Top 25 Real Estate Schools In Los Angeles (2026)

Los Angeles offers a robust and diverse landscape for real estate education, reflecting the city’s status as one of the most dynamic and complex real estate markets in the world.

The region is home to prestigious university programs, career-focused certificate courses, and flexible online schools, catering to everyone from aspiring real estate agents to experienced developers. Whether you are looking to complete the state-mandated 135 pre-licensing hours to become a salesperson, pursue a broker’s license, or earn an advanced degree in real estate development, there are exceptional options available.

Top 25 Real Estate Schools in Los Angeles

1. UCLA Master of Real Estate Development (MRED)

UCLA offers an 11-month STEM-designated interdisciplinary Master of Real Estate Development program housed in the Luskin School of Public Affairs . The curriculum is a combination of academic and experiential learning, with courses taught by leading industry executives and practitioners from the Anderson School of Management and the School of Law.

As the top public university in the U.S., UCLA provides students with unparalleled access to the Los Angeles market and a robust international alumni network through the Ziman Center for Real Estate, preparing graduates to drive positive change in communities.

2. USC Marshall School of Business

The USC Marshall School of Business offers a BS in Real Estate Finance and Development (REFD), a groundbreaking joint degree with the USC Price School of Public Policy.

The four-year program gives students a solid foundation in Economics, Accounting, and Finance at Marshall, while learning Real Estate Development and Urban Planning at Price . This degree prepares graduates for careers in real estate finance, investment, and development, making it uniquely positioned given USC’s location in the heart of Los Angeles.

3. USC Marshall – Master of Real Estate Development

Beyond the undergraduate program, USC Marshall offers graduate-level real estate education. The program is ranked among the best in California by U.S. News & World Report, with tuition and fees for the full-time program costing $83,853 per year.

The school has a peer assessment score of 3.9, reflecting its high standing in the academic community. Students benefit from the school’s location and access to one of the largest and most influential real estate markets in the country.

4. Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

Pepperdine offers a Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE), a competitive 12-month full-time program located at the Malibu campus. The rigorous curriculum develops a fundamental understanding of real estate finance, development, and asset management, and trains students to solve complex issues facing today’s real estate organizations.

With the Greater Los Angeles area as a backdrop, students can cultivate local partnerships through the school’s immersive Education to Business initiative, gaining practical, real-world executive experience.

5. UCLA Anderson School of Management

The Anderson School of Management at UCLA is another top-rated option for graduate-level real estate study, ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best business schools for real estate.

Tuition and fees for the full-time program are $81,402 per year for both in-state and out-of-state students, with a peer assessment score of 3.9. The program offers a comprehensive business education with a strong focus on real estate, preparing students for leadership roles in the industry.

6. California State University, Northridge (CSUN)

CSUN is a very large public university offering real estate programs as part of its business curriculum. In a recently concluded season, 3 Real Estate students graduated with Certificates. The school offers an accessible, affordable option for students seeking a strong academic foundation in real estate within the Los Angeles area, with a student-teacher ratio of 43:1 and a large campus community of over 38,000 students.

7. California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)

Cal State LA offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Real Estate, designed to prepare individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another field for entry into real estate careers, including sales, investment, management, and mortgage banking.

The 16-unit program meets the course requirements for the California Real Estate Salesperson Exam and is open to all students except those completing a BSBA with an Option in Real Estate. The program is part of a very large public university with a student-teacher ratio of 37:1.

8. West Valley College – Real Estate Program

West Valley College offers comprehensive, tuition-free real estate programs that prepare students for both Salesperson and Broker licenses . The tuition-free courses have no enrollment or registration fees, and students accrue completion hours rather than college credit.

The Salesperson Certificate of Completion requires 144-162 hours, while the Broker Certificate requires 384-432 hours covering courses in Real Estate Practice, Economics, Legal Aspects, Appraisal, Finance, and Property Management. The program emphasizes what it is really like to be a real estate professional working full-time, preparing students for the state licensing exams.

9. Chapman University

Chapman University, located in nearby Orange, is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university offering a Master’s degree in Real Estate. In a recent year, 15 Real Estate students graduated with Master’s degrees. The school has a student-teacher ratio of 17:1 and enrolls 9,760 students, providing a focused, private education experience in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

10. Antelope Valley Community College District

This large public four-year university offers 3 Real Estate degree programs and graduated 21 students in a recent year, with 15 earning Certificates and 6 earning Associate’s degrees. It provides an affordable option for students in the northern Los Angeles area seeking foundational real estate education and career preparation.

11. Cerritos College

Cerritos College is a very large public two-year college offering 2 Real Estate degree programs. In a recent year, 89 Real Estate students graduated with 77 earning Certificates and 12 earning Associate’s degrees. The college provides accessible, career-focused training with a strong track record of preparing students for the real estate industry.

12. Citrus College

Citrus College, located in Glendora, is a large public two-year college offering 2 Real Estate degree programs. In a recent season, 78 Real Estate students graduated with 70 earning Certificates and 8 earning Associate’s degrees . The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on practical skills and industry knowledge for entry-level real estate careers.

13. Coastline Community College

Located in Fountain Valley, Coastline Community College is a medium-sized public two-year college offering 2 Real Estate degree programs. Recently, 33 Real Estate students graduated with Certificates. The school provides flexible learning options for students pursuing careers in real estate sales and property management.

14. College of the Canyons

College of the Canyons, located in Santa Clarita, is a large public two-year college offering 2 Real Estate degree programs. In a recent year, 15 Real Estate students graduated with 9 earning Associate’s degrees and 6 earning Certificates . The school provides accessible, affordable education for students in the northwestern Los Angeles area.

15. Compton College

Compton College is a medium-sized public two-year college offering 1 Real Estate degree program. In 2024, 4 Real Estate students graduated with Certificates . The school serves the South Los Angeles community with affordable real estate education and career preparation.

16. The CE Shop

The CE Shop is a top online real estate school offering a robust online dashboard with packages that include both prelicensing and continuing education courses. They feature Exam Prep Edge with quizzes, flashcards, and practice tests, and have a 96% satisfaction rate, making them a top contender for busy learners in Los Angeles.

17. Colibri Real Estate

Colibri Real Estate offers a personalized online learning approach with a dashboard that tracks progress and sets goals, complemented by live Q&A sessions. Their courses are crafted by experienced professionals, providing a structured learning environment with a focus on accountability and exam readiness.

18. AceableAgent

AceableAgent is an ideal choice for mobile learners, with its mobile app and audio courses that allow for learning on the go. The interactive approach includes videos, games, and case studies, all designed to keep students engaged and well-prepared for the state exam.

19. OnlineEd

OnlineEd offers the most affordable online courses, complete with a price-match guarantee. Their partnership with the California Association of Realtors ensures quality education, and their straightforward lessons are accessible on tablets and Kindles, making them a budget-friendly option.

20. Kaplan Real Estate Education

Kaplan Real Estate Education is renowned for its practice tests and exam prep, providing a comprehensive suite of study tools. They offer live online classes and interactive study groups, offering a collaborative learning experience ideal for those who thrive in a community setting.

21. Premier Schools

Premier Schools, located in Los Angeles, specializes in real estate education, offering a range of online and traditional home study courses for obtaining real estate licenses. Their programs include California Real Estate Sales and Brokers License courses, as well as continuing education options for license renewal, with interactive practice exams and audio-visual resources.

22. US Realty Training

US Realty Training provides guidance on how to become a real estate agent in Los Angeles, outlining the five key steps to earn a license. They explain the state requirements, including the 135-hour pre-licensing courses covering Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective class, as well as the application process for the California real estate exam.

23. California Department of Real Estate (DRE) Approved Schools

The California DRE maintains a list of all accredited real estate schools in the state. Students in Los Angeles can review the DRE website to find approved institutions that meet the state requirements for pre-licensing education, including those offering in-person and online programs.

24. West Valley College – Affordable Housing Management

West Valley College also offers a tuition-free Certificate of Completion in Affordable Housing Management requiring 48-54 hours of coursework. This specialized program provides students with the knowledge needed to manage affordable housing properties, a growing sector in the Los Angeles real estate market.

25. West Valley College – Real Estate Appraiser Courses

West Valley College offers courses for those seeking a Real Estate Appraiser license as part of its comprehensive real estate department. This prepares students for a specialized and in-demand career path within the broader real estate industry, complementing the school’s salesperson and broker programs.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Application

Start by identifying your career goals and choose a program that aligns with your aspirations, whether you are pursuing a career as a real estate agent, broker, developer, or appraiser.

For aspiring agents, California requires completion of 135 hours of pre-licensing coursework covering Real Estate Principles, Practice, and one elective class.

Research each school‘s approval status with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) to ensure your coursework will be accepted for licensure . Consider the cost differences between private and public institutions, as West Valley College offers tuition-free real estate programs.

For university programs, focus on achieving a strong GPA and competitive entrance exam scores .

Evaluate program length and format, as online schools like The CE Shop and AceableAgent offer flexible, self-paced options for working students.

Finally, verify the school’s track record and exam pass rates to ensure a strong return on investment.

Closing

Los Angeles offers a rich and diverse real estate education landscape, from prestigious university graduate programs like UCLA’s MRED and USC’s Marshall School to cost-effective community college certificate programs and flexible online schools.

The demand for real estate professionals in the region remains robust, with the Los Angeles market being one of the most active and complex in the nation. Whether you aspire to become a real estate agent, a broker, a developer, or an appraiser, there are exceptional options available in Los Angeles.

When choosing a program, prioritize proper state approval, review program outcomes, carefully weigh tuition costs, and consider the flexibility of online options. By thoroughly researching each option, prospective students can find a real estate school in Los Angeles that fits their needs and sets them on a rewarding career path in the dynamic real estate industry.

Note that all information, including tuition and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school and the California Department of Real Estate.