Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Universal Technical Institute of Illinois Inc

UTI-Illinois delivers solid earnings that outpace national averages, but you're paying a premium for results that don't lead the state. Graduates earn $41,147 in their first year—significantly above the national median of $35,905 and ranking in the 79th percentile nationally. However, within Illinois, this program sits at just the 40th percentile, with several community colleges like Lincoln Land ($48,308) and Rock Valley ($41,625) producing higher-earning graduates.

The debt picture is more concerning relative to alternatives. While the $14,243 median debt isn't catastrophic and creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, it's higher than both national and state medians. Illinois community colleges typically charge far less while delivering comparable or better outcomes. The 15% earnings growth to $47,215 by year four is respectable but not exceptional.

For families prioritizing hands-on training and industry connections that for-profit technical schools emphasize, UTI delivers decent value with earnings well above national norms. However, if cost is a major concern, Illinois students can likely achieve similar or better financial outcomes at state community colleges for significantly less money. The premium you're paying here buys brand recognition and potentially stronger employer relationships, but not superior graduate earnings within the state.