Universal Technical Institute-Southern California ★ Hidden gem
Long Beach, California · Private, for-profit · 1,701 undergraduates
All 3 programs with reported earnings leave graduates out-earning a typical California high-school graduate (about $36,976/yr).
What families actually pay
| Family income | Net price per year |
|---|---|
| Under $30k | $26,301 |
| $30k to $48k | $26,624 |
| $48k to $75k | $28,160 |
| $75k to $110k | $32,469 |
| $110k and up | $32,461 |
| All families (average) | $27,506 |
Net price is the yearly cost after grants and scholarships, by family income (College Scorecard). Credit: TuitionTracker.
Program earnings vs a high-school graduate
| Program | Credential | Median earnings | vs HS grad | Verdict | Median debt | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Associate's Degree | $60,060 | +$23,084 | clears the bar | $17,336 | 0.8 yrs |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma | $58,515 | +$21,539 | clears the bar | $13,132 | 0.6 yrs |
| Precision Metal Working | Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma | $52,936 | +$15,960 | clears the bar | $9,500 | 0.6 yrs |
Access and outcomes: 63% of students receive Pell grants · 63% complete their program.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 2026-06-10). Earnings are median earnings of graduates measured up to four years after completing, compared to the state high-school-graduate earnings threshold. Figures describe past graduates and are never a promise. Method: methodology. Something look wrong? Report it.