Which has more SBA loans, Primrose Schools or Tutor Time?

Primrose Schools has 554 SBA 7(a) historical approvals; Tutor Time has 108. Primrose Schools has the deeper public lender track record, which generally translates into faster pre-qualification and broader lender familiarity.

What is the default rate for Primrose Schools vs Tutor Time SBA loans?

Primrose Schools's SBA default rate is 0.0%, versus 12.0% for Tutor Time. Primrose Schools has the cleaner loss profile, which capital sources weigh when pricing the next deal in the brand.

When did Primrose Schools and Tutor Time peak in SBA lending volume?

Primrose Schools's SBA approval peak was 2021 with 57 loans; Tutor Time's peak was 1997 with 15. A more recent peak (currently Primrose Schools) generally indicates fresher lender appetite and easier financing today.

Which states have the most Primrose Schools and Tutor Time SBA loans?

Primrose Schools leads in TX with 97 SBA-funded units; Tutor Time leads in NY with 21. The brand that matches your operating state typically closes faster because local lenders already know the unit economics.

Side by Side Comparison

Primrose Schools vs Tutor Time

Quick Answer

Primrose Schools vs Tutor Time: Primrose Schools costs $743K to $8.6M to open; Tutor Time costs $98K to $751K. Primrose Schools has 389 units, Tutor Time has 80. SBA loan history: Primrose Schools = 554 loans (0.0% default); Tutor Time = 108 loans (12.0% 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.

Primrose Schools vs Tutor Time: 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

Tutor Time requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($98K vs $743K for Primrose Schools), a 658% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $80K for Primrose Schools versus $55K for Tutor Time, Tutor Time has the lower entry fee.

System Scale & Tenure

On scale, Primrose Schools operates 389 units to Tutor Time's 80, roughly 5× the system size.

SBA Lending Profile

Primrose Schools has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 554 7(a) approvals compared with 108 for Tutor Time. Primrose Schools's peak SBA year was 2021 (57 loans); Tutor Time's peak was 1997 (15 loans). Primrose Schools's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Primrose Schools has the most SBA funded units in TX, with 97. Tutor Time leads in NY, with 21. Borrowers should pick the brand whose strongest SBA state matches their own state for warmer lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Primrose Schools deals is $2.3M vs $282K for Tutor Time, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.

Risk Signal

SBA default rates are 0.0% for Primrose Schools and 12.0% for Tutor Time, Primrose Schools has the cleaner SBA loss record by 12.0 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 70 (Strong) for Primrose Schools and 27 (Fair) for Tutor Time, giving Primrose Schools the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.

Primrose Schools

Child Day Care Services

70 9W

Tutor Time

Child Day Care Services

Health & Performance

FPI Score	70/100	27/100
Health Tier	Strong	Limited
Confidence	N/A	N/A
Lending Trend	Declining	Declining

SBA Lending

SBA Loans	554	108
SBA Volume	–	–
Default Rate	0.0%	12.0%
Peer Tier	major	major

Investment & Costs

Total Investment	$743K to $8.6M	$98K to $751K
Franchise Fee	$80K	$55K
Royalty Rate	7%	N/A
Ad Fund	2%	N/A
Liquid Capital	$1.2M	N/A
Net Worth Required	$1.2M	$200K

Financial Performance (Item 19)

Item 19 Status

Disclosed

Not Disclosed

System Size & Operations

Total Units	389	80
Franchised Units	389	80
Company Owned	–	–
Term Length	10 yrs	N/A

Brand Information

Year Founded	1982	N/A
Franchising Since	1988	1960
Years Franchising	38 yrs	66 yrs
Headquarters	FRISCO, TX	CONGERS, NY
Category	Child Day Care Services	Child Day Care Services
Website	primroseschools.com	tutortime.com
FDD Year	2025	N/A

Which Is Better, Primrose Schools or Tutor Time?

Lower upfront capital required

Tie

Primrose Schools: $743K starting · Tutor Time: $98K starting

More SBA lender confidence

Primrose Schools

Primrose Schools: 554 SBA loans · Tutor Time: 108 SBA loans

Lower SBA default rate

Primrose Schools

Primrose Schools: 0.0% · Tutor Time: 12.0%

Larger system & brand presence

Tie

Primrose Schools: 389 units · Tutor Time: 80 units

More lender financing options

Primrose Schools

Primrose Schools: 106 unique lenders · Tutor Time: 45 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.

Franchise Financing

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About These Franchises

Primrose Schools

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Tutor Time

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Primrose Schools vs Tutor Time: Franchise Funding Comparison

Comparing Primrose Schools and Tutor Time is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $98K to $8.6M.

Primrose Schools has 554 SBA loans on record and Tutor Time has 108. 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.

SBA Loan Guide Franchise Funding Options Best SBA Franchise Lenders All Franchises Talk to PeerSense

Primrose Schools vs Tutor Time, Frequently Asked Questions

Which is a better franchise investment, Primrose Schools or Tutor Time?

Compare Primrose Schools vs Tutor Time franchise costs, FDD data, royalty rates, unit counts, and SBA lending history side by side above. The best franchise depends on your capital, market, and risk tolerance, not a single ranking. Use the decision matrix above to see which brand wins on each financing dimension.

How much does a Primrose Schools franchise cost compared to Tutor Time?

Primrose Schools requires $743K to $8.6M in total initial investment with a $80K franchise fee. Tutor Time requires $98K to $751K with a $55K franchise fee. All numbers come from official Franchise Disclosure Document filings.

Can I finance Primrose Schools or Tutor Time with an SBA loan?

Both brands appear on the SBA Franchise Directory and have funded SBA 7(a) loans: Primrose Schools has 554 SBA loans on record; Tutor Time has 108. SBA 7(a) is the most common franchise financing vehicle, offering up to $5M with 10% down. PeerSense routes your deal to lenders who have already approved the brand.

Which has a lower SBA default rate, Primrose Schools or Tutor Time?

Primrose Schools: 0.0% SBA default rate. Tutor Time: 12.0% SBA default rate. Lower default rates mean lenders quote tighter rates and underwrite faster.

Compare Primrose Schools to other franchises Compare Tutor Time to other franchises Browse all Child Day Care Services franchises

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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 October 2, 2026LinkedIn profile About Edward Freeman