Universal Technical Institute

Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (UTI) is a private for-profit system of technical colleges in the United States. It was established in 1965 by Robert Sweet.

Universal Technical, Inc.

Type	Private for-profit system of technical colleges
Established	1965; 60 years ago (1965)
Location	Phoenix , Arizona , United States
Website	uti.edu

History

UTI was founded in 1965 by Robert Sweet to provide career-focused technical training for the transportation industry.^[1] The company expanded over the following decades with new programs and campuses, and in 1980 began offering continuing education and training for corporate clients.

In 1998, UTI acquired Clinton Harley Corporation and Clinton Education Group, Inc., which operated Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute.^[2]

Universal Technical Institute has also expanded training programs to U.S. military bases. As of 2021, it operated BMW MSTEP at Ft. Liberty, N.C. and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, and Premier Truck Group Technician Training at Ft. Bliss in Texas.

UTI has continued to grow through acquisitions. In 2021, UTI acquired MIAT College of Technology, a technical school offering programs in aviation, energy and manufacturing.^[3] The acquisition of Concorde Career Colleges followed in 2022.^[4]

As of 2023, approximately 350,000 students have graduated from UTI and its divisions.

Academics

UTI provides diploma, certificate and associate degree programs, depending on the campus and area of study. Programs focus on hands-on, industry-aligned training and in most cases, require less than one year to complete. UTI’s automotive, diesel, marine, and motorcycle training takes a blended-learning approach, including both online lectures along with in-person, hands-on training.

Each UTI campus is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).^[5]

Campus locations

UTI operates 16 trade school campuses across nine states:

• Arizona: UTI-Avondale and UTI-Phoenix
• California: UTI-Long Beach, UTI-Rancho Cucamonga and UTI-Sacramento
• Florida: UTI-Miramar and UTI-Orlando
• Illinois: UTI-Lisle
• Michigan: UTI-Canton
• New Jersey: UTI-Bloomfield
• North Carolina: UTI-Mooresville
• Pennsylvania: UTI-Exton
• Texas: UTI-Austin, UTI-Dallas/Fort Worth, UTI-Houston and UTI-San Antonio

One additional campus in Atlanta, Georgia is scheduled to open in 2026.^[6]

Student services

UTI student services include academic advising, tutoring, disability services, financial aid, veteran support and career services. Career Services provides resume development, interview preparation, and job search assistance for current students and alumni.

Military and veteran support services include military-specific admissions reps, military-only campus orientations and lounge areas for veterans.^[7] Many UTI programs are also approved for GI Bill funding.^[8]

UTI participates in the Department of Defense SkillBridge program as well, offering eligible service members career training opportunities at Fort Bliss, Camp Pendleton, and Fort Bragg.^[9]