Houston’s real estate landscape is evolving faster than ever — and Houston City College (HCC) continues to stand at the center of that transformation. Long before HCC became one of the region’s most reliable launchpads for real estate careers, it shaped the future of a young professional who would later become one of Houston’s most influential media voices: Francis Page Jr., Publisher of Houston Style Magazine, an HCC Real Estate associate degree graduate.

Today, the same program that helped shape his early career is empowering a new generation of real estate professionals ready to build, invest, and serve communities across Greater Houston.

A Program Built for Houston’s Future — Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

With interest rates beginning to stabilize and homeownership back on the radar for thousands of families, HCC is doubling down on preparing students for a booming, opportunity-rich marketplace.

“HCC’s Real Estate program provides the tools, education, and connections necessary to succeed in the ever-evolving field,” says Dr. Juan Crawford, division chair of Real Estate programs at HCC. “Our goal is to give students a foundation strong enough to thrive in every corner of the industry.”

And that foundation remains as solid as ever. Students can pursue either:

• Certificate Level 1
• Associate of Applied Science in Real Estate — the same degree earned by Houston Style Magazine’s Publisher, whose journey through HCC would become a defining chapter in his professional rise.

Both pathways offer a comprehensive 180 contact hours of instruction, covering Principles of Real Estate, Law of Contracts, Real Estate Finance, state regulations, ethics, compliance, and the essential 30 hours of Promulgated Contracts required for Texas licensure.

Where HCC Education Meets Real-World Success

One hallmark of HCC’s program is its student diversity. Adults seeking second careers fill many classrooms — but the next wave of real estate leaders is also already on campus.

More than 75 area high school students are taking dual-enrollment real estate classes, graduating with credentials that give them a head start on life, college, and career.

“We’re proud of the impact this program has across our community,” says Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover, President of HCC Southeast College. “Our students succeed because HCC combines experienced faculty, real-world learning, and strong industry partnerships that open doors to meaningful careers.”

That success is measurable:

• 100% licensure pass rate for HCC students over the past two years
• Median annual wages of $72,280 for brokers
• Median annual wages of $56,320 for real estate agents
• Consistent demand across Texas due to population growth, strong construction, and economic expansion

In a state where newcomers arrive by the hundreds of thousands, HCC-trained professionals are among the first to welcome them home — sometimes literally.

A Graduate Who Became a Leader

When Houston Style Magazine’s Publisher earned his Real Estate Associate Degree from HCC, the program wasn’t just preparing him for licensure — it was shaping the discipline, business savvy, and community-focused ethos that continue to define his work today.

His journey from HCC graduate to award-winning editor, publisher, and civic leader is the kind of success story that underscores the program’s far-reaching impact. It also reflects HCC’s long-standing mission: to create pathways that uplift individuals while strengthening the communities they serve.

Today, as HCC continues to train real estate professionals who will help families build wealth, secure stability, and invest in homeownership, the legacy of alumni like the Houston Style Magazine Publisher continues to shine as both inspiration and proof of what the program makes possible.

Preparing Texans for More Than an Exam — Preparing Them for a Career

“At HCC, we’re not just training students to pass the real estate exam,” Dr. Crawford emphasizes. “We’re preparing them for careers — whether they’re managing properties or handing a family the keys to their first home.”

It’s a vision that has held true for decades and continues to power thousands of success stories across Houston.

Learn More and Begin Your Real Estate Journey

To explore HCC’s Real Estate Program, course options, and pathways to licensure, visit:
www.hccs.edu/real-estate