Do most Real Estate Agents Go to College?

Couldn't find a lot of info about this online but do majority of real estate agents have a college degree? Or do they get their license and start work straight out of high school?

Real estate is unique in the sense that higher education isn't a prerequisite to become a licensed agent. The process involves taking a pre-licensing course, passing your state’s real estate exam and getting a real estate license, which are achievable straight out of high school. That said, while a four-year degree isn’t a mandatory requirement for real estate agents, many do have college education.

Let's break this down.

Firstly, a high number of real estate agents do have college degrees. According to the National Association of Realtors, about 50% of members have a Bachelor's degree or higher. This isn’t surprising as many college degree programs, such as business or finance, can be quite helpful in preparing someone for a career in real estate. They provide an understanding of economics, marketing, and law that can be very beneficial.

On the other hand, there are scores of successful real estate agents who don't possess a college degree. They may have acquired the required skills through practical work experience, self-education, and on-the-job training. While a college degree can provide some useful skills and knowledge, the fact is many aspects of real estate, such as local knowledge, negotiation tactics, and people skills, are learned on the job.

So, it really depends! While many agents do hold college degrees, it's by no means a universal standard in the industry. There's just as much value in gaining practical experience, attending seminars/workshops, and immersing one's self directly in the field. So if you're considering a career in this field, keep in mind that with the right training, commitment, and passion, you can still be a successful real estate agent without a traditional college education.