Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

Education franchise providing personalized tutoring and academic enrichment programs for students of all ages, helping them achieve their educational goals.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

474

Franchise fee

$36,900

Investment

$101,000 - $227,000

Revenue (AUV)

$364,000

2.9%

Sylvan Learning Centers, established in 1979, is a leading provider of tailored supplemental and enrichment education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Based in Hunt Valley, Maryland, the company began its franchising operations in 1980, just a year after its inception.

Known for its innovative educational methods, Sylvan offers a comprehensive range of academic programs designed to meet the unique needs of each student. Its services are delivered through a versatile omnichannel platform, enabling learning to take place in various formats, including in-person, online, one-on-one, and group sessions.

This adaptability positions Sylvan as a standout in the education sector, accommodating a wide array of learning styles and preferences. Acquired by Franchise Group in 2021, Sylvan benefits from strong support and resources, fostering its continued growth and operational success.

Initial investment

The initial investment required for a Sylvan Learning Centers franchise is $101,000 - $227,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial License Fee	$36,900
Travel and Living Expenses While Attending Initial Training	$1,400 – $2,400
Initial Three Months’ Rent and Security Deposit	$4,000 – $15,500
Real Estate Improvements and Site Preparation	$15,000 – $75,000
Initial Inventory and Instructional Materials	$2,750 – $3,050
Specialized Furnishings	$6,000 – $15,000
Other Furniture and Miscellaneous Supplies	$3,400 – $4,500
Signage	$2,000 – $8,000
Marketing During Initial 3-Month Period When Primary Center First Opens	$10,000
Computers and Other Hardware, Telephone, Internet Access & Software	$7,500 – $13,930
FOA Annual Membership Fee for Initial Period	$330
Miscellaneous Supplies	$15 – $150
Hub Technology Platform	$342
Contact Center Participation	$1,480 – $2,930
QuickBooks or Equivalent Accounting Software	$135 – $600
Optional: Sylvan Edge	$0 – $3,210
Additional Funds – Three Months	$9,500 – $35,000
Total	$100,752 – $226,842

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial License Fee	$36,900
Travel and Living Expenses While Attending Initial Training	$1,400 – $2,400
Initial Three Months’ Rent and Security Deposit	$4,000 – $15,500
Real Estate Improvements and Site Preparation	$15,000 – $75,000
Initial Inventory and Instructional Materials	$2,750 – $3,050
Specialized Furnishings	$6,000 – $15,000
Other Furniture and Miscellaneous Supplies	$3,400 – $4,500
Signage	$2,000 – $8,000
Marketing During Initial 3-Month Period When Primary Center First Opens	$10,000
Computers and Other Hardware, Telephone, Internet Access & Software	$7,500 – $13,930
FOA Annual Membership Fee for Initial Period	$330
Miscellaneous Supplies	$15 – $150
Hub Technology Platform	$342
Contact Center Participation	$1,480 – $2,930
QuickBooks or Equivalent Accounting Software	$135 – $600
Optional: Sylvan Edge	$0 – $3,210
Additional Funds – Three Months	$9,500 – $35,000
Total	$100,752 – $226,842

Franchise Disclosure Document

Below is Sylvan Learning Centers's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.

Number of units

Sylvan Learning Centers had 479 total units in 2024, of which 474 were franchised-owned and 5 company-owned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

Below are some of

Sylvan Learning Centers

key competitors in the

Tutoring

sector.

Franchise

474

New

16.00%

$101,000

$227,000

$364,000

n.a.

Kumon

$50K - $100K

1671

New

$30 x new enrolled students

$74,000

$166,000

n.a.

SpiderSmart

$50K - $100K

New

$80,000

$139,000

n.a.

Tutor Doctor

$50K - $100K

New

n.a.

8.00%

$94,000

$221,000

n.a.

Fundraising University

$50K - $100K

New

7.25%

$80,000

$84,000

$895,000

n.a.

JEI Learning Center

$50K - $100K

New

-20%

$23 - $35 per subject

$61,000

$111,000

n.a.

Best Brains

$25K - $50K

116

New

-1%

14.00%

$29,000

$118,000

n.a.

Training

Sylvan Learning provides comprehensive training to its franchisees to ensure they are well-equipped to operate a successful franchise. The franchisor offers both initial and ongoing training programs.

The initial training includes extensive instruction on business operations, marketing strategies, and the educational services provided, such as tutoring and skill development. This training typically consists of in-person sessions, hands-on activities, and detailed manuals.

Additionally, Sylvan Learning supports franchisees with continuous professional development opportunities. This includes webinars, workshops, and access to updated operational resources to stay current with best practices in education and franchise management.

Territory Protection

Sylvan Learning provides territory protection to its franchisees as part of their franchise agreement. This protection ensures that franchisees operate within a designated territory, minimizing direct competition from other Sylvan locations.

The designated territory is determined based on factors such as population density, market potential, and geographic considerations, helping franchisees establish a solid customer base.

Additionally, Sylvan Learning’s territorial protection aims to safeguard franchisees' investments by promoting exclusivity in their region.