Is Sylvan Learning or Ultimate Sustainability cheaper to open?

Sylvan Learning costs $107,922–$239,012 and Ultimate Sustainability costs $115,000–$234,800 to open (FDD Item 7). Sylvan Learning has the lower entry cost.

Which earns more, Sylvan Learning or Ultimate Sustainability?

Sylvan Learning reports $386,115 average annual unit revenue vs $602,026 for Ultimate Sustainability (FDD Item 19). Ultimate Sustainability is higher. For Ultimate Sustainability: Company-owned outlets only - not franchisee performance.

Which is the better franchise, Sylvan Learning or Ultimate Sustainability?

FranchiseVerdict grades Sylvan Learning B and Ultimate Sustainability B, from FDD Items 5–7, 19–21 and SBA loan performance. See the full side-by-side above.

Sylvan Learning vs Ultimate Sustainability

Franchise Comparison 2026

Both Sylvan Learning and Ultimate Sustainability are education franchises. Sylvan Learning requires an investment of $108K – $239K while Ultimate Sustainability requires $115K – $235K. In terms of revenue, Ultimate Sustainability reports higher average unit revenue at $602K. Note: Company-owned outlets only - not franchisee performance. Sylvan Learning has SBA lending data on file with a 23.8% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Sylvan Learning B (Above average) and Ultimate Sustainability B (Above average).

Metric	Sylvan Learning	Ultimate Sustainability
Verdict Grade	BAbove average	BAbove average
Investment Range	$108K – $239K	$115K – $235K
Franchise Fee	$37K	$60K
Royalty Rate	11.0%	6.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)	$386K	$602KCompany-owned only
SBA Charge-Off Rate	23.8% (356 loans)	N/A
Total Units	478	3
Unit Growth (YoY)	+5 units	N/A
Year Began Franchising	2003	2024
FDD Year	2025	2024