Sylvan Learning vs Tutor Doctor
Sylvan Learning vs Tutor Doctor: Sylvan Learning costs $108K–$239K to open; Tutor Doctor costs $62K–$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, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet, see the comparison below.
Sylvan Learning 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 $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 historical 7(a) approvals versus 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 historical loss profile 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 – $239K | $62K – $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 | Not 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
Tutor Doctor
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 historical default rate
Sylvan Learning
Sylvan Learning: 22.7% · Tutor Doctor: 27.4%
Larger system & brand presence
Sylvan Learning
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.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories, Sylvan Learning with 256 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.
Sylvan Learning vs Tutor Doctor, Frequently Asked Questions
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