Sylvan Learning franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Sylvan Learning franchise fee is $36,900 and the total initial investment ranges from $107,922 to $239,012, with about $30,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Sylvan Learning FDD.
What are the Sylvan Learning franchise fees and investment?
The Sylvan Learning franchise requires a franchise fee of $36,900 and a total initial investment of $107,922 to $239,012. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $36,900 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $107,922 to $239,012 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $30,000 |
| US locations | 478 |
| Industry | Education & Children (Supplemental & Remedial Learning) |
| Headquarters | Bedford, Texas |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Franchising since | 2003 |
How does the Sylvan Learning investment compare with other education & children franchises?
Sylvan Learning's minimum investment of $107,922 is at or below the median minimum investment of $118,363 across the 231 education & children franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 120 of the other 230 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $36,900 compares with an industry median of $42,500.
By minimum investment, Sylvan Learning belongs with franchises from $100,000 to $250,000.
What should you verify in the Sylvan Learning FDD?
Verify six parts of the Sylvan Learning Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether Sylvan Learning discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to Sylvan Learning?
These education & children franchises have the closest minimum investment to Sylvan Learning:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Willowbrae Academy | $85,000 | $107,710 to $153,242 |
| Bounce U | $0 to $30,000 | $109,750 to $597,171 |
| Kidokinetics | $60,000 | $110,500 to $144,700 |
| Twinkle Star Dance | $20,000 to $30,000 | $104,400 to $203,050 |
| Pump It Up | $0 to $30,000 | $104,200 to $661,190 |
See every brand in education & children franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Sylvan Learning franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Sylvan Learning franchise ranges from $107,922 to $239,012, including a franchise fee of $36,900, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a Sylvan Learning franchise?
Sylvan Learning lists a minimum of about $30,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Sylvan Learning locations are there?
Sylvan Learning reported 478 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has Sylvan Learning been franchising?
Sylvan Learning started offering franchises in 2003 after the company was founded in 1979.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Sylvan Learning and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sylvan Learning. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.