9 Real Estate School Alternatives Students Should Compare First

Table of Contents

• Why Students Look for Real Estate Course Alternatives
• What to Compare in a Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course
• How Real Estate Virtual Academy Compares on Price and Course Length
• Real Estate Virtual Academy vs Other Real Estate Schools: Where Each Option Fits
• Choosing the Best Online Real Estate School for Your Schedule
• Learning Support, Exam Prep and Accessibility for Adult Learners
• Total Cost of Getting Licensed in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina or Alabama
• Enroll in a State-Approved Course and Start Your Licensing Path
• Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: November 4, 2026

Real estate students in the United States have more choices than ever when they start looking for a pre-licensing course. Many students end up comparing them against other options before they commit. That search is worth doing, because the right course depends on your state, your schedule, and how you learn.

This guide from Real Estate Virtual Academy LLC walks through the questions that matter most when comparing online real estate courses. We cover price, course length, instructor support, exam preparation, and what the total cost of getting licensed really looks like. Our state-approved packages are $199 for the courses we list, so we show how those compare on the factors students care about.

Why Students Look for Real Estate Course Alternatives

Students usually start searching for a course alternative for one of a few reasons. The course may not be offered in their state, the price may feel high for their budget, or they want a learning format that fits a busy week better.

Some students also want more direct access to an instructor. Others care most about whether the course is fully state-approved for their license type. Knowing your main reason makes the rest of the comparison much easier.

What to Compare in a Real Estate Pre-Licensing Course

Start with three basics: state approval, total course hours, and the total price. A course must meet your state's education requirements, so check that first. Then compare the number of hours, since state requirements vary widely.

Next, look at what is included. A common mistake is comparing only the sticker price. Ask whether practice exams, flashcards, and an eBook are part of the package. Ask how long you have access to the material and what happens if you need more time.

Finally, check the support options. Some students do well with self-paced video lessons. Others need a real person to answer questions. Be honest about how you learn before you choose.

How Real Estate Virtual Academy Compares on Price and Course Length

Real Estate Virtual Academy LLC offers state-approved pre-licensing packages for several states. The course packages listed in our catalog are priced at $199 each. Hours depend on the state: the Florida package is 63 hours, the Georgia package is 75 hours, and the Tennessee, South Carolina, and Alabama packages are each 60 hours.

Each package includes pre-licensing education videos, an eBook, unlimited practice exams to prepare for the final and state exams, and flashcards. Tennessee is a special case. The state requires 90 total hours, so the 60-hour pre-licensing course is the first step, and applicants must complete a second 30-hour New Affiliate course before practicing. Our Tennessee package can be bought separately or together as a 90-hour course.

When you compare prices, make sure the other provider includes the same materials and meets the same state requirements. A lower price does not help if the course leaves out practice exams you will need.

The table below summarizes the package details this section gives for each state.

Real Estate Virtual Academy vs Other Real Estate Schools: Where Each Option Fits

Students often compare providers when they research online courses. The right choice depends on your state, your budget, and how much structure you want. Use the criteria below to compare any provider against the same standard.

Start with state approval. Confirm which states each provider is approved in before you compare them. Before you compare anything else, confirm that the provider is approved for the license type you want in your state. A course that is not approved does not count toward your hours, no matter how good the videos are.

Next, compare course hours against your state's requirement. Most states publish a required hour count for pre-licensing, and the course you buy must meet or exceed it. If a provider offers a 60-hour package but your state requires 75 or 90 hours, you will need a second course or a different package. Ask each provider for the exact hour count of the package you are considering, not the hour count of its most popular package.

Then compare what is included. Look for practice exams, flashcards, an eBook, and any exam-pass guarantee. A lower sticker price can hide the cost of buying practice exams separately. Ask how long you have access to the material and what happens if you need an extension. Access windows and extension policies vary, and a short window can create pressure for students who study part-time.

Compare support and format. Compare what instructor access, live help, and tutoring each provider includes in the package you are considering. If you learn best with a person to ask questions, confirm what support is included before you pay. If you are comfortable with video lessons and practice questions, a self-paced package may be enough.

Finally, compare total cost, not just course price. Add the course fee, the state exam fee, the license application fee, and any fingerprinting or background-check cost. Those fees are set by your state and are separate from the course. A provider with a higher course price but more complete exam prep can be the cheaper path if it helps you pass on the first attempt.

Our packages cover the state-approved hours for the states listed above, with practice exams and flashcards included. If you want a course for a state we do not yet cover, compare other providers directly against the state's requirements. Always confirm that any course you choose is approved for your state before you pay.

Florida 63-hour Real Estate Pre-license Education Package →

Confirm that the price you see covers the full hour requirement for your state, or you may need to buy a second course to qualify for the exam.

Choosing the Best Online Real Estate School for Your Schedule

The best online real estate school for you is the one you will actually finish. Look for self-paced access so you can study around work and family commitments. Check how long your course access lasts, because a short window can create pressure.

Set a weekly study target before you start. Many students find that a steady pace of a few hours per week beats cramming. A useful habit is to schedule study time the same way you would schedule a work meeting.

Learning Support, Exam Prep and Accessibility for Adult Learners

Adults returning to school often worry about keeping up. Online courses can work well for adult learners who are comfortable with a computer and a web browser. The key is finding a course with clear structure and reliable support.

Practice exams can help you find weak topics before the state exam does. Flashcards help with terminology, which shows up often on licensing tests. Our packages include unlimited practice exams and flashcards, so you can keep testing yourself.

If you are unsure whether the format suits you, look at the course before you buy. Ask what support is available if you get stuck. Ask how you can reach help during the week.

For a deeper look at what instructor support can add to an online course, see our guide on Online Real Estate Course With Instructor Support: 2026 Guide.

Total Cost of Getting Licensed in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina or Alabama

The course price is only one part of the cost. Students must also pay separately for exam fees, state license application fees, and sometimes background checks. Those costs vary by state, so confirm the current amounts with your state real estate commission before you budget. The categories below are the ones most students miss when they compare course prices.

First, the pre-licensing course fee. Our packages are $199 each. For Tennessee, remember that the required total is 90 hours, so budget for both courses if you plan to practice. Students should check their state's exam and licensing fees separately.

Second, the state exam fee. Many states charge a fee each time you sit for the licensing exam, and some charge a separate fee for a retake. Confirm the current fee with your state commission or its testing vendor before you schedule. If you fail a section, a retake fee can add to your total, which is one reason practice exams matter.

Third, the license application fee. Students will apply to the state for your license and pay an application fee. Some states also require a fingerprint-based background check, which carries its own fee. These costs are set by the state and are not included in any course package.

Fourth, optional costs. Some students pay for exam-prep add-ons, printed materials, or a second course if their first package does not meet the full hour requirement. Others pay for a retake if they do not pass on the first attempt. Build a small buffer into your budget for one retake and one application fee so a surprise does not derail your plan.

A simple way to compare providers and your budget is to write four numbers on one line: course fee, exam fee, application fee, and fingerprint or background-check fee. Add them up. The only variable will be the course fee as the other three numbers will be the same regardless of the school.

Look at the full path from enrollment to license. The least expensive course can be just as good as the more expensive ones. Confirm each fee with your state commission before you enroll, because fees change and the amounts that apply to you depend on your license type and your state's current schedule.

Enroll in a State-Approved Course and Start Your Licensing Path

Choosing an alternative comes down to four checks: state approval, total hours, what is included, and the support you need to finish. Once you have those answers, the decision gets much simpler.

If you are ready to start, browse the South Carolina 60-Hour Real Estate Pre-License Education Package or the other state packages we offer. Each one includes videos, an eBook, practice exams, flashcards and a licensed instructor there to help when you need it. Enroll now and take the first step toward your real estate career.

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