Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies at Universal Technical Institute-Orlando
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
UTI-Orlando's vehicle maintenance program delivers solid, middle-of-the-pack results that should appeal to families seeking stable technical training without crushing debt. At $35,784 in first-year earnings, graduates earn slightly below the national average but meaningfully outperform the Florida median of $32,263, ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's 61 programs offering this credential.
The debt picture is particularly attractive. With median debt of $13,875—which matches the Florida average but sits in just the 28th percentile nationally—students graduate with manageable financial obligations. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans within two years of full-time work. Earnings growth of 14% over four years to $40,798 shows decent career progression potential.
While UTI-Orlando doesn't crack the top tier of Florida programs (some aviation-focused schools achieve $45,000+ starting salaries), it offers a reasonable return on investment for students entering the automotive service industry. The combination of below-average debt and above-state-median earnings creates a practical pathway to middle-class employment. For families prioritizing job market entry with minimal financial risk, this program represents a sensible choice in Florida's competitive technical education landscape.
Where Universal Technical Institute-Orlando 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-Orlando graduates compare to all programs nationally
Universal Technical Institute-Orlando graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 49th 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 Florida
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies certificate's programs at peer institutions in Florida (61 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Technical Institute-Orlando | $35,784 | $40,798 | $13,875 | 0.39 |
| National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay | $48,783 | $56,067 | $22,777 | 0.47 |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando | $44,097 | $47,056 | $30,941 | 0.70 |
| Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater | $40,025 | $30,277 | — | — |
| Fort Myers Technical College | $38,900 | $46,232 | — | — |
| George Stone Technical College | $38,536 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $35,905 | — | $11,000 | 0.31 |
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay Clearwater | — | $48,783 | $22,777 |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Orlando Casselberry | $16,757 | $44,097 | $30,941 |
| Pinellas Technical College-Clearwater Clearwater | — | $40,025 | — |
| Fort Myers Technical College Fort Myers | — | $38,900 | — |
| George Stone Technical College Pensacola | — | $38,536 | — |
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-Orlando, approximately 45% 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 2558 graduates with reported earnings and 2604 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.