Precision Metal Working at Universal Technical Institute of California Inc
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Universal Technical Institute's precision metal working program produces solid middle-of-the-pack results that outperform most California competitors. With first-year earnings of $37,568, graduates earn about $5,000 more than the typical California program in this field and slightly above the national average. Among the 87 California schools offering this credential, UTI ranks in the 60th percentile—a respectable showing in a competitive state market.
The financial picture looks quite reasonable for a technical certificate. At $10,593 in median debt, students owe just 28 cents for every dollar they'll earn in their first year—well below concerning debt levels. While the debt is slightly higher than state and national medians, the stronger earnings more than compensate. The program serves a significant population of Pell grant recipients (59%), suggesting it provides viable career pathways for students from lower-income backgrounds.
For parents considering this investment, UTI delivers what you'd expect: steady training that leads to middle-class earnings without crushing debt. While it's not the top performer in California—Santa Ana College leads with $45,864 in first-year earnings—UTI offers reliable preparation for precision machining careers. Given the robust sample size and consistent performance metrics, this represents a sensible choice for students interested in skilled manufacturing work.
Where Universal Technical Institute of California Inc 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 of California Inc graduates compare to all programs nationally
Universal Technical Institute of California Inc graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 59th percentile of all precision metal working certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Precision Metal Working certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (87 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Technical Institute of California Inc | $37,568 | — | $10,593 | 0.28 |
| Santa Ana College | $45,864 | — | — | — |
| The Fab School | $39,592 | $36,707 | $4,449 | 0.11 |
| NTMA Machinist Career College | $38,259 | $42,216 | $8,418 | 0.22 |
| Universal Technical Institute-Southern California | $37,568 | — | — | — |
| Summit College | $37,502 | $42,958 | $7,600 | 0.20 |
| National Median | $36,248 | — | $9,000 | 0.25 |
Other Precision Metal Working Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Ana College Santa Ana | $1,180 | $45,864 | — |
| The Fab School Rancho Cucamonga | — | $39,592 | $4,449 |
| NTMA Machinist Career College Santa Fe Springs | — | $38,259 | $8,418 |
| Universal Technical Institute-Southern California Long Beach | — | $37,568 | — |
| Summit College San Bernardino | — | $37,502 | $7,600 |
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 of California Inc, approximately 59% 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 496 graduates with reported earnings and 491 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.