Learning Rx vs Mad Science
Learning Rx vs Mad Science: Learning Rx costs $50K to $290K to open; Mad Science costs $508K to $2.0M. Learning Rx has 22 units, Mad Science has 36. SBA loan history: Learning Rx = 22 loans (22.7% default); Mad Science = 38 loans (13.2% 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.
Learning Rx vs Mad Science: 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
Learning Rx requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($50K vs $508K for Mad Science), a 90% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $60K for Learning Rx versus $49K for Mad Science, Mad Science has the lower entry fee. Ongoing royalty load is 8% for Learning Rx and 3% for Mad Science, giving Mad Science the lighter per-unit drag on operating income.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Mad Science operates 36 units to Learning Rx's 22.
SBA Lending Profile
Mad Science has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 38 7(a) approvals compared with 22 for Learning Rx. Learning Rx's peak SBA year was 2011 (7 loans); Mad Science's peak was 1998 (6 loans). Learning Rx's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Learning Rx has the most SBA funded units in TX, with 4. Mad Science leads in CA, with 7. Borrowers should pick the brand whose strongest SBA state matches their own state for warmer lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Learning Rx deals is $141K vs $166K for Mad Science, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 22.7% for Learning Rx and 13.2% for Mad Science, Mad Science has the cleaner SBA loss record by 9.5 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 24 (Fair) for Learning Rx and 30 (Fair) for Mad Science, giving Mad Science the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 24/100 | 30/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Limited |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 22 | 38 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 22.7% | 13.2% |
Peer Tier | growing | established |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $50K to $290K | $508K to $2.0M |
Franchise Fee | $60K | $49K |
Royalty Rate | 8% | 3% |
Ad Fund | 3% | 3.5% |
Liquid Capital | N/A | N/A |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Disclosed | Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 22 | 36 |
Franchised Units | 22 | 36 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | 10 yrs | 10 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 2002 | N/A |
Franchising Since | 2003 | N/A |
Years Franchising | 23 yrs | N/A |
Headquarters | YOUNGSVILLE, LA | MD |
Category | Educational Support Services | Educational Support Services |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2026 | 2026 |
Which Is Better, Learning Rx or Mad Science?
Lower upfront capital required
Learning Rx
Learning Rx: $50K starting · Mad Science: $508K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Mad Science
Learning Rx: 22 SBA loans · Mad Science: 38 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
Mad Science
Learning Rx: 22.7% · Mad Science: 13.2%
Larger system & brand presence
Mad Science
Learning Rx: 22 units · Mad Science: 36 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Mad Science
Learning Rx: 8% · Mad Science: 3%
More lender financing options
Mad Science
Learning Rx: 14 unique lenders · Mad Science: 21 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
Learning Rx vs Mad Science: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Learning Rx and Mad Science is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $50K to $2.0M.
Learning Rx has 22 SBA loans on record and Mad Science has 38. 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.
Learning Rx vs Mad Science, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Learning Rx or Mad Science?
How much does a Learning Rx franchise cost compared to Mad Science?
Can I finance Learning Rx or Mad Science with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Learning Rx or Mad Science?
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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; it does not lend, fund, or approve loans, and 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