8 Low Cost Education Franchises

The pandemic abruptly disrupted traditional classroom learning, leading families to seek educational support outside of schools. For instance, in 2021, there was a notable 116% surge in demand for math intervention services. Franchises specializing in educational services can be very lucrative given the continued industry trend. However, investing in an educational franchise doesn’t have to break the bank. The following eight education franchise concepts have a low barrier to entry, allowing franchisees to break into the continually growing segment.

LearningRx

LearningRx is a brain training franchise that offers personalized programs to target the root causes of learning and performance struggles in both children and adults. By focusing on weak cognitive skills, LearningRx helps individuals overcome obstacles and achieve academic and personal success, leading to increased confidence. With over 35 years of research, numerous peer-reviewed studies and a track record of positive client reviews, LearningRx programs are backed by evidence and results. 

Investing in a LearningRx franchise provides professionals with the opportunity to leverage a proven business model, comprehensive support and the potential for competitive earnings while maintaining work-life balance.

Growth Club Profile

• Units: 45
• Total Initial Investment: $100,000 - $249,999
• Franchise Fee: $35,000
• Royalty Fee: 8%
• Marketing Fee: 3%
• Liquidity Required: $149,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: not publicly available

IDEA Labs Kids

IDEA Labs Kids, an acclaimed after-school franchise under Lyricos Learning, offers dynamic STEAM activities worldwide, fostering collaborative learning in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Founded in 2011, IDEA Lab Kids aims to provide intellectually stimulating experiences for children through a range of programs including classes, camps and birthday parties. 

As schools face challenges in providing comprehensive STEAM education, investing in IDEA Lab Kids presents an opportunity to bridge these gaps while offering a fun, enriching environment for children and a convenient care solution for parents. With a focus on innovation and personalized instruction, IDEA Lab Kids franchisees can tap into a growing market demand while making a meaningful impact on young learners' lives.

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• Units: 17
• Total Initial Investment: $163,000 - $465,000
• Franchise Fee: $35,500
• Royalty Fee: 8%
• Marketing Fee: 1%
• Liquidity Required: $150,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

Mathnasium*

Mathnasium, a global math education franchise with over 1,000 locations, offers personalized instruction in an engaging setting that is aimed at helping children excel in math while enjoying the process. By emphasizing comprehension over rote learning, Mathnasium stands out in the education franchise landscape. Parents value the confidence and problem-solving skills their children develop, making Mathnasium a trusted choice for academic support. 

Investing in Mathnasium means tapping into a growing market demand for educational enrichment, with the added benefit of becoming a community cornerstone. With strong support from its leadership team and a focus on innovation, Mathnasium franchisees are well-positioned to thrive in the evolving educational landscape.

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• Units: 1,100
• Total Initial Investment: $112,936 - $149,616
• Franchise Fee: $49,000
• Royalty Fee: $650 + 10%
• Marketing Fee: not publicly available
• Liquidity Required: not publicly available
• Franchise Agreement Length: 5 years

Sylvan Learning*

Sylvan Learning, a renowned franchise with over 40 years of experience and over 700 centers worldwide, offers personalized K-12 education programs. Its innovative tutoring approach integrates skilled teachers with cutting-edge technology, fostering engagement and success in both academic and real-life contexts. With a focus on STEM, accelerated courses and college prep, Sylvan supports students at every stage of their academic journey. 

Aspiring franchisees are drawn to Sylvan for its proven business model, low fees, comprehensive support and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's education in their communities.

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• Units: 710 +
• Total Initial Investment: $85,525 - $186,930
• Franchise Fee: $34,900
• Royalty Fee/Marketing Fee: royalty, marketing and other fees are combined into a 16% fee
• Liquidity Required: $75,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

Kumon

Kumon is a franchise that offers individualized learning programs in math and reading, helping students build strong foundational skills at their own pace. The franchise fee of $2,000 is notably lower than many other brands in the education industry. With decades of experience, Kumon provides an accessible opportunity for aspiring business owners. By guiding students through a comprehensive program and fostering essential skills like goal-setting and perseverance, franchisees can build emotionally and financially rewarding businesses. 

Supported by dedicated branch managers and field consultants, along with a network of fellow franchisees, investing in Kumon offers a great operational structure for those looking to contribute to the educational development of children in their area.

• Units: 25,000
• Total Initial Investment: $67,428 - $145,640
• Franchise Fee: $2,000
• Royalty Fee: $34 - $38 per enrolled student per month
• Marketing Fee: $2,400 annually
• Liquidity Required: $70,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 5 years

Nutty Scientists

Nutty Scientists offers engaging scientific activities for kids worldwide. With franchised locations in over 40 countries, this opportunity allows franchisees to inspire young minds and make science fun. 

Whether starting with a home-based setup or establishing an enrichment center, Nutty Scientists provides a flexible investment option to deliver established programs, workshops, camps and shows, encouraging a love for science in children of all ages in a structured yet playful environment.

• Units: 313
• Total Initial Investment: $45,500 to $52,500 (home-based model) or $54,850 to $158,500 (lab-based model)
• Franchise Fee: $35,000
• Royalty Fee: 8%
• Marketing Fee: 2%
• Liquidity Required: $40,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 10 years

Wize Computing Academy

Wize Computing Academy offers modern education enrichment programs in designing, computer programming and robotics. The brand’s franchise model includes training, large territories and ongoing support. This franchise opportunity offers flexible online and in-person sessions, multiple revenue streams and a focus on STEAM learning.

Investing in Wize Computing Academy addresses the rapidly increasing demand for computing education, filling a gap left by schools while tapping into the growing field of computing jobs.

• Units: 9
• Total Initial Investment: $40,000 to $70,000
• Franchise Fee: ??$38,500
• Royalty Fee: 6 - 8%
• Marketing Fee: 2%
• Liquidity Required: $25,000 - $30,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: not publicly available

Club Z! Tutoring

Club Z! Tutoring franchise provides a lucrative opportunity to enter the booming tutoring industry, which has seen increased demand, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 400 franchised locations across North America, Club Z! offers in-home and online tutoring in all subjects and grade levels. Franchisees benefit from a low investment and low overhead home-based model, along with comprehensive support, including a corporate call center handling initial sales and payment processing. Additionally, Club Z! offers diverse revenue streams, including in-home tutoring, test prep, online tutoring and SAT/ACT online classes, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference while building a successful business.

• Units: 357+
• Total Initial Investment: $33,000 - $57,000
• Franchise fee: $19,750 - $34,750
• Royalty Fee: 6 - 8%
• Marketing Fee: not publicly available
• Liquidity Required: $40,000
• Franchise Agreement Length: 7 years

These eight low-cost education franchises offer low points of entry with the potential for a high return on investment. But more than that, they offer franchisees a pathway to fulfillment through helping children improve academically and grow in their confidence.

Interested in learning more about affordable franchising? Check out these stories and resources:

• 1851 Growth Club
• What Are The Cheapest Franchises in the U.S.?
• Franchise Deep Dive: Huntington Learning Center Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data