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Real Estate

Real Estate graduates earn $84,821 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $55,645 and $120,670. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Real Estate

Real Estate is a focused area of study within Business. Graduates typically earn around $84,821 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 234 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 7,783 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. The curriculum blends analytical and applied coursework aimed at the workplace.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $54,665
Median Earnings · 4yr: $84,821
Colleges Offering: 234
Graduates / Year: 7,783
Avg Net Price / yr: $22,543

How Much Do Real Estate Graduates Earn?

Real Estate graduates earn $84,821 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $55,645 and $120,670. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $54,665 climbs to $84,821 by year four.

$54,665

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$84,821

4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$83,592

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Real Estate graduates. Industry and seniority explain most of the spread. Finance, consulting, and strategy roles pull the top end up; operations and administrative roles sit at the bottom.

$55,645 25th pct.

$84,821 Median

$120,670 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $84,821 against an estimated $90,172 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 68 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 7,783 students who complete Real Estate programs each year, the majority (41%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

41% 24%

Bachelor's 41%

Master's 24%

Doctorate 16%

What Can You Do With a Real Estate Degree?

Real Estate connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Real Estate Brokers leads at $73,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.3% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Real Estate Brokers

$73,220

$46K $103K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 9,700 openings/yr 46K employed nationally

Speaking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Critical Thinking Negotiation

Day-to-day responsibilities

Operate real estate office, or work for commercial real estate firm, overseeing real estate transactions. Other duties usually include selling real estate or renting properties and arranging loans.

Sell, for a fee, real estate owned by others.
Obtain agreements from property owners to place properties for sale with real estate firms.
Act as an intermediary in negotiations between buyers and sellers over property prices and settlement details and during the closing of sales.

↗ +3.6% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Property Managers

$69,990

$51K $98K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 39,000 openings/yr 311K employed nationally

Speaking Reading Comprehension Active Listening Coordination Writing

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of commercial, industrial, or residential real estate properties. Includes managers of homeowner and condominium associations, rented or leased housing units, buildings, or land (including rights-of-way).

Prepare detailed budgets and financial reports for properties.
Manage and oversee operations, maintenance, administration, and improvement of commercial, industrial, or residential properties.
Plan, schedule, and coordinate general maintenance, major repairs, and remodeling or construction projects for commercial or residential properties.

↗ +3.1% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Real Estate Sales Agents

$52,830

$40K $82K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 36,600 openings/yr 193K employed nationally

Active Listening Speaking Negotiation Social Perceptiveness Coordination

Day-to-day responsibilities

Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts. Includes agents who represent buyer.

Prepare documents such as representation contracts, purchase agreements, closing statements, deeds, and leases.
Present purchase offers to sellers for consideration.
Act as an intermediary in negotiations between buyers and sellers, generally representing one or the other.

Top Colleges for Real Estate

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Real Estate students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	New York University New York, NY · Nonprofit	332	9.2%	$37,050	$82,509
2	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public	220	45.2%	$17,354	$73,792
3	Georgetown University Washington, DC · Nonprofit	205	12.9%	$40,815	$103,494
4	University of Georgia Athens, GA · Public	162	37.7%	$13,936	$68,726
5	Florida International University Miami, FL · Public	146	54.7%	$9,288	$60,249
6	University of San Diego San Diego, CA · Nonprofit	143	52.4%	$30,365	$86,522
7	Florida State University Tallahassee, FL · Public	133	24.2%	$11,297	$61,675
8	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA · Public	112	54.8%	$24,953	$81,698
9	Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX · Nonprofit	85	44.5%	$36,660	$68,424
10	University of Denver Denver, CO · Nonprofit	85	77.8%	$36,131	$71,155
11	Delgado Community College New Orleans, LA · Public	83	Open	$9,747	$33,305
12	Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WI · Public	82	Open	$9,112	$41,113
13	University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, SC · Public	75	60.2%	$22,811	$62,177
14	Harvard University Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit	71	3.7%	$19,066	$101,817
15	Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public	69	57.4%	$21,315	$72,097
16	Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH · Public	66	60.6%	$17,339	$60,409
17	University of Central Florida Orlando, FL · Public	63	40.1%	$10,411	$58,308
18	Marquette University Milwaukee, WI · Nonprofit	57	81.3%	$31,487	$78,257
19	The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX · Public	55	86.8%	$10,836	$57,131
20	Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX · Nonprofit	55	63.4%	$40,892	$78,354

View all colleges

Ranked by Real Estate graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Real Estate program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Real Estate degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Real Estate Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Real Estate shows 4 measurable strengths and 0 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Strong median salary Graduates earn $84,821 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $54,665 at graduation to $84,821 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 85,300 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
High upside potential Top earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $120,670, a strong ceiling for high performers.

Real Estate Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Real Estate graduates earn?

Real Estate graduates earn a national median of $84,821 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $55,645 and $120,670. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Real Estate degree?

One year after graduation, Real Estate degree holders earn a median of $54,665. That climbs to $84,821 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Real Estate degree?

Real Estate degree holders pursue careers including Real Estate Brokers, which pays a median of $73,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Real Estate program take?

A Real Estate bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer Real Estate?

234 colleges and universities in the United States offer Real Estate programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Real Estate degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $84,821 and an average net price of roughly $22,543/yr, a Real Estate degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Real Estate and Business?

Real Estate is a focused concentration within the broader Business field. The Business major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Real Estate-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Real Estate graduates?

Employers hiring Real Estate graduates consistently prioritize financial analysis, communication, project management, and strategic thinking. Internship experience and proficiency in tools like Excel, SQL, or business software tend to set candidates apart.

Is graduate school worth it for Real Estate graduates?

An MBA or specialized master's can boost earnings and open paths to management and strategy roles. ROI is strongest at selective programs with strong recruiting pipelines. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Real Estate graduates?

The job outlook for Real Estate graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +3.3% job growth over the next 10 years. Property Managers is among the strongest-growth roles at +3.6%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.