Sylvan Learning vs Tutor Doctor
Sylvan Learning vs Tutor Doctor: Sylvan Learning costs $108K to $239K to open; Tutor Doctor costs $62K to $150K. Sylvan Learning has 218 units, Tutor Doctor has 59. SBA loan history: Sylvan Learning = 256 loans (22.7% default); Tutor Doctor = 84 loans (27.4% 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.
Sylvan Learning vs Tutor Doctor: 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 Doctor requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($62K vs $108K for Sylvan Learning), a 74% spread.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Sylvan Learning operates 218 units to Tutor Doctor's 59, roughly 4× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
Sylvan Learning has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 256 7(a) approvals compared with 84 for Tutor Doctor.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 22.7% for Sylvan Learning and 27.4% for Tutor Doctor, Sylvan Learning has the cleaner SBA loss record by 4.7 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 31 (Fair) for Sylvan Learning and 32 (Fair) for Tutor Doctor, giving Tutor Doctor the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 31/100 | 32/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Limited |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 256 | 84 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 22.7% | 27.4% |
Peer Tier | major | established |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $108K to $239K | $62K to $150K |
Franchise Fee | $37K | N/A |
Royalty Rate | 11% | N/A |
Ad Fund | 5% | N/A |
Liquid Capital | $75K | N/A |
Net Worth Required | $150K | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 218 | 59 |
Franchised Units | 218 | 59 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | 10 yrs | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1979 | N/A |
Franchising Since | 1960 | N/A |
Years Franchising | 66 yrs | N/A |
Headquarters | Hunt Valley, TX | KATY, TX |
Category | Exam Preparation | Exam Preparation |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2026 | N/A |
Which Is Better, Sylvan Learning or Tutor Doctor?
Lower upfront capital required
Tie
Sylvan Learning: $108K starting · Tutor Doctor: $62K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Sylvan Learning
Sylvan Learning: 256 SBA loans · Tutor Doctor: 84 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
Sylvan Learning
Sylvan Learning: 22.7% · Tutor Doctor: 27.4%
Larger system & brand presence
Tie
Sylvan Learning: 218 units · Tutor Doctor: 59 units
More lender financing options
Sylvan Learning
Sylvan Learning: 97 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
Sylvan Learning vs Tutor Doctor: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Sylvan Learning 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 $239K.
Sylvan Learning has 256 SBA loans on record and Tutor Doctor has 84. 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.
Sylvan Learning vs Tutor Doctor, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Sylvan Learning or Tutor Doctor?
How much does a Sylvan Learning franchise cost compared to Tutor Doctor?
Can I finance Sylvan Learning or Tutor Doctor with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Sylvan Learning or Tutor Doctor?
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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