Class 101 Franchise
Helping Students Find Their Future. Class 101 takes the confusion and intimidation out of the college application process.
$50,000
$39,900
69
2007
Bedford,TX
Jamie Clark
About Class 101
Class 101 empowers high school students and their families to navigate the college planning process with confidence. Through personalized, one-on-one guidance, students receive support in identifying best-fit colleges, improving test scores, increasing scholarship opportunities, and becoming strong applicants—ultimately reducing the overall cost of higher education.
By simplifying the college application process and providing a clear, step-by-step approach, Class 101 removes the stress and uncertainty, helping students find their path and reach their full potential.
Franchise Unit Trends & Revenue
69
15
$180,293
* in 2024
Franchise Fees
$39,900
Veteran's Fee: $37,905
8.0%
Gross Sales
2.0%
Gross Sales
Why Choose Class 101?
Class 101 offers unique programs to the students. Students work individually with a college planner and meet once a month for hour-long sessions throughout the year. The sessions prepare the student to take ACT and SAT tests, improve GPA, work on building a large list of schools that are a good fit, prepare a high-performance resume for colleges, write a powerful essay, visit schools, complete applications ahead of schedule and navigate the scholarship and financial aid processes.
Students that go through the Class 101 program have some dramatic results: the average American high school student applies to two or three schools and receives about $20,000 in scholarships and aid. Class 101 students apply to an average of 10 schools and receive more than $200,000 in scholarships and aid. Our students also tend to stay in school. The dropout rate for incoming college freshmen is high — as many as one in three first-year students never make it to their sophomore year. The dropout rate for Class 101 students is less than 1% — far below the national average.
Class 101 helps students every step of the way, from considering their options to seeing them off to their first day at their new school. They provide more than just a roadmap of stops - they help connect all of the dots so that the process is as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Class 101’s services include the following:
- Developing a College List
- Visit colleges
- Improve grades
- ACT/SAT/PSAT test prep
- Upgrade resumes
- Craft college essays
- Manage applications and deadlines
- Explore scholarship opportunities
- Pursue financial aid
- Transition to college
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$49,890 - $63,300
$200,000
$50,000
Training & Support
Class 101 has a thorough training platform that includes how to manage every aspect of your business. New franchisees go through a week-long training session at our home office in Lexington, Kentucky, and may bring one support staff team member. We will be on hand to guide you through the entire process of launching your Class 101 office to ensure that you have everything you need to make your new business a success from day one.
History
Class 101 was founded in 1998 by Thomas Pabin. Dissatisfied with working a regular 9-to-5 job as a financial advisor, Pabin decided he wanted to make his work helping others. While working with and guiding youth as a volunteer youth minister, Pabin discovered a severe need for professional college planning services and started Class 101. Pabin launched the business from his two-bedroom apartment and, through networking and word of mouth, his client base quickly grew. Today, there are over 45 franchises locations throughout 24 states in the U.S.. Class 101 is continuing its search for new franchisees in the search for expansion.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Class 101 single-unit owner has a passion for working with young people and a heart for helping families save time and money during the college application process. Ideally, they have a background in sales or marketing, or experience in education, whether as an educator, a guidance counselor, or other similar work experience.
A few of their passions include:
- Kids
- Community
- Education
- Giving back
A few of their motivations include:
- Being their own boss
- Having a flexible schedule
- Recognizing the complex college decision-making process
- Having a child go through the program and witnessing their success