I gradutated from UTI (phoenix campus) 4/08. Then attended the Audi Academy (same campus), which was 4 months long. I moved to Phoenix from Seattle, but grew up in Phoenix. I moved to Indianapolis (work in Bloomington) once I graduated. I have lots of family here as well.
Thats my background, now my thoughts. I always thought that most people that attended UTI were looking to work in dealerships, or independent auto shops. Wyotech students were looking more for customization, one off type work, including fabrication, paint, etc.
It is true that you get work you put in to it at UTI (or any school for that fact). It si expensive. I paid $30K. Im sure its gone up since then. I took straight Automotive 51 weeks. and Ford Fact (Ford Accelerated Credential Training). Ford Fact you earn the same credits that Ford Techs earn when they go to training. Ford was the best part of UTI (not including Audi, which I did not pay for). Even if you dont "like" Fords, the electrical training is worth its weight in gold. I'd say 10-20 percent of all people fail the electrical course. In UTI the only way to fail is to not show up and have to retake the course.
As for the student loans. There are many types. I had half Federal loans, or which have the interest was deferred until graduating, and half started accruing once I borrowed. The other half was a personal loan through Sallie Mae.
I dont think any loans are required to be paid on (the principal) right away, but some do have interest that starts accruing.
The other thing that is good about UTI is the manufacturers programs. As I stated, I was accepted to Audi and now work on both Audi's and VW's (same cars basically). VW does have its own program, but not in Phoenix.
Of the 13 people in my class, 12 were from UTI, (5 from Phoenix campus) and 1 from Wyotech. You dont have to attend UTI to attend a manufacturers programs, but most do pull students from UTI over other schools. Not trying to slam Wyotech, or the others, but I I said I believe earlier UTI is geared more for getting you ready for dealership work, where as Wyotech is more of a customization type school.
Most classes have 30 people in it (max limit). 20 people there are just wasting their money, not paying attention, sleeping, missing class. 5-7 are trying but just to stupid to grasp it. Usually 3-5 (more like 3) that are going to make it and be good techs.
Of my 27 teachers only 2 I didnt care for. One, my auto trans instructer was basically there just collecting a check. His own shop went bankrupt earlier that year and he was not into teaching. My A/C instuctor was ok, but he was like 75 years old and not very interesting to listen to. Made it hard to learn.
The rest were great. Ask them any question you have and they'll spill all their knowledge. All were ex techs, who either got hurt or just didnt want the flat rate grind anymore.
Hope that helps, post any questions you may have. I was looking for this type of info when I was trying to make my decision so I'll answer any question I can.