Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,213
37th percentile
60th percentile in California
Median Debt
$17,368
45% above national median

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

Earnings Distribution

How Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc graduates compare to all 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)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Universal Technical Institute of Northern California IncSacramento$40,213$17,3680.43
San Joaquin Valley College-VisaliaVisalia$64,326$63,194$20,1880.31
San Joaquin Valley College-Trades Education CenterFresno$64,326$63,194$20,1880.31
Universal Technical Institute of California IncRancho Cucamonga$39,458$47,748$17,3890.44
Universal Technical Institute-Southern CaliforniaLong Beach$39,458$47,748$17,3890.44
Spartan College of Aeronautics & TechnologyInglewood$38,493$61,405$23,6090.61
National Median$42,896$12,0000.28

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with vehicle maintenance and repair technologies graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Avionics Technicians

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

$79,140/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

$76,790/yrJobs growth:

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.

$60,640/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Body and Related Repairers

Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.

$50,680/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

$49,670/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:

Motorcycle Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.

$48,240/yrJobs growth:
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.