The Learning Experience vs Tutor Time
The Learning Experience vs Tutor Time: The Learning Experience costs $2.1M to $5.6M to open; Tutor Time costs $98K to $751K. The Learning Experience has 293 units, Tutor Time has 80. SBA loan history: The Learning Experience = 364 loans (3.0% 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.
The Learning Experience 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 $2.1M for The Learning Experience), a 2094% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $60K for The Learning Experience versus $55K for Tutor Time, Tutor Time has the lower entry fee.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, The Learning Experience operates 293 units to Tutor Time's 80, roughly 4× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
The Learning Experience has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 364 7(a) approvals compared with 108 for Tutor Time. The Learning Experience's peak SBA year was 2025 (46 loans); Tutor Time's peak was 1997 (15 loans). The Learning Experience's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. The Learning Experience has the most SBA funded units in TX, with 70. 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 The Learning Experience deals is $705K vs $282K for Tutor Time, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 3.0% for The Learning Experience and 12.0% for Tutor Time, The Learning Experience has the cleaner SBA loss record by 9.0 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 79 (Strong) for The Learning Experience and 27 (Fair) for Tutor Time, giving The Learning Experience the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 79/100 | 27/100 |
Health Tier | Strong | Limited |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Stable | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 364 | 108 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 3.0% | 12.0% |
Peer Tier | major | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $2.1M to $5.6M | $98K to $751K |
Franchise Fee | $60K | $55K |
Royalty Rate | 7% | N/A |
Ad Fund | N/A | N/A |
Liquid Capital | $150K | N/A |
Net Worth Required | $350K | $200K |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 293 | 80 |
Franchised Units | 293 | 80 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | N/A | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1980 | N/A |
Franchising Since | 1960 | 1960 |
Years Franchising | 66 yrs | 66 yrs |
Headquarters | Deerfield Beach, FL | CONGERS, NY |
Category | Child Day Care Services | Child Day Care Services |
Website | ||
FDD Year | N/A | N/A |
Which Is Better, The Learning Experience or Tutor Time?
Lower upfront capital required
Tie
The Learning Experience: $2.1M starting · Tutor Time: $98K starting
More SBA lender confidence
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience: 364 SBA loans · Tutor Time: 108 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience: 3.0% · Tutor Time: 12.0%
Larger system & brand presence
Tie
The Learning Experience: 293 units · Tutor Time: 80 units
More lender financing options
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience: 97 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.
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About These Franchises
The Learning Experience vs Tutor Time: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing The Learning Experience 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 $5.6M.
The Learning Experience has 364 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.
The Learning Experience vs Tutor Time, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, The Learning Experience or Tutor Time?
How much does a The Learning Experience franchise cost compared to Tutor Time?
Can I finance The Learning Experience or Tutor Time with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, The Learning Experience or Tutor Time?
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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 LinkedIn profileAbout Edward Freeman