Sylvan Learning Franchise

Personalized tutoring in reading, math, and test prep.

Education & Children Investment: $103K–$226K Owner-Operator Source: FranchiseStack.ai

Key Investment Facts

✓ Data verified · 2026-07-02  ·  Confidence: 80%

[LAST UPDATED: Jul 2, 2026]  ·  [VERIFIED · FDD]

Initial Investment
$103K–$226K
[VERIFIED · FDD 2026]
Franchise Fee
$32K
Royalty Rate
9.00%
Avg Unit Revenue
$400K
[VERIFIED · FDD 2026]
Total Units
710
Annual Growth
+20 units/yr
Franchisee Satisfaction Score
65.0/100

About Sylvan Learning

Personalized tutoring in reading, math, and test prep.

Training Program: 2 weeks of initial training included.

Item 19 (Financial Performance Representation): Available — franchisees can view historical earnings data.

Tags: tutoring, test-prep, established

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Investment Overview: Is Sylvan Learning Worth It?

Opening a Sylvan Learning franchise requires an initial investment in the range of $103K to $226K. The initial franchise fee is $32K, which grants you access to the brand, training, and operational systems. Ongoing royalty fees are 9.00% of gross revenue. Sylvan Learning operates in the Education & Children sector and typically requires owner-operator involvement.

As of the most recent disclosure, Sylvan Learning has 710 total franchise units (710 franchised). Recent growth shows -1.50%, which signals steady market presence in the Education & Children space. The reported failure rate is 4.50%, well below industry averages, suggesting solid franchisee retention. New franchisees receive 2 weeks of initial training to prepare for operations.

Franchisee satisfaction for Sylvan Learning is rated 65 out of 100, which is considered moderate relative to other Education & Children franchises. When evaluating this score, consider the specific market conditions and support structure that may influence owner experience. Sylvan Learning provides an Item 19 Financial Performance Representation in its FDD, which means prospective franchisees can review historical earnings data before investing. We recommend using our AI Financial Model tool to project personalized returns, and reviewing the full FDD analysis before making any investment decision.

Risk Assessment

Overall Risk
5/10 Moderate Risk

Key risk signals from FDD data. Higher score = lower risk. Verify in the franchise's current disclosure document.

📉
Franchisee Turnover (Item 20)
-1.5% — net unit decline
Shrinking
⚠️
Failure Rate
4.5% — below industry average
Low
🗺️
Territory Protection
Territory terms not disclosed
Unknown
💸
Ongoing Fee Burden
9.0% of revenue (royalty)
Moderate
Data as of July 2026. Not investment advice — review current FDD before investing.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sylvan Learning

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

The total initial investment for a Sylvan Learning franchise ranges from $103K to $226K. This includes the franchise fee of $32K, plus buildout, equipment, inventory, and working capital. Ongoing royalty fees are 9.00% of gross revenue. Always request the current Franchise Disclosure Document for exact, up-to-date figures.

Is Sylvan Learning a good franchise to buy in 2026?

Sylvan Learning operates in the Education & Children sector with 710 total units. Franchisee satisfaction is rated 65/100. Whether it's a good investment depends on your market, capital, and goals. We recommend using our AI Financial Model tool to project personalized returns before making a decision.

Can I run a Sylvan Learning franchise as a semi-absentee owner?

Sylvan Learning typically operates under a owner-operator model. Owner-operators are expected to be involved in daily management. This hands-on model usually offers more control over operations and customer experience but requires a greater time commitment.

What is the failure rate for Sylvan Learning franchises?

The reported failure rate for Sylvan Learning is 4.50%, which is below industry averages and suggests strong franchisee retention. Failure rates vary by market and operator experience. Always review Item 20 of the FDD, which discloses franchisee turnover, transfers, and terminations over the past three years.

How does Sylvan Learning compare to other Education & Children franchises?

Sylvan Learning competes with other brands in the Education & Children space. Key differentiators include investment level ($103K to $226K), franchisee satisfaction (65/100), and the owner-operator operating model. Use our franchise comparison tool to see side-by-side data against specific competitors.

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⚠️ Financial Disclaimer — Read Before Investing FDD financial data is sourced from each franchisor's Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Item 5, 6, and 7 filings. Historical performance data represents past results and is not a guarantee of future performance. FranchiseStack does not provide financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. All franchise investments carry risk. Item 19 earnings claims may not be reliable — the FTC warns that actual franchisee performance varies widely. Always verify all figures with the franchisor's official FDD and consult a qualified financial advisor and franchise attorney before signing any agreement.
This analysis was generated with AI assistance based on publicly filed FDD data and may contain errors. Consult a franchise attorney before signing any franchise agreement. Data last reviewed 2026-07-02.