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University of Arizona vs Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc: which has better ROI?

Public, Tucson AZ · vs · Private for-profit, Avondale AZ

The verdict

University of Arizona has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $66,696 in 5.7 years versus 13.5 years at Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc, on median earnings of $59,979 vs $52,873 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of ArizonaUniversal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc
Net price / yr$16,674$30,451
Total net cost$66,696$60,902
Median earnings, 10 yrs$59,979$52,873
Median debt$19,620$13,124
Payback5.7 yrs13.5 yrs
20-year net return$165,684$29,358

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

Which is cheaper, University of Arizona or Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc?

University of Arizona, at $16,674 a year after aid versus $30,451 — a gap of $13,777 a year, or $5,794 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Arizona or Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc graduates earn more?

University of Arizona graduates report a median $59,979 ten years after entry, $7,106 more than the $52,873 at Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc. 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, University of Arizona or Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc?

Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc: its completers carry a median $13,124 in federal loans versus $19,620 at University of Arizona, a difference of $6,496. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

70% of students finish at Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc, against 68% at University of Arizona. 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.

University of Arizona vs Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc: frequently asked questions

Is University of Arizona or Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc a better value?
University of Arizona. It clears its $66,696 net cost in about 5.7 years versus 13.5 years at Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc, on median earnings of $59,979 vs $52,873 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Arizona or Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc?
University of Arizona: $16,674/yr net price after aid versus $30,451/yr at Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc — a difference of $13,777 a year, or about $5,794 over four years.
Do University of Arizona or Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc graduates earn more?
University of Arizona graduates earn a median $59,979 ten years after entry, versus $52,873 at Universal Technical Institute of Arizona Inc — a $7,106 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.