Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc
Associate's Degree
Analysis
UTI Sacramento's automotive program delivers solid value despite modest first-year earnings. While graduates earn $40,213—below the national average of $42,896—they carry just $17,368 in debt, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43. More importantly, this program ranks in the 60th percentile among California automotive programs, meaning graduates out-earn those from most competing state schools.
The debt picture is particularly attractive. At the 25th percentile nationally for student debt, UTI Sacramento costs significantly less than typical programs while still delivering above-median earnings for California. Compare this to the state median debt of $18,788, and you're looking at nearly $1,500 less borrowing. Given that automotive technology is a hands-on field where employer training matters as much as classroom learning, starting with lower debt provides crucial financial flexibility early in your career.
The numbers reflect automotive industry realities—this isn't a high-earning field initially, but it offers stable employment and growth potential. With nearly half of students qualifying for Pell grants, UTI Sacramento clearly serves working-class families seeking practical career training. For parents considering this investment, the combination of reasonable debt, solid state-level performance, and robust job market demand makes this a sensible choice for students genuinely interested in automotive careers.
Where Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc 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 of Northern California Inc graduates compare to all programs nationally
Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 37th percentile of all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies associates's programs at peer institutions in California (83 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc | $40,213 | — | $17,368 | 0.43 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia | $64,326 | $63,194 | $20,188 | 0.31 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center | $64,326 | $63,194 | $20,188 | 0.31 |
| Universal Technical Institute of California Inc | $39,458 | $47,748 | $17,389 | 0.44 |
| Universal Technical Institute-Southern California | $39,458 | $47,748 | $17,389 | 0.44 |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology | $38,493 | $61,405 | $23,609 | 0.61 |
| National Median | $42,896 | — | $12,000 | 0.28 |
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia Visalia | — | $64,326 | $20,188 |
| San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education Center Fresno | — | $64,326 | $20,188 |
| Universal Technical Institute of California Inc Rancho Cucamonga | — | $39,458 | $17,389 |
| Universal Technical Institute-Southern California Long Beach | — | $39,458 | $17,389 |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology Inglewood | — | $38,493 | $23,609 |
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 Northern California Inc, approximately 49% 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 818 graduates with reported earnings and 805 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.