Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc.
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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 favorable—$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
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 Texas Inc. graduates compare to all programs nationally
Universal Technical Institute of Texas 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 Texas
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (51 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc. | $40,469 | $46,698 | $16,000 | 0.40 |
| Tarrant County College District | $50,956 | $55,689 | $17,000 | 0.33 |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Dallas | $43,460 | $48,916 | $32,500 | 0.75 |
| Amarillo College | $43,443 | $43,076 | $10,500 | 0.24 |
| Austin Community College District | $40,720 | — | $11,000 | 0.27 |
| Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth | $40,469 | $46,698 | $16,000 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $35,905 | — | $11,000 | 0.31 |
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tarrant County College District Fort Worth | $1,728 | $50,956 | $17,000 |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Dallas Irving | $16,757 | $43,460 | $32,500 |
| Amarillo College Amarillo | $2,136 | $43,443 | $10,500 |
| Austin Community College District Austin | $2,550 | $40,720 | $11,000 |
| Universal Technical Institute-Dallas Fort Worth Irving | — | $40,469 | $16,000 |
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.