The real estate industry offers excellent opportunities for felons. Many felons can learn how to move past their previous convictions and go on to become successful real estate brokers and agents, but the challenge is getting there.
Securing your license can be tricky if you have a criminal record, but some online real estate schools will give you a chance to change your life. The best online real estate schools for felons are flexible and affordable. In addition, they offer job placement services to help you find work after graduation.
In this article, we’ll look at some of these programs so that you can make an informed decision about where you want to earn your credentials so you can pass your real estate license exam.
Why Would a Felon Want a Real Estate License?
The average real estate agent in the United States earns anywhere from $65,000 to $90,000 per year, with many higher-populated areas offering more. More importantly, the career choice gives you a chance to set your own hours and work under experienced agents willing to help you develop the skills and client network needed to strike out on your own.
This is a fantastic way to get plugged into your local community and build a reputation that goes beyond any previous criminal convictions or legal mistakes from the past. It offers a second chance at supporting your family without frequently getting turned down on applications for other jobs.
The catch is gaining your real estate license as a felon will take time, money, and dedication. But, if you can swing it, you can have a lucrative career.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Online Real Estate Schools for Felons
Before enrolling in an online real estate school, you will need to consider several measures to ensure the resource you choose is the best program for your unique needs. Some of these criteria may include:
Flexibility of Coursework
The flexibility of the coursework is an essential factor to consider. You want to be able to work while you study, and the self-paced nature of online classes allows you to take your time with the assignments. This means that if you have a busy schedule or need to work on other projects, there’s no pressure to rush through them.
Many felons must deal with probation or parole issues requiring a full-time income. Having an online real estate school is best, so you can fit it into your schedule while still fulfilling your other legal obligations.
Affordability of Tuition
Tuition costs vary from school to school and even within different programs at the same institution. The cost of tuition depends on several factors:
- Whether it is a two-year or four-year program
- Whether you choose an online or campus-based option
- If you have prior experience in real estate or not
- Whether or not your state has any financial aid requirements for felons
- And plenty more
In addition to these costs, keep in mind that many schools will offer scholarships and grants based on need as well as merit-based awards such as academic performance, community service, or leadership skills. Some schools even provide scholarships targeted explicitly towards ex-convicts trying to become realtors!
Availability of Job Placement Services
When considering an online real estate school, the availability of job placement services should be one of the most critical factors in your decision.
If you have a felony and have been unable to find employment in any industry, finding a job after completing this program may be difficult. You want to sweeten your application as much as possible by demonstrating your knowledge to gain the experience to build a solid real estate agent career.
Reputation within the Real Estate Industry
A school’s reputation is an essential factor to consider when looking for an online real estate school. This is because the reputation of a school will help you get a job, and it can also help you get your license.
A good reputation within the real estate industry will lead to more job opportunities and better pay for graduates. Reputation matters because employers want to hire people who are qualified for their positions and will do well in them.
Top 7 Online Real Estate Schools for Felons
1 – Kaplan
Kaplan University is a private, for-profit university with campuses and learning centers throughout the United States and Canada. The school offers online continuing education courses and real estate licensing that can be completed at your own pace or instead of a traditional online class environment. That includes access to the various renewal education you will need many years later as you develop your real estate career.
- Cost of Tuition: $400 and up
- Average Pass Rate: 76%
2 – Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate offers a variety of online real estate courses, including the Real Estate Salesperson license and Broker license. They have been in operation since 1996, meaning they were at the beginning of this industry with a long history of connecting newly minted real estate agents with various industry leaders. The free guidance support is especially beneficial as it will help you find a starting point post-graduation.
- Cost of Tuition: $150 and up
- Average Pass Rate: 78%
3 – The CE Shop
The CE Shop offers an extensive range of online courses in real estate, including pre-licensing courses, exam prep courses, post-licensing courses, and continuing education courses. The online courses are flexible and self-paced, and the material is presented in a clear and easy-to-understand format. Additionally, they offer job search assistance to help you find work after completing the program.
- Cost of Tuition: $100 and up
- Average Pass Rate: 74%
4 – Aceable Agent
Aceable Agent is an online real estate school that offers a variety of courses in real estate. They have been featured in numerous online news media for their continuing education resources and professional development courses. With a mission to create the best agents in the industry, this is a strong school if you have a previous felony conviction. This is also one of the first online schools to embrace on-the-go learning with self-paced courses.
- Cost of Tuition: $120
- Average Pass Rate: 85%
5 – VanEd
VanEd (Van Education Center) creates incredibly high-value real estate agents, brokers, and appraises based on a solid curriculum of courses. Each is designed to meet the various national and state requirements within the industry, allowing you a clear pathway to achieving your full licensing when you graduate. There is a 5-day free trial with this online real estate school to get you acquainted with the program before committing.
- Cost of Tuition: $450 and up
- Average Pass Rate: N/A
6 – NAR Development Center
NAR stands for the National Association of Realtors. They operate a Center for Realtor Development designed to provide niche real estate pre-licensing education for anyone interested in this career. That enables personalized course subject construction depending on your area of desired expertise or geographical location. This is the best option on our list if you want to focus on vacation homes, short sales, or some other niche market.
- Cost of Tuition: $30 and up
- Average Pass Rate: N/A
7 – Mbition (Formally OnCourse Learning)
Mbition is our choice for anyone hoping to get their home inspector license. While real estate is a promising career choice, home inspectors are also high in demand and provide a lucrative career pathway for people with previous criminal convictions. The school provides plenty of other ongoing educational support as well as pre-licensure programs to get you started.
- Cost of Tuition: $110 and up
- Average Pass Rate: 74%
What Steps Do I Need to Get Started?
There is no simple pathway for someone with a previous felony conviction to secure a real estate license. Each state will have different requirements that you will have to follow for success. In general, you will need to:
- Make sure you fulfill your state’s entry and licensing requirements.
- Complete any educational requirements for pre-licensure.
- Apply and pass your state’s licensing exam.
- Apply and receive your real estate license.
- Find a local real estate brokerage to work under.
- Join the NAR (national association of realtors)
- Maintain your licensing requirements year to year.
FAQs
What are online real estate schools?
An online real estate school is a type of education program that offers courses in real estate-related subjects. These schools are not the same as traditional brick-and-mortar schools, but they’re still a great way to learn about the subject if you want to get involved in the industry or simply gain more knowledge about it.
How can real estate education help felons?
You know how they say that every cloud has a silver lining? Well, it’s true! Real estate education can be your ticket to launching a new career. It helps you find work and make money while developing new skills and knowledge (like negotiating). This means that even if you don’t have any experience selling houses yet, you’ll at least get some basic knowledge about what goes into buying/selling property.
Are online real estate schools the same as traditional real estate schools?
Online real estate schools are not the same as traditional real estate schools. Online real estate schools offer a more flexible schedule, more affordable tuition, and more job placement services than traditional real estate schools.
How do I know if I’m eligible to attend an online real estate school as a felon?
If you’re looking to get your real estate license and become a professional in the business, you’ll need to know what requirements are necessary. Be sure to check your state’s requirements before investing in an online real estate school. There may be a waiting period between the completion of your sentence and applying for or receiving your license.
Can I get licensed as a real estate agent or broker as a felon?
You can get licensed as a real estate agent or broker. It is up to the state you are applying in, though some states will allow felons to get their license while others won’t.
How long does it take to complete an online real estate school program?
This depends on the program. Online real estate schools are flexible, and you can take courses at your own pace, taking breaks and coming back later if necessary. You can even work on the coursework while you are working or studying another subject.
How much does it cost to attend an online real estate school?
The average tuition cost to attend an online real estate school is anywhere from $100 to $900 per course. The cost of your program will depend on the type of program you choose and how long it is. If you’re looking at certificate programs, those tend to be cheaper than associate degrees or bachelor’s degrees in real estate.
What kind of coursework can I expect in an online real estate school program?
While online real estate schools offer a variety of coursework options, you can expect to take the following classes:
- Real Estate Principles
- Property Management and Leasing
- Financing and Lending in Real Estate (a must for getting your broker’s license)
- Residential Sales and Marketing Strategies (this is where you learn how to sell houses)
- And more
Will online real estate schools help me find a job after graduation?
The answer to this question is a bit more complicated than it seems. It depends on the school and their job placement program, but also how far along you are in your education. If you are just starting out, then yes, online schools will help get you a job after graduation. However, if you already have some experience in real estate and want to become licensed as an agent (or broker), then finding employment may be a better route.
An excellent way to find out whether an online real estate course is right for you is by asking questions about job placement rates and success stories from graduates who have been able to find work after completing their studies.
Conclusion
The real estate industry is a lucrative career path for felons, but it can be difficult to break into the field. An online real estate school can be an excellent option for those who want to learn about the industry without having to leave home or pay high tuition rates. The schools listed above offer flexible coursework options and job placement services that can help you get started on your new career path.
Good luck, and leave a comment about your experience as a felon receiving their real estate license!
If you would like to learn more about changing your life after a felony conviction, check out the guide Getting Out: success after incarceration, available on Amazon.
