Kumon vs Tutor Doctor
Kumon vs Tutor Doctor: Kumon costs $73K–$165K to open; Tutor Doctor costs $62K–$150K. Kumon has 1,689 units, Tutor Doctor has 59. SBA loan history: Kumon = 115 loans (7.0% default); Tutor Doctor = 84 loans (27.4% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet — see the comparison below.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 76/100 | 32/100 |
Health Tier | Strong | Limited |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Stable | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 115 | 84 |
SBA Volume | — | — |
Default Rate | 7.0% | 27.4% |
Peer Tier | major | established |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $73K – $165K | $62K – $150K |
Franchise Fee | $2K | N/A |
Royalty Rate | 6% | N/A |
Ad Fund | 2% | N/A |
Liquid Capital | N/A | N/A |
Net Worth Required | $150K | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 1,689 | 59 |
Franchised Units | 1,671 | 59 |
Company-Owned | 18 | — |
Term Length | 5 yrs | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1958 | N/A |
Franchising Since | 1983 | N/A |
Years Franchising | 43 yrs | N/A |
Headquarters | SAN CLEMENTE, CA | KATY, TX |
Category | Exam Preparation | Exam Preparation |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2026 | N/A |
Which Is Better — Kumon or Tutor Doctor?
Lower upfront capital required
Tutor Doctor
Kumon: $73K starting · Tutor Doctor: $62K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Kumon
Kumon: 115 SBA loans · Tutor Doctor: 84 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Kumon
Kumon: 7.0% · Tutor Doctor: 27.4%
Larger system & brand presence
Kumon
Kumon: 1,689 units · Tutor Doctor: 59 units
More lender financing options
Kumon
Kumon: 63 unique lenders · Tutor Doctor: 17 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.
Need Funding for Kumon or Tutor Doctor?
PeerSense connects you with 500+ SBA lenders and capital sources. Our referral fee is established upfront and paid at closing. No retainers.
SBA Lenders & Capital Sources
Retainers or Consulting Fees
10% Down Franchise Loans
About These Franchises
Kumon vs Tutor Doctor: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Kumon and Tutor Doctor is about more than brand preference — it's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $62K to $165K.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories — Kumon with 115 SBA loans and Tutor Doctor with 84. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
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.