At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Tutor Doctor | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $94K | $103K |
| Max Investment | $139K | $226K |
| Franchise Fee | $45K | $32K |
| Royalty Rate | 8.0% | 9.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | N/A | 2.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Tutor Doctor | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $200K | $400K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Tutor Doctor | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 700 | 710 |
| Annual Growth | 20.0% | -1.5% |
| Failure Rate | N/A | 4.5% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Tutor Doctor | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 72/100 | 65/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Tutor Doctor | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | N/A | 45 |
| Years Franchising | N/A | 44 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Tutor Doctor | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | N/A | $200K |
| Liquid Capital Required | N/A | $75K |
Operations
| Metric | Tutor Doctor | Sylvan Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | N/A | 6 |
| Training Weeks | N/A | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tutor Doctor or Sylvan Learning a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Tutor Doctor has 700 total units and a 72/100 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 Tutor Doctor franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Tutor Doctor franchise requires an initial investment of $94K – $139K. The franchise fee is $45K, 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 Tutor Doctor vs Sylvan Learning?
Tutor Doctor's royalty rate is 8.0%. Sylvan Learning's royalty rate is 9.0%. That means Tutor Doctor has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Tutor Doctor or Sylvan Learning?
Tutor Doctor has 700 total units. Sylvan Learning has 710 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Tutor Doctor or Sylvan Learning semi-absentee friendly?
Tutor Doctor 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.
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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