In this era, we get a lot of our information from online resources like social media. This is great but still doesn’t take away the fact that deciding on a path toward your future is a big decision. One that typically comes with questions.
You’re not alone! Nearly all our students have questions similar to yours – How much is tuition? If I don’t live near campus, can I still attend? What are the admission requirements? etc.
That’s why we’ve made this FAQs list based on the questions we receive via social media. We’re here to help you take the first step toward your future at Universal Technical Institute!1
About our Training Programs
What training programs do you offer?
We have a total of 15 core training programs that will prepare you for hands-on entry-level technician roles in the industries of transportation, skilled trades and energy. The current programs offered are: Automotive, Automotive and Diesel, Diesel, Welding, Collision Repair, CNC Machining, Marine, Motorcycle, Airframe & Powerplant, HVACR, Industrial Maintenance, Non-Destructive Testing, Robotics & Automation and Wind Power.
To learn more about these programs, visit our programs page.
Where are you located?
We have 15 campuses across the nation in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas. To find a campus near you, head over to our locations page!
I want to attend, but I don’t live near any of your campuses. What should I do?
If you don’t live near a UTI campus, no worries! We offer relocation services like relocation grants and scholarships10 and housing assistance for those who qualify. Learn more by visiting our Housing Assistance page or complete this form to have an Admissions Representative reach out to you.
How long are your programs?
Each one of our programs differs in length. Most of our core programs can be completed in less than a year!7
- Automotive: 51 weeks
- Diesel: 45 weeks
- Marine: 51 weeks
- Motorcycle: 48 weeks
- CNC Machining: 36 weeks
- Collision Repair: 51-54 weeks
- Welding: 36 weeks
- Airframe & Powerplant: 18-20 months
I heard you have advanced training programs with specific manufacturers, what brands do you train for?
We sure do! Our Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) programs with leading brands give our students the next level of training for their career. Our MSATs across the country include companies like Ford, BMW, GM, Cummins, Freightliner, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Mercury Marine, Yamaha and more!15
For more information, check out our MSAT programs page.
Is UTI right for someone starting fresh in a new field?
Yes. UTI’s programs are built to help students start careers in the skilled trades, even without prior industry knowledge. With 15 core training programs that prepare students for hands-on, entry-level technician roles, UTI offers a clear path for those ready to begin something new.
Many programs can be completed in under a year, allowing students to develop practical skills and move toward a new career faster.
Tuition, Admission Requirements, Scholarships and Grants
How much is tuition?/How much does it cost per year?
Tuition varies depending on the program. To help offset the cost of tuition we’re making $15 million in scholarships and grants available this year to those who qualify.10 We also have a Financial Aid Department to assist you in ways to fund your education.
For more funding info please visit our Tuition page or reach out to our Financial Aid team here.
What are the requirements to enroll?
We require the completion of a high school diploma or GED, among other requirements to be accepted into one of our programs. To view a full list of our requirements, please visit our Admission Requirements page.
I'm an international student, can I apply?
Currently, we aren’t accepting international students due to I.C.E. restrictions. If you'd like to speak with someone from admissions, please call 800-834-7308.
Can I use my GI Bill® for tuition?
At many UTI campuses, students are eligible to use their VA education benefits, including the GI Bill®.20,21 For more information about our resources for military members and veterans, like scholarships and grants, please visit ourMilitary & Veteran Services page.
Questions on Classes
Do you offer online classes?
We train how the industry does. Meaning that our students learn the way they’ll continue to learn out in the field, with a mix of hands-on lab instruction and classroom learning.18 To learn more about our training philosophy or why employers have hired our grads, click here.
Do you teach in Spanish?
At this time our classes are taught in English.
Learn More About UTI
Can I balance UTI training with part-time work or family responsibilities?
While UTI’s programs are intensive and hands-on, with lab-based training and classroom instruction, many students do maintain other responsibilities such as part-time work or family life. Here are some considerations:
- Because the program lengths are relatively short (some core programs under 12 months) it may be easier to plan around them.
- UTI states that their training is a “mix of hands-on lab instruction and classroom learning.”
You would want to talk to an Admissions or Student Services rep to understand the specific scheduling at your campus (e.g., which days/hours the lab sessions meet, whether evening or weekend options exist, etc.).
In short: yes, you can balance UTI training with work or family, but you’ll need to plan carefully, commit the required hours, and manage your schedule actively.
How do UTI’s program lengths compare to community college programs?
UTI’s program lengths tend to be much shorter than many traditional associate-degree programs offered at community colleges. For example, our
Automotive Technology program takes about 51 weeks to complete.
By contrast, many community colleges require two years (≈60 credit hours) for an associate degree, so many of UTI’s programs offer a faster path toward the workforce. On the flip side, community colleges often offer broader liberal-arts general education and may provide an associate degree or transfer options, whereas UTI focuses more narrowly on technician training.
So your decision depends on whether you’re looking to enter the workforce quickly in a technical role, or whether you prefer the broader credential and longer timeframe of a community college path.
Why should I train at UTI?
Great question! There are many reasons why UTI might be the right place for you to train for a career but we’ll give you the main points:
- We’re trusted in the industry with our 55+ years of experience and 30+ industry relationships
- We provide hands-on career-specific training so you can gain the skills employers are looking for18
- Our instructors have YEARS of real-world experience and passion
- We want you to succeed! We have resources to help you every step of the way and we even offer assistance looking for jobs while you train and after you graduate1
But don’t take our word for it, hear from some of our graduates on their training experience!
Now that you’ve got some information about us, we’d love to know more about you! Tell us what training program you’re curious about by filling out this quick form and one of our Admissions Reps will reach out to you. Or contact one of our campuses today!
Are you ready to take the first step toward your future?
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
