Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,469
76th percentile (60th in PA)
Median Debt
$16,000
45% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.40
Manageable
Sample Size
2346
Adequate data

Analysis

Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania delivers strong earning potential for automotive technicians, with graduates earning $40,469 in their first year—significantly above both the national median ($35,905) and Pennsylvania state median ($37,484) for similar programs. This places UTI in the 76th percentile nationally, though it's more middle-of-the-pack within Pennsylvania at the 60th percentile. The debt load of $16,000 is reasonable, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, and graduates see healthy income growth to $46,698 by year four.

The trade-off here is cost versus outcomes. While UTI charges more than most competitors (debt is higher than 81% of similar programs nationally), the earnings premium helps justify the investment. Graduates earn about $3,000 more annually than the typical automotive program graduate in Pennsylvania, which can add up to meaningful financial benefits over a career. However, within the state, other schools like Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and Aviation Institute of Maintenance offer even higher earning potential, suggesting parents should compare options carefully.

For families seeking reliable entry into the automotive field, UTI offers a solid pathway with above-average earnings and manageable debt. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these outcomes, making this a dependable choice for students committed to automotive careers.

Where Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate's programs nationally

Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania IncOther vehicle maintenance and repair technologies programs

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 Pennsylvania Inc graduates compare to all programs nationally

Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 76th percentile of all vehicle maintenance and repair technologies certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (33 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc$40,469$46,698$16,0000.40
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics$53,992$59,908$15,6640.29
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Philadelphia$50,618$52,483$32,5000.64
Rosedale Technical College$45,479$40,882$15,9580.35
Automotive Training Center-Exton$37,484$45,314$15,6410.42
Automotive Training Center-Warminster$37,484$45,314$15,6410.42
National Median$35,905—$11,0000.31

Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in Pennsylvania

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
West Mifflin
$17,725$53,992$15,664
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Philadelphia
Philadelphia
$16,757$50,618$32,500
Rosedale Technical College
Pittsburgh
$16,700$45,479$15,958
Automotive Training Center-Exton
Exton
—$37,484$15,641
Automotive Training Center-Warminster
Warminster
—$37,484$15,641

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 Pennsylvania Inc, 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 2346 graduates with reported earnings and 2330 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.