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Do I need a College Degree to Get a Real Estate License in Pennsylvania?

Quick Answer: You don’t need a college degree to become a real estate agent in Pennsylvania. You just need to be 18 or older, complete 75 hours of courseworkPennsylvania Real Estate License, and pass the state licensing exam.

Do I Really Need a Degree for This?

Short answer: No. A college degree is not a requirement to become a licensed real estate agent in Pennsylvania.

That said, the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission does require that you:

  • Are at least 18 years old

  • Hold a high school diploma or GED

  • Are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

These criteria ensure that all candidates start from a fair, accessible baseline, without requiring a four-year degree or prior industry experience.

What Education Is Required to Become a Real Estate Agent in Pennsylvania?

While a degree isn’t required, you must complete 75 hours of pre-licensing education from a state-approved providerPennsylvania Real Estate License. This typically includes:

  • 30 hours of Real Estate Fundamentals

  • 45 hours of Real Estate Practice

After finishing the course, here’s what happens next:

  1. Pass the Pennsylvania real estate exam, administered by Pearson VUEEn Pa Realestate.html Us

  2. Submit a background check

  3. Choose a sponsoring broker

  4. Apply for your license through the PALS system

For official details, visit the Real Estate Commission Licensure GuideDos Resources Professional Licensing Resources Licensure Processing Guides And Timelines Real Estate Commission Guide.html Agencies.

Real Estate vs. College: Which Pays Off Faster?

If you’re comparing paths, here’s how real estate stacks up:

Real Estate License

  • Time to start earning: 3–6 months

  • Estimated cost: Under $1,000

  • Learning style: Online, self-paced

College Degree

  • Time to start earning: 4+ years

  • Estimated cost: $30,000–$100,000+

  • Learning style: Full-time, classroom-based

Want more numbers? Our real estate vs. college cost guideNational Cost Getting Real Estate License Vs Going College Career Center breaks it down in detail.

Ready to launch your real estate career—without the classroom?

Enroll in Aceable’s state-approved, 100% online Pennsylvania pre-licensing course and start working toward your license today.

Learn More Pennsylvania Real Estate License

Can a College Degree Still Help?

Yes—but only in specific cases. A degree may help you:

  • Apply credits from real estate or legal coursework toward your 75-hour requirement

  • Qualify to skip pre-licensing education entirely (for some law degrees)

These exceptions are reviewed by the Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission on a case-by-case basis. You’ll still need to pass the licensing exam and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Planning to Become a Broker?

If you’re thinking long-term, becoming a real estate broker in Pennsylvania requires:

  • 240 hours of additional state-approved education

  • At least three years of experience as a licensed agent

  • A formal application through the PALS system

Some advanced degrees or real estate experience may count toward your broker qualifications. The full requirements are available in the Broker Licensure Requirements Snapshot.

You Don’t Need a Degree. You Just Need a Starting Point.

If you’re ready to start a new chapter, without student debt, real estate could be the fast track you’re looking for. Flexible. Affordable. High earning potential.

AceableAgent offers:

  • A state-approved course built for mobile

  • Lessons you can start and stop anytime

  • Full support from sign-up to exam day

Start your Pennsylvania real estate course todayPennsylvania Real Estate License