Best Online Real Estate Schools in Texas 2026

1) AceableAgent — Best for busy schedules + mobile learning

Why it’s a top pick for 2026: AceableAgent is built for modern, flexible study—especially if you want to knock out coursework in short sessions on your phone, tablet, or laptop. Their Texas package includes the six 30-hour courses (180 hours total) required by TREC.

What stands out

• Mobile-first experience and on-the-go progress tracking (good for parents, full-time workers, and anyone who hates long desktop study sessions).
• Strong emphasis on engagement (videos, interactive elements), which matters if you’re prone to zoning out in text-heavy courses.
• “Pass guarantee” style positioning (refund terms vary, but the intent is clear: they’re optimizing for passing).

Who should choose AceableAgent

• You want maximum flexibility and you’ll actually study more if it feels modern and bite-sized.
• You learn better with interactive content than textbooks.

Watch-outs



• If you prefer a traditional classroom vibe with lots of instructor-led structure, you may want a more “live class” option (see Champions).

2) Champions School of Real Estate — Best for structure + instructor support (still online)

Why it’s a top pick for 2026: Champions is one of the most established real estate education brands in Texas and offers multiple online formats, including interactive/virtual options. They also bundle exam prep with many programs and clearly state their pre-licensing programs include the TREC-required 180 hours.

What stands out

• Multiple ways to learn online (virtual classroom, online interactive, mix-and-match), which is huge if you don’t fit a one-size format.
• Built-in exam prep access (often with timed mock exams).
• “Big school” resources and systems—helpful if you want a guided path and fewer unknowns.

Who should choose Champions

• You want more structure than purely self-paced platforms.
• You like the idea of an “education partner” feel—support, schedules, and a clear process.

Watch-outs

• Pricing is often higher than some self-paced options, depending on package and add-ons.

3) Colibri Real Estate — Best for all-in-one career preparation

Why it’s a top pick for 2026: Colibri is frequently ranked among the best Texas online schools and is positioned as a “career-long” platform (pre-licensing through continuing education).  It offers Texas 180-hour packages and promotes instructor support, study guides, and exam-prep style tools.

What stands out



• Robust “bundle” options: pre-licensing + study guides + simulated exams/flashcards/readiness assessments depending on package.
• Exam-prep depth: they outline exam structure/time limits and build prep around the tested content.
• Ranked as a leading choice in Texas-focused lists for 2026.

Who should choose Colibri

• You want a polished online experience but also want career-oriented extras, not just the minimum hours.
• You like having multiple study tools (flashcards, simulated exams, guides) in one place.

Watch-outs

• As with most schools, the “best value” depends on which package you choose—don’t pay for extras you won’t use.

4) Kaplan Real Estate Education — Best for exam prep + serious test-takers

Why it’s a top pick for 2026: Kaplan is a long-standing education brand and offers Texas licensing coursework online, including completion of the 180-hour requirement with flexible learning options.  If you’re the type who wants a more traditional, rigorous approach—Kaplan is usually a strong fit.

What stands out

• Strong reputation for exam prep and structured learning paths.
• Online options designed to help you complete required hours efficiently while keeping an exam-focused mindset.

Who should choose Kaplan

• You’re disciplined and want a more traditional academic feel.
• You want a school known for exam preparation across multiple states and career stages.

Watch-outs

• Kaplan can feel “less playful” than some mobile-first platforms—great if you like serious study, less great if you need entertainment to stay engaged.

5) The CE Shop — Best for clean, self-paced learning (and continuing education later)

Why it’s a top pick for 2026: The CE Shop is a major online education provider offering Texas pre-licensing packages that include the 180 hours required for a Texas Sales Agent license, and it’s positioned as a platform you can keep using beyond licensing (post-licensing, CE, etc.).

What stands out

• Straightforward, self-paced platform with tiered packages and exam prep options.
• Texas-specific pages (including pass-rate messaging and program details) that make it easy to understand what you’re buying.

Who should choose The CE Shop

• You want simple and self-paced, but still want a recognizable national provider.
• You want to keep one provider for pre-licensing + future CE.

Watch-outs

• Self-paced only works if you’re consistent. If you struggle with accountability, consider Champions (more structure) or create a strict calendar.

How to choose the right school (quick decision filter)

Here’s the fastest way to pick without overthinking:

Choose AceableAgent if you’ll study more when it’s mobile-friendly and modern. 
Choose Champions if you want structure and a guided feel while staying online. 
Choose Colibri if you want an all-in-one “career prep” bundle with lots of built-in study tools. 
Choose Kaplan if you want a traditional, exam-focused program from a long-standing test-prep brand. 
Choose The CE Shop if you want a clean self-paced experience and a provider you can stick with for CE later.

Two pro tips most people miss (especially in Texas)

1) Verify provider performance using TREC’s published pass-rate data

Marketing claims are easy. TREC’s benchmark and provider pass-rate reporting gives you a reality check. Start there, especially if you’re between two similar-priced schools.

2) Don’t ignore the exam itself—study to pass, not just to “finish hours”

TREC also publishes exam-topic reporting that can help you understand what’s tested and where students tend to struggle. Use that to guide your study time (contracts, math, agency, etc.).

Bottom line for 2026

Any TREC-approved provider can technically get you through the 180 hours—but the best online real estate school in Texas for you is the one you’ll actually finish and that gives you the tools to pass on the first try. Start with learning style first, then price, then support.