Universal Technical Institute-Southern California

1,447Students

52%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$52,873Earnings

Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Universal Technical Institute-Southern California

Universal Technical Institute transforms car enthusiasts into professional mechanics through hands-on training programs. The school specializes in automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, and collision repair careers at its Long Beach campus. With 1,447 students enrolled, UTI attracts those who prefer working with their hands over sitting in lecture halls.

Students pay an average of $24,867 after financial aid, with 56% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $52,873 ten years after completing their programs. The typical debt load of $13,124 translates to monthly payments of just $139. For those entering skilled trades, these numbers represent a reasonable investment with solid earning potential in California's robust automotive industry.

The student body is overwhelmingly male at 94%, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated trades UTI serves. Hispanic students make up 66% of enrollment, while 94% come from California. With a 95% employment rate, graduates find work quickly in shops, dealerships, and specialized repair facilities. The 39:1 student-faculty ratio means less individual attention than traditional colleges, but the focus remains on practical skills that lead directly to employment.

Academics & Faculty

Universal Technical Institute specializes in hands-on automotive and technical training programs that prepare students for careers in diesel, motorcycle, marine, and collision repair industries. The school maintains a 39:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes typical of technical training environments where students work on actual vehicles and equipment. About 52% of students complete their programs within six years. The curriculum focuses entirely on practical skills rather than traditional academics. Students spend most of their time in labs and workshops learning to diagnose, repair, and maintain various types of engines and mechanical systems. The school's partnerships with major automotive manufacturers provide access to current technology and potential job placement opportunities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 39:1
Graduation Rate (6-year): 52.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $52,873

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Certificate	$35,686

View all 3 programs →

Campus Life

UTI Southern California sits in Long Beach, about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The 94% male student body reflects the automotive and diesel industries the school serves. You'll need sunscreen more than a winter coat in this coastal climate, where temperatures rarely dip below 50 degrees.

The campus feels more like a working garage than a traditional college. Students spend their days in hands-on labs working with real engines, transmissions, and collision repair equipment. With a 39:1 student-faculty ratio, you'll often work in large groups around industrial equipment. The 66% Hispanic student population creates a diverse learning environment, though 94% of students come from within California.

Most students commute since there's no campus housing. Weekends often mean working part-time jobs at local auto shops or continuing personal vehicle projects. The 95% employment rate shows most graduates find work quickly after completing their programs. Long Beach offers beaches and entertainment, but many students focus intensely on their 10-month to 2-year technical programs rather than traditional college social activities.

Setting: City-Large

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	2	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 46°–67°F
July Avg: 64°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 12.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

UTI-Southern California draws overwhelmingly male students pursuing hands-on automotive and technical careers. Men make up 94% of the student body, reflecting the traditionally male-dominated fields the school serves. Hispanic students represent two-thirds of enrollment, aligning with Southern California's demographics and the school's focus on accessible technical training. Over half receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class students seeking direct career pathways. Nearly all students come from California, suggesting UTI has built strong regional ties with local employers in automotive, diesel, and marine industries who value the school's specialized training programs.

Men: 94.1%
Women: 5.9%
White: 11.6%
Black: 4.2%
Hispanic: 66.1%
Asian: 3.4%
In-State Students: 94.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 56.2%

Location

Universal Technical Institute sits in Long Beach, California, about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. The campus serves 1,447 students in one of Southern California's largest urban areas. Long Beach offers a working-class industrial atmosphere that matches the school's hands-on technical focus. The city's massive port and automotive culture provide natural connections to UTI's diesel and automotive programs. Nearly 95% of students come from within California, reflecting the school's strong regional draw. The coastal location puts beaches within reach, though most students spend their time in labs and workshops. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Universal Technical Institute-Southern California with similar schools in the region.

Address: Long Beach, California 90808-1789

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $52,873
Median Earnings (5 years): $54,551
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 48.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $139/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,124

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Universal Technical Institute-Southern California?

UTI-Southern California maintains open enrollment with a 94.19% in-state student population drawn primarily from California. The school focuses on hands-on technical training rather than traditional academic prerequisites. Students typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to begin their specialized automotive and diesel programs.

How much does Universal Technical Institute-Southern California cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $24,867 annually after aid, with 56.17% receiving federal Pell Grants. Monthly loan payments average just $139, reflecting the school's focus on affordable technical training. The median debt load of $13,124 stays relatively low compared to four-year institutions.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Universal Technical Institute-Southern California?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 39:1, reflecting the school's large enrollment of 1,447 students in technical programs. UTI emphasizes practical, hands-on learning in automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, and collision repair fields. The curriculum prioritizes industry-standard equipment training over small discussion groups.

What are the employment outcomes for Universal Technical Institute-Southern California graduates?

Graduates achieve a remarkable 95.4% employment rate, with median earnings reaching $52,873 within 10 years of graduation. The school's strong industry connections in automotive and diesel technology drive these positive outcomes. However, only 52.10% complete their programs within six years, typical for working students in technical fields.

Where is Universal Technical Institute-Southern California located?

The campus sits in Long Beach, California, providing access to the region's massive automotive and transportation industries. Students benefit from proximity to major ports, automotive manufacturers, and repair facilities throughout Southern California. The large city setting offers extensive internship and job opportunities in technical fields.

Is Universal Technical Institute-Southern California diverse in terms of student demographics?

The student body is 94.13% male, reflecting traditional gender patterns in automotive and diesel technology careers. Hispanic students comprise 66.14% of enrollment, with white students at 11.61% and other groups making up smaller percentages. This demographic makeup mirrors the diverse workforce in Southern California's technical industries.