaluates your exam preparedness by assigning a score from 1 to 10. This assessment serves as a valuable tool, guiding you in determining whether to continue studying or proceed with signing up for the exam. The readiness assessment adds an extra layer of confidence and guidance to your exam prep journey.

Pass Rate: 4.2 out 5. Colibri’s pass rate amongst New Jersey students is higher than a lot of other schools because it was built with this type of education in mind. Community colleges are focused on other degree and certifications, and many are not actually familiar with what it takes to be a successful agent in New Jersey. About 56% of Colibri students go on to pass the state exam. However, it’s important to note that they have more students than most of the other schools. About 125 students take their courses every single month, most other New Jersey online courses are lucky to get 10 who enroll each month. All together, Colibri has helped more than 520,000 aspiring agents get their real estate license in New Jersey.

Course Duration: 4.5 out of 5. While the New Jersey pre-licensing course can be completed within a relatively short timeframe of 90 hours, Colibri Real Estate understands the importance of providing flexibility for students. They offer an option to extend course access, allowing students to choose from 7, 30, or 60-day extensions as needed. The prices for these extensions increase accordingly for longer durations. This flexibility ensures that students have ample time to complete their studies, accommodating unexpected busyness or other personal commitments.

Additionally, Colibri goes a step further by offering a “retake” option. If a student decides to start the course over, they can take advantage of a $25 discount. This provides an added level of support and encourages students to revisit and reinforce their understanding of the course material.

Compared to other schools, Colibri’s extension and retake policies are relatively generous, allowing students to effectively manage their course timeline and tailor their learning experience according to their needs.

Support: 4.6 out of 5. Colibri Real Estate has established a well-deserved reputation as a reliable provider of online real estate education, and their commitment to customer support further solidifies this recognition. They prioritize the needs of their students by offering multiple channels for communication with real people, ensuring that assistance is readily available when needed. Dedicated phone lines are provided for specific purposes such as enrollment inquiries and general support, allowing students to easily connect with the appropriate support team.

On top of that, Colibri goes the extra mile by having a “live education specialist” available through live chat. This specialist responds promptly within seconds, providing immediate assistance and guidance. They offer a wealth of resources to address any questions or concerns students may have, ensuring a comprehensive and helpful support experience.

Refund Policy: 4.6 out of 5. Colibri Real Estate gives a full refund to students that aren’t satisfied with the course within one week of purchasing it. If you haven’t started the course, you can request a refund within one month.

Purchasing the exam prep grants you access to Colibri Real Estate’s “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee through which a student can refund the exam prep course cost if they:

  • Have at least 80% score on all the Progress Exams and the Final Exams
  • Request the refund within 30 days of purchasing the exam prep

Overall Value & Recommended Package: I would recommend Colibri’s New Jersey pre-licensing course. For aspiring agents, I’d suggest taking a look at the Ultimate Learning package. The extra perks like the career success tools, the coaching videos, and the CompuCram Exam Prep make it a great value that will help you find success long after you finish your real estate course.

show more
Colibri Real Estate Pros
  • Live Q&A chat available
  • Can pick and choose features
  • Very flexible scheduling
Colibri Real Estate Cons
  • Checkout process can be confusing
  • Hard to sift through the features to find which package is best for you
  • Study resources cost extra
Starting at $479 $399

Best Old School Real Estate School - $6,840: Atlantic Cape Community College

B

Top Features

: Financial aid may be available if you qualify
Starting at $9,477 $6,840

Atlantic Cape Community College’s classes are different than many of the other options available in New Jersey….and different isn’t a good thing in this case. If you absolutely need a traditional classroom setting with in-person instructors, this is the best one. But the old-school approach does come at a cost, as ACCC is definitely on the higher end of the spectrum. And often times these in person courses take longer to complete (six weeks instead of two) because you can’t power through the hours online at your own pace.

The high price point and lack of online options weren’t things I was very impressed with, but if you really need an in-person option, it’s the best of what is out there. Unfortunately, many of the other in-person schools available are even worse experiences, which is why I’ve included ACCC as the best old school real estate course in New Jersey.

See Pricing

Convenience: 3.9 out 5. Atlantic Cape’s classes are a mixed bag for me. For decades, ACCC has boasted about their traditional classroom approach, and they were very popular before online options were readily available. They only have one campus, and it’s in Mays Landing, so if you have a busy schedule like I do, it just isn’t possible. It’s also not convenient for any students who are not in that area of Jersey. BUT – if you really, really value one-on-one time with instructors, and that’s the best way you learn – this is the best in-person school in New Jersey. The textbook is an additional expense and cannot be purchased at the school library, which is another annoying thing about the course. If I’m paying all that money, I don’t want additional fees and costs. Ridiculous!

Pass Rate: 2 out 5. ACCC’ pass rates are lackluster to say the least. About 48% pass their real estate exam on the first try, which is significantly lower than the 54% state average. This is an important factor to consider as New Jersey is one of the few states that requires either livestreaming courses or in-person courses. If you’re going to pay an arm and a leg, I’d suggest at least picking a school that will ensure you have the knowledge to pass the exam at the end. But that’s just me.

Course Duration: 4.4 out of 5. The New Jersey real estate course is relatively short (90 hours), so a lot of students want to power through it as quickly as possible. However, ACCC makes that a little more difficult than other courses because you have to rely on instructor availability.

While other schools like Colibri Real Estate allow you to knock out 4-5 hours of coursework in a single session, you are at the mercy of others with ACCC. Colibri students are done with the course in about two weeks, while students who enroll at ACCC will have to take a six week course. That just seems like a waste of time and money if you can get it done cheaper and faster somewhere else without having to commute all the way to Mays Landing.

Support:4.5 out of 5. ACCC’s customer support team is actually pretty horrible to deal with. It’s a headache all around. You can reach out to them through the website or by phone during regular business hours ONLY. I was taking night classes and could never get in touch with someone about billing, which was really frustrating. Even once I was on campus, I couldn’t track anyone down. The real estate hours are also pretty time consuming (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5:30 to 9:30 PM).

Refund Policy: 4.4 out of 5. I didn’t need to get a refund, but this is something everyone always asks about so I’ve included it in the review. ACCC is pretty strict when it comes to refunds. Once you enroll and attend a class, you can’t refund anything. You can sell your book back if you want, but even that proved to be difficult.

This is a much stricter policy than online schools like Colibri which offer a full refund in the first 30 days as long as the course is not complete. The return policy (or lack thereof) is something to keep in mind because the price point is much higher than other New Jersey real estate schools.

Overall Value & Recommended Package: Overall, I only recommend ACCC’s New Jersey pre-licensing course if you are looking for an in-person option. For new agents, I’d suggest taking a look at Colibri’s Deluxe Package instead. You can enjoy the perks of interactive, engaging content, but can also take the course from the convenience of your home without having to commute to a campus every time.

show more
Atlantic Cape Community College Pros
  • Financial aid may be applied
  • Gives you everything you need to prepare for the real estate exam
Atlantic Cape Community College Cons
  • No online option- course must be taken in person
  • Textbooks are an additional fee and may be difficult to find
  • Course must be taken at specific hours- no flexibility in scheduling
Starting at $9,477 $6,840

Best In-Person Real Estate School in South Jersey - $7,050: Rowan College

B-

Top Features

: Comprehensive program with online options available
Starting at $9,740 $7,050

Rowan College’s classes are not great….and frankly not worth it. If you really thrive in a traditional classroom setting with in-person instructors, then this is an option. But the commuting and old-school approach is less than desirable if you ask me. The high price point and lack of online options weren’t things I was very impressed with.

See Pricing

Convenience: 3.9 out 5. The college offers a real estate salesperson course that is designed to prepare students for the real estate exam. It covers property rights, leases, deeds, title transfers, mortgages, settlement procedures, and appraising and administrative regulations. It will get you up to date with all state requirements necessary for taking the real estate license.

Pass Rate: 2 out 5. Rowan’s pass rates are also less than impressive. About 44% pass their real estate exam on the first try, which is significantly lower than the 54% state average. There also aren’t any study guides or practice exams that are included with the course, which is crazy for how expensive it is. If you want those materials, you’ll have to purchase them separately on your own. Bummer!

Course Duration: 4.4 out of 5. The New Jersey real estate course is relatively short (90 hours), so a lot of students want to power through it as quickly as possible. However, Rowan’s structure doesn’t really allow for that. You have to sit through an entire semester worth of classes, instead of being able to knock it out in just two weeks like you can with Colibri Real Estate.

Support:4.5 out of 5. Rowan’s customer support team falls short in providing a satisfactory level of assistance. They offer limited availability for contacting their support team, with communication options restricted to the website or phone during regular business hours only. This can be a significant drawback for students who may require assistance outside of standard operating hours.

A notable issue arises when attempting to reach Rowan’s customer support team outside of regular business hours. If you have a question or concern after 5 p.m. on a Friday, for example, you may not receive a response until Monday morning. This delay can be particularly inconvenient for students who prefer to work on their coursework during weekends or have urgent inquiries that need to be addressed promptly.

Refund Policy: 2 out of 5. I didn’t need to get a refund, but thought it was important to note that there isn’t a refund policy at all at Rowan. If you change your mind, or aren’t happy with the course, you’ll just lose your money entirely.

Overall Value & Recommended Package: Overall, I only recommend Rowan’s New Jersey pre-licensing course if you are looking for an in-person option and are in South Jersey. For new agents, I’d suggest taking a look at Colibri’s Livestream Package instead. You can enjoy the perks of interactive, engaging content, but can also take the course from the convenience of your home without having to commute to a campus every time.

show more
Rowan College Pros
  • Offers financial aid
  • School provides resources to connect students with additional real estate courses
Rowan College Cons
  • Course is straightforward and does not offer a more comprehensive program for potential realtors
  • Fast paced learning format can be difficult for some students
  • No option to take exam prep or continuing education courses that may enhance your real estate career
Starting at $9,740 $7,050

Best Continuing Education in New Jersey: CE Shop

A
aceable logo

Top Features

: Biggest continuing education provider in the nation
Starting at $105

The CE Shop is hands down the easiest online provider to fulfill your continuing education requirements. The state of New Jersey requires all licensed agents to do 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Most agents are looking for a quick solution to knock these out, so CE Shop is your best bet.

The price point is slightly higher than other providers, but the convenience is what sets them apart. They also have several continuing education packages to choose from, so you can find the right mix of courses for you. For all of these reasons, The CE Shop is the best continuing education course in New Jersey.

See Pricing

Convenience: 4.8 out 5. The CE Shop’s continuing education courses are all online. I also really appreciate the custom-designed online learning platform that is easy to access on a tablet or phone. This allowed me to access the course material on the go, which made a huge difference in how efficient I was with my time.

Reporting is also a major thing to consider when you’re trying to finish your continuing education. Many agents wait until the last minute, so you want to find a provider that will immediately report your completed hours to the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. The CE Shop has a policy that they will mark your hours as complete within 24 hours. You will also immediately receive a certificate upon completion, students can access an electronic copy of the certificate for a minimum of five years.

Pass Rate: 5 out 5. Passing a final exam is not required to receive continuing education credit in New Jersey so The CE Shop system is set up so that final exams can be passed with a 0% passing score. You just need to complete the hours to receive your credit.

Course Duration: 4.7 out of 5. You must complete 12 hours every 2 years to keep your license active in the state of New Jersey. Course expiration dates vary by course but are generally one year after you purchase the package or course. Each individual course will have an expiration date listed in your CE Shop account.

Support: 4.5 out of 5. I used the live chat feature, and the technical team quickly answered my questions and resolved the issue within minutes. However, it’s worth noting that direct access to instructors is not available. In the event of encountering a problem with the course materials, the support team pledges to provide a response within two days. Waiting for two days can feel like quite a stretch if you find yourself stuck in the middle of a lesson.

Refund Policy: 4.1 out of 5. The CE Shop doesn’t offer refunds for continuing education courses. Luckily, the price point is pretty low, so you won’t be out a ton of money.

Overall Value & Recommended Package: Overall, I highly recommend The CE Shop’s New Jersey continuing education courses. They are very quick and convenient, and provide a lot of flexibility. Agents are required to take 6 mandatory or “core” hours mixed with 6 “elective” hours. That gives you the freedom to decide which courses are most important to you when picking your electives. You can choose courses about short sales, commercial real estate, the art of negotiations, property management, taxes, and understanding investor strategies.

show more
CE Shop Pros
  • Certificate provided immediately after completion
  • Don't need to pass an exam
  • Lots of elective courses available
CE Shop Cons
  • Interface is glitchy
  • No refund policy
Starting at $105

Best Test Prep in New Jersey: PrepAgent

A

Top Features

: Updated study material, engaging instructors
Starting at $59

PrepAgent is designed to help future agents pass the real estate exam. They offer online group webinars, online training tools, e-books, and thousands of state-specific practice questions. 

I looked at dozens of different test prep vendors, including the ones that “come with” the courses – and frankly, all fall short of PrepAgent.

They are constantly updating their content as the exams change. While the questions cannot be the exact same as the real estate exam, PrepAgent strives to keep their content as close to what the exam will provide as possible. The material in the practice exams is written to reflect what an agent would need to know to pass the actual exam. 

See Pricing

Convenience: 4.8 out 5. PrepAgent offers multiple ways for the students to study. They can focus on their weaknesses with category-specific tests, or go straight for the master exam preparation. Interactive flashcards and study guides are available to quiz yourself with, as well as worksheets to help track and remember all the information that has been provided.

PrepAgent also offers explainer videos to help keep the learning process fun. If students opt for the premium package they have access to live online group webinars 7 times a week with a variety of topics that cover the real estate exam. There is a live chat as well as recorded webinars to watch in the future in case you miss one.

In addition to practice exams and up-to-date information on the real estate exam, PrepAgent also offers one-on-one tutoring for those that feel extra individualized attention may help them to better prepare. The tutors help focus on the struggles students are having with absorbing the material and helping to implement tips and study tricks to prepare for the exam. Students can schedule multiple sessions if necessary. 

Refund Policy: 4.1 out of 5. If you go with PrepAgent, you really can’t fail. If you aren’t satisfied with PrepAgent, their packages are covered with a 100% money-back guarantee. This sets them apart from some of their competitors, who have much more restrictive refund policies.

Overall Value & Recommended Package: Overall, I highly recommend PrepAgents’s New Jersey test prep. A feature I appreciated the most as a busy student is the ability to listen to the information in my car. Many students also applaud the instructors for their relatable way of teaching and how easy they made it to retain the information taught. Overall students seem very pleased with PrepAgent and their teaching methods, with many having stated they were able to pass the real estate exam on the first try using all the tools offered.

show more
PrepAgent Pros
  • Audio recordings available
  • Can get 1:1 tutoring
  • Several packages to choose from
PrepAgent Cons
  • Online only
  • Exam prep only available for a limited time
Starting at $59

Not Recommended

We had a high bar in picking the best of the best real estate schools in New Jersey. These schools didn’t make the cut (frankly, they’re not as great as our top picks – but were also evaluated).

Kaplan

C-
kaplan

Top Features

: Several packages to choose from, lots of practice exams
Starting at $1,099 $999

Kaplan’s course is one of the hardest to sit through in New Jersey, but it can get the job done if you really need it to. Because it’s so boring and there are few redeeming qualities, so I’d say you’re better off choosing another provider.

It’s also more expensive than other courses out there with few added benefits to make up for the high price point. It is not known for being very interactive, so there are definitely better options that will probably hold your attention more.

See Pricing

Convenience: 2 out 5. The Kaplan courses are built on dated technology. It’s hard to navigate, glitchy, and slow. Even figuring out what courses to purchase gives you a headache.

Pass Rates: 3.8 out of 5: Kaplan’s pass rate amongst New Jersey students is pretty lackluster. While it’s not the lowest pass rate by any means, you can certainly find a course that will give you more confidence. About 41% of Kaplan students go on to pass the state exam, which is even lower than the 54% average.

Kaplan does offer a PassProtection policy that allows students who enrolled in the Live or Live Online classes to retake their course if they fail the New Jersey state exam. That’s great if you happen to fail, but why not choose a course that’s going to give you the knowledge to pass on the first try?

Course Duration: 3.2 out of 5: Although the New Jersey real estate course only takes 90 hours to complete, some people want to know they have an extension 0ption upfront in case they need more time. Kaplan’s access policy is pretty limited. You only have 6 months to finish from the date of purchase before it expires.

Another thing to note is that students take a longer time to complete Kaplan courses than any other online real estate school providers. I chalk this up to the monotonous content, and the repetitive lesson plans.

Support: 1 out of 5. In my test purchases, I’ve experienced Kaplan support taking up to 3 business days before responding.  All other schools I’ve tested typically respond within 1-2 hours & never longer than 24 hours during Monday-Friday.

Refund Policy: 0 out of 5. On 3 separate occasions, AgentAdvice students were declined a qualifying refund for Kaplan course purchases, and in each case, we (AgentAdvice) had to step in to personally provide the refund to these students after Kaplan declined to refund the courses or offer a replacement course. We no longer buy courses from Kaplan for this reason, and recommend that any student considering a Kaplan Real Estate course purchase do so expecting not to get a refund if they change their mind.

Overall Value & Recommended Package: Overall, I can’t recommend Kaplan’s New Jersey pre-licensing course. For aspiring agents, I’d suggest taking a look at one of Colibri’s packages instead. The interactive capabilities will seem like such a breath of fresh air compared to the monotonous text-based content Kaplan offers. The 96% student satisfaction rate blows Kaplan’s sub par courses out of the water, and their updated test prep is such a great value.

show more
Kaplan Pros
  • Multiple packages
  • PassProtection Retake Policy
Kaplan Cons
  • VERY confusing checkout process
  • Glitchy interface
  • Only 6 months of access
  • Dated content and technology
Starting at $1,099 $999

Our Methodology: 

I ranked and rated each school on 8 different factors to come up with the very best real estate schools in New Jersey. Our full guide on how we rank courses is available here, but the short version of factors considered are: 

  1. Course value
  2. How easy the courses were to navigate
  3. If there were any technical glitches
  4. Return policies
  5. Overall performance of each school as a whole
  6. Reviews directly from agents who’ve attended the school

There are dozens of options (some of them not so great!), so we’ve taken the work off your plate by narrowing down the list to only the ones that scored high enough. Whether you’re dedicating yourself full time to your new career, are looking to fly through the courses quickly to get them over with, or are busy and looking to work through them when you have downtime, here is a list of the best online real estate schools in New Jersey you should consider.

Chris Heller Headshot

About the Author

Chris Heller brings 27 years of experience in real estate. Chris serves on the AgentAdvice Editorial Board and is the Chief Real Estate Officer at OJO Labs. Chris brings deep expertise having held influential industry positions including CEO of mellohome and former CEO of Keller Williams Realty International. Connect with me

Last Updated: 3/27/2024