Mad Science vs Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,
Mad Science vs Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,: Mad Science costs $508K to $2.0M to open; Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers, costs $113K to $150K. Mad Science has 36 units, Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers, has 94. SBA loan history: Mad Science = 38 loans (13.2% default); Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers, = 109 loans (0.9% 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.
Mad Science vs Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,: 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
Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers, requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($113K vs $508K for Mad Science), a 350% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $49K for Mad Science versus $49K for Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,. Ongoing royalty load is 3% for Mad Science and 10% for Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,, giving Mad Science the lighter per-unit drag on operating income.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers, operates 94 units to Mad Science's 36, roughly 3× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers, has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 109 7(a) approvals compared with 38 for Mad Science.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 13.2% for Mad Science and 0.9% for Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,, Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers, has the cleaner SBA loss record by 12.3 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 30 (Fair) for Mad Science and 64 (Moderate) for Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,, giving Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers, the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 30/100 | 64/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Moderate |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 38 | 109 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 13.2% | 0.9% |
Peer Tier | established | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $508K to $2.0M | $113K to $150K |
Franchise Fee | $49K | $49K |
Royalty Rate | 3% | 10% |
Ad Fund | 3.5% | 2% |
Liquid Capital | N/A | $113K |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Disclosed | Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 36 | 94 |
Franchised Units | 36 | 94 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | 10 yrs | 5 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | N/A | 2002 |
Franchising Since | N/A | 1960 |
Years Franchising | N/A | 66 yrs |
Headquarters | MD | Los Angeles, CA |
Category | Educational Support Services | Educational Support Services |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2026 | 2025 |
Which Is Better, Mad Science or Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,?
Lower upfront capital required
Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,
Mad Science: $508K starting · Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,: $113K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,
Mad Science: 38 SBA loans · Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,: 109 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,
Mad Science: 13.2% · Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,: 0.9%
Larger system & brand presence
Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,
Mad Science: 36 units · Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,: 94 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Mad Science
Mad Science: 3% · Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,: 10%
More lender financing options
Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,
Mad Science: 21 unique lenders · Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,: 59 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
Mad Science vs Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Mad Science and Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers, is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $113K to $2.0M.
Mad Science has 38 SBA loans on record and Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers, has 109. 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.
Mad Science vs Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Mad Science or Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,?
How much does a Mad Science franchise cost compared to Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,?
Can I finance Mad Science or Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers, with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Mad Science or Mathnasium Learning Centers; Mathnasium Centers,?
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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