Carlow University vs Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc: which has better ROI?
Carlow University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $83,144 in 30.9 years versus 34.8 years at Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc, on median earnings of $51,051 vs $51,222 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Carlow University | Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,786 | $24,883 |
| Total net cost | $83,144 | $99,532 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,051 | $51,222 |
| Median debt | $25,500 | $14,267 |
| Payback | 30.9 yrs | 34.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$29,324 | -$42,292 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Carlow University or Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc?
Carlow University, at $20,786 a year after aid versus $24,883 — a gap of $4,097 a year, or $16,388 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Carlow University or Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc graduates earn more?
Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc graduates report a median $51,222 ten years after entry, $171 more than the $51,051 at Carlow University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Carlow University or Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc?
Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc: its completers carry a median $14,267 in federal loans versus $25,500 at Carlow University, a difference of $11,233. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
63% of students finish at Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania Inc, against 60% at Carlow University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.