Precision Metal Working at Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth graduates out-earn 80% of precision metalworking programs in Texas—a significant edge in a state with 71 competing schools. First-year earnings of $39,141 beat both the national median ($36,248) and especially the Texas median ($30,105) by nearly $9,000. The debt load of $6,855 is notably lower than typical for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.18—meaning graduates owe less than two months of their annual salary.
The debt picture deserves closer attention though: while the absolute amount is manageable, this program sits at the 75th percentile nationally for debt, suggesting some competitors achieve similar outcomes with less borrowing. Still, with half of students receiving Pell grants, UTI-Dallas Fort Worth is serving lower-income students who graduate into earnings well above state norms.
The tradeoff is clear: you'll likely borrow slightly more than at competing Texas programs, but your child should earn considerably more in year one. For families prioritizing immediate earning power in the metalworking trades, this program delivers stronger financial positioning than most alternatives in the state, even if it's not quite matching the top handful of Texas community colleges.
Where Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all precision metal working 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 Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth graduates compare to all programs nationally
Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 69th percentile of all precision metal working certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (71 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth | $39,141 | — | $6,855 | 0.18 |
| Amarillo College | $48,263 | — | — | — |
| School of Automotive Machinists & Technology | $43,065 | $50,472 | $16,354 | 0.38 |
| San Jacinto Community College | $42,512 | $44,619 | — | — |
| Lone Star College System | $40,863 | $28,942 | $4,562 | 0.11 |
| Austin Community College District | $39,261 | $43,110 | $15,818 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $36,248 | — | $9,000 | 0.25 |
Other Precision Metal Working Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo College Amarillo | $2,136 | $48,263 | — |
| School of Automotive Machinists & Technology Houston | — | $43,065 | $16,354 |
| San Jacinto Community College Pasadena | $1,992 | $42,512 | — |
| Lone Star College System The Woodlands | $3,090 | $40,863 | $4,562 |
| Austin Community College District Austin | $2,550 | $39,261 | $15,818 |
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 Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth, approximately 51% 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 41 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.