Computer Renaissance vs Computerland
Computer Renaissance vs Computerland: Computer Renaissance costs $48K to $175K to open; Computerland costs $82K to $319K. Computer Renaissance has 86 units, Computerland has 6. SBA loan history: Computer Renaissance = 117 loans (20.5% default); Computerland = 8 loans (12.5% default). The franchise with more SBA funded units, a lower SBA default rate, and a lower royalty load is the safer financing bet; see the comparison below.
Computer Renaissance vs Computerland: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Analysis based on FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Computer Renaissance requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($48K vs $82K for Computerland), a 41% spread.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Computer Renaissance operates 86 units to Computerland's 6, roughly 14× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
Computer Renaissance has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 117 7(a) approvals compared with 8 for Computerland. Computer Renaissance's peak SBA year was 1996 (29 loans); Computerland's peak was 1994 (3 loans). Computer Renaissance's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Computer Renaissance has the most SBA funded units in MO, with 11. Computerland leads in IL, with 2. Borrowers should pick the brand whose strongest SBA state matches their own state for warmer lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Computer Renaissance deals is $120K vs $180K for Computerland, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 20.5% for Computer Renaissance and 12.5% for Computerland, Computerland has the cleaner SBA loss record by 8.0 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 27 (Fair) for Computer Renaissance and 35 (Fair) for Computerland, giving Computerland the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 27/100 | 35/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Fair |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | N/A |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 117 | 8 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 20.5% | 12.5% |
Peer Tier | major | emerging |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $48K to $175K | $82K to $319K |
Franchise Fee | $60K | N/A |
Royalty Rate | N/A | 8% |
Ad Fund | N/A | N/A |
Liquid Capital | N/A | N/A |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 86 | 6 |
Franchised Units | 86 | 6 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | N/A | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | N/A | 1976 |
Franchising Since | 1960 | N/A |
Years Franchising | 66 yrs | N/A |
Headquarters | JOPLIN, MO | IL |
Category | Computer | Computer |
Website | ||
FDD Year | N/A | N/A |
Which Is Better, Computer Renaissance or Computerland?
Lower upfront capital required
Tie
Computer Renaissance: $48K starting · Computerland: $82K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Computer Renaissance
Computer Renaissance: 117 SBA loans · Computerland: 8 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
Computerland
Computer Renaissance: 20.5% · Computerland: 12.5%
Larger system & brand presence
Tie
Computer Renaissance: 86 units · Computerland: 6 units
More lender financing options
Computer Renaissance
Computer Renaissance: 43 unique lenders · Computerland: 7 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
Computer Renaissance vs Computerland: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Computer Renaissance and Computerland is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $48K to $319K.
Computer Renaissance has 117 SBA loans on record and Computerland has 8. Those totals are cumulative history rather than a measure of current appetite. Recent lending activity is trending down for at least one of these brands, so current lender appetite has to be checked deal by deal rather than assumed from the totals.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
Computer Renaissance vs Computerland, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Computer Renaissance or Computerland?
How much does a Computer Renaissance franchise cost compared to Computerland?
Can I finance Computer Renaissance or Computerland with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Computer Renaissance or Computerland?
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Page Review
Reviewed by Edward L. Freeman, Founder and Managing Director, PeerSense
- PeerSense is a capital advisory firm that places commercial financing with direct capital sources; the capital source sets final terms.
- Edward L. Freeman founded PeerSense in January 2020.
- He is a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc., a credential issued in March 2022, and worked as a franchise consultant there from March 2022 to May 2023.
- His recorded experience includes a $22 million SBA construction loan, with about $16 million funded on the deal.
- In the 12 months through September 30, 2026, PeerSense tracked 912 publicly announced financings with a disclosed size of $361.32 billion. PeerSense Capital Data Report · Methodology page
Last reviewed LinkedIn profileAbout Edward Freeman