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.
Kumon vs Tutor Doctor: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Data-driven differentiation pulled from 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
Tutor Doctor requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($62K vs $73K for Kumon), a 18% spread.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Kumon operates 1,689 units to Tutor Doctor's 59, roughly 29× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
Kumon has the deeper SBA lending track record with 115 historical 7(a) approvals versus 84 for Tutor Doctor. Kumon's peak SBA year was 2024 (11 loans); Tutor Doctor's peak was 2017 (18 loans). Kumon's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Geographically, Kumon concentrates in CA (16 SBA-funded units) while Tutor Doctor leads in TX (13). Pick the brand whose strongest state matches yours for warmest lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Kumon deals is $230K vs $107K for Tutor Doctor, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 7.0% for Kumon and 27.4% for Tutor Doctor, Kumon has the cleaner historical loss profile by 20.4 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 76 (Strong) for Kumon and 32 (Fair) for Tutor Doctor, giving Kumon the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
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.
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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.
Kumon vs Tutor Doctor, Frequently Asked Questions
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