Automotive Training Center Vs. UTI

[GaryFenza]

I know this is the wrong section, but im looking for a quick response to this question. Im 17 and know alot, but wanna go to a Automotive school anyway when i graduate in 2 years. ANyone ever heard of Universal Tech Institute and Automotive Training Center, which is better?? in your opinion. In these "schools" today do you actually spend time working on cars, or is it all that Diagnostics, which is helpful but doesnt actually fix the problem normally thats my main concern

[BNaylor]

UTI is too expensive with limited schools nationwide. Whatever promises they make about getting a good job in the industry or job placement afterwards doesn't pan out for many causing frustration. IMO you're better off going for at least an associates degree in automotive technology at a local community college. Then take the ASE certification tests.

[tblake]

Yeah, I graduated with a 2 year associates degree from my local technical college. It was a lot of actual hands on fixing customer vehicles. I would suggest the same as bob and try to save a little cash by going to the nearest tech or community college that offers automotive repair. My student loan is barely anything and at the rate im going will have it paid off before my car!!

[BNaylor]

Before deciding to go into the the US Air Force to work on jet engines my second son looked at UTI and all costs involved plus what he would get as far as student loans. I even went to the UTI meeting with him held locally although the school was located at the Phoenix campus. He would have to relocate. When I saw the over $25K figure quoted by the UTI Rep just for tuition and supplies it almost made me fall out of my chair.

I got the $100 fee refunded and at least we got a free baseball cap out of it.

[GaryFenza]

wow, good point. I just actually looked up my local Community College(Delaware County Community College) and they offer a ton of trades, one being a huge department for Automotive, and they have an amazing two year program did some research on it, and talk about cheap compared to UTI haha. It says when i graduate i get a Associate degree in technology/Automotive. Im goiong to look more into this, but what after you guys said and my research this seems alot better then UTI or just a "Automotive School".

[drback]

04 04 2020 I know this post is dated but should anyone be curious about a comparison or an alternative this is my suggestion. The only thing received from your training from ATC or UTI is a certificate, no college credit. UTI has a shiny building and lots of polished equipment but falls way short of providing real world hands on training. ATC is not as cosmetically appealing but students will work on school vehicles and their own cars doing head gaskets, timing belts, clutches brakes and diagnostics. They also learn to gas and MIG weld. Class sizes are much smaller than UTI's. ATC also has a body program. Both are in Exton with ATC also having Warminster.

But, all things considered look into the community colleges in your area. In the Philly area there is Delaware County Community College and Delaware Technical Community College. Both offer 2 year degrees. Also, if you have a 2.5 GPA of better in Delaware, DTCC is free.