20 Answers to Your Critical Questions on Social Media

When it comes to preparing for your future, it’s normal to have a lot of questions. In fact, it’s a good thing! 

There are many important things to consider when choosing a trade school, such as cost, time commitment and return on investment. Getting answers to your questions upfront should give you peace of mind and allow you to feel confident in your decision. It could also help ensure you are equipped with the tools you need to succeed.

Here at UTI, we receive a lot of the same questions on our social media channels. So, we figured what better way to answer them than to compile them all in one place? Keep reading to find answers to the top 21 questions we get asked on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. 

As always, if you have further questions that are not included in this list, feel free to reach out to us. 

Click the links below to navigate to a particular section of the article:

• Location
• Tuition
• Requirements
• Program length & schedule
• Housing
• Return on investment

Location

Where is UTI located?

UTI/MMI offers campus locations across the U.S. To learn more about each campus and its programs, visit our Locations page or navigate to the specific campus you’re interested in by choosing from the list below:

• Avondale, AZ
• Phoenix, AZ (MMI)
• Long Beach, CA
• Rancho Cucamonga, CA
• Sacramento, CA
• Orlando, FL (UTI)
• Orlando, FL (MMI Moto)
• Orlando, FL (MMI Marine)
• Lisle, IL
• Bloomfield, NJ
• Mooresville, NC
• Exton, PA
• Austin, TX
• Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
• Houston, TX

Does UTI offer relocation services?

If completing your training is going to require you to relocate, UTI is here to help. Our students travel from all around the country to train at our campuses, which is why we offer a variety of resources to help make relocation manageable. 

• Housing Assistance: UTI’s Housing Assistance team can help you find living arrangements conveniently located near campus. 
• Career Services: As a student, you can utilize UTI’s network to find part-time work while you train and full-time work after you graduate.1
• Veteran Services: As a military-friendly school, UTI offers a variety of resources for veterans, from dedicated VA student lounges to scholarships and VA funding.20

Tuition 

How much does it cost to go to UTI?

Tuition varies based on the program you choose. To learn more, visit the Tuition page on the UTI website, where you can utilize our free  tuition estimator.

Does UTI offer financial aid?

UTI students may be able to use a combination of financial aid types to help pay for their education, depending on what they qualify for. These include grants, scholarships and student loans.10

If you have questions about financial aid—whether it’s completing your FAFSA or navigating student loans—we’re here to help. Visit our Financial Aid page for more information.

I want to attend UTI but fear the cost. What are my options? Does UTI offer scholarships?

Scholarships and grants can be a great way to help lower the cost of your education. UTI is making more than $15 million in scholarships and grants available to those who qualify in 2023!

On our website, you can browse a variety of scholarships from organizations such as the  TechForce Foundation and  SkillsUSA. If you need help applying, be sure to check out our how-to guide and  scholarship tips to make the most your search.    

Why is UTI more expensive than many community colleges?

Choosing a school is a very important decision, and it’s important to do your research before making your choice. Aside from cost, there are many other factors to consider when selecting a school, such as: 

• Graduation and employment rates
• Quality of the facilities
• Training aids and instructors
• Campus life
• Manufacturer relationships 
• Available credentials
• Overall program length
• Refresher courses
• Resources for alumni

UTI strives to take all of these things into account to provide a quality education for students. School is a significant financial investment for many, so it’s important to ensure your training can put you on the path toward long-term success.

Can I use my VA benefits?

Yes! Veterans can use their education benefits to attend UTI. Our Financial Aid Representatives are well-versed to help you navigate your VA benefits while in school. Most of our Military Admissions Representatives are U.S. veterans themselves.

UTI also offers a Salute to Service scholarship, which gives military veterans a 10% tuition reduction.22 To learn more about VA funding and the resources UTI makes available to veterans, visit the  Military & Veterans Services page on our website.

Requirements

What are the requirements to go to UTI? Is a high school diploma required?

A high school diploma or GED is required to attend UTI.23 To learn more about admissions requirements such as how old students must be to apply, visit the Admissions Requirements page on our website. 

Are international students eligible to attend?

If you’re an international student looking to attend UTI, there are a few key details to know. Visit the admissions requirements for international students page on our website to find information you need.

Program Length & Schedule

How long are your programs? 

Each one of UTI’s programs differs in length. Most of our core programs can be completed in less than a year:

• Automotive: 51 weeks
• Diesel: 45 weeks
• Marine: 51 weeks
• Motorcycle: 48 weeks
• CNC Machining: 36 weeks
• Collision Repair: 51-54 weeks
• Welding: 36 weeks

UTI’s Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training programs, which are designed to be taken after your core program, also differ in the length of time they take to complete. To learn more about each program, visit our specialized training page. 

What is class like Monday through Friday? Can students work an outside job while attending?

Time on site for hands-on training varies by program and course. Let's walk through a typical 6-hour day. UTI students spend about half their day (around 3 hours) in the lab in addition to online instructor-led coursework that takes 2 to 3 hours a day to complete. This makes it possible for students to work part-time if they choose while completing their training.

When do classes start and finish?

When it comes to class schedules, each campus and program differs slightly. Many students choose between morning or afternoon classes, and some campuses offer an evening option. To learn more, head to our Contact Us page, where you can reach out directly to the campus you’re interested in. 

Housing

How does housing work? Are there dorms?

UTI has relationships with various student housing companies that can help our students find living arrangements close to campus. If completing your training is going to require you to relocate, the team can help. We want you to feel right at home so you can focus on your training!

Living close to campus is not only convenient but it’s a great way to build community. Securing housing through UTI can be a great way to meet other students who are completing their training just like you. 

The housing process works differently at each of our campuses. Visit our Housing Assistance page to find more detailed information about the options available to you.

How do students pay for housing?

Many UTI students work part-time while they're in school, which can help to offset the cost of living expenses. If you have questions related to the cost of living, class schedules, or how to find part-time work in the area, contact someone from our team. We’re happy to assist you!

Return on Investment 

I want to work in the racing industry. Is that possible?

Breaking into the racing or motorsports industry is a great goal to have, and we've seen graduates go on to pursue successful careers in those fields.24

UTI cannot guarantee placement in racing or any specific industry. However, if you focus on your grades, attendance, attitude and making connections, your chances will increase. Keep in mind that some race team technicians start off in traditional careers, such as in a shop or dealership, to gain skill and experience before breaking into motorsports.

Dustin Desautell is a great example of a NASCAR Tech grad who used his education to build a career in racing. Check out his story below:

How much do technicians get paid?

As with most careers, technician wages depend on many factors, including location, industry, employer and, most importantly, the skill level and experience of the technician. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) regularly publishes data on the average salaries of technicians in different fields. Visit its website for more detailed information. 

Additionally, checking local job boards for technician openings is a great way to get an idea of what employers in your area are offering new and experienced techs. 

Can I retake classes?

In this industry, it’s important to be continuously learning and brushing up on your skills. This is why UTI offers graduates the opportunity to retake courses!39 To learn more,  contact your Admissions Representative or view our course catalogs.

Why go to UTI when many employers offer on-the-job training?

Some technicians start out sweeping floors and work their way up while others prefer to attend a tech school and use their education as a foundation for building their career. 

Success all comes down to the individual, their circumstances and their goals. Attending a training program, such as the programs offered at UTI, has the potential to allow you to advance in the workplace quicker as you will require less on-the-job training. Additionally, UTI’s on-campus job fairs and manufacturer-specific programs can allow you to gain specialized training and get your foot in the door with today’s top employers. 

Whether you attend school or not, most technicians will tell you that hard work and a positive attitude are key to achieving success as quickly as possible.

Some say the job of a technician is dangerous, stagnant and not worth the money. Why choose this career path?

While becoming a technician isn’t for everyone, this hands-on career path is ideal for those who make the choice! 

One of the benefits of a technical education is that even if some graduates decide to pursue another line of work, they still have a valuable skill set that will serve them for life. Side jobs and working on personal vehicles are two examples of this.

The job of a technician looks drastically different than it has in years past. Today’s technicians work with modern technology and rely on computer skills to do well in their careers. To learn more, check out our blogs on the top skills employers look for in technicians and the  demand for auto technicians.

Is UTI worth it? How do I know if I’ll be successful in this industry?

UTI’s programs are designed to provide you with fundamental, in-demand skills that can help you build a successful career as a technician. Additionally, UTI is focused on professional development and ensuring students understand what it takes to succeed in the workplace. This is why UTI places a big emphasis on professionalism, including attendance and wearing the appropriate attire when coming to class. 

UTI’s Career Services team provides students with a variety of resources as they meet with employers and interview for jobs. These include résumé templates, interview tips and more.

• Auto technician résumé examples
• Diesel technician résumé examples
• Auto mechanic interview tips
• Diesel technician interview tips

Most grads report that when it comes to attending UTI, you get out of it what you put into it. If you have a passion for this industry and put in the hard work it requires, there’s no telling where you can go!

Start Your Training at Universal Technical Institute

UTI’s reputation is built on the quality of our teaching, our industry relationships and the success our graduates report experiencing in the field. To learn more, visit our website and  request information to get in touch with one of our Admissions Representatives today.