Best Schools For Real Estate

In this article, we will be discussing the best schools for real estate, the best real estate school online, top real estate master’s programs, real estate college courses, and real estate degrees. Maybe you’re a big fan of HGTV and want to be the next big real estate agent. While the job may appear simple, selling beautiful homes requires a significant amount of effort. Real estate professionals are well-versed in all the tricks of the trade when it comes to buying and selling property worldwide.

Students majoring in real estate learn how to develop, appraise, buy, and sell land, houses, and buildings. Do you think you have what it takes to follow in the footsteps of Barbara Corcoran or Josh Altman? To get started on your path to success, take a look at the best bachelor’s degrees in real estate listed below.

Which Real Estate Degree Should You Pursue?

Real estate is a popular field of study, and numerous programs are available. So, what kind of degree should you pursue? Should you attend via the internet? Or do you want to stay on campus? Should you pick a specialization? After you’ve decided to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in real estate, you’ll have to make some other decisions. Fortunately, we’re here to assist you! We’ve got you covered if you’re thinking about enrolling in an online program.

We have also ranked the Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Real Estate because we know what makes a good online program. Keep reading for our ranking of the Best Bachelor’s in Real Estate Degrees if you’re looking for a traditional on-campus experience.

How Much Money Can You Make If You Have Real Estate Degrees?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, real estate brokers and sales agents can earn up to $46,000 per year. And the more education and experience you have, the higher your salary will be. Your salary will, of course, be determined by the current state of the real estate market, your location (city or country), and the prices of the properties you are buying, selling, or renting. Fortunately, job growth for real estate brokers is expected to be 6% from now until 2026.

What Can You Do With A Real Estate Bachelor’s Degree?

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in real estate will have many opportunities. Many real estate degrees provide students with a solid business foundation. Graduates can pursue careers as farm and land brokers, residential and commercial real estate agents, mortgage brokers, real estate appraisers, property managers, and independent investors, among other opportunities. The possibilities are endless! A bachelor’s degree in real estate is insufficient.

Excellent communication skills, the ability to persuade and sell, the flexibility to change your schedule and travel, and the personality to get along with a wide range of people are all required. You can succeed in real estate if you have these qualities and a degree.

 Read also: Best Business Schools in the US

Top 15 Best Schools For Real Estate 

How do you pick the best real estate degree program when there are so many to choose from? If you want to start a career in this field, these 15 bachelor’s degrees will prepare you well so that you can find people their ideal homes! From real estate law and urban development planning to sustainability systems and international real estate, you’ll learn it all! Earn a bachelor’s degree in real estate today, and you’ll be able to open doors for others worldwide in the future!

1. The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia:

The University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League university in Philadelphia that is home to the Quakers. The Wharton School’s Real Estate Department is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country, and for a good reason. The real estate concentration, consisting of one required credit unit and three electives, is available to students. The Wharton School program is ideal for students interested in real estate. The following are examples of possible courses:

• Real Estate Law
• Urban Fiscal Policy
• International Housing Comparisons
• Urban Public Policy and Private Development
• Real Estate Investment: Analysis and Financing

The Samuel Zell and Robert Lurie Real Estate Center is available to undergraduate students. This research center collaborates with the Wharton Real Estate Department faculty to promote real estate education excellence. Fellowships and scholarships are also given out by the Center to deserving real estate students. Wharton’s real estate program has consistently been ranked as the best in the country by U.S. News and World Report. 

This is one of the best schools for real estate, that offers real estate college courses and executive MBA real estate degrees. Students can join the Wharton Undergraduate Real Estate Club (WUREC), which gives them access to the Zell/Lurie Real Estate Center’s Career Mentor Program, MBA/Undergraduate Real Estate Club Mixers, Masters of Real Estate Lecture Series, site visits, and more.

2. The University of California, Berkeley:

The #1 Public University in the United States is this public research university. UC Berkeley, which overlooks the San Francisco Bay, has 14 schools and colleges, many of which consistently receive top rankings. The Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley is one of the most notable. The Fisher Center for Real Estate & Urban Economics, which houses the school’s undergraduate real estate program, is located at this school. US News & World Report recently ranked the program #3 in the country.

This is one of the best real estate schools online that offer top real estate master’s programs. This program will teach students how to apply finance and economics analytical tools to a large and dynamic real estate market. The following are examples of possible courses:

• Introduction to Real Estate and Urban Land Economics
• Introduction to Real Estate Finance
• Urban and Real Estate Economics

Participation in the school’s Undergraduate Real Estate Club allows students to hone their skills (UREC). Internships at real estate investment trusts (REITs), major brokerage firms, and real estate e-commerce startups are also popular among undergraduate students. Graduates of Haas leave Berkeley with a strong grasp of best practices for transforming the technological, global, and human dimensions of business. Real estate alumni now have challenging and rewarding careers.

3. Southern California University, Los Angeles:

Nearly 45,000 students attend this private research university in Los Angeles, California. The University of Southern California is the state’s oldest private research university, having been founded in 1880. Students can choose from over 15 schools and colleges at USC to pursue a variety of degrees. Do you have an interest in real estate? Take a look at the Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Development offered by USC. USC’s undergraduate real estate program, offered through the Sol Price School of Public Policy, is one of the best in the country.

This is one of the best schools for real estate, that offers real estate college courses and executive MBA real estate degrees. The following core courses are required of all students:

• Real Estate Fundamentals
• Analyzing Real Estate Markets
• Designing Livable Communities
• Real Estate Development Analysis
• Advanced Finance and Investment
• History of Planning and Development

Students will also have the opportunity to select from various interesting electives. All undergraduate students in this program must complete a capstone or senior thesis to earn their degree. What makes USC’s real estate program so special? It’s the numerous learning and involvement opportunities available to undergraduate students. Students have unrivaled opportunities for growth in the industry, thanks to the university’s Lusk Center for Real Estate and the Trojan Real Estate Association (TREA).

4. New York University, New York City:

NYU is a private research university located in New York City, the city that never sleeps! NYU offers a comprehensive BS in Real Estate through its School of Professional Studies. US News & World Report recently ranked the program as the fourth-best in the country. If you want to learn more about real estate, there’s no better place to learn it than in the concrete jungle. This program requires students to complete 128-130 credits and is offered through NYU’s School of Professional Studies Schack Institute of Real Estate.

This is one of the best schools for real estate, that offers real estate college courses and executive MBA real estate degrees. Courses that may be required include:

• Comparative Real Estate Markets in a Global Perspective
• Real Estate Accounting & Taxation
• Market Analysis in Real Estate
• Real Estate and Sustainability
• NYC: The Future Metropolis
• Real Estate Development
• Real Estate Law

All undergraduate students must complete either a Senior Project Seminar or a Senior Project Internship to earn their degree. Because the school has so much to offer its students, NYU is an excellent choice for those interested in real estate. The NYU School of Professional Studies Schack Institute of Real Estate’s Jack Brause Library and Information Center is a valuable resource. The Center is the most comprehensive facility, devoted exclusively to the building industry’s subject matter.

5. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York:

This prestigious Ivy League university is located in Ithaca, New York. Cornell continues to draw students from all 50 states and more than 120 different countries. Cornell is consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the world, with 45 Nobel laureates affiliated. Do you want to get a bachelor’s degree in real estate? The SC Johnson School of Business is one of the best in the country, with a specialization in Fare (Finance, Accounting, and Real Estate). Students can choose a development concentration through Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration. Participants in this program will take courses such as:

• Real Estate Law
• Hospitality Real Estate Finance
• Real Estate Finance and Investments
• Construction Planning and Operations
• Project Management for Hospitality Real Estate Development

This is one of the best real estate school online that offers top real estate master’s programs. Cornell’s Center for Real Estate and Finance was founded in 2009. In collaboration with the Cornell Real Estate Club, the Center hosts annual international and domestic real estate treks. Multiple case competitions, presentations, and informal open sessions with high-level industry executives are available to undergraduate students. There are plenty of opportunities for students to network with real estate alumni at receptions.

6. Northwestern University, Illinois:

Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois, was founded in 1851. The Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University is ranked #4 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. Students will learn from the best, with faculty members including Guggenheim Fellows and MacArthur Fellowship Recipients. The Guthrie Center for Real Estate at the university now offers a program for those interested in the field. Kellogg’s real estate program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of real estate theory and practice. The following are examples of possible courses:

• Real Estate Development
• International Real Estate
• Legal Issues in Real Estate
• Real Estate Entrepreneurship
• Applied Real Estate Finance and Investments

This is one of the best schools for real estate, that offers real estate college courses and executive MBA real estate degrees. Northwestern University’s real estate program is divided into two stages. The first foundational stage assists students in developing tools necessary for real estate transaction analysis. The second stage covers everything from urban planning and development to entrepreneurship, public policy, and law in greater depth. Students will be able to apply to take part in a Real Estate Lab. 

This lab consists of a quarter-long project in which students conduct research and provide advice on a real estate project for a sponsor company or organization. The Blackstone Group, Caesars Entertainment, MacGregor Associates, Wrightwood Capital, and others have all supported the lab in the past.

7. The University of Georgia, Atlanta:

This university’s location in Athens, Georgia – one of the country’s hippest college towns – isn’t the only draw for students. The University of Georgia was ranked #18 in Best Public Universities and #22 in Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report. The university was also named one of the nation’s Top 100 Best Value Schools. The university now offers a real estate major through its Terry College of Business. Through internships and site visits, undergraduate students can expect to gain a lot of real estate experience. The following courses are offered as part of the program:

• Real Estate Development
• Real Estate Investment
• Principles of Valuation
• Real Estate Finance
• Real Estate Law

This is one of the best real estate schools online that offer top real estate master’s programs. Bank of America, Deloitte, Prudential Mortgage Capital, Wells Fargo Financial, and other prestigious companies have hired graduates of this program. Terry’s real estate program is among the top five in the United States. Since 2005, the New York Times has published annual rankings. Terry’s real estate program is ranked higher than any other in the Southeast. Terry also aids in the career placement of its real estate graduates through a resume book that is mailed to over 450 firms twice a year.

8. The University of Texas, Austin:

This public research university was founded in 1881 and now has over 50,000 students enrolled. As the university rises in the rankings, it attracts many students. In fact, the school was ranked #6 in the United States. According to U.S. News and World Report, the Best Undergraduate Real Estate Programs in the United States. Undergraduate students can pursue a specialized track in real estate through the McCombs School of Business. This is one of the best schools for real estate, that offers real estate college courses and executive MBA real estate degrees. The Finance Real Estate Track of the Bachelor of Business Administration includes the following courses:

• Introduction to Real Estate and Urban Land Development
• Money, Banking, & Economic Conditions
• Money & Capital Markets
• Real Estate Investment
• Financial Analysis

Students in this program will have the opportunity to intern at prestigious firms, gaining valuable industry experience. Students can join the Undergraduate Real Estate Society (URES) for site visits, competitions, and more. BBA finance majors who want to advance their real estate knowledge can enroll in the Real Estate Certificate program and apply two real estate track courses toward the certificate requirements. This program began in 2012, and its graduates have had a lot of success.

9. Florida State University, Tallahassee:

FSU is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida, established in 1851. Over 41,000 students now call Florida State University home, which is located in Tallahassee. There are over 350-degree programs (including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, specialist, and professional degrees) and 6 Nobel Laureates on the faculty at FSU, so there is plenty of room for advancement. Students who are interested in majoring in real estate can now do so.

This is one of the best real estate schools online that offer top real estate master’s programs. The Bachelor of Science in Real Estate, which is offered through the university’s Department of Risk Management/Insurance, Real Estate, and Legal Studies, prepares students for various positions in the industry. The following may be included in the course requirements:

• The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
• Legal Environment of Real Estate
• Risk Management and Insurance
• Real Estate Investment
• Real Estate Finance

Students may also want to join the student group of the Real Estate Society. This on-campus organization aims to familiarize undergraduates with various aspects of the real estate industry. Students can participate in corporate tours, professional forums and even interact with real estate professionals. The real estate program here is one of the country’s largest and most successful. In fact, Florida State University was ranked #11 in the United States. According to U.S. News and World Report, the Best Undergraduate Real Estate Programs in the United States.

10. CUNY Baruch College:

This public research university is a constituent college of the City University of New York. U.S. News & World Report ranked CUNY Baruch #20 in Regional Universities (North). News and World Report is a news organization based in the United States. Through its Zicklin School of Business, the college now offers undergraduates a comprehensive BBA in Real Estate. The Zicklin School of Business’s William Newman Department of Real Estate is named after a real estate pioneer. A minimum of 62 liberal arts credits, 54 business area credits, and 15 credits in free electives are required for the BBA in Real Estate at Baruch.

This is one of the best schools for real estate, that offers real estate college courses and executive MBA real estate degrees. Courses that may be required include:

• Real Estate Law
• Real Estate Principles
• Real Estate Finance and Investment
• Real Estate Capital Markets
• Real Estate Development

Baruch also offers a 9-credit BBA minor in real estate for those interested in the field but not ready to commit to a major. Baruch offers several scholarships for undergraduates interested in pursuing a career in real estate. The Association of Real Estate Women (AREW) Charitable Fund Scholarship, the CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Network and CREW Foundation Scholarship, and the Robert and Marian Lowenfish Scholarship are just a few available scholarships.

11. The University of Florida, Gainesville:

The University of Florida (UF) is a flagship university in Gainesville, Florida, with over 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students and various degree programs. UF has a strong research reputation with over 150 research facilities, institutes, and centers. Students can now earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a focus on Real Estate from the UCF College of Business’s Department of Finance. Undergraduate students will have access to the resources they need to succeed in this industry through UF’s Department of Finance and Dr. P. Phillips School of Real Estate.

This is one of the best real estate schools online that offer top real estate master’s programs. Certificates in the following areas are available to real estate majors:

• Real Estate Brokerage
• Real Estate Appraisal
• Mortgage Brokerage

Students who complete this program’s courses will be eligible to sit for the state real estate brokerage license exam. State appraisal and mortgage brokerage licenses are also available to qualified students. Many UF undergraduates also choose to participate in a finance internship. The Dr. P. Phillips School of Real Estate, founded in 2006 with a $2.5 million gift from Dr. Phillips, Inc., provides students with various exciting opportunities. In fact, the school was ranked #8 in the United States. 

12. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin:

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university in Madison, Wisconsin. UW-Madison is Wisconsin’s oldest and largest public university, having been founded in 1848. The School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison now has a nationally ranked undergraduate real estate program. UW-Real Madison’s Estate & Urban Land Economics Department prepares real estate professionals with exceptional analytical abilities. This is one of the best schools for real estate, that offers real estate college courses and executive MBA real estate degrees. The following may be included in the course requirements:

• Real Estate Law
• Real Estate Finance
• Valuation of Real Estate
• Urban and Regional Economics
• Green-Sustainable Development

Students can participate in the Real Estate Club on campus outside of class. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people, network, and have fun. For those looking to get out of Wisconsin for a while, the university also offers a variety of study abroad options. Wisconsin’s Real Estate Program was ranked No. 1 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report in 2013. News and World Report is a news organization based in the United States. Many program graduates go on to work for pension funds, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, and investment banks as managers and advisors.

13. San Diego State University:

The University of San Diego is a Catholic institution that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and an open mind. The university continues to attract the best and brightest, with nearly 6,000 undergraduate students. If you’re looking for a place to live, this sunny campus might be your place. The School of Business at USD now offers a real estate major. There are 39 units in the real estate major at USD, including a business component, a real estate component, and electives. This is one of the best real estate schools online that offer top real estate master’s programs. The following are examples of possible courses:

• Principles of Real Estate
• Legal Aspects of Real Estate
• Financing Residential Real Estate
• Commercial RE Fin & Investment
• Commercial Real Estate Valuation

For those interested, USD also offers a minor in real estate. Undergraduates will also have the opportunity to intern with local industry professionals and network with them. You’ll get a firsthand look at how sustainable real estate works while also learning about commercial and residential real estate’s legal and ethical principles. The real estate department at the University of San Diego is unique for various reasons. One of them is the NAIOP University Challenge, which takes place every year.

Students compete against students from other universities in San Diego to develop a development strategy for a real piece of land. It’s a challenging but enjoyable way for undergraduates to consider how to make properties more profitable while also boosting economic growth.

14. The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill:

This public research university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is currently ranked 30th in the United States among National Universities. The “Best Colleges” rankings from U.S. News and World Report. UNC students have been known for their impressive talents and creative ideas since its founding as the nation’s first public university in 1789. Students can now pursue a comprehensive real estate degree through the Kenan-Flagler Business School. The UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School’s real estate concentration consists of 9 credits.

This is one of the best schools for real estate, that offers real estate college courses and executive MBA real estate degrees. Courses that may be required include:

• Fixed Income
• Cities of the Future
• Real Estate Finance
• Real Estate Development
• Real Estate Development
• Introduction to Real Estate
• Real Estate and Capital Markets

Students who majored in real estate have gone on to work in fields such as real estate investment, finance, development, consulting, investment banking, and corporate real estate, among others. UNC’s real estate program is ranked 15th in the country by US News and World Report. Their Undergraduate Business Program was also ranked ninth among public and private universities in the United States and fifth among public universities that offer undergraduate business degrees.

15. Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin:

Marquette University is a private Catholic university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with over 11,000 students. In 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools, undergraduate students can choose from various majors. Marquette University is a melting pot, with over 85 countries represented. The College of Business Administration now offers real estate courses to students. Marquette’s program is unrivaled when it comes to getting a real estate program. Those studying real estate in the Finance Department of the College of Business will be well prepared for a successful career. Courses that may be required include:

• Real Estate Modeling
• Cases in Commercial Real Estate
• Commercial Real Estate Valuation
• Commercial Real Estate Development
• Analysis of Corporate Financial Statements

This is one of the best real estate schools online that offer top real estate master’s programs. Students will learn how to apply the concept of real estate development feasibility, use mortgage finance evaluation tools, and much more by completing these courses. It’s no surprise that so many people want to study real estate at Marquette. In fact, the program was named one of the top ten commercial real estate programs in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. Marquette’s finance program was ranked No. 15 among the nation’s Top Undergraduate Business Specialty Programs by U.S. News and World Report in 2017.

Conclusion

The real estate industry is a dynamic environment where creative professionals are always in demand. Some of the world’s most prestigious universities offer excellent Real Estate programs to prepare graduates to tackle the challenge of maximizing limited land resources and areas to create an ideal environment that balances economic growth, urban planning, and real estate development. I hope you found this article on the world’s best real estate schools to be informative and useful. Check out our Scholarships Page for more information on scholarships and universities worldwide!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does It Cost to Attend Real Estate School?

The cost of an online real estate school varies depending on whether you just want to take the pre-licensure course or want to add on an exam prep course. Online classes can cost anywhere from $119 to $900, depending on where you live and whether you opt for test prep. In comparison, a live, in-person class costs at least several hundred dollars, not including exam preparation.

What Does Real Estate School Teach You?

Although course names and state requirements vary, real estate classes cover topics such as real estate principles, real estate practice, law and ethics, and legalities such as the various types of contracts required in a transaction. Students will learn about the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in sales based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, and veteran status, among other things. 

The practical skills needed to conduct a successful closing will also be covered in class, such as the realtor’s responsibilities regarding the contract, writing listings, showing properties, and writing an offer.