Starting a real estate career in Michigan begins with finding a school that actually fits the way you learn. Whether you’re in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor or a smaller town in between, there are plenty of options, but some schools really do stand out from others. This guide walks you through the best Michigan real estate schools so you can choose a program that helps you feel prepared from day one.
If you’re looking to gain control over your schedule and your earning potential, becoming a Michigan real estate agent could very well be the right move for you. To get started, you’ll need 40 hours of prelicensing education through a state-approved provider. The schools listed here offer different formats and price points, making it easy to find the one that fits your routine, your budget and the way you like to study.
5 best real estate courses in Michigan: Our top picks
Best for overall learning experience
Colibri Real Estate
From $209
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Best for affordability
Aceable Agent
From $169
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Click here to Save 20%
Best for exam prep
Kaplan
From $179
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VISIT
Best for self-paced study
The CE Shop
From $209
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Best for live course options
Michigan Institute of Real Estate
From $295
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VISIT
5 best real estate courses in Michigan: Our top picks
Best for overall learning experience
Colibri Real Estate
From $209
Use HousingWire40 to Save 40%
Jump to details ↓
Best for affordability
Aceable Agent
From $169
Click here to Save 20%
Jump to details ↓
Best for exam prep
Kaplan
From $179
VISIT
Jump to details ↓
Best for self-paced study
The CE Shop
From $209
Use HW30 to Save 30%
Jump to details ↓
Best for live course options
Michigan Institute of Real Estate
From $295
VISIT
Jump to details ↓
Colibri: Best for overall learning experience
Starting from: $209
Colibri Real Estate has been helping aspiring agents build successful careers for years, offering courses designed to fit real life. Since adding continuing education in 2007, the company has grown into one of the most trusted names in real estate education while supporting more than a million professionals each year. Students like that Colibri’s online format is intuitive and flexible, letting them pause lessons, track progress and pick up right where they left off. It’s a great choice if you want structure, support and the confidence that comes from learning with an established industry leader.
Pros & Cons
Self-paced and live stream online course content
Easy-to-use platform
Strong reputation and support
License upgrade courses not available
Mobile interface is limited
Additional cost for exam prep
Features
Course formats: Self-paced or livestream classes, depending on which course you choose
Course access: Six months from your registration date, in most cases
Refund policy: Students have 30 days from the date of purchase to request a refund. Livestream course refunds must be requested within 24 hours of starting the first class.
Guarantees: The state of Michigan does not permit guarantees of passing the real estate licensing exam. Colibri’s “Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee” is listed on certain packages. Contact the school for details.
Exam prep: Colibri’s CompuCram exam prep is available in upgraded packages or as a standalone product
Student support: Support is available via chat, email or phone during normal business hours. Those enrolled in a prelicensing livestream course can take advantage of additional instructor and peer support, engaging with peers and asking instructors real estate questions during class time.
Final exam: Prelicensing courses include a final exam, which must be passed with a minimum of 70%.
Pricing
Pricing varies by package, so students can choose the level of support and features that best fit their needs.
The Basics ($209): 40-hour prelicense course plus student support
Exam Preparation ($309): Everything included in the basics package plus exam prep
Exam Preparation Plus ($379): Includes exam prep package plus exclusive instructor-led Q&A sessions.
Ultimate Learning ($489): Includes everything in the other packages, plus a printed textbook and career resources
Continuing education ($29): Choose from CE memberships, curated packages or individual courses
Aceable Agent enlisted Harvard education specialists to design engaging, informative online Michigan real estate license courses. This resulted in courses that feature videos, interactive games, bite-sized lessons and more. According to the school, its students have an 80% Michigan exam pass rate.
Aceable Agent is a good fit for anyone who wants to get licensed without overspending. The courses are clean, easy to follow and built for people who need flexibility. Move through the material on your phone or laptop, take breaks when you need to and pick up right where you left off. It’s straightforward, modern and a lot less expensive than many other options out there.
Pros & Cons
Affordable pricing
Short, interactive lessons
Easy to learn anytime, anywhere
No live instructor support
No advanced courses or CE available
Mobile app can be glitchy
Features
Course formats: Self-paced, online courses.
Course access: Unlimited course access in Michigan
Refund policy: A full refund may be issued if requested within 30 days from the date of purchase.
Guarantees: The state of Michigan does not permit guarantees of passing the real estate licensing exam. However, if you don’t pass the Michigan licensing exam after three attempts, Aceable Agent will refund your money. Contact the school for details.
Exam prep: Exam prep videos, audio lessons, tutoring, webinars and thousands of practice questions modeled after the licensing exam.
Student support: Instructors are available Monday through Friday to answer students’ questions by phone or email.
Final exam: After you complete Level 19 of the prelicensing course, you will be prompted to take your closed-book course final exam. You’ll have two hours to complete the final exam and you’ll need to score 70% to pass.
Pricing
Aceable Agent keeps pricing simple, with clear package options that make it easy to choose what fits your goals and budget.
Basics ($169): 40-hour prelicensing course
Deluxe ($279): Basics package plus additional course materials, exam prep tools and AI-powered course assistance
Premium ($359): Deluxe package plus access to private tutoring and live webinars
Kaplan Real Estate Education has a long track record of helping students get ready for the Michigan licensing exam. The courses are structured and detailed, with clear explanations that make it easier to understand the tougher concepts. Students like having different ways to study, whether that’s watching an instructor online, working through printed materials or using practice tests to see where they stand.
Kaplan’s exam prep tools are what make it stand out. The questions are realistic, the study guides are thorough and the format feels close to the actual test. If you want a course that keeps you focused and gives you plenty of practice before exam day, Kaplan is a dependable choice.
Pros & Cons
Detailed online lessons
Live online courses available, plus exam prep that mimics real test questions
Excellent reputation with experienced instructors
More traditional platform
Fewer interactive elements
Higher cost than other providers
Features
Course formats: Self-paced online or livestream.
Course access: Six months from the date of purchase.
Refund policy: Kaplan offers online students a full tuition refund within 30 days of purchase, but only if the class has not been completed.
Guarantees: The state of Michigan does not permit guarantees of passing the real estate licensing exam. PassProtection states that if you don’t pass, you may be allowed to retake the course within a set timeframe (often six months) without additional cost. Contact the school for details.
Exam prep: Kaplan offers comprehensive, instructor-led exam prep courses delivered in both live online and online video formats. When you enroll in one of the Michigan prelicensing online video courses, you receive free enrollment in the real estate exam prep course.
Student support: Student or Technical Support staff are available to answer any questions via phone during business hours. General support is also available via email or live chat.
Final exam: Prelicensing courses include a final exam, which must be passed with a minimum of 70%.
Pricing
Kaplan offers several course formats at different price points, so students can choose between a self-paced online course or a more guided experience with live instruction and added exam prep support.
Fundamentals ($179): 40-hour prelicensing course
Exam Prep Package ($199): 40-hour prelicensing online video course plus national and state online video exam prep and practice Qbanks.
Tier three course name ($599): Exam prep package plus supplemental textbooks, flashcards and Real Estate Accelerator Online Video Course and Live Online Training
Continuing Education ($19): Choose from curated CE packages or individual courses
Professional Development Courses ($199): Sharpen your skills and understand the real estate industry even more with these advanced course options
Tutoring Package ($99): Live online private tutoring
The CE Shop is built for students who want to work through their courses on their own time without feeling lost in the process. Its custom learning platform, LEAP, makes it easy to move through lessons, quizzes and real-world examples at your own pace. According to the school, its Michigan prelicensing courses maintain a 96% student satisfaction rate and a pass rate that’s higher than the national average.
Students like that the program feels interactive, not just a wall of text. You can log in anytime, review material as needed and keep track of your progress from start to finish. It’s a flexible option for anyone who prefers to learn independently but wants to still feel supported along the way.
Course access: Six months from the date of purchase.
Refund policy: Through the CE Shop’s Money-Back Guarantee, you may be eligible for a refund within 30 days of your purchase, as long as your course is less than 50% complete.
Guarantees: The state of Michigan does not permit guarantees of passing the real estate licensing exam.
Exam prep: The CE Shop offers Exam Prep Edge, a comprehensive, interactive class, with standard, value and premium prelicensing packages. Exam Prep Edge includes dynamic practice exams with unique prep questions and a real-time dashboard to help you focus on areas where you need the most improvement.
Student support: Support is available seven days a week via live chat, email and phone.
Final exam: Prelicensing courses include a final exam, which must be passed with a minimum of 70%. If you don’t score that high the first time around, you may take the course final as many times as necessary until you pass.
Pricing
The CE Shop offers several self-paced packages, which all include ebooks, career and downloadable resources, digital flashcards, a real estate glossary and a study schedule. Pricing varies based on the package level and any promotional discounts available.
Courses Only ($209): 40-hour prelicensing course
Standard Package ($309): 40-hour prelicensing course plus Exam Prep Edge
Value Package ($385): Includes standard package plus Kickstarter Professional Development Program.
Premium Package ($515): Includes value package plus 18-hour MI renewal package and the Career Companion guide
Exam Prep Only ($135): This standalone option can be purchased at any time
Continuing Education ($29): Choose from curated CE packages or individual courses
Michigan Institute of Real Estate: Best for live course options
Starting from: $295
The Michigan Institute of Real Estate has been teaching real estate professionals for more than 40 years and remains one of the state’s most recognized names in real estate education. Unlike national online providers, this school offers both live classroom instruction and online courses, giving students the flexibility to choose how they learn best.
Many students appreciate the hands-on approach and the opportunity to ask questions directly to experienced Michigan instructors. For those who prefer a more traditional classroom feel or simply want to learn from people who know the Michigan market inside and out, it’s a trusted local choice.
Pros & Cons
First CE course is free with prelicensing enrollment
Walk-ins welcome plus live classroom and online course options
Long-standing local reputation
Platform is less interactive than other national providers
Course schedule may be limiting for some students
Fewer bundled options like exam prep or career resources
Features
Course formats: Online, virtual, classroom or home-study live webinar courses available.
Course access: Not provided
Refund policy: A refund will be granted if a cancellation request, in writing, is received at least three business days from when you register for a course. The school will deduct a $25 fee and no refunds will be granted after the start date of the course.
Guarantees: The state of Michigan does not permit guarantees of passing the real estate licensing exam.
Exam prep: Michigan Institute offers several exam prep bundles that can be purchased separately. For instance, you can purchase the CompuCram package, a mobile and tablet-friendly offering that includes vocab to study, practice tests and simulated exams.
Student support: For support, call during hours of operation to reach the Southfield staff or reach via live chat. You can also send a submission form and the school will respond to your message within 24 hours.
Final exam: Prelicensing courses include a final exam, which must be passed with a minimum of 70%.
Course Discounts: Students who enroll in and pay for a prelicensing class at least five days before the date of the first class can receive a discount. Students are also permitted to retake the 40-hour salesperson course within 12 months of graduation at no charge, as a refresher.
Pricing
Pricing depends on the course format you choose. Students can select between online packages or in-person classes, with costs varying by location and schedule.
Classroom ($375): Traditional teaching in a classroom with printed textbooks. Day and evening courses available.
Virtual ($375): Live courses held via Zoom.
Online ($295): Self-paced, audio-narrated courses available on any device 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Home Study ($349): Study at home with a textbook at your own pace.
Continuing Education ($39.99): Choose from virtual, online or home study course options. If you’re a broker, you can host a CE class at your office. Call for details.
Methodology: How we chose the best online real estate courses in Michigan
To determine the very best Michigan real estate schools, we conducted extensive research, rating each school based on the following:
Affordability and flexibility
Course offerings, including study tools and technology
Course access and format options
Instructor expertise and accessibility
Pass rates and student satisfaction
Return policies or pass guarantees
Student support and engagement
Finally, we considered each school’s unique features and professional development opportunities, which can be of lasting value to real estate agents like yourself.
FAQs: Best real estate courses in Michigan
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in Michigan?
Most people can complete the process in about two to three months, depending on their schedule. Michigan requires 40 hours of approved prelicensing education, passing the state licensing exam and completing your application with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). If you study full-time, it can take just a few weeks; if you’re balancing work or family, expect closer to a few months.
What is the best online real estate school in Michigan?
It depends on what you’re looking to get out of your real estate education. Colibri Real Estate is a strong choice for many new agents because of the flexible learning options offered. If affordability is your main concern, AceableAgent is a great alternative. Also, The CE Shop works well for students who prefer to move at their own pace and don’t mind reading through lessons. Each of these schools is state-approved and well-rated by Michigan students.
What is the average salary of a realtor in Michigan?
According to ZipRecruiter, the estimated average salary for a Michigan real estate agent is $74,777 annually. This value represents the median in the state. This is just below the estimated national average, which is around $85,793 per year. This number may include cash bonus, commission, and profit sharing.
Is it ever too late to become a real estate agent?
Not at all. Many successful Michigan real estate agents started their careers later in life, after changing industries or after retirement from their original career. The skills that make someone great in real estate are communication, organization and persistence. These can be developed at any age, but likely were developed throughout your past career. As long as you’re willing to learn and put in the work, it’s never too late to start.
The full picture: Best Michigan real estate schools
A successful real estate career in Michigan starts with choosing the right real estate school for your prelicensing coursework. It’s an important decision! And now that you know what makes the best online real estate schools in Michigan shine, you’re ready to select the prelicensing program that’s right for your budget, timeline and learning style.
Now that you’ve seen what each program offers, it’s time to pick the one that fits your goals and the way you learn. Whether you prefer studying online or in a classroom, the right school sets you up for success long after you pass the test.
Helpful links
For the most up-to-date information on obtaining your license, choosing a school and other requirements in Michigan, here are the links and sites you’ll be frequenting most as a prospective real estate agent:
LARA Real Estate Brokers & Salespersons
Michigan PSI Candidate Information Bulletin
Michigan Real Estate Licensing Guide
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By: Sara Stover, Meghan Thibault Title: 5 best real estate schools in Michigan (MI) for 2026 Sourced From: www.housingwire.com/articles/michigan-real-estate-schools/ Published Date: Fri, 05 Dec 2025 19:18:08 +0000
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