Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth
Associate's Degree
Analysis
UTI-Dallas Fort Worth's automotive program presents a mixed value proposition that requires careful consideration. While the debt load is reasonable at $17,360—significantly lower than many technical programs—the earnings outcomes lag behind expectations. First-year graduates earn a median of $37,601, which falls in just the 24th percentile nationally for automotive programs and sits slightly below the Texas state median of $38,506.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 is actually quite manageable, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans with less than half their first year's salary. However, the earnings gap is concerning when you see what's possible elsewhere in Texas. Top-performing programs like Tarrant County College District ($50,531) and Hallmark University ($47,446) demonstrate that automotive graduates can earn substantially more—potentially $10,000-13,000 more annually than UTI-DFW graduates.
For an anxious parent, this data suggests your child could likely find better value at community colleges or other technical schools in Texas. The robust sample size makes these numbers reliable, and the consistent underperformance both nationally and within Texas indicates this isn't just a temporary dip. Consider exploring programs at Tarrant County College or other Texas institutions where automotive graduates are commanding higher starting salaries for similar or lower debt levels.
Where Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies associates'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 $38k, placing them in the 24th percentile of all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (44 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth | $37,601 | — | $17,360 | 0.46 |
| Tarrant County College District | $50,531 | $63,252 | $14,503 | 0.29 |
| Hallmark University | $47,446 | $53,136 | $23,287 | 0.49 |
| Amarillo College | $45,594 | $43,890 | — | — |
| Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie | $42,896 | $46,964 | $12,000 | 0.28 |
| Austin Community College District | $41,194 | $40,855 | $10,230 | 0.25 |
| National Median | $42,896 | — | $12,000 | 0.28 |
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarrant County College District Fort Worth | $1,728 | $50,531 | $14,503 |
| Hallmark University San Antonio | — | $47,446 | $23,287 |
| Amarillo College Amarillo | $2,136 | $45,594 | — |
| Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie Grand Prairie | — | $42,896 | $12,000 |
| Austin Community College District Austin | $2,550 | $41,194 | $10,230 |
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 795 graduates with reported earnings and 796 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.