Clarion University’s online B.S.B.A. in real estate is ranked No. 1 in the category of Most Affordable by Best Value Schools.
"There are two reasons that Clarion University of Pennsylvania deserves to be at the
top of our online real estate
programs ranking," the Best Value's website states. "Of course, it officially ranks
first because of its low average tuition costs. But aside from its affordability,
Clarion's program also attracts attention as having perhaps the most comprehensive
real estate curriculum available online. More specifically, the core coursework includes
at least nine specifically real estate-oriented classes, covering everything from
real estate law, finance, and analysis to marketing, brokerage, appraisal, and management."
The ranking placed Clarion above colleges such as University of Memphis, Mississippi College, East Tennessee State University and Temple University.
In addition to Best Value Schools, Best College Reviews ranked Clarion University
as No. 2 in the category of Online Bachelor's Degrees in Real Estate citing low cost,
customization options in the areas of content and format and wow factors. Clarion
beat out schools such as Florida International University, Ashford University, Capella
University, Excelsior College, University of Florida, Marylhurst University, Liberty
University and New York University.
Dr. Jerry Belloit, professor in the finance department, understands why Clarion's
real estate program is getting attention.
"We use real-world projects. They're getting experience from their very first course," Belloit said. "We have also taken students on trips to see properties in Hawaii, Toronto, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Orlando, Las Vegas and Pittsburgh. The trips serve to highlight how buildings operate and are managed and marketed."
The major is appealing to students because of the wide number of job opportunities
available in this field.
Real estate is more than just selling homes, Belloit explained. There also is commercial
brokerage, industrial brokerage, appraisal, finance, property management, real estate
investments, development and building construction. Graduates also find real estate
jobs at institutions such as banks and life insurance companies.
Some careers in real estate are also somewhat isolated from the economy or housing market. For example, "appraisals are needed when the economy is good or bad, Belloit said. "Also, property management is needed no matter what is happening with the economy."
Clarion University also captured the No. 5 spots for BestColleges.com's Best Online Bachelor's in Real Estate programs category and in College Choice's Best Online Real Estate Bachelor's category.
"It is gratifying to have Clarion's real estate program appreciated by so many ratings organizations," Belloit said.
Clarion's real estate degree also meets the educational requirement for licensure in real estate brokerage and real estate appraisal in most states, including Pennsylvania.