Thinking about starting a career in real estate, but worried you’ll need a four-year degree before you can even begin? Here’s some good news: you do not need a college degree to become a Realtor in Michigan.

Instead, the state has its own set of licensing requirements that focus on real-world knowledge and pre-licensing education — not traditional college credits. Let’s break it down.

Michigan’s Real Estate License Requirements

To become a licensed real estate salesperson in Michigan, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider

• Pass the Michigan Real Estate Salesperson Exam

• Submit your license application through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

• Be sponsored by a licensed Michigan broker

That’s it — no college degree required.

Why a College Degree Isn’t Necessary

Real estate is a profession built on sales, networking, and client service. While degrees in business or finance might help, they aren’t required by the state. Instead, success in real estate depends on:

• Learning the laws and principles that govern property sales

• Building strong communication and negotiation skills

• Gaining experience through real-world transactions

The Michigan pre-licensing courses are designed to give you the knowledge you need without extra schooling.

Can a Degree Still Help?

While a degree isn’t required, some Realtors do benefit from college backgrounds in:

• Marketing (for branding and lead generation)

• Business management (for running your career like a business)

• Finance (for working with mortgages and investments)

But don’t let a lack of a degree hold you back. Many of Michigan’s top-performing Realtors launched their careers right out of high school or after working in unrelated fields.

The Bottom Line …

You don’t need a college degree to get started in Michigan real estate. What you do need is:

• The right pre-licensing education

• A passing score on the state exam

• Dedication to building your business

At the Michigan Institute of Real Estate, we specialize in helping students from every background — college degree or not — launch successful real estate careers.

Ready to start your journey without the college debt?
Enroll in Michigan pre-licensing courses today and take the first step toward becoming a Realtor.