The education and tutoring industry is booming, and as parents increasingly seek high-quality supplemental learning options, demand continues to surge worldwide. In this rapidly evolving market, understanding the Mathnasium franchise cost has become essential for aspiring investors who want to tap into a proven, profitable, and purpose-driven business model. Specialized tutoring franchises like Mathnasium stand out for their strong ROI, brand credibility, and consistent performance.
Mathnasium uses its proprietary Mathnasium Method™, helping K–12 students master math through customized diagnostic assessments and carefully curated exercises. With over 1,100 centers worldwide, Mathnasium has built a resilient brand that adapts to hybrid learning (in-center and online) and taps into the increasing parental willingness to invest in quality education.
Global Market Context & Industry Insights
The Tutoring & Supplementary Education Boom
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The global private tutoring market is witnessing impressive growth. Reports estimate its size in the tens of billions USD, with strong year-on-year expansion.
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Increasing academic competition, parental pressure, and the hybrid learning trend (offline + online) are fueling demand for tutoring services.
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The education franchise sector, especially in math and STEM tutoring, has become a sought-after niche for franchise investors looking for scalable, resilient businesses.
Mathnasium’s Position in the Landscape
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Mathnasium has grown to 1,100+ centers globally, highlighting its scalability and proven model.
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The company appeals across demographics: educators, corporate professionals, parents who want to “give back,” and mission-driven entrepreneurs.
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Internationally, Mathnasium uses different models: unit franchises, area developers, and master franchises.
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In regions like Romania, the entry cost ranges from €80,000–120,000, illustrating how local economics impact investment.
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In Hong Kong and Singapore, investments are quoted in local currency: HKD 835,000–1,411,000 depending on location.
Mathnasium Franchise Cost Breakdown
Here is a detailed breakdown of what it costs to open a Mathnasium learning center, based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and credible sources.
Initial Investment Components
| Cost Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Details / Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | US $49,000 | $49,000 | First unit; additional units: $26,500. |
| Training & Travel | $2,500 | $3,000 | Includes initial training program. |
| Technology / Software Setup | $186 | $1,116 | For proprietary LMS, software license. |
| Lease / Rent (1st & Last Month) | $6,000 | $14,000 | For center location. |
| Tenant Improvements | $5,500 | $13,500 | Paint, fixtures, carpet, etc. |
| Furniture, Equipment & Supplies | $10,000 | $17,000 | Desks, whiteboards, teaching materials. |
| Insurance | $1,200 | $1,500 | Annual estimate. |
| Business License & Legal | $250 | $1,000 | Registration, legal/accounting. |
| Professional Services | $1,300 | $2,000 | Legal, accounting. |
| Phone & Utilities | $500 | $1,000 | Operational setup. |
| Video Surveillance / Security | $500 | $2,500 | Optional, but in FDD. |
| Pre-Opening Advertising | $4,000 | $4,000 | Marketing before launch. |
| Working Capital (4 Months) | $32,000 | $40,000 | Additional funds to run until break-even. |
| Total Estimated Investment | ~$112,936 | ~$149,616 | For first Mathnasium center. |
Ongoing Fees & Royalty Structure
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Royalty Fees:
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Initially 10% of gross receipts.
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After 24 months, the royalty becomes the greater of 10% or $1,500 per month.
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Base royalty: initially $650 per month, with additional $650 as per FDD structure.
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Marketing Fee:
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Fixed: $250/month + 2% of gross receipts.
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Digital/local marketing: minimum $1,000/month in some models.
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Technology Fee: (recurring) within $186–$1,116 (initial, then recurring depends on model).
Profitability & ROI – What Franchisees Can Expect
Revenue & Earnings Data
According to FranchiseChatter’s analysis of FDD data:
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Average reported accrual-basis revenue for Mathnasium centers is approximately $360,324 in recent years.
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Operating profit (after variable and fixed costs) is reported around $115,743, roughly 32.1% margin.
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In some reports (2025), gross sales average ~ $293,590, while owner earnings fall in the band of $35,231–$44,039.
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FranchiseChatter’s 2025 review notes operating profit at ~29.2% of gross receipts for 853 reporting centers.
ROI & Payback Period
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Based on these numbers, many franchisees see a payback period of 3.8–5.8 years, depending on performance and location.
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Projected ROI: estimates vary, but studies and models suggest annual ROI of ~20–35%, especially for high-performing units or multi-unit operators.
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Key risk mitigants:
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Lean operating structure (low inventory, efficient staffing)
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Strong repeatability (many students continue for years)
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Hybrid learning model boosts reach and flexibility
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Competitor Comparison – Mathnasium vs Other Tutoring Franchises
To contextualize the Mathnasium investment, here’s how it stacks up against major competitors in the tutoring franchise space:
| Franchise | Initial Investment | Franchise Fee | Avg Annual Revenue | Royalty / Ongoing Fee | Payback Period | Distinct Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathnasium | $112K–$150K | $49K (first) | ~$360K (or ~$294K in some) | 10% royalty or $1,500 min + marketing | ~3.8–5.8 yrs | Specialized math mastery, hybrid model |
| Kumon | $67K–$145K (varies) | ~$2K initial | $125K–$200K (typical) | ~38% (capped) | 4–7 yrs | Massive global scale, brand recognition |
| Sylvan Learning | $108K–$239K | ~$36.9K | $320K–$580K | ~11% | 4.5–6 yrs | Multi-subject, strong tech integration |
| Tutor Doctor | $75K–$140K | ~$49K | ~$250K | ~8% | 3–5 yrs | Flexible in-home or virtual model |
| LearningRx (cognitive training) | $150K–$250K | ~$39K | ~$350K | ~10% | 4–6 yrs | Differentiated cognitive training niche |
This comparison shows that Mathnasium offers a middle-tier initial cost with strong revenue and manageable ongoing fees, making it competitive and scalable.
Global Expansion & Local Opportunities
International Growth Models
Mathnasium’s franchise model varies regionally:
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Master Franchise (entire country / region): Suitable for investors aiming to sub-franchise.
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Area Developer: Operate multiple centers in a specific region — common in high-growth markets.
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Unit Franchise: Own and operate one or more centers; no sub-franchising allowed in many markets.
Local Examples
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Romania: Investment begins at ~€80,000; requires ~€40,000 personal equity.
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Canada: Initial investment between CAD$90,750–137,610.
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UK: According to UK franchise brochures, projected turnover (with ~120 children paying around £250/month) could reach £30,000/month, with a net profit of ~25% (~£7,500/month) when scaled.
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Hong Kong / Singapore: Local currency investments (HKD) plus local costs for rent, staffing, and marketing.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Mathnasium Franchise
Here’s a practical, actionable application roadmap:
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Initial Inquiry & Research
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Visit the Mathnasium franchise website.
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Request the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to review costs, fees, and obligations.
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Attend a franchise webinar or discovery call to gauge alignment.
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Assess Financial Qualification
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Ensure you meet liquidity requirements: minimum ~$112,936 for U.S. units.
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Check net worth requirements (e.g., $150,000 in many markets).
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Evaluate whether financing is needed (local banks, franchise-friendly lenders).
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Submit Application
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Fill out the formal franchisee application form.
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Provide required documentation: financial statements, business plan, background.
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If approved, sign the franchise agreement.
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Training & Onboarding
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Attend initial training (in-person + virtual) — typically in Los Angeles for U.S. franchisees.
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Work with a Field Support Specialist (FSS) who guides you through site selection, lease negotiation, and setup.
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Site Selection & Set-up
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Choose a location (typically 1,000–1,500 sq ft).
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Negotiate lease, design tenant improvements, purchase furniture, signage, and materials.
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Implement technology systems and software.
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Pre-Open Marketing & Staffing
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Run local marketing campaigns (pre-opening advertising).
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Hire instructors and administrative staff.
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Certify tutors in the Mathnasium Method™.
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Launch & Operations
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Open for business.
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Monitor enrollment, begin student diagnostics, and apply membership model.
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Use ongoing support: training refreshers, digital tools, regional coaching.
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Growth & Expansion
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Explore opening additional units (multi-unit model) once the first center stabilizes.
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Consider area development or master franchise opportunities based on performance.
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Risks & Challenges to Consider
While Mathnasium offers an attractive ROI, potential risks include:
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Location Risk: Poor site selection or overpaying for rent can hurt margins.
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Staff Turnover: Instructors may leave; recruiting and retaining quality staff is vital.
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Marketing Mistakes: Underinvesting in local marketing may slow enrollment growth.
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Competition: Other tutoring franchises (Kumon, Sylvan, etc.) or local tutors could compete.
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Economic Downturn: Though tutoring is resilient, disposable income pressures could affect enrollment.
Mitigation strategies: rigorous market research, hiring best-fit instructors, leveraging Mathnasium’s corporate support, and maintaining cash reserves.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Investing in a Mathnasium franchise is more than a business opportunity — it’s a chance to make a meaningful difference in your community by building math confidence in young learners. With a relatively modest entry cost (starting around US $112–150 K), a strong track record of profitability, and scalable growth models, Mathnasium offers both financial and personal rewards.
If you are:
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Passionate about education,
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Ready to build a lean, scalable business,
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Willing to follow a proven system with ongoing support,
Next Steps:
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Visit the Mathnasium franchise site to request your FDD.
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Schedule a call with a franchise development representative.
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Join a discovery day or webinar to meet other franchisees and explore your territory.
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Run your financial model, confirm your funding, and apply!
Contact Information (U.S.):
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Mathnasium Franchise Development Team
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Phone: (877) 531-MATH (6284)
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Email: legal@mathnasium.com
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the Mathnasium franchise cost to start?
The total initial investment ranges from approximately US $112,936 to $149,616, including the $49,000 franchise fee. - What is the expected ROI for a Mathnasium franchise?
Based on FDD data, franchisees can expect 20–35% annual ROI, with a payback period of around 3.8–5.8 years depending on performance. - How much ongoing royalty and marketing fees will I pay?
Royalties are 10% of gross receipts (or $1,500 minimum after two years). Marketing fees include $250/month + 2% of gross receipts, plus a minimum of $1,000/month for digital/local marketing. - Do I need to be a math expert to own a Mathnasium franchise?
Not at all. Mathnasium welcomes franchisees from a variety of professional backgrounds (educators,entrepreneurs, corporate professionals), and provides full training and support. - Is a Mathnasium franchise available internationally?
Yes. Mathnasium offers global franchise models: unit franchises, area developers, and master franchises depending on region. For example, in Romania the cost is ~€80,000–120,000.
