Quick Answer — FranchiseStack.ai FDD Analysis
Mathnasium requires $112K–$149K to open and focuses exclusively on math tutoring. Sylvan Learning requires $72K–$176K and covers all K-12 subjects. Mathnasium has 1,000+ locations with a specialized brand; Sylvan has broader subject coverage at a comparable or lower entry cost. Both have active territories available in 2026.
Data from FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database. See the full FDD comparison below.
At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
⚠️ Risk Assessment
Risk signals from FDD disclosures. Higher score = lower risk. Verify all figures in each franchise's current FDD before investing.
| Risk Factor | Mathnasium | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 4% | 4.5% |
| Unit Turnover (Growth) | +4%/yr | -1.5%/yr |
| Total Fee Burden | 12.0% | 11.0% |
| Territory Protection | ✅ Exclusive | ✅ Exclusive |
Detailed Analysis: Mathnasium vs Sylvan Learning
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 192+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Mathnasium and Sylvan Learning are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Education & Children sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. Mathnasium has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
From a capital perspective, Sylvan Learning has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. Sylvan Learning charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.
Franchisee satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. Mathnasium leads with a 75/100 satisfaction score, indicating that existing owners are more positive about their decision. Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Mathnasium vs Sylvan Learning: Math-Specific vs Multi-Subject Tutoring (2026)
Mathnasium and Sylvan Learning are the two largest math tutoring franchises, but they take fundamentally different approaches. Mathnasium is math-only with a self-paced "Build Your Math Brain" methodology. Sylvan Learning is multi-subject (all K-12) with an instructor-led tutoring approach. Both have active franchise development in 2026 — but the instructional model difference drives very different daily operations.
| Metric | Mathnasium | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Investment | $115K–$149K | $103K–$226K |
| Royalty Rate | 10% | 9% |
| Average Unit Revenue | ~$400K per location | ~$400K per location |
| Total Locations | 1,100+ | 710+ U.S. |
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 75/100 | 65/100 |
| Instruction Model | Math-specific, self-paced | Multi-subject, instructor-led |
| Target Student | K-12 math students | K-12 all subjects + SAT/ACT |
Mathnasium: The Math Specialist
Mathnasium's 75/100 franchisee satisfaction is 10 points higher than Sylvan's (65/100) — a significant gap in education franchising. Mathnasium's franchisees report that the math-specialist positioning creates strong local market differentiation: parents seeking math-specific help know exactly where to go. The proprietary "Mathnasium Method" (customized learning plans, visual/conceptual/snumeric instruction) is a differentiator that supports premium pricing.
Mathnasium's 1,100+ locations vs Sylvan's 710 reflect a faster expansion rate. The 10% royalty is the highest in this comparison — but with $400K AUV, the math works. Franchisees who build a strong center with 80–120 active students can generate meaningful profit after the 10% royalty.
Sylvan Learning: The Full-Subject Tutor
Sylvan Learning's multi-subject capability (math, reading, writing, science, social studies, SAT/ACT prep) means broader customer acquisition: any K-12 student needing help in any subject is a prospect. The 65/100 satisfaction score reflects the operational complexity of multi-subject tutoring — you need instructors skilled across the full K-12 curriculum, which creates more hiring and training challenges.
The 9% royalty (vs Mathnasium's 10%) provides a small ongoing cost advantage. With equal AUV ($400K), the royalty difference means Mathnasium franchisees pay slightly more in ongoing royalties but may benefit from the stronger satisfaction score and simpler math-only operational model.
Which Is the Better Investment?
Mathnasium if: You want the higher franchisee satisfaction score (75/100 vs 65/100), a math-focused brand with strong differentiation, and a simpler operational model (math only vs all subjects). The 10% royalty is manageable with $400K AUV and the higher satisfaction score suggests a more sustainable franchise system.
Sylvan Learning if: You want broader market coverage (all K-12 subjects, SAT/ACT prep), you're comfortable with the staffing complexity of multi-subject instruction, and you're targeting a market where the full tutoring package is differentiated from Mathnasium's math-only focus.
Compare in context: Kumon vs Mathnasium and Kumon vs Sylvan Learning for the complete education franchise picture. See Best Education Franchises 2026.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Mathnasium | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $115K | $103K |
| Max Investment | $149K | $226K |
| Franchise Fee | $49K | $32K |
| Royalty Rate | 10.0% | 9.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | 2.0% | 2.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Mathnasium | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $400K | $400K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Mathnasium | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 1,100 | 710 |
| Annual Growth | 4.0% | -1.5% |
| Failure Rate | 4.0% | 4.5% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Mathnasium | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 75/100 | 65/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Mathnasium | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | 22 | 45 |
| Years Franchising | 19 | 44 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Mathnasium | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | $200K | $200K |
| Liquid Capital Required | $100K | $75K |
Operations
| Metric | Mathnasium | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | 6 | 6 |
| Training Weeks | 2 | 2 |
⚠️ Risk Indicators
| Metric | Mathnasium | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | 4.0% | 4.5% |
| Annual Unit Growth | 4.0% | -1.5% |
| Units Opened Last Year | 80 | 20 |
| Units Closed Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Exclusive Territory | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mathnasium or Sylvan Learning the better education franchise in 2026?
Mathnasium (75/100 satisfaction) scores 10 points higher than Sylvan Learning (65/100) on franchisee satisfaction — a significant gap in education franchising. Mathnasium requires $115K–$149K with a 10% royalty; Sylvan requires $103K–$226K with a 9% royalty. Both average ~$400K per location. Mathnasium focuses exclusively on math (simpler operations, stronger brand focus); Sylvan covers all K-12 subjects (broader market, more staffing complexity). Mathnasium wins on satisfaction and operational simplicity; Sylvan wins on subject breadth. Both are reasonable choices — execution quality in your local market will matter more than brand.
How much does a Mathnasium franchise cost in 2026?
Mathnasium requires a total initial investment of approximately $115,000–$149,110, including a franchise fee of approximately $49,500 and 10% ongoing royalty on gross revenue. The 10% royalty is the highest in this comparison — but at $400K average unit revenue, the math works for well-run centers. Mathnasium has 1,100+ locations and has been franchising since 1990. The 75/100 franchisee satisfaction score is the highest in this comparison and suggests the model delivers on its promises when executed well. Mathnasium's math-only focus simplifies staffing to math tutors vs the full subject coverage Sylvan requires.
How much does a Sylvan Learning franchise cost in 2026?
Sylvan Learning requires a total initial investment of approximately $103,000–$226,470, including a franchise fee of approximately $49,500 and 9% ongoing royalty on gross revenue. The 9% royalty is slightly below Mathnasium's 10%, but Sylvan's broader subject coverage (all K-12 + SAT/ACT prep) requires more staffing investment across a wider skill set. Sylvan Learning has 710+ U.S. locations. The 65/100 franchisee satisfaction is the lowest in this comparison — reflecting the operational complexity of multi-subject tutoring. Franchisees who solve the staffing challenge tend to succeed; those who don't struggle.
Mathnasium vs Sylvan Learning: which has more locations?
Mathnasium has significantly more locations — 1,100+ globally vs Sylvan Learning at 710+ U.S. Mathnasium has been franchising since 1990; Sylvan since 1985. Mathnasium's math-only model is easier to scale (fewer instructor skill requirements) and the proprietary worksheet system is more replicable than Sylvan's instructor-led approach. For investors, Mathnasium's larger footprint means more brand awareness and peer franchisee network to learn from. But Sylvan's smaller system may offer more available territory in many U.S. markets — particularly suburban markets where both brands have room to grow.
Mathnasium vs Sylvan: which has the better franchisee satisfaction score?
Mathnasium has a notably higher franchisee satisfaction score at 75/100 vs Sylvan Learning at 65/100 — a 10-point gap that's significant in education franchising. Mathnasium's franchisees cite the math-specialist brand positioning as a competitive advantage (customers know exactly what they're getting), the proprietary method as a differentiator, and the simpler operational model (math-only) as easier to manage. Sylvan's lower score reflects the staffing complexity of multi-subject instruction — tutors need to be skilled across the full K-12 curriculum, which creates more hiring and training challenges. Both scores in the 60s-70s reflect a competitive tutoring market where execution quality is the real differentiator.
Related Comparisons
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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