Universal Technical Institute Awarded Military Friendly Schools ® Title from Victory Media Inc

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has named Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI collectively) to the coveted Military Friendly Schools ® list. The 2013 Military Friendly Schools ® list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America's military service members, veterans, and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.

"Inclusion on the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools ® shows UTI and MMI's commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students," said Sean Collins, director for G.I. Jobs and Vice President at Victory Media.   "As interest in education grows we're thrilled to provide the military community with transparent, world-class resources to assist in their search for schools," said Sean Collins.  Complete survey methodology is available at http://www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/Article/methodology-press-kit.

The Military Friendly Schools ® media and website, found at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com, feature the list, interactive tools and search functionality to help military students find the best school to suit their unique needs and preferences.  The 1,739 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year's list exhibit leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience. 

"Veterans represent a disciplined, hard-working and motivated group of students who enrich the learning environment of our schools," said John Decoteau, director of military admissions for UTI. "It is an honor for the UTI and MMI campuses to receive this award as we are dedicated to providing quality training that will prepare them for jobs with the industries we serve."

Now in its fourth year, the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools ® was compiled through extensive research and a data-driven survey of more than 12,000 VA-approved schools nationwide. The survey tabulation process, methodology and weightings that comprise the 2013 list were independently verified by Ernst and Young LLP.   Each year schools taking the survey are held to a higher standard than the previous year via improved methodology, criteria and weightings developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board (AAB) consisting of educators from schools across the country.  A full list of board members can be found at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/board.

A full story and detailed list of 2013 Military Friendly Schools ® will be highlighted in the annual G.I. Jobs Guide to Military Friendly Schools ®, distributed in print and digital format to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel in early October.  The Guide and associated media will also be featured at the Carrier Classic college basketball game on Nov. 9, between Ohio State and Marquette on the deck of the USS Yorktown. Both participating schools are on this year's list of Military Friendly Schools ®.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.:
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) is the leading provider of post-secondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. With more than 160,000 graduates in its 47-year history, UTI offers undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs at 11 campuses across the United States, as well as manufacturer-specific training programs at dedicated training centers. Through its campus-based school system, UTI provides specialized post-secondary education programs under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech). For more information visit www.uti.edu. Like UTI on www.facebook.com/UTI or follow UTI on Twitter @UTITweet, @MMITweet, and @NASCARTechUTI.

ABOUT Victory Media Inc.:
Victory Media is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business founded in 2001. Victory's free, data-driven, Military Friendly ® lists can be found at www.gijobs.com/2012Top100 www.militaryfriendlyschools.com and www.militaryfranchising.com. Victory's lists are also published in G.I. Jobs, Military Spouse, Vetrepreneur magazines, republished in national and local periodicals and are frequently cited on national and local TV stations.

SOURCE Universal Technical Institute