Kumon franchise
Kumon runs after-school math and reading centers where children work through daily worksheets at their own pace, using a method created in Japan. Centers charge monthly tuition and can also teach through a digital platform. At the end of 2025 there were 1,710 Kumon locations in the US, 1,705 franchised and 5 company-owned.
- Cost to open
- $102K–$234K
- Franchise fee
- $2,000
- Royalty
- Per student
- Locations, 2025
- 1,710+87 in 3 yrs
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Company snapshot
- Franchising since
- 1983
- Franchisor based in
- Rutherford, New Jersey
- Time to open
- About 6 months after signing
- Agreement length
- 5 years
- Territory
- No exclusive territory
- Financing
- None offered
From Kumon North America, Inc’s 2026 filing.
How much a Kumon franchise costs
Opening one Kumon Center costs an estimated $101,630 to $233,780. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
Source: Kumon North America, Inc, 2026 filing, page 25
Kumon franchise fee
The franchise fee is $2,000, ($3,000 with English as a Foreign Language added), plus $2,500 for pre-opening marketing. You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: Kumon North America, Inc, 2026 filing, page 14
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | A monthly fee per enrolled student: $38 per full-paying student and $19 per partially paying student once the temporary license period ends ($42.75 and $21.38 during it), plus $30 for each new enrollment. |
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Source: Kumon North America, Inc, 2026 filing, page 16
Sales and earnings
No figures Kumon does not share sales or profit figures for its locations. Talking to current and former franchise owners is the usual way to learn what a location earns.
Source: Kumon North America, Inc, 2026 filing, page 55
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1,637 (+19) | 22 | 33 |
| 2024 | 1,671 (+34) | 18 | 31 |
| 2025 | 1,705 (+34) | 5 | 28 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating.
Source: Kumon North America, Inc, 2026 filing, page 55
How Kumon compares
Of the 4 education franchises on this site, Kumon is the cheapest to open and the largest by number of locations.
| Measure | Kumon | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to open, low end | $102K | $122K |
| Closed or left per year | 1.9% | 4.2% |
| Change in franchised locations, 3 yrs | +5.4% | −1.1% |
| Shares earnings figures | No | 3 of 4 |
Typical is the median across the 4 brands in education franchises.
Other education franchises
Kumon franchise questions
How long does it take to open a Kumon?
About 6 months after signing, according to Kumon's 2026 filing. Finding a site, permits and build-out are what usually stretch it.
Does Kumon help with financing?
No. Kumon does not offer financing or guarantee loans or leases, so buyers arrange their own, usually a bank or SBA loan.
Do Kumon franchisees get a protected territory?
No. Kumon grants the right to run one location but no exclusive area, so another Kumon can open nearby.
How long is a Kumon franchise agreement?
The initial term is 5 years. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.
Is Kumon growing or shrinking?
Over the last 3 years 179 franchised locations opened and 92 closed or left, a net change of +5.4%. About 1.9% of locations closed or left each year. That is below the 4.2% typical for education franchises.
How does Kumon compare with other education franchises?
Of the 4 education franchises here, Kumon is the cheapest to open (low end $102K against a $122K median) and the largest by number of locations.
Does Kumon say how much franchisees make?
No, Kumon doesn't publish sales or profit figures for its locations, while 3 of the 4 education brands here do. Current and former owners are the best source.
Where is Kumon based?
Kumon North America, Inc is based in Rutherford, New Jersey and the brand has sold franchises since 1983.