Universal Technical Institute
Universal Technical Institute Overview
The aggregated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.
Universal Technical Institute has 1.7 star rating based on 97 customer reviews. Consumers are mostly dissatisfied.
- Rating Distribution
Pros: Instructors, Teachers, Books labs computers.
Cons: Conduct standards, Administrative staff, Money focus.Recent recommendations regarding this business are as follows: "Never deal with a third party school for education", "Absolutely not", "Think twice and really read the reviews on this place you could save so much money", "Don’t even consider this school just find a dealership that is willing to teach you that’s what I did and what most other people did as well.", "Pay attention in class".
The aggregated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.
Universal Technical Institute has 1.7 star rating based on 97 customer reviews. Consumers are mostly dissatisfied.
- Rating Distribution
Pros: Instructors, Teachers, Books labs computers.
Cons: Conduct standards, Administrative staff, Money focus.Recent recommendations regarding this business are as follows: "Never deal with a third party school for education", "Absolutely not", "Think twice and really read the reviews on this place you could save so much money", "Don’t even consider this school just find a dealership that is willing to teach you that’s what I did and what most other people did as well.", "Pay attention in class".
Most users ask Universal Technical Institute for the refund as a solution to their issues.
Consumers are not pleased with Exchange, Refund and Cancellation Policy and Customer service. The price level of this organization is high according to consumer reviews.
Media from reviews
Top Universal Technical Institute Reviews
"Decent school"
I understand UTI has mixed reviews both good and bad, so let me pitch in. I attended from July 2016-**** exactly one year at the Irving location then went on...
"Unsatisfied Services"
COVID...should say enough! Following protocal...Occasional Teachers worked! Always call off, it makes you question? What am I taking a Parent Plus loan for? My...
Columbus, Ohio
Unsatisfied Services
COVID...should say enough! Following protocal...Occasional Teachers worked!
Always call off, it makes you question? What am I taking a Parent Plus loan for? My son attended this school in April 2022 at Universal Technical Institute in Rancho Cucamonga,Ca. Experience "HORRIBLE" Bad Quality of Service from the begining to end of Graduation.
Lies from recruiters, paperwork not properly processed on time for student to start. Verbal false conversations about education providrd by UTI and contract agreement given by them to my son. A waste of my sons time and future that he can never get back. Not to be able to have a decent graduation with only (1) Dealership Automotive Recruiter company was present.
A big Disappointment for the entire family in July 2023!
"Total Rip Off"
If I could only turn back the hands of time...
I would my son still hasn't found a mechanical job yet, UTI really didn't teach him he taught himself ;*)... total waste!
User's recommendation: Never deal with a third party school for education
Avondale, Arizona
Universal Technical Institute - Underperforming education, the teachers do not care, and now you have made it impossible to fail. vary bad for you and the auto world.
Hi, my name is been. i recently went to UTI and did the diesel program and the frieghtliner first program.
I was told when i talked to the people on the phone and in the school that 4-5 people get jobs in there field. i got myself a job while i was going to school and they send me emails all the time to fill out a form saying where i work and when i started so they can take credit for " GETTING ME A JOB". I was also told by the head of the education department(i wont name names) that when you graduate from UTI, the graduates make more than the guy off the street looking for a job. Most of the teachers do not care what the students do or what they learn.
An example of that is, i had 2 buddies that i went there with that were complete *** bags. they would leave the class about 30 min after it started and show back up about 30 min before class ended and the teachers never cared. while i was in i was not to inclined to ask questions to the teachers because i was told more than once that if i couldnt figure it out than i dont need to be in their class. now let me tell you, im an educated man and i also spent 4 years in the military and before the military working on vehicles.
there are things i did not know about and was belittled by the teachers. I dont care to throw this name out there MR. Flemming at the UTI Avondale campuss was the worst one at his job and treating the students like degenerates. the 3 week period i was in his diesel class he taught nothing.
we would walk into class take roll and either sit there and read from the book or go into the lab and try to do the lab sheets with no guidence. He never wrote anything on the whiye bored to teach us the fuel systems and the the differences in each of the diesel engines and i left that class learning nothing and being disrespected. i will help you and know plenty more that will to because of the underperforming education to profit they make of the students. The school took 40k from me in 1 year and 3 monthes for me to come out and make the same as if i had never gone.
they lied about their education and they have falsified there job numbers and something has to be done about it. Now they have also made the school to were no one can fail the programs. That is not the kind of people i want working on my vehicle or even on their own vehicle. I have seen first hand on what the lack of education is doing to the automotive field.
I worked for a dodge dealership and while i was working there. they hired 4 kids from UTI and all of them( not just one) didnt even know how to replace break pads. in matter of fact 2 of them still work there after blowing up 2 vehicles in aboiut a monthes period from not doing a proper oil change, and thats fter graduation.
so you can see my frustration with this. thank you and have a good day.
Full refund
Campbell, Texas
Universal Technical Institute - Review in Education category
The finance "professionals" at UTI said i was guatanteed 100% of my Chapter 33 gi bill. Now 7 years later suck in a dead end oil change job and 4 schools later.
The VA wants me to repay $20,000 I was never supposed to receive in the first place...
Who is not doing they're job? The VA or the schools?
How could they do this to a veteran?
Elgin, Illinois
Universal Technical Institute - Review in Education category from Elgin, Illinois
As a previous employee I can vouch for the fact that it's all about money money money! There are some instructors that are there because they truly do want to make a difference & actually care about the students.
The Admission reps really only care about numbers & that's it. Every student is only a dollar sign!
My son started in August at this campus and is not happy. His friend is at McHenry County College and always sending him pictures of the hours of hands on labs they get.
Looks like we might pull out and go to MCC.
My son gets 5-8 hours in three weeks, of lab time. His friend started at MCC and is way ahead of him in lab time
Replying to
Sacramento, California
Pay for what you Get!
Universal Technical Institute, 30k for a job in the automotive field? will you get the job when your done or just a bill for student loans.
So 30 k for core classes, 7 k for Ford fact, 4 k for toyota or nissan, and 5k for smog, 50 k if you take diesel auto fact and core to get a $12.00 an hour job. They offers their students insentives to sign up Lab fee and clothes paid for by admissions reps, they help students take the entrance exams(for those students that cant read and write) and they pass those students along so they can get their retake fees and federal and state funds they are told at sign up they will get $1000.00 worth of snap on tools when in reality it's only $800.00 How can you get a job with $800.00 worth of tools, especialy Snap On.
Most of the ciriculum is 8 to 10 years old or more, and the instcuctors have verry little field experience and most are recent UTI grads themselves. So do your self a favor, find an apprentiship program save your self the money and get a job at a shop and learn on the job.
You get out of the school what you put into. I'm not defending the school because there are a lot of things that need to be reassessed by the education managers, but no one makes you go to UTI or spend your money on the school.
No where does it say you are guaranteed a job upon graduation. Holy ***, god forbid people have to put some effort into finding and not expect to be handed one. I think the underlying problem here is that society has a welfare mindset and that you shouldn't need to put time and effort into finding a job. Again, don't really agree with the way UTI is managed or run, but man up, or shut up and grow a pair of balls and take pride in your career.
You need to work for it, not wait for it to fall into your lap. Being an Army Veteran, I have no sympathy for all you lazy pathetic children.
Have some drive and self pride and stop complaining and expecting handouts. If that's the life you want to live, give up on yourself and mooch of the government and live off welfare and section 8 and go drown yourself with self pity and lazy excuses as to why you suck at life.
Miami, Florida
UTI Mirmar
Professors are a mixed bag, I've had terrible teachers like a man called Stew- whom they (thankfully, finally, let go.) Heard rumors of him interacting very poorly with female students, and personally he was very inconsistent in how he handled students. Overall, I don't believe I learned much from him.
I've also had professors who would take time with me after class and explain things to me in detail.
I'm not really a good question asker, and if I had a question I would just use chat gpt etc.
But I find going over ASE practice tests is a good baseline for tutoring, which is what I recommend others do whom feel overwhelmed by the raw amount of information.
But, UTI is the Harvard of tech schools, overpriced but their is substance behind it. Sometimes we get information bombed, but the labs really do help out with that.
I read some reviews about people not having access to gear, but the only things I haven't been able to touch where the BMW cars, which is for an MSAT, that being said I have had access to cars when needed, though most labs are done on trainers. Atleast for automotive, that being said, I am a Diesel student.
The Diesel Program on the other hand, most labs are done on trucks, with some on trainers, most of which could use a little TLC, but their was nothing really terribly out of wack, though they do have a professor fixing things instead of doing a class at the moment, so its being addressed.
My first class, was taking apart a gas motor, while learning about the parts. UTI was very clear to me about starting from 0.
So I didn't know what was a cylinder and what was a piston, I didn't know eletric moved from - to positive. If you have 10 ASE's don't go to a school for new techs, simple.
Personally, people making 100k a year out of tech school is a stupid belief, sorry the average automotive tech makes around 60k a year, if your good you might clear 80k. But, right out of class? Being a normal human?
No, unless you working 80 hours a week, yea other then TSLA its flat rate, you can be their open till close, no one is going to stop you.
As for Diesel, im a 4.0 student and I got into the Peterbilt Program. I spoke with a few service managers and they said its realistic for a new tech to start at 50k/year none flat rate, so that means working normal hours. And, if wanted overtime is pretty common. And considering many of them allowed me to speak with them for half an hour, I do believe the PTI program has a good reputation, and given its hourly, and PTI is mostly covered by Peterbilt, I believe the numbers.
All UTI will do for anyone is give them a foot in the door.
You can, obtain a decent education, or cheat your way through it and talk about your fancy BMW.
"Student of the course," if im honest, is a minor talking point at best, theirs really only 1/2 students a class who will even be in the running for it, and you get a nice shirt or watch. It keeps you motivated if you care for the things, but its just a minor point in your favor.
My advice, talk to a few professors, away from other staff. Just ask if you can walk around the campus, and tour alone. Theirs no security, so no one will really do anything.
Their is a bit of a Snap on cult, but their tools are high end for a reason, life unfairly is about looks on some level, Snap on tools do help, get job placement, even if its as little as I'm willing to spend my money on this because I'm serious about the industry, and their nice when you need them.
Overall, you can coast your way to a B, and maybe even an A.
You really have to go in and wanna learn, if you hear about UTI students not doing an oil change so the motor pops. Yea, we learn how to do oil changes, UTI can teach you, but if you drain a motor and "forget" to replace the oil, that's on you.
I'm fully expecting to start near the bottom, I'm fully expecting to have some minor gaps in things I didn't learn or forgot. Any grad is going to be green, do Harvard grads do criminal trails day one?
No, but they do advance way faster. UTI is no different.
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerWaste of money. They suck and you to that school Not what they claimed to be
My son received no assistance in finding a job or placement after graduation. He wasted $48,000 on tuition and housing, which was roach-infested.
- He learned very little hes graduated and can only get a job changing oil
Preferred solution: Full refund
User's recommendation: Absolutely not
This review is written by an individual who has purchased the reviewed product/service and/or confirms being a paying customer of this company. Check our FAQ
Verified Buyer |
East Los Angeles, California
False promises
First thing they tell you is youre gonna make 100k out the door at orientation, lol what a joke. Knew it was a gimmick for you to get your hopes up just to be laughed at by dealerships and workplaces cause you say youre a student at UTI because of how terrible the school is looked at from workplaces.
I had a fun time while I was there cause labs were interesting since I enjoyed it but seriously just go be a lube tech and work yourself up in the dealership instead of coming here most dealerships will pay for the certification instead of you paying it at this school. The instructors were great.
User's recommendation: Think twice and really read the reviews on this place you could save so much money
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer |
Irving, Texas
This school is a complete scam for the automotive industry only go here if you want to waste your money and time.
I took the regular automotive track when attending uti. When I was talking to the rep of UTI they said the teacher would lead lectures we would do labs and test and then at home some slight homework which wasnt to bad until the I started the school and they completely change the learning style to the student will teach them self no more teacher lectures only labs and test at school and hella homework for you when you got home.
Tell why I would pay 40k to teach my self like come on have a *** brain. I paid 40k to get no where and ended up dropping out. Keep in mind I stayed for 6 months passed every class but the work load is to much especially when you have a job to go to as well. And if the teachers arent gonna teach me why the *** do we need them?
The teachers only purpose at that school was to take attendance and make sure we didnt kill each other at labs. Overall this is the biggest scam Ive ever seen pls never go here!!!
Preferred solution: Full refund
User's recommendation: Don’t even consider this school just find a dealership that is willing to teach you that’s what I did and what most other people did as well.
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer |
Upper Uwchlan, Pennsylvania
Disgusted by lack of communication
My son signed up for the automotive course back in January 2024. He is the autistic spectrum, before he decided to go there we went on the tour and had a sit down to answer questions with advisor.
We were told that he would have 2-3 hours of homework outside of the course. He completed his 1st 3 week course and he was doing 6-7 hours of homework, extremely frustrated. He wanted to quit. I encouraged to keep trying, next course into 1st week same thing 6-7 hrs homework.
He was done!! Feeling extremely overwhelmed, he said i cant do this for a whole year. He quit feeling extremely discouraged! $6300 for 4 weeks of class!!!
Kept calling his advisor left several messages not one call back. He wouldve never signed up knowing the amount of time he would have to study outside of the classroom. Feel that advisor was not truthful. Would gladly pay for the 1 course he completed and 1 week of 2nd course but that doesnt amount to $6300!!
Feel we got totally ripped off !!! Very disgusted
Preferred solution: Price reduction
" signed up knowing the amount of time " So, your son is on some kind of "spectrum," so you didn't bother to help this person read and understand the program they were getting into? If this son of yours is on a "spectrum" and can't learn on the fly, on his own, he will not do well in a shop.This isn't the high school that may have catered to his "special" needs.
This is the real world you've heard about. This is a good thing for any potential employer who may have been tricked into hiring him. Here's a lesson for you and the kid, life does not care about "autistic," "Spectrum," or any other buzzword. He will have to learn to adapt and move on.
Or not. By the way, going to their site, they tell you there's outside work.
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified ReviewerCustomer Service Sucks
Calling to enquire about donating a car is evidently too much for the woman answering the phone. I never imagined a business being so rude to someone who is offering to give them something for FREE!
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
Verified Reviewer |
Irving, Texas
Decent school
I understand UTI has mixed reviews both good and bad, so let me pitch in. I attended from July 2016-**** exactly one year at the Irving location then went on to do the Volvo MSAT at the AZ campus.
Overall my experience was great because I always showed up on time (perfect attendance) and payed attention in class, took lots of notes and pictures. I got a job at a Volvo dealer and started at entry lvl pay which was $15. To me it was not great especially since they hired a guy at the same time as me that worked at a burger joint prior to this and had no experience, ended up getting paid the same as me. But as time went on I got more and more raises due to passing ASE's and taking on harder jobs.
I saved my notes from UTI and those helped me tremendously especially pictures I took on my phone from the labs.
Currently working at a BMW dealer at $55/hr (entry lvl master pay) and I can say with confidence that UTI helped put me there a long with the hard work I put in. UTI ID 100**** in case anyone doubts idk if it can be looked up haha.
- Knowledgeable instructors
- Labs and computers
- Expensive
User's recommendation: Pay attention in class
Awesome!
Tacoma, Washington
UTI is a waste of your time
Ill update this review once I fly down this week and speak to the Director in person. We have had MANY things come up with school and housing in the past few months.
Calling does not solve the problems know one calls you back.
We have had so many problems with housing campus rose is a joke. The housing and cost is not worth it.
User's recommendation: DONT DO IT! DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY!
Sounds like a housing company issue - not a UTI issue.
Universities, Colleges and Schools Expert Talks
Student Loans Explained: How Do Student loans Work? | How to Pay Off Your Debt?
How to apply for a student loan? Betsy Mayotte, a President of TISLA, gives expert advice on private and federal student loans, interest rates, forgiveness program, how a student loan impacts taxes. In this video, you'll uncover expert answer to a student loan complaint and success story of a student who paid $130K in student loan debt.
Betsy Mayotte is the president and founder of the nonprofit called The Institute of Student Loan Advisors (TISLA). Her organization ensures that all consumers have access to free expert, neutral student loan advice and dispute resolution.
Houston, Texas
FAKE SCAM SCHOOL
I went to this school before they got sued for sex discrimination, they forced me to cut my hair, or they were going to force me out of school with no regard for me just having moved from out of state to Houston, TX. The recruiter lied to me and said it wouldn't be required of me.
Women were allowed to grow their hair, though, and they had a no facial hair policy that they didn't enforce... if you were a white student. They showed a lot of favoritism to students, based on their ability to "fit in". Even as a perfect attendance and honor roll student, they couldn't provide me with a job.
Yet lesser qualified students would always be elevated to a hand-picked status for having "the look".
In the end, it was a massive waste of time, as I had learned more in the field than I did out of a book in class. I still haven't paid a single tuition payment in over a decade.
- All
Preferred solution: Full refund
User's recommendation: DON'T GO.
Hard to believe that a school would force you to cut your hair. Maybe pulling it out of harm's way when you working in the lab areas.
And you seriously expect a school to 'get' you a job? I don't believe they are a placement service where they just tell you where to show up and at what time to work an 8 hour day each day.
You need to interview, get the job, and keep the job. Unrealistic expectations of the school.
Upper Uwchlan, Pennsylvania
What a complete joke, don't buy into it !!!
This has to be one of the worst schools out there, their promises are null and void the second you hear them. Their reps get fired if they can't bring in X number amount of students per month.
The equipment is in disrepair and doesn't work. The instructors that are there are either brand new or looking to get out or retire. Its an awful environment for any sane person to be in.
The new CEO is more money hungry than the last one, but he is coming into a crumbling company and not doing much good other than stressing out everyone under him.
What company/school do you know of where half of their campus is rented out to other businesses for revenue? Yes, UTI rents half of their campuses out to other businesses to pay their bills, that means that the big "beautiful" campus that your rep showed you is mostly not available to you and you'll be crammed into small rooms with 30 other students all trying to do the same lab tasks ...
Make a better decision, don't go to UTI.
- Management and curriculum
Preferred solution: Full refund
User's recommendation: Run away, far away from UTI.
Upper Uwchlan, Pennsylvania
Bogus testimonial reviews on here
These "testimonial" reviews on here are few and far between. Most of them have been left by students who have graduated over 15 years ago, when you actually had to learn to pass the school and it wasn't so expensive and predatory.
Don't rule out the fact that some of the reviews are probably left by people within the company trying to cling to their *** job with UTI. Don't let the BS fool you, do A LOT of research before you buy into the sales reps lies, because 90% of what the rep tells you is lies
- Awful management they have no clue what they are doing
- Bob kessler
- Uti is a bunch of crooks and the government knows it
Preferred solution: Full refund
User's recommendation: Don't get sucked in by the UTI lies
The positive reviews on here are ABSOLUTELY posted by people who work in the offices at UTI. The company and it's people are nothing but dirty, underhanded snakes.
It is surely NOT beneath them to post fake positive reviews. Dishonesty is the UTI way of life.
About
, Roush And Yates Racing Engines
Universal Technical Institute ("UTI") is the nation’s leading post-secondary provider of technical education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. The company has been in business for 51 years, trained more than 200,000 graduates and produces consistently strong outcomes for students. UTI partners with more than 30 of the nation’s top transportation brands, including BMW, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Peterbilt, Freightliner, NASCAR and Harley-Davidson, to give students relevant, industry-specific training, using the latest training methods, tools and technologies.
More than 60 percent of UTI students graduate, a rate more than twice as high as the average for two-year public colleges, and four of five graduates get jobs they trained for at UTI. These jobs pay well, with an opportunity for increased earnings throughout one’s career, cannot be outsourced or off-shored, and offer substantial opportunities for advancement, in an industry where there is a strong and growing demand for skilled service technicians.
UTI is committed to making a UTI education accessible and affordable through more than $15 million in sponsored scholarships and industry-sponsored programs and grants it shall make available in 2016.
Universal Technical Institute is ranked 70 out of 1269 in Universities, Colleges and Schools category
Brands Related to Universal Technical Institute
Motorcycle Mechanics Inst...
“ it would be good for the school to make a wifi log in for students. we are already paying enough to be...“
Roush And Yates Racing En...
Companies Similar to Universal Technical Institute
New England Institute of ...
United Educational Instit...
“Myself and sister both graduated from UEI formerly ACT in jacksonville,fla we both graduated from the MA...“
Lincoln Technical Institu...
“Terrible school, very money hungry. I have had a horrible experience. After being told my only option...“
Penn Foster
“I'm very frustrated. I already called and spoke with customer service, but nothing happened. I work...“
Thank You for Your Reply! We are processing your message.
Your comment is successfully posted.
I believe everybody’s experience is unique, not everybody’s as dedicated as others. I’ll tell you this, 35 manufacturer dealerships plus NASCAR don’t partner up with well they don’t believe in.
Did you know their curriculum was created with over 35 dealerships? Sounds like you had a one off. The school trains like the dealers, dealerships prefer UTI students. Odd that that many at one time would not Understand.
It’s my understanding the only students that don’t succeed there are ones that think they know it all, cut class, and get in trouble with the law. Because I work in education, and I know, for a fact that graduation depends on accreditation, of course they want to graduate everybody. And there’s so many dealerships waiting for their students because of the way they are trained. They are more hands-on than any trades going industry.
I can speak to that. Sorry you had a bad one
Your comments are on a review that is 8 years old.
The point about this review is that when I saw what he said about poor experience that UTI came up after and completely ignored and missed the mark that the guy was making a point about.