Sylvan Learning vs Huntington Learning Centers
Franchise Comparison (2026)
2026 FDD Data
Huntington Learning Centers offers a lower initial investment ($162K-$284K vs $199K-$347K) but charges a higher royalty rate (9.5% vs 8-9%). Sylvan Learning differentiates with its SylvanSync digital teaching platform and reports average gross revenue of $485,732 for centers operating 2+ years, while holding the #115 Franchise 500 ranking.
Sylvan Learning and Huntington Learning Centers are two of the longest-established tutoring franchises in the United States, both founded in the late 1970s. This FDD comparison examines their franchise fees, investment requirements, and tutoring methodologies. With the U.S. tutoring market projected to reach $25 billion by 2025, understanding these differences is crucial for prospective education franchise investors.
Quick Comparison
Sylvan Learning
$36,900
Huntington Learning Centers
$36,000
Sylvan Learning
$199,000 - $347,000
Huntington Learning Centers
$162,187 - $283,587
Sylvan Learning
8-9% of gross revenue
Huntington Learning Centers
9.5%
Sylvan Learning
474
Huntington Learning Centers
300
Sylvan Learning
$485,732
Huntington Learning Centers
N/A
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Sylvan Learning | Huntington Learning Centers |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Investment | ||
| Franchise Fee | $36,900 | $36,000 |
| Total Investment (Low) | $199,000 | $162,187 |
| Total Investment (High) | $347,000 | $283,587 |
| Net Worth Required | $250,000 | $200,000 |
| Liquid Capital Required | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| Ongoing Fees | ||
| Royalty Rate | 8.5% | 9.5% |
| Advertising Fund | 2% | 2% |
| Technology Fee | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| System Size & Growth | ||
| Total Units | 474 | 300 |
| Franchised Units | 474 | 269 |
| Company-Owned Units | 0 | 31 |
| 3-Year Net Growth | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Financial Performance (Item 19) | ||
| Item 19 Disclosed | Yes | No |
| Average Revenue | $485,732 | N/A |
| Median Revenue | Not Disclosed | N/A |
| Franchise Terms | ||
| Initial Term | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Renewal Term | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Territory Protection | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Requirements | ||
| Owner-Operator Required | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Training Hours | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Years Franchising | 47 years | 49 years |
| Risk Indicators | ||
| Litigation Matters | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| Termination Rate | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
Key Differences
Initial Investment: Huntington at $162,187-$283,587 vs Sylvan at $199,000-$347,000
Royalty Rates: Huntington charges 9.5%; Sylvan charges 8-9% of gross revenue
Technology Platform: Sylvan emphasizes proprietary SylvanSync digital teaching platform
Average Revenue: Sylvan reports $485,732 average gross revenue for mature centers
Franchise 500: Sylvan ranked #115 in 2025; Huntington not ranked
Network Size: Sylvan has 474 locations vs Huntington with ~300
Veteran Discount: Sylvan offers 5% off franchise fee for veterans
Investment Fit Analysis
Who Should Consider Sylvan Learning
Sylvan Learning suits investors seeking a technology-forward tutoring franchise with disclosed financials and Franchise 500 recognition.
$485,732 average gross revenue for mature centers
#115 on 2025 Franchise 500 list
Proprietary SylvanSync digital learning platform
10-year contract with 10-year renewals
474 franchised locations nationwide
5% veteran discount on franchise fee
Who Should Consider Huntington Learning Centers
Huntington Learning Centers suits investors seeking lower initial investment in a heritage tutoring brand with traditional teaching methodology.
Lower investment range ($162K-$284K)
Founded 1977 - one of oldest tutoring brands
Traditional personalized tutoring approach
Family-owned company heritage
~300 locations with mix of franchise/corporate
Focus on test prep and academic tutoring
Frequently Asked Questions
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Disclaimer
This comparison is provided for informational purposes only. Data has been aggregated from publicly available sources including Franchise Disclosure Documents, industry publications, and franchise analysis websites.
Prospective franchisees should review the complete FDD for each franchise, conduct their own due diligence, and consult with qualified legal and financial advisors before making any investment decisions.