Median Earnings (1yr)
$40,469
76th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$16,000
45% above national median

Analysis

This automotive program delivers solid earnings potential with relatively manageable debt, making it a reasonable investment for students seeking quick entry into a stable trade. Starting salaries of $40,469 place graduates in the 76th percentile nationally for vehicle maintenance programs, well above the national median of $35,905. Within Texas, the program ranks in the 60th percentile among 51 competing schools, performing respectably but not exceptionally in a competitive state market.

The debt picture is quite favorableβ€”$16,000 represents just 19th percentile nationally for program debt, meaning 81% of similar programs saddle students with more debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 is manageable, and with 15% earnings growth over four years, graduates see meaningful income progression. However, it's worth noting that several Texas competitors, including the school's sister campus in Dallas-Fort Worth and community colleges like Austin Community College, offer similar outcomes, suggesting this isn't necessarily the premium option the price point might suggest.

For parents concerned about ROI, this program offers a clear path to middle-class earnings in an essential industry. With 56% of students receiving Pell grants, it serves a working-class population well. While not the top performer in Texas, the combination of reasonable debt, solid starting wages, and strong job market fundamentals makes this a sensible choice for students committed to automotive careers.

Where Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc. Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc. graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc.$40,469$46,698+15%
Tarrant County College District$50,956$55,689+9%
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Houston$38,623$50,186+30%
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Dallas$43,460$48,916+13%
Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth$40,469$46,698+15%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (51 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc.Houstonβ€”$40,469$46,698$16,0000.40
Tarrant County College DistrictFort Worth$1,728$50,956$55,689$17,0000.33
Aviation Institute of Maintenance-DallasIrving$16,757$43,460$48,916$32,5000.75
Amarillo CollegeAmarillo$2,136$43,443$43,076$10,5000.24
Austin Community College DistrictAustin$2,550$40,720β€”$11,0000.27
Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort WorthIrvingβ€”$40,469$46,698$16,0000.40
National Medianβ€”$35,905β€”$11,0000.31

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 Texas Inc., approximately 56% 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.