Do Real Estate Agents Need a College Degree?
In the realm of real estate, success is often associated with skills, experience, and networking prowess rather than formal education. This raises an intriguing question: Do you need a college degree to become a real estate agent? In this blog, we’ll answer this question and explore some of the requirements for working in the real estate industry.
How Important Is a College Degree in Real Estate?
First things first, there is no state that requires a college degree to become a real estate agent. According to The National Association of REALTORS (NAR), only about half of their members have a bachelor’s degree or higher. While not mandatory, a degree can improve your prospects in various fields of work and may open doors to lucrative opportunities within the real estate sector beyond traditional agent roles. Graduates may pursue careers in real estate development, property management, investment analysis, or urban planning, leveraging their educational background to excel in specialized areas of the industry.
Though a degree from a university or college is not required, there is an academic requirement before getting into real estate. This process is called 'Pre-Licensing,' which includes industry-approved real estate courses. This educational component will help you to get prepared to succeed in the world of real estate. Requirements vary from state to state, so you will need to identify what courses you need to take before you can obtain a license.
Regardless of whether you have a degree or not, pre-licensing courses must be completed by anyone wishing to become a real estate agent. Depending on what state you’re in, there may be other requirements you'll need, which include:
- Being 18 years old
- Having a high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Passing your licensing exam
- Taking a background check
- Completing ongoing education requirements
These practical steps are essential for obtaining your license and starting your career in real estate. Ultimately, what matters most in real estate is your dedication, your integrity, and your commitment to doing the best job you can for your clients.
Pros and Cons of Pursuing a College Degree for Real Estate
It is important to weigh the costs of either pursuing or not pursuing a college degree. Some advantages include:
- Being a more attractive candidate to real estate brokerage firms
- Providing you with the knowledge and skills to improve your ability as an agent
- Additional opportunities in the real estate industry
College degrees have been useful for many, but in a field where they are not required, there could be some significant drawbacks. Weighing these disadvantages should be an important part of making a final decision. Some deterrents include:
- No guarantee of more or better-paying work
- Expensive, upfront costs
- Significant time investment
What Are the Best College Majors for Real Estate Agents?
If you have decided to pursue a degree, you will need to select a major. This is important because it determines the amount of schooling you will need, as well as the courses you will need to take. You should consider your ability to succeed in the program of your choosing, including the setting where you learn, the length of the program, which major would build your improvement areas, and what you can afford or be willing to take out in student loans. Some of the most common degrees earned by real estate agents are:
- Business
- Marketing
- Finance
- Psychology
- Accounting
Get Started Today With AgentCampus
At the end of the day, getting your college degree while being a real estate agent is a decision that will be entirely up to you. While higher education can be helpful, hands-on experience and specialized training are also important. If you're thinking about starting a career in real estate, you'll need to complete some training courses and pass a licensing exam. If you're ready to take the first step, consider signing up for our online real estate pre-licensing course. It's a great way to get the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in the real estate world. Your journey to becoming a successful agent begins with AgentCampus. Sign up today!
