Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at UEI College-Huntington Park
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
UEI College-Huntington Park's automotive certificate falls short of what graduates could earn elsewhere in California. At $30,636 one year out, earnings trail the state median by over $5,000—placing this program squarely in the middle of the pack statewide but well below the national average. Several California community colleges produce graduates earning 50-100% more, suggesting better training pathways exist within reasonable driving distance for most students.
The debt picture offers the program's brightest spot: $9,500 is manageable and matches the state median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 that graduates can reasonably handle. With three-quarters of students receiving Pell grants, this accessibility matters. However, the earnings gap means UEI graduates are paying off similar debt on significantly lower wages than peers at top-performing programs, which translates to a longer path to financial stability.
For families considering automotive training in the Los Angeles area, this program won't close doors, but it likely won't open them as wide as alternatives. The robust sample size confirms these aren't outlier results—this is the typical outcome. Before committing, compare specific job placement rates and employer partnerships with nearby community colleges that consistently produce higher-earning graduates at similar or lower cost.
Where UEI College-Huntington Park Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How UEI College-Huntington Park graduates compare to all programs nationally
UEI College-Huntington Park graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 22th percentile of all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (100 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UEI College-Huntington Park | $30,636 | — | $9,500 | 0.31 |
| West Los Angeles College | $65,978 | — | — | — |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia | $54,977 | — | $20,000 | 0.36 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center | $54,977 | — | $20,000 | 0.36 |
| Victor Valley College | $49,729 | — | — | — |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Fremont | $47,109 | $50,485 | $32,500 | 0.69 |
| National Median | $35,905 | — | $11,000 | 0.31 |
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Los Angeles College Culver City | $1,238 | $65,978 | — |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia Visalia | — | $54,977 | $20,000 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center Fresno | — | $54,977 | $20,000 |
| Victor Valley College Victorville | $1,425 | $49,729 | — |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Fremont Fremont | $16,757 | $47,109 | $32,500 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At UEI College-Huntington Park, approximately 75% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 168 graduates with reported earnings and 194 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.