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Not Into Traditional College? Start Trade School After High School
Not everyone wants four years of college—and that’s okay. Explore hands-on careers you can start training for now at Universal Technical Institute (UTI).1
Why Choose Trade School After High School?
Trade school after high school means less lecture time, more hands-on learning, and getting on a path toward a career you enjoy.1,18 At UTI, training moves faster than a traditional four-year college degree, helping you start building real-world skills sooner.
- Focused programs, with most lasting less than one year 7
- Hands-on labs instead of lecture halls
- Instructors with industry experience
- Career Services support to help with your job search
- Employer relationships and networking opportunities
- Supportive, career-focused campus culture
Trade School Programs
Train to work on high-performance cars, massive turbines, factory robotics—or even aircraft.79 Whatever you're into, UTI has a program built to get you the right skills. Explore our training options and start mapping a career path after high school.
Ways to Pay for Trade School
Worried about the cost? Here’s how we can help you make it work.
Financial Aid Help
First, get help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you know whether you qualify for aid, you can build a plan that works for you.10
Help Me Figure Out FundingScholarships & Grants
Next, start applying for grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back. See eligibility requirements at the link below.
Check EligibilityEarly Employment
Need more help? Participating employers may offer select students 20-30 hours of paid work experience while they train and consideration for full-time employment after graduation!36
Learn More About ProgramsCampuses
Take a look at where you can train. Select a campus to see what it has to offer.
Graduate Testimonials
These grads attended trade school right out of high school and were able to start careers doing what they love sooner than if they had gone the traditional route.
What To Expect From Training
Train with purpose. Graduate with direction.
Training at UTI is different than the typical 4-year college. You won’t be bound to boring lectures. Instead, you’ll learn by doing—using real tools on real systems in shop-like labs that mirror what you’ll find in the field. And with options like financial aid, scholarships and manufacturer-specific training opportunities, you can build a plan that works for you.10,18
Find your people. Build your future.1
You aren't just another student here. You’ll train with classmates who share your goals and instructors who know your name. Doubling as mentors, they’ll help you on your journey to becoming a technician employers are looking for. Along the way, you can build connections that last beyond graduation.
WANT TO SEE STUDENT LIFE IN PERSON?
Schedule Campus TourFrequently Asked Questions
Tuition depends on the program you choose. Visit the Cost of Attendance page for a breakdown.
Most UTI programs last less than one year, including Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, Welding Technology, Robotics & Automation, HVACR Technician and more.
The shortest programs offered at UTI are the Wind Turbine and Industrial Maintenance Technician program. Both require just 7 months to complete, and our Career Services team can help you search for opportunities before you graduate.
This means it’s possible to train and enter the field in less than a year!
It depends on your goals. A four-year college often means general education courses before you specialize. At UTI, you jump straight into career-focused training, graduate faster, and start working sooner.
To train as a diesel mechanic, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. At UTI, the diesel technician program can be completed in just 11 months, helping you prepare for entry-level roles and certification tests faster.
Yes! Once you earn your high school diploma or GED, you can apply to UTI and begin training for your career.
Yes, you can apply to UTI as long as you have a high school diploma or GED. However, if you are under the age of 18, we require a legal guardian's signature to execute enrollment.23
No, we don’t base admissions decisions on GPA. What matters is your interest in hands-on learning and your commitment to showing up and trying your best every day. If you're ready to train, we’re ready to help you start.
UTI doesn’t offer traditional dorms, but we partner with housing providers who can help you find housing within 10 miles of campus! You can live in off-campus apartments with roommates who also attend UTI, or independently, depending on your needs. Start by visiting our Housing Assistance page.
To become an auto mechanic, you’ll likely need to attend a trade school, where you can learn to use the same tools and technology seen in the field. The auto mechanic students at UTI train in shop-like labs under instructors who’ve worked in the field. This program takes less than one year to complete.
UTI offers focused training that teaches the skills employers look for. Many programs take less than a year to complete, helping you start working faster.
How To Get Started
Still Deciding?
Check out these quick guides with a parent or guardian to learn how trade school after high school could work for you.