Do Real Estate Agents Need a College Degree?
When starting in real estate, it's natural to wonder if a college degree is necessary to succeed. The good news? You don’t need a degree to get started. In fact, many successful real estate agents rely on their communication skills, drive, and on-the-job learning rather than formal higher education.
In this blog, we’ll break down whether REALTORS® need a degree, explore how many have one, and help you decide if pursuing a real estate degree is right for your goals.
Do REALTORS® Need a Degree?
Let’s get this out of the way first: You don’t need a college degree to become a licensed real estate agent in any U.S. state.
Instead, each state has its own licensing requirements that usually include being at least 18, holding a high school diploma or GED, completing approved Pre-Licensing coursework, passing a licensing exam, and undergoing a background check.
So, if you’re asking, “Do REALTORS® need a degree?”—the answer is no. But many choose to get one anyway.
Real Estate Licensing Requirements
While a college diploma isn’t necessary, you must complete Pre-Licensing education to qualify for your state’s real estate licensing exam. These courses cover fundamental topics such as property ownership, contracts, financing, laws, and ethics.
Here’s a quick overview of the standard licensing requirements:
- Must be 18 or older
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Complete Pre-Licensing coursework
- Pass the state licensing exam
- Clear a background check
- Stay current with Continuing Education
Even without a degree, anyone who checks these boxes can launch a real estate career with the right training and determination.
What Percentage of Real Estate Agents Have a Degree?
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), education levels among real estate professionals break down like this:
- 34% hold a bachelor’s degree
- 13% have earned a graduate-level degree
- 13% completed an associate's degree
- 27% attended some college without completing a degree
- 5% attended some graduate school
So, what percentage of real estate agents have a degree? Around half hold a bachelor’s or higher, but it's not a requirement to thrive in this field.
Should You Get a Degree for Real Estate?
While a degree isn’t required, it can provide value depending on your long-term plans. Let’s look at both sides.
Advantages of a Real Estate Degree
Here are some advantages of a real estate degree:
- Professional Appeal: Some brokerages may favor candidates with higher education, particularly in luxury or commercial markets.
- Broader Skill Set: Degrees in business, marketing, or finance can give you a stronger understanding of core concepts that apply directly to real estate sales.
- Expanded Career Options: A degree opens doors to other real estate-related careers, like investment analysis, development, appraisal, or urban planning.
Drawbacks of Getting a Degree
Conversely, here are some potential drawbacks of getting a degree:
- It Doesn’t Guarantee Success: You won’t automatically get more clients or commissions just because you have a diploma.
- High Cost of Tuition: College can be expensive. You'll need to weigh the financial investment against the potential return.
- Time Investment: Most degrees take years to complete, time you could spend gaining hands-on experience and building your client base.
So, is a real estate degree worth it? It depends on your goals. If you want to specialize, manage teams, or explore other roles in real estate, a degree can be helpful. But if your focus is residential sales, gaining experience and sharpening your people skills may take you further, faster.
What’s the Best Degree For Real Estate?
If you decide college is the right move, picking the right major can shape your future in the industry. The best degree for real estate is one that supports your career ambitions and gives you a useful foundation in the business.
Here are some of the top choices:
Business
A business degree provides versatile skills for real estate professionals. You’ll learn about operations, management, entrepreneurship, and negotiation; valuable tools whether joining a brokerage or launching your own.
Marketing
Real estate is all about visibility and branding. A marketing degree teaches you how to promote properties, attract clients, and use digital tools like social media and email campaigns to grow your presence.
Finance
Understanding how money works is crucial in real estate. A finance degree equips you with knowledge about mortgages, investment strategies, risk analysis, and more—skills that are especially useful if you plan to work with investors or handle commercial properties.
Psychology
Buying or selling property is an emotional journey. A background in psychology helps you understand client behavior, manage expectations, and build strong relationships. It also enhances your communication and negotiation abilities.
Accounting
Managing your commissions, expenses, and taxes is part of the job. A degree in accounting gives you the tools to handle your finances or guide clients through the financial side of transactions.
Start Your Real Estate Career With Agent Campus by 360training
Whether you choose to earn a college degree or not, one thing’s for sure: specialized real estate training is non-negotiable.
Agent Campus by 360training offers online real estate Pre-Licensing courses designed to help you pass your exam and start your career with confidence. Our programs are flexible, affordable, and built for busy schedules—so you can learn at your own pace, from anywhere.
Already licensed? We also offer Continuing Education to help you grow your skills and keep your license up to date.
Ready to start your real estate journey? Explore our Pre-Licensing or Continuing Education options and take the first step toward a successful career in real estate.
