At $24,867/yr net price, Universal Technical Institute-Southern California graduates earn $52,873/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,873/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,867 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,468 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,873/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,873/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,124 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,688/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,317/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,442/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,197/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,123/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $35,686 | $13,132 |
The Risk Factor
52.1% of students at Universal Technical Institute-Southern California 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-Southern California delivers mixed financial returns with significant program variation that makes your choice of specialization critical. The school's median 10-year earnings of $52,873 provide decent returns on the $24,867 annual net price, but this masks major disparities between programs.
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies graduates earn just $35,686 annually while carrying $13,132 in median debt. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio that will stretch your budget for years after graduation. The automotive job market in Southern California offers steady employment but limited wage growth, making this program financially risky despite strong regional demand.
Your biggest financial risk here is the 52% graduation rate. Nearly half of students leave without completing their programs, often while carrying debt. The for-profit structure means you'll pay full price regardless of completion, making this a high-stakes investment that requires serious commitment.
This school works best financially if you're entering higher-earning technical specializations beyond basic automotive repair. You should have a clear career path and realistic income expectations before enrolling. The relatively low median debt of $13,124 helps, but only if you actually graduate and find work in your field.
Financial aid covers 56% of students, which is typical for for-profit schools. Focus on federal aid over private loans, and avoid additional living expenses that push your total debt higher. If you're considering automotive programs specifically, community college alternatives in the area offer similar training at lower cost with better completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Universal Technical Institute-Southern California worth the cost?
With graduates earning $52,873 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $24,867 per year, UTI-SoCal provides solid returns for automotive programs. The relatively low median debt of $13,124 makes the investment manageable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Universal Technical Institute-Southern California?
UTI-SoCal has a 52% graduation rate, which means nearly half of students don't complete their programs. This completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the school's value.
Do Universal Technical Institute-Southern California graduates get good jobs?
Graduates in vehicle maintenance and repair technologies earn around $35,686 starting out, with earnings reaching $52,873 after ten years. These are solid middle-class wages for skilled trades work.
How much debt do Universal Technical Institute-Southern California students typically have?
The median debt for UTI-SoCal graduates is $13,124, which is relatively low compared to many trade schools. This manageable debt load improves the overall return on investment for automotive programs.