Class 101 Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Class 101 offers college planning services for high school students, helping them navigate the admissions process, improve test scores, and secure scholarships.

Class 101 began its journey in 1997, founded by Tom Pabin in Lexington, Kentucky, with a mission to simplify the college admissions process for high school students. Now headquartered in Bedford, Texas, the franchise has grown significantly, boasting 65 locations across 28 states.

Specializing in college planning, Class 101 offers a broad range of services tailored to support students throughout their college preparation journey.

These services include creating customized college lists, coordinating campus visits, enhancing academic performance, preparing for ACT, SAT, and PSAT exams, building standout resumes, writing impactful college essays, meeting crucial application deadlines, identifying scholarship opportunities, and assisting with financial aid forms like the FAFSA.

What truly distinguishes Class 101 from other college planning services is its personalized approach and consistent success. Students working with Class 101 enjoy an impressive acceptance rate of 85%, with an average of $200,000 in merit scholarships awarded to each student.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $39,900 – $39,900
Lease Payments (one month rent and security deposit) $0 – $7,000
Leasehold and Tenant Improvements $1,500 – $10,000
Signage (Exterior and Interior) $2,000 – $12,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment $2,000 – $10,000
Computer Systems, A/V, Security and Other Systems $3,000 – $5,000
Training Related Expenses $2,500 – $5,000
Legal, Accounting and other Professional Fees $1,500 – $7,000
Technology Fees $447 – $447
Insurance Deposit $1,440 – $1,840
Business Licenses and Permits $500 – $1,000
Grand Opening Marketing $10,000 – $15,000
Initial Supplies $500 – $1,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months $10,000 – $15,000
TOTAL $75,287 – $130,187
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $39,900 – $39,900
Lease Payments (one month rent and security deposit) $0 – $7,000
Leasehold and Tenant Improvements $1,500 – $10,000
Signage (Exterior and Interior) $2,000 – $12,000
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment $2,000 – $10,000
Computer Systems, A/V, Security and Other Systems $3,000 – $5,000
Training Related Expenses $2,500 – $5,000
Legal, Accounting and other Professional Fees $1,500 – $7,000
Technology Fees $447 – $447
Insurance Deposit $1,440 – $1,840
Business Licenses and Permits $500 – $1,000
Grand Opening Marketing $10,000 – $15,000
Initial Supplies $500 – $1,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months $10,000 – $15,000
TOTAL $75,287 – $130,187

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Below are some of

Class 101

key competitors in the

Tutoring

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
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EBITDA
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55

New
+
12%
12%

$39,900

$75,000

$130,000

n.a.

$164,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

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Training

Class 101 provides various types of training programs to its franchisees to ensure successful operation and management of the business:

  1. Initial Training Program: Class 101 conducts an initial training program that includes both virtual and in-person sessions, taking place at an approved working Class 101 location. Owners and their Designated Managers are required to complete this training to the franchisor's satisfaction before opening the business.
  2. New or Replacement Manager Training: If a Designated Manager leaves, the franchisee must promptly enroll a replacement in Class 101’s training program. This ensures new managers are properly trained according to the franchisor's standards.
  3. Refresher and Remedial Training: The franchisor may require franchisees and their key personnel to attend refresher courses, seminars, or remedial training sessions from time to time. This helps maintain high standards and addresses any operational deficiencies.
  4. Continuing Education and Specialized Training: Class 101 offers ongoing and specialized training programs, often annually, to enhance business management skills and technical expertise. Franchisees may also be required to attend conferences that focus on operational efficiency, sales training, and system updates.

Territory Protection

Class 101 provides a form of limited territory protection to its franchisees through a "Protected Area" designation. Franchisees are granted a Protected Area that typically covers specific zip codes, geographic boundaries, or a set radius around their Approved Location.

During the term of the agreement and as long as the franchisee is in compliance, Class 101 will not establish or allow others to establish another Class 101 business within the franchisee’s Protected Area.

However, the protection is not exclusive in all aspects. Class 101 reserves the right to sell its products and services through alternative channels such as the internet, direct mail, and mobile venues, even within the Protected Area.

Competitors

Omega Learning

Omega Learning is an educational services franchise providing tutoring, test preparation, and academic enrichment programs tailored to individual student needs.

Franchisees

?

5
+
-29%
-29%
Investment

?

$122,000 - $226,000
Education
Tutoring

Nutty Scientists

Nutty Scientists is an educational franchise offering interactive science programs for children, combining fun and learning through hands-on activities and experiments.

Franchisees

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5
+
400%
400%
Investment

?

$46,000 - $54,000

STEM Builders

STEM Builders is an educational franchise that offers STEM-focused programs to inspire and equip students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Franchisees

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3
+
-25%
-25%
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$45,000 - $105,000

The Tutoring Club

The Tutoring Club offers personalized academic support for students, focusing on improving grades, confidence, and study habits.

Franchisees

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74
+
1%
1%
Investment

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$89,000 - $163,000
Education
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Elite Tutoring Place

Elite Tutoring Place provides individualized academic tutoring in core subjects to help students excel and achieve their educational goals.

Franchisees

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0%
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Class 101

Class 101 offers college planning services for high school students, helping them navigate the admissions process, improve test scores, and secure scholarships.

Franchisees

?

55
+
12%
12%
Investment

?

$75,000 - $130,000
Education
Tutoring