Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc | $40,469 | $46,698 | $16,000 | 0.40 |
| Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics | $53,992 | $59,908 | $15,664 | 0.29 |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Philadelphia | $50,618 | $52,483 | $32,500 | 0.64 |
| Rosedale Technical College | $45,479 | $40,882 | $15,958 | 0.35 |
| Automotive Training Center-Exton | $37,484 | $45,314 | $15,641 | 0.42 |
| Automotive Training Center-Warminster | $37,484 | $45,314 | $15,641 | 0.42 |
| National Median | $35,905 | — | $11,000 | 0.31 |
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in Pennsylvania
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Pennsylvania schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (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.