At $26,671/yr net price, Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc graduates earn $48,341/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,341/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $26,671 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $106,684 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,341/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,341/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,097 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,482/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,277/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,277/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,600/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,812/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $31,835 | $13,448 |
The Risk Factor
58.1% of students at Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Universal Technical Institute of Northern California delivers weak financial returns that should make you reconsider your options. With median earnings of $48,341 ten years after graduation, you'll earn less than many high school graduates who enter trades directly or attend community college programs.
The school's flagship Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies program shows the core problem. Graduates earn just $31,835 annually while carrying $13,448 in debt. You can earn similar wages as an automotive technician through apprenticeships or community college programs at a fraction of the cost. Sacramento's strong automotive job market won't compensate for starting wages this low.
The 58% graduation rate signals another red flag. Four out of ten students leave without completing their programs, often carrying debt with no credentials to show for it. Private for-profit technical schools typically struggle with completion rates, and UTI Northern California fits this pattern.
Your debt burden will be manageable at $13,097, but only if you actually graduate and find work in your field. The combination of low earnings and mediocre completion rates creates real financial risk. You could spend two years and $53,342 in total costs to earn less than many entry-level positions that require no formal training.
This school makes financial sense only if you've already been rejected from community college automotive programs and need the structured environment of a private institution. Sacramento City College and other regional community colleges offer automotive technology programs with better ROI. Look there first before committing to UTI's premium pricing for subpar outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc worth the cost?
With graduates earning $48,341 after 10 years and paying $26,671 annually, UTI Northern California provides moderate returns. The relatively low median debt of $13,097 helps, but earnings potential is limited compared to four-year programs.
What is the ROI for Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc programs?
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates earn around $31,835, which is below the overall school average. The program costs remain high relative to starting salaries in automotive repair fields.
How much debt do Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc students graduate with?
The median debt is $13,097, which is manageable compared to many technical schools. However, with a 58% graduation rate, many students leave without completing their programs.
Do Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc graduates find good jobs?
Graduates typically find work in automotive repair and maintenance, but earning potential peaks relatively low. The 10-year median salary of $48,341 limits long-term financial growth compared to other technical fields.