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Universal Technical Institute-Southern California vs Universal Technical Institute of California Inc: which has better ROI?

Private for-profit, Long Beach CA · vs · Private for-profit, Rancho Cucamonga CA

The verdict

Universal Technical Institute of California Inc has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $52,720 in 11.7 years versus 12.2 years at Universal Technical Institute-Southern California, on median earnings of $52,873 vs $52,873 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversal Technical Institute-Southern CaliforniaUniversal Technical Institute of California Inc
Net price / yr$27,506$26,360
Total net cost$55,012$52,720
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,873$52,873
Median debt$13,124$13,124
Payback12.2 yrs11.7 yrs
20-year net return$35,248$37,540

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Universal Technical Institute-Southern California or Universal Technical Institute of California Inc?

Universal Technical Institute of California Inc, at $26,360 a year after aid versus $27,506 — a gap of $1,146 a year, or $2,292 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Universal Technical Institute-Southern California or Universal Technical Institute of California Inc graduates earn more?

Graduates of both report a median $52,873 ten years after entry, so earnings do not separate them either — the ROI difference comes entirely from what each degree costs. Figures are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, not programme-level pay.

Which leaves students with less debt, Universal Technical Institute-Southern California or Universal Technical Institute of California Inc?

Completers at both borrow a median $13,124, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.

Which graduates more of its students?

72% of students finish at Universal Technical Institute of California Inc, against 63% at Universal Technical Institute-Southern California. 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.

Universal Technical Institute-Southern California vs Universal Technical Institute of California Inc: frequently asked questions

Is Universal Technical Institute-Southern California or Universal Technical Institute of California Inc a better value?
Universal Technical Institute of California Inc. It clears its $52,720 net cost in about 11.7 years versus 12.2 years at Universal Technical Institute-Southern California, on median earnings of $52,873 vs $52,873 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Universal Technical Institute-Southern California or Universal Technical Institute of California Inc?
Universal Technical Institute of California Inc: $26,360/yr net price after aid versus $27,506/yr at Universal Technical Institute-Southern California — a difference of $1,146 a year, or about $2,292 over four years.
Do Universal Technical Institute-Southern California or Universal Technical Institute of California Inc graduates earn more?
Universal Technical Institute-Southern California graduates earn a median $52,873 ten years after entry, versus $52,873 at Universal Technical Institute of California Inc — a $0 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.