Sylvan Learning franchise
Sylvan Learning runs tutoring centers offering personalized instruction in reading, math, writing, study skills and test prep for students from kindergarten through high school. Centers can also teach in schools, libraries and online. It is part of Unleashed Brands. At the end of 2025 there were 433 Sylvan Learning locations in the US, all franchised.
- Cost to open
- $118K–$288K
- Franchise fee
- $46,900
- Royalty
- 11%
- Locations, 2025
- 433−36 in 3 yrs
Compare with similar brands Estimate your costs
Company snapshot
- Franchising since
- 1979
- Franchisor based in
- Bedford, Texas
- Agreement length
- 10 years
- Territory
- No exclusive territory
- Financing
- Introductions to lenders
From Sylvan Learning, LLC’s 2026 filing.
How much a Sylvan Learning franchise costs
Opening one Sylvan Learning center costs an estimated $117,600 to $288,400. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
Source: Sylvan Learning, LLC, 2026 filing, page 26
Sylvan Learning franchise fee
The franchise fee is $46,900, for one territory. You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: Sylvan Learning, LLC, 2026 filing, page 16
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | 11% of gross sales (12% on Sylvan Edge and ACE IT! programs), with a quarterly minimum of $5,500, paid monthly. |
|---|---|
| Brand or marketing fund | 6% of gross sales |
Source: Sylvan Learning, LLC, 2026 filing, page 17
Sales and earnings
Shares figures Sylvan Learning publishes sales or earnings figures for its locations: it reports 2025 sales for 409 U.S. franchised centers open the full year. The full tables, with notes on which locations are counted, are in its filing.
Source: Sylvan Learning, LLC, 2026 filing, page 68
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 473 (+4) | 5 | 14 |
| 2024 | 476 (+3) | 0 | 21 |
| 2025 | 433 (−43) | 0 | 55 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating.
Source: Sylvan Learning, LLC, 2026 filing, page 72
How Sylvan Learning compares
Of the 4 education franchises on this site, Sylvan Learning is the 2nd cheapest to open and the 3rd largest by number of locations.
| Measure | Sylvan Learning | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to open, low end | $118K | $122K |
| Royalty | 11% | 10% |
| Closed or left per year | 6.3% | 4.2% |
| Change in franchised locations, 3 yrs | −7.7% | −1.1% |
| Shares earnings figures | Yes | 3 of 4 |
Typical is the median across the 4 brands in education franchises.
Other education franchises
Sylvan Learning franchise questions
Does Sylvan Learning help with financing?
Not directly. Sylvan Learning points buyers to outside lenders it works with, but the loan is between you and the lender.
Do Sylvan Learning franchisees get a protected territory?
No. Sylvan Learning grants the right to run one location but no exclusive area, so another Sylvan Learning can open nearby.
How long is a Sylvan Learning franchise agreement?
The initial term is 10 years. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.
Is Sylvan Learning growing or shrinking?
Over the last 3 years 54 franchised locations opened and 90 closed or left, a net change of −7.7%. About 6.3% of locations closed or left each year. That is above the 4.2% typical for education franchises.
How does Sylvan Learning compare with other education franchises?
Of the 4 education franchises here, Sylvan Learning is the 2nd cheapest to open (low end $118K against a $122K median) and the 3rd largest by number of locations. Its 11% royalty is in line with the 10% median.
Does Sylvan Learning say how much franchisees make?
Yes: it reports 2025 sales for 409 U.S. franchised centers open the full year. Your results can differ; the filing explains which locations are counted.
Where is Sylvan Learning based?
Sylvan Learning, LLC is based in Bedford, Texas and the brand has sold franchises since 1979.