Code Ninjas vs Sylvan Learning: Which Is the Better Investment?

Side-by-side comparison of investment costs, fees, unit economics, and franchisee satisfaction. Data from FDD disclosures and franchise database — updated 2026.

Education & Children Real Data Not Investment Advice
CN

Code Ninjas

Education & Children
$149K – $358K
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VS
SL

Sylvan Learning

Education & Children
$103K – $226K
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At a Glance: Key Differences

Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.

Investment Cost
Sylvan Learning wins on investment range ($132K less) vs Code Ninjas.
Fee Burden
Code Ninjas wins on royalty rate (1.0% lower) vs Sylvan Learning.
Unit Count
Sylvan Learning wins on total units (310 more) vs Code Ninjas.
Satisfaction
Code Ninjas wins on franchisee satisfaction vs Sylvan Learning.

Investment & Fees

Metric Code Ninjas Sylvan Learning
Min Investment $149K $103K
Max Investment $358K $226K
Franchise Fee $32K $32K
Royalty Rate 8.0% 9.0%
Ad Fund Rate 2.0% 2.0%

Unit Economics

Metric Code Ninjas Sylvan Learning
Avg Unit Revenue $300K $400K
Avg Profit Margin N/A N/A

Scale & Growth

Metric Code Ninjas Sylvan Learning
Total Units 400 710
Annual Growth 8.0% -1.5%
Failure Rate 7.0% 4.5%

Franchisee Performance

Metric Code Ninjas Sylvan Learning
Franchisee Satisfaction 68/100 65/100

Track Record

Metric Code Ninjas Sylvan Learning
Years in Business 8 45
Years Franchising 6 44

Financial Requirements

Metric Code Ninjas Sylvan Learning
Min Net Worth Required $250K $200K
Liquid Capital Required $120K $75K

Operations

Metric Code Ninjas Sylvan Learning
Avg Employees 5 6
Training Weeks 2 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Code Ninjas or Sylvan Learning a better franchise investment?

The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Code Ninjas has 400 total units and a 68/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Sylvan Learning has 710 total units and a 65/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.

How much does it cost to open a Code Ninjas franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a Code Ninjas franchise requires an initial investment of $149K – $358K. The franchise fee is $32K, with ongoing royalties of 8.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

How much does it cost to open a Sylvan Learning franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a Sylvan Learning franchise requires an initial investment of $103K – $226K. The franchise fee is $32K, with ongoing royalties of 9.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

What is the royalty rate for Code Ninjas vs Sylvan Learning?

Code Ninjas's royalty rate is 8.0%. Sylvan Learning's royalty rate is 9.0%. That means Code Ninjas has the lower ongoing royalty burden.

Which has more locations — Code Ninjas or Sylvan Learning?

Code Ninjas has 400 total units. Sylvan Learning has 710 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.

Is Code Ninjas or Sylvan Learning semi-absentee friendly?

Code Ninjas is typically run as a owner-operator model. Sylvan Learning is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.

Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.

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