At a Glance: Key Differences
Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.
⚠️ Risk Assessment
Risk signals from FDD disclosures. Higher score = lower risk. Verify all figures in each franchise's current FDD before investing.
| Risk Factor | Big Blue Swim School | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | N/A | 4% |
| Unit Turnover (Growth) | +12 units | +4%/yr |
| Total Fee Burden | 7.0% | 12.0% |
| Territory Protection | ✅ Exclusive | ✅ Exclusive |
Detailed Analysis: Big Blue Swim School vs Mathnasium
According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 188+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Big Blue Swim School and Mathnasium are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Education & Children sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. Mathnasium has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.
From a capital perspective, Mathnasium has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. Big Blue Swim School charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.
Franchisee satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. Big Blue Swim School leads with a 77/100 satisfaction score, indicating that existing owners are more positive about their decision. Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.
Investment & Fees
| Metric | Big Blue Swim School | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Min Investment | $1.5M | $115K |
| Max Investment | $4.5M | $149K |
| Franchise Fee | $75K | $49K |
| Royalty Rate | 7.0% | 10.0% |
| Ad Fund Rate | N/A | 2.0% |
Unit Economics
| Metric | Big Blue Swim School | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Unit Revenue | $600K | $400K |
| Avg Profit Margin | N/A | N/A |
Scale & Growth
| Metric | Big Blue Swim School | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Total Units | 70 | 1,100 |
| Annual Growth | N/A | 4.0% |
| Failure Rate | N/A | 4.0% |
Franchisee Performance
| Metric | Big Blue Swim School | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Franchisee Satisfaction | 77/100 | 75/100 |
Track Record
| Metric | Big Blue Swim School | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Years in Business | N/A | 22 |
| Years Franchising | N/A | 19 |
Financial Requirements
| Metric | Big Blue Swim School | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Min Net Worth Required | N/A | $200K |
| Liquid Capital Required | N/A | $100K |
Operations
| Metric | Big Blue Swim School | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Employees | N/A | 6 |
| Training Weeks | N/A | 2 |
⚠️ Risk Indicators
| Metric | Big Blue Swim School | Mathnasium |
|---|---|---|
| Failure Rate | N/A | 4.0% |
| Annual Unit Growth | N/A | 4.0% |
| Units Opened Last Year | 12 | 80 |
| Units Closed Last Year | N/A | N/A |
| Exclusive Territory | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Blue Swim School or Mathnasium a better franchise investment?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Big Blue Swim School has 70 total units and a 77/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Mathnasium has 1,100 total units and a 75/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.
How much does it cost to open a Big Blue Swim School franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Big Blue Swim School franchise requires an initial investment of $1.5M – $4.5M. The franchise fee is $75K, with ongoing royalties of 7.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
How much does it cost to open a Mathnasium franchise?
Based on data in our database, opening a Mathnasium franchise requires an initial investment of $115K – $149K. The franchise fee is $49K, with ongoing royalties of 10.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.
What is the royalty rate for Big Blue Swim School vs Mathnasium?
Big Blue Swim School's royalty rate is 7.0%. Mathnasium's royalty rate is 10.0%. That means Mathnasium has the lower ongoing royalty burden.
Which has more locations — Big Blue Swim School or Mathnasium?
Big Blue Swim School has 70 total units. Mathnasium has 1,100 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.
Is Big Blue Swim School or Mathnasium semi-absentee friendly?
Big Blue Swim School is typically run as a owner-operator model. Mathnasium is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.
Related Comparisons
Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.
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