Grade Power Learning vs Sylvan Learning
Grade Power Learning vs Sylvan Learning: Grade Power Learning costs $68K to $168K to open; Sylvan Learning costs $108K to $239K. Grade Power Learning has 6 units, Sylvan Learning has 218. SBA loan history: Grade Power Learning = 7 loans (14.3% default); Sylvan Learning = 256 loans (22.7% 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.
Grade Power Learning vs Sylvan Learning: 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
Grade Power Learning requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($68K vs $108K for Sylvan Learning), a 37% spread.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Sylvan Learning operates 218 units to Grade Power Learning's 6, roughly 36× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
Sylvan Learning has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 256 7(a) approvals compared with 7 for Grade Power Learning.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 14.3% for Grade Power Learning and 22.7% for Sylvan Learning, Grade Power Learning has the cleaner SBA loss record by 8.4 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 25 (Fair) for Grade Power Learning and 31 (Fair) for Sylvan Learning, giving Sylvan Learning the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 25/100 | 31/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Limited |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 7 | 256 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 14.3% | 22.7% |
Peer Tier | emerging | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $68K to $168K | $108K to $239K |
Franchise Fee | N/A | $37K |
Royalty Rate | N/A | 11% |
Ad Fund | N/A | 5% |
Liquid Capital | N/A | $75K |
Net Worth Required | N/A | $150K |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 6 | 218 |
Franchised Units | 6 | 218 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | N/A | 10 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | N/A | 1979 |
Franchising Since | N/A | 1960 |
Years Franchising | N/A | 66 yrs |
Headquarters | TX | Hunt Valley, TX |
Category | Exam Preparation | Exam Preparation |
Website | ||
FDD Year | N/A | 2025 |
Which Is Better, Grade Power Learning or Sylvan Learning?
Lower upfront capital required
Tie
Grade Power Learning: $68K starting · Sylvan Learning: $108K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Sylvan Learning
Grade Power Learning: 7 SBA loans · Sylvan Learning: 256 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
Grade Power Learning
Grade Power Learning: 14.3% · Sylvan Learning: 22.7%
Larger system & brand presence
Tie
Grade Power Learning: 6 units · Sylvan Learning: 218 units
More lender financing options
Sylvan Learning
Grade Power Learning: 6 unique lenders · Sylvan Learning: 97 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
Grade Power Learning vs Sylvan Learning: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Grade Power Learning and Sylvan Learning is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $68K to $239K.
Grade Power Learning has 7 SBA loans on record and Sylvan Learning has 256. 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.
Grade Power Learning vs Sylvan Learning, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Grade Power Learning or Sylvan Learning?
How much does a Grade Power Learning franchise cost compared to Sylvan Learning?
Can I finance Grade Power Learning or Sylvan Learning with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Grade Power Learning or Sylvan Learning?
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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