Best Value
1. RealEstateU
Perfect for budget-conscious students. Their audio-based course lets you listen while you commute or exercise.
$79.20
with code CERTLAUNCH
Best Online Real Estate Schools in Michigan (2026)
Compare 10 Michigan LARA-approved schools. Find the best price with exclusive CertLaunch discounts and get your real estate license faster.
Course Cost
$99 – $385
Time to License
3 – 6 weeks
Avg Salary
$60,000/yr
Required Hours
40 hours
Top 3 Michigan Real Estate Schools at a Glance
Short on time? Here are our top picks for 2026 based on value, mobile experience, and comprehensive content.
Visit School →
Best App
2. AceableAgent
Top choice for mobile learning. Modern app interface with bite-sized lessons and interactive videos.
$169
5-Star Rated
3. Kaplan Real Estate Education
Newsweek 5-Star Online Learning Provider. Offers on-demand video format and excellent career development tools.
$179
Best Real Estate Schools in Michigan
All 10 schools are Michigan LARA-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
#1
★★★★½4.6/5(BBB)RealEstateU
Best ValueStarting at
$99
$79
🎉 Exclusive 20% off all packages!
Use code:CERTLAUNCH
Self-paced online6-month access
- LARA-approved 40-hour course
- Audio-based lessons with transcripts
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Available Packages (3)
Course Only
$99$7920% off with code
- 40-hr LARA-approved course
- audio lessons
- transcripts
- infographics
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Use code:CERTLAUNCH
Enroll at RealEstateU →#2
★★★★½4.8/5(10,819 reviews)AceableAgent
Top RatedStarting at
$169
Self-paced online + mobile app6-month access
- Fortune Best Overall Real Estate School
- Mobile app for iOS/Android
- Pass guarantee included
Available Packages (3)
Basic
$169Discount coming soon
- 40-hr pre-license course
- interactive activities
- videos
- audio narration
- mastery tracking
- mobile app
- instructor support
#3
★★★★½4.5/5(Newsweek)Kaplan Real Estate Education
Starting at
$179
Online video (on-demand)6-month access
- Newsweek 5-Star Online Learning Provider
- On-demand video format
- Career development tools available
Available Packages (3)
Michigan Real Estate Fundamentals
$179Discount coming soon
- 40-hr pre-license course (online video)
#4
★★★★½4.4/5(Google Reviews)AYPO Real Estate
Starting at
$189
Self-paced onlineNo expiration
- Pass or Don't Pay Guarantee
- No course expiration
- Next-day reporting to state
Available Packages (2)
Real Estate Salesperson Pre-License Training
$189Discount coming soon
- 40-hr course
- 9 modules
- incremental quizzes
- 115-question final exam
- printable certificate
- next-day reporting
#5
★★★★½4.5/5(Student Reviews)The CE Shop
Starting at
$209
Self-paced online (LEAP platform)6-month access + 1 month free extension
- Interactive LEAP learning platform
- Digital flashcards & study tools
- Career resources included
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
$209Discount coming soon
- 40-hr pre-license course
- business ebooks
- career resources
- digital flashcards
- glossary
- study schedule
#6
★★★★½4.5/5(67,987 reviews)Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$209
Self-paced online + livestreamUp to 6-month access
- AI tutor included
- Livestream option available
- Audio narration & study guides
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
$209Discount coming soon
- 40-hr pre-license course
- instructor support
- study guides
- AI tutor
- audio narration
#7
0/5()Michigan Institute of Real Estate
Starting at
$295
Online, Classroom, Virtual, Home StudyNot specified
- Established since 1985
- Multiple delivery formats
- Michigan-based school
Available Packages (4)
Online
$295Discount coming soon
- Audio narrated course
- available 24/7 on all devices
#8
0/5()Real Estate Training Institute
Starting at
$319
Self-paced online (HD video)Not specified
- HD video course format
- Practice tests included
- Mobile-friendly platform
Available Packages (1)
Michigan Real Estate Salesperson Pre-License Training
$319Discount coming soon
- 40-hr video course (36 hrs pre-license + 4 hrs civil rights)
- practice tests
- mobile-friendly
#9
0/5()Real Estate One Academy
Starting at
$385
Classroom (in-person)N/A (classroom-based)
- Michigan's largest independent brokerage school
- Multiple Michigan locations
- Books and materials included
Available Packages (1)
40-Hr Salesperson Fundamentals
$385Discount coming soon
- In-person instruction
- books and materials included
#10
0/5()Success Licensing
Starting at
$399
Classroom (in-person)N/A (classroom-based, 5-day course)
- Grand Rapids, MI location
- 5-day intensive format
- Free exam review for students
Available Packages (1)
Basic Pre-Licensing (40 hrs, 5-day)
$399Discount coming soon
- In-person instruction
- 9am-5pm
- Wed-Fri + Mon-Tue
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
⚡Quick Facts: Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Michigan
- License Authority
- Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
- Education Required
- 40 Hours (includes 4 hours Civil Rights Law)
- Exam Provider
- PSI Exams (115 Questions total)
- Minimum Age
- 18 years old
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Michigan?
Average Annual Income
$50,000 – $70,000
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Top Earners (90th Percentile)
$100,000+
Experienced agents in top markets
Commission Structure
Michigan real estate agents typically earn 2.5%–3% commission per transaction side. On a $250,000 home (approximate Michigan median), that's roughly $6,250–$7,500 per sale. New agents on a split with their brokerage would keep a portion of this.
Top-Earning Michigan Markets
DetroitGrand RapidsAnn ArborLansingTraverse CityRoyal OakBirmingham
Is a Michigan Real Estate License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- + Flexible Schedule: Be your own boss and set your own hours.
- + Low Barrier to Entry: Only 40 hours of education required compared to other careers.
- + Diverse Opportunities: Work in residential, commercial, or property management.
👎 Cons
- - Income Variability: Commission-based income can be unpredictable starting out.
- - Market Dependent: Earnings can fluctuate with the housing market.
- - Startup Costs: Fees for licensing, MLS, and marketing add up.
How to Get a Real Estate License in Michigan
1
Complete 40 Hours of Pre-License Education
Enroll in a Michigan LARA-approved 40-hour pre-license course. This must include 4 hours of civil rights law and equal opportunity in housing.
2
Apply for Your License
Submit your license application to the State of Michigan via the MiPLUS system. Application fee is approximately $88.
3
Get Authorized to Test
Once your application and course completion are processed, you will receive an authorization to schedule your exam.
4
Pass the Michigan State Exam
Schedule your exam with PSI. The exam covers national and state-specific topics. A passing score is required to get your license.
5
Find a Sponsoring Broker
To practice real estate, your license must be held by a sponsoring broker. Choose a brokerage that offers the training and support you need.
Michigan Real Estate License Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Good moral character
- No college degree required
- Disclose any criminal convictions
Education & Exam Requirements
- 40 hours of approved pre-license education
- Includes 4 hours of civil rights law
- Pass Michigan state exam (PSI)
- Find a sponsoring broker
Michigan Real Estate License Cost
Here\'s the breakdown of costs to get your Michigan real estate license in 2026:
| Item | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-License Course (40 hours) | $99 – $385 | Use CertLaunch discount |
| License Application Fee | $88 – $88 | State of Michigan (LARA) |
| State Exam Fee | $79 – $79 | PSI Exams |
| Background Check | Included – Included | Part of application process |
| Estimated Total | $266 – $552+ | Save with CertLaunch |
The Michigan Real Estate Exam
Exam Details
- Provider: PSI Exams
- Question Count: 115 questions (80 National, 35 State)
- Passing Score: 70% (Requires passing both sections)
- Time Limit: 180 minutes
- Cost: ~$79
Exam Topics
- Property ownership & land use
- Contracts & agency
- Financing & valuation
- Michigan real estate laws
- Civil rights & fair housing
💡 Exam Prep Tip
The Michigan exam is known for its tricky state-specific questions. We recommend choosing a school that includes a robust exam prep package with Michigan-specific practice questions, such as The CE Shop or Colibri Real Estate.
How Long Does It Take?
1–2 weeks
Full-time
Studying 40 hours/week
3–5 weeks
Part-time
Studying 1–2 hours/day
2–3 months
Casual pace
A few hours per week
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Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
Considering a license in another state? Compare requirements, costs, and earning potential before you decide.
How to Get an Arizona Real Estate License
96 hours • $552–$801 total • Avg $50k–$80k/yr
How to Get a Colorado Real Estate License
168 hours • $1,150–$2,100 total • Avg $49k–$104k/yr
How to Get an Indiana Real Estate License
90 hours • $390–$751 total • Avg $55k/yr
How to Get a Missouri Real Estate License
72 hours • $301–$753 total • Avg $45k–$77k/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Michigan?
Total costs range from $250 to $600+. This includes the pre-license course ($99–$400), state exam fee (~$79), license application ($88), and background check. Using a CertLaunch discount code can save you money on the course.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in Michigan?
Most students complete the process in 3–6 weeks. The 40-hour pre-license course can be finished in 1 week if studying full-time. After passing the course, you can schedule your state exam quickly.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in Michigan?
You must be at least 18 years old, complete 40 hours of approved pre-license education (including 4 hours of civil rights law), pass the Michigan state exam, and apply through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Is the Michigan real estate exam hard?
The Michigan real estate exam is challenging but passable with study. It consists of national and state-specific questions. Proper preparation with a quality pre-license course and exam prep is key.
Can I take the Michigan real estate course online?
Yes. All schools listed on CertLaunch offer online, state-approved 40-hour pre-license courses. You can choose between self-paced or livestream formats.
How much do real estate agents make in Michigan?
Michigan real estate agents earn an average of $50,000–$70,000 per year. Top agents in markets like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor can earn significantly more depending on commission and volume.
Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Michigan?
No. Michigan does not require a college degree to obtain a real estate license. You only need to complete the 40-hour pre-license course and pass the state exam.
What is the best real estate school in Michigan?
The best school depends on your needs. RealEstateU offers the best value at $79.20 with CertLaunch discount. AceableAgent and Kaplan are top-rated for interactive content and exam prep. Local schools like Real Estate One Academy offer excellent classroom options.
How do I choose between online and in-person real estate classes in Michigan?
Online courses offer flexibility and lower cost. In-person classes (like those from Real Estate One or Michigan Institute of Real Estate) provide structure and networking. Choose based on your learning style.
Can I get my Michigan real estate license if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offense. LARA reviews applications case-by-case. You must be of "good moral character". Disclosing prior convictions is required, and honesty is critical during the application process.