10-Q

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☑    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021

☐    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 

For the transition period from _____ to ______

Commission File Number: 1-31923

 UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	86-0226984
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

4225 East Windrose Drive, Suite 200

Phoenix, Arizona 85032

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(623) 445-9500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value	UTI	New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes   þ    No ¨  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ¨	Accelerated filer þ
Non-accelerated filer ¨	Smaller reporting company ☐
	Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  þ

At July 31, 2021, there were 32,824,707 shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock.

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2021

 

		Page
		Number
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		ii
PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 (Unaudited)	1
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (Unaudited)	2
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (Unaudited)	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity as of June 30, 2021 and 2020 (Unaudited)	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 (Unaudited)	6
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)	8
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	29
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	40
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	40
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	42
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	42
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	43
Item 3.	Defaults upon Senior Securities	43
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	43
Item 5.	Other Information	43
Item 6.	Exhibits	43
SIGNATURES		45

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor from civil liability provided for such statements by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (set forth in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”) and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”), which include information relating to future events, future financial performance, strategies, expectations, competitive environment, regulation and availability of resources and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. From time to time, we also provide forward-looking statements in other materials we release to the public as well as verbal forward-looking statements.

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “potential” and similar expressions (including the negative form of such expressions) intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions, do not strictly relate to historical or current facts, any of which may not prove to be accurate. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in our forward-looking statements include, without limitation:

•failure of our schools to comply with the extensive regulatory requirements for school operations;

•our failure to maintain eligibility for federal student financial assistance funds;

•continued Congressional examination of the for-profit education sector;

•a disruption in our ability to process student loans under the Federal Direct Loan Program;

•regulatory investigations of, or actions commenced against, us or other companies in our industry;

•the effect of public health pandemics, epidemics or outbreak, including COVID-19;

•changes in the state regulatory environment or budgetary constraints;

•our failure to improve underutilized capacity at certain of our campuses;

•enrollment declines or challenges in our students’ ability to find employment as a result of macroeconomic conditions;

•our failure to maintain and expand existing industry relationships and develop new industry relationships with our industry customers;

•our ability to update and expand the content of existing programs and develop and integrate new programs in a cost-effective manner and on a timely basis;

•our failure to effectively identify, establish and operate additional schools, programs or campuses;

•the effect of our principal stockholder owning a significant percentage of our capital stock, and thus being able to influence certain corporate matters and the potential in the future to gain substantial control over our company;

•the impact of certain holders of our Series A Preferred Stock owning a significant percentage of our capital stock, their ability to influence and control certain corporate matters and the potential for future dilution to holders of our common stock;

•loss of our senior management or other key employees;

•failure to comply with the restrictive convenants and our ability to pay the amounts when due under the Credit Agreement; and

•risks related to other factors discussed in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2020 (the “2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K”), including those described in Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”

The factors above are not exhaustive, and new factors may emerge or changes to the foregoing factors may occur that could impact our business. We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be realized. Achievement of future results is subject to risks, uncertainties and potentially inaccurate assumptions. Many events beyond our control may determine whether results we anticipate will be achieved. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could differ materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the factors discussed under

ii

Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” You should bear this in mind as you consider forward-looking statements.

Also, these forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of the document containing the applicable statement. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Thus, you should not assume that our silence over time means that actual events are bearing out as expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We qualify all of the forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the documents that we incorporate by reference herein, by these cautionary statements. You are advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

iii

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except par value and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	102,856	$	76,803
Restricted cash	11,924		12,116
Held-to-maturity investments	250		38,055
Receivables, net	25,611		35,411
Notes receivable, current portion	5,441		5,184
Prepaid expenses	7,409		6,121
Other current assets	8,395		6,489
Total current assets	161,886		180,179
Property and equipment, net	117,490		72,743
Goodwill	8,222		8,222
Notes receivable, less current portion	29,952		27,609
Right-of-use assets for operating leases	147,596		144,663
Other assets	9,864		8,565
Total assets	$	475,010	$	441,981
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	50,659	$	51,891
Dividends payable	1,313		—
Deferred revenue	41,993		40,694
Accrued tool sets	3,454		3,148
Operating lease liability, current portion	19,999		23,666
Long term debt, current portion	918		129
Other current liabilities	2,009		2,112
Total current liabilities	120,345		121,640
Deferred tax liabilities, net	674		674
Operating lease liability	138,999		134,089
Long-term debt	30,065		131
Other liabilities	7,730		8,925
Total liabilities	297,813		265,459
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000 shares authorized, 32,907 and 32,730 shares issued	3		3
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; 700 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, liquidation preference of $100 per share	—		—
Paid-in capital - common	141,787		141,002
Paid-in capital - preferred	68,853		68,853
Treasury stock, at cost, 82 shares as of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020	(365)		(365)
Retained deficit	(32,729)		(32,971)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(352)		—
Total shareholders’ equity	177,197		176,522
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	475,010	$	441,981

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

1

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Revenues	$	83,768	$	54,483	$	237,602	$	224,434
Operating expenses:
Educational services and facilities	42,238		32,476		122,049		118,261
Selling, general and administrative	38,478		35,786		113,387		116,197
Total operating expenses	80,716		68,262		235,436		234,458
Income (loss) from operations	3,052		(13,779)		2,166		(10,024)
Other income:
Interest income	11		218		73		901
Interest expense	(130)		(2)		(133)		(5)
Other income (expense), net	153		316		508		(13)
Total other income, net	34		532		448		883
Income (loss) before income taxes	3,086		(13,247)		2,614		(9,141)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(86)		(21)		(78)		10,699
Net income (loss)	$	3,000	$	(13,268)	$	2,536	$	1,558
Preferred stock dividends	1,313		1,309		3,938		3,941
Net income (loss) available for distribution	$	1,687	$	(14,577)	$	(1,402)	$	(2,383)
Earnings per share (See Note 17 ):
Net income (loss) per share - basic	$	0.03	$	(0.45)	$	(0.04)	$	(0.08)
Net income (loss) per share - diluted	$	0.03	$	(0.45)	$	(0.04)	$	(0.08)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	32,821		32,607		32,746		28,871
Diluted	33,036		32,607		32,746		28,871

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income (loss)	$	3,000	$	(13,268)	$	2,536	$	1,558
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on derivative contract	(352)		—		(352)		—
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	2,648	$	(13,268)	$	2,184	$	1,558

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Common Stock			Preferred Stock			Paid-in Capital - Common		Paid-in Capital - Preferred		Treasury Stock			Retained Deficit		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Total Shareholders’ Equity
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount						Shares	Amount
Balance as of September 30, 2020	32,730	$	3	700	$	—	$	141,002	$	68,853	(82)	$	(365)	$	(32,971)	$	—	$	176,522
Net income	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		1,083		—		1,083
Cumulative effect from adoption of ASC 326	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		1,644		—		1,644
Issuance of common stock under employee plans	66	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		—		—		—
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	(29)	—		—	—		(178)		—		—	—		—		—		(178)
Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		548		—		—	—		—		—		548
Preferred stock dividends	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		(1,313)		—		(1,313)
Balance as of December 31, 2020	32,767	$	3	700	$	—	$	141,372	$	68,853	(82)	$	(365)	$	(31,557)	$	—	$	178,306
Net loss	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		(1,547)		—		(1,547)
Issuance of common stock under employee plans	164	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		—		—		—
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	(35)	—		—	—		(223)		—		—	—		—		—		(223)
Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		1,234		—		—	—		—		—		1,234
Preferred stock dividends	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		(1,312)		—		(1,312)
Balance as of March 31, 2021	32,896	$	3	700	$	—	$	142,383	$	68,853	(82)	$	(365)	$	(34,416)	$	—	$	176,458
Net income	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		3,000		—		3,000
Issuance of common stock under employee plans	11	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		—		—		—
Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		(596)		—		—	—		—		—		(596)
Preferred stock dividends	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		(1,313)		—		(1,313)
Unrealized loss on derivative contract	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		—		(352)		(352)
Balance as of June 30, 2021	32,907	$	3	700	$	—	$	141,787	$	68,853	(82)	$	(365)	$	(32,729)	$	(352)	$	177,197

4

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Common Stock			Preferred Stock			Paid-in Capital - Common		Paid-in Capital - Preferred		Treasury Stock			Retained Deficit		Total Shareholders’ Equity
	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount						Shares	Amount
Balance as of September 30, 2019	32,499	$	3	700	$	—	$	187,493	$	68,853	(6,865)	$	(97,388)	$	(44,673)	$	114,288
Net income	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		4,684		4,684
Cumulative effect from adoption of ASC 842	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		9,107		9,107
Issuance of common stock under employee plans	179	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	(68)	—		—	—		(497)		—		—	—		—		(497)
Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		14		—		—	—		—		14
Preferred stock dividends	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		(1,323)		(1,323)
Balance as of December 31, 2019	32,610	$	3	700	$	—	$	187,010	$	68,853	(6,865)	$	(97,388)	$	(32,205)	$	126,273
Net income	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		10,142		10,142
Adjustment for the adoption of ASC 842	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		(149)		(149)
Issuance of common stock under employee plans	81	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	(4)	—		—	—		(30)		—		—	—		—		(30)
Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		992		—		—	—		—		992
Shares issued for equity offering	—	—		—	—		(47,886)		—		6,783	97,023		—		49,137
Preferred stock dividends	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		(1,309)		(1,309)
Balance as of March 31, 2020	32,687	$	3	700	$	—	$	140,086	$	68,853	(82)	$	(365)	$	(23,521)	$	185,056
Net loss	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		(13,268)		(13,268)
Issuance of common stock under employee plans	6	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		—		—
Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		503		—		—	—		—		503
Preferred stock dividends	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		(1,309)		(1,309)
Balance as of June 30, 2020	32,693	$	3	700	$	—	$	140,589	$	68,853	(82)	$	(365)	$	(38,098)	$	170,982

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	2,536	$	1,558
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	10,470		8,821
Amortization of right-of-use assets for operating leases	11,856		18,163
Bad debt expense	1,025		1,138
Stock-based compensation	1,186		1,509
Deferred income taxes	—		345
Training equipment credits earned, net	504		503
Unrealized loss on derivative contract	(352)		—
Other (losses) gains, net	(330)		8
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	6,093		(13,917)
Prepaid expenses	(4,906)		(1,591)
Other assets	(773)		40
Notes receivable	(956)		1,115
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(1,693)		12,494
Deferred revenue	1,299		(9,973)
Income tax receivable	2,522		(11,070)
Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities	1,122		1,030
Operating lease liability	(13,546)		(19,264)
Other liabilities	(1,274)		(1,026)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	14,783		(10,117)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of held-to-maturity securities	—		(41,562)
Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity securities	37,401		9,761
Purchase of property and equipment	(54,245)		(7,190)
Proceeds from insurance policy	—		1,566
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment	6		48
Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate	226		190
Net cash used in investing activities	(16,612)		(37,187)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from term loan	31,150		—
Debt issuance costs related to the term loan	(272)		—
Proceeds from equity offering	—		49,137
Payment of preferred stock cash dividend	(2,625)		(2,632)
Payments on term loan and finance leases	(162)		(68)
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld	(401)		(527)
Net cash provided by financing activities	27,690		45,910
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	25,861		(1,394)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	76,803		65,442
Restricted cash, beginning of period	12,116		15,113
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	88,919		80,555
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	102,856		59,956
Restricted cash, end of period	11,924		19,205
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	114,780	$	79,161

6

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Income taxes refunded	$	(2,443)	$	(172)
Interest paid	133		5
Training equipment obtained in exchange for services	400		279
Depreciation of training equipment obtained in exchange for services	922		1,011
Change in accrued capital expenditures during the period	(621)		313
CARES Act funds received for student emergency grants (See Note 20)	11,902		16,565
CARES Act funds disbursed for student emergency grants (See Note 20)	(11,528)		(11,012)
CARES Act funds received for institutional costs (See Note 20)	2,677		—
CARES Act funds for institutional costs included in Receivables, net	—		5,931

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Note 1 - Nature of the Business

We are the leading provider of postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians as measured by total average undergraduate full-time enrollment and graduates. We also provide programs for welders and computer numeric control (“CNC”) machining technicians. We offer certificate, diploma or degree programs at 12 campuses across the United States under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. We also offer manufacturer specific advanced training (“MSAT”) programs, including student-paid electives, at our campuses and manufacturer or dealer sponsored training at certain campuses and dedicated training centers. Founded in 1965, we have provided technical education for more than 56 years and have graduated more than 225,000 technicians.

We work closely with over 35 original equipment manufacturers and industry brand partners to understand their needs for qualified service professionals. Revenues generated from our schools consist primarily of tuition and fees paid by students. To pay for a substantial portion of their tuition, the majority of students rely on funds received from federal financial aid programs under Title IV Programs of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (“HEA”), as well as from various veterans benefits programs. For further discussion, see Note 2 on “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentration of Risk” and Note 20 on “Government Regulation and Financial Aid” included in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2020 (the “2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K”).

During fiscal 2020, we transitioned our on-campus, in-person education model to a blended training model that combines instructor-facilitated online teaching and demonstrations with hands-on labs. This new blended learning format allowed us to continue to offer our programs to our students during the COVID-19 pandemic and aligns with an increasing trend of online education now being offered as individuals seek life-long learning opportunities. We intend to offer our Automotive, Diesel, Automotive/Diesel, Motorcycle and Marine programs in a blended learning format on a permanent basis.

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, our condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2021. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Other than described below, there have been no other material changes or developments in our significant accounting policies or evaluation of accounting estimates and underlying assumptions or methodologies from those disclosed in Note 2 of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

8

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

New Significant Accounting Policy for Derivative Financial Instruments

On occasion, we may use interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk and limit the impact of future interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows, primarily with variable-rate debt. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We recognize all derivatives at fair value within the line items “Other current assets,” “Other assets,” “Other current liabilities,” and “Other liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Management reviews our derivative positions and overall risk management strategy on a regular basis. We only enter into transactions that we believe will be highly effective at offsetting the underlying risk, and we do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

We may choose to designate our derivative financial instruments, which are generally interest rate swaps, to hedge future interest payments on variable debt. At inception of the transaction, we formally designate and document the derivative financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, the risk management objective, and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. We formally assess both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, the effectiveness of our hedging transactions. Due to the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging instruments and the underlying exposures hedged, fluctuations in the value of the derivative financial instruments will generally be offset by the changes in the cash flows or fair value of the underlying exposures being hedged.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. For cash flow hedges, we report the effective portion of the gain or loss as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” and reclassify it to “Interest expense” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations over the corresponding period of the underlying hedged item. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative financial instrument is recognized in “Interest expense” at the time the ineffectiveness occurs. To the extent the hedged forecasted interest payments on debt related to our interest rate swap is paid off, the remaining balance in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” is recognized in “Interest expense” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

See Note 13 for additional disclosures related to our derivative financial instruments.

Reclassifications

Due to the new term loan that was executed during the three months ended June 30, 2021, which is described in further detail in Note 12, we added two new lines to the condensed consolidated balance sheet: “Long-term debt, current portion,” and “Long-term debt.” We have presented both the liabilities related to the term loan and finance leases in these new lines as of June 30, 2021. For the period ended September 30, 2020, $0.1 million of short-term finance lease liabilities was reclassified from “Other current liabilities” to “Long-term debt, current portion” and long-term finance lease liabilities of $0.1 million were reclassified from “Other liabilities” to “Long-term debt” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet for comparable presentation.

Note 3 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Effective in Fiscal 2021

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326). This update significantly changes the way that entities measure credit losses. The new standard requires that entities estimate credit losses based upon an “expected credit loss” approach rather than the historical “incurred loss” approach. The new approach requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable forecasts of collectability. The change in approach impacts the timing of recognition of credit losses. This standard is effective for financial statements issued by public companies for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. These changes became effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020. Upon adoption on October 1, 2020, we recorded an increase in our

9

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

receivables balance related to our proprietary loan program of $1.6 million, with the corresponding amount recorded as an increase to retained earnings. No other adjustments were deemed necessary in applying this new guidance.

Effective in Fiscal 2022

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The amendments in this standard simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. We are currently evaluating the impact that the update will have on our results of operations, financial condition and financial statement disclosures.

Other

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”), which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. This new guidance only applies to contracts and other transactions that reference London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. An entity may elect to apply the amendments for contract modifications as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or prospectively from a date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, up to the date that the financial statements are available to be issued. The amendments in ASU 2020-04 do not apply to contract modifications made after December 31, 2022. Given the interest rate for our new term loan (which is further described in Note 12) references LIBOR, we are currently evaluating the new reference rate reform practical expedients and will consider adopting this guidance when we are required to modify our contract for the discontinuation of LIBOR.

Note 4 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Nature of Goods and Services

Postsecondary Education

Revenues consist primarily of student tuition and fees derived from the programs we provide after reductions are made for discounts and scholarships that we sponsor and for refunds for students who withdraw from our programs prior to specified dates. We apply the five-step model outlined in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts from Customers. Tuition and fee revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the course or program offered. The majority of our programs are designed to be completed in 36 to 90 weeks, and our advanced training programs range from 12 to 23 weeks in duration. We supplement our revenues with sales of textbooks and program supplies and other revenues, which are recognized as the transfer of goods or services occurs. Deferred revenue represents the excess of tuition and fee payments received as compared to tuition and fees earned and is reflected as a current liability in our condensed consolidated balance sheets because it is expected to be earned within the next 12 months.

Additionally, certain students participate in a proprietary loan program that extends repayment terms for their tuition.  We purchase said loans from the lender and, based on historical collection rates, believe a portion of these loans are collectible. Accordingly, we recognize tuition and loan origination fees financed by the loan and any related interest revenue under the effective interest method required under the loan based on the amount we expect to collect, and we recognize these revenues ratably over the term of the course or program offered.

Other

We provide dealer technician training or instructor staffing services to manufacturers. Revenues are recognized as transfer of the services occurs.

10

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

We provide postsecondary education and other services in the same geographical market, the United States. The impact of economic factors on the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows is consistent among our various postsecondary education programs. See Note 18 for disaggregated segment revenue information.

Contract Balances

Contract assets primarily relate to our rights to consideration for a student’s progress through our training program in relation to our services performed but not billed at the reporting date. The contract assets are transferred to the receivables when the rights become unconditional. Currently, we do not have any contract assets that have not transferred to a receivable. Our deferred revenue is considered a contract liability and primarily relates to our enrollment agreements where we received payments for tuition but we have not yet delivered the related training programs to satisfying the related performance obligations. The advance consideration received from students or Title IV funding is deferred revenue until the training program has been delivered to the students.

The following table provides information about receivables and deferred revenue resulting from our enrollment agreements with students:

	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Receivables, which includes tuition and notes receivable	$	50,145	$	53,144
Deferred revenue	41,993		40,694

During the nine months ended June 30, 2021, the deferred revenue balance included decreases for revenues recognized during the period and increases related to new students who started their training programs during the period.

Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations

Tuition and fee revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the course or program offered. The majority of our undergraduate programs are designed to be completed in 36 to 90 weeks, and our advanced training programs range from 12 to 23 weeks in duration.

Impacts of COVID-19

As previously noted, during the year ended September 30, 2020, we transitioned our on-campus, in-person education model to a blended training model that combines instructor-facilitated online teaching and demonstrations with hands-on labs so that our students could continue their education during the COVID-19 pandemic. On-campus labs are designed to meet the current national guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) as well as state and local mandates, while still meeting our accreditation and curriculum requirements.

All of our campuses remained open during the nine months ended June 30, 2021, and as of June 30, 2021, all students were back in person for labs at our campuses with less than 1% of students with catch-up lab work outstanding. As a result, during the three months ended June 30, 2021, we recognized the remaining $0.8 million of deferred revenue outstanding and had zero deferred revenue related to the impact of COVID-19 as of June 30, 2021 as the deferral would not have been material to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note 5 - Investments

During the second quarter of 2020, we raised approximately $49.5 million in net proceeds from an underwritten public offering of shares of our common stock. See Note 15 on “Shareholders’ Equity - Equity Offering” included in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on the equity offering. These proceeds, along with our existing cash balance at that time, resulted in a total cash balance well in excess of our near-term cash needs at that time. As a result, we invested a portion of the excess cash in held-to-maturity securities, which primarily consist of corporate bonds from large cap industrial and selected financial companies with a minimum credit rating of A. We have the ability and intention to hold these investments until maturity and therefore have classified these investments as held-to-maturity and recorded them at amortized cost.

11

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains or losses, and fair value of investments classified as held-to-maturity at June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 were as follows:

	June 30, 2021
			Gross Unrealized				Estimated Fair
Due in less than 1 year:	Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Market Value
Corporate and municipal bonds	$	250	$	—	$	—	$	250

	September 30, 2020
			Gross Unrealized				Estimated Fair
Due in less than 1 year:	Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Market Value
Corporate and municipal bonds	$	38,055	$	10	$	(33)	$	38,032

Investments are exposed to various risks, including interest rate, market and credit risk. As a result, it is possible that changes in the values of these investments may occur and that such changes could affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements

The accounting framework for determining fair value includes a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to measure fair value, which enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements. The fair value hierarchy consists of three tiers:

Level 1:    Defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2:    Defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3:    Defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

Any transfers of investments between levels occurs at the end of the reporting period. Assets measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	June 30, 2021		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Money market funds(1)	$	61,840	$	61,840	$	—	$	—
Notes receivable(2)	35,393		—		—		35,393
Municipal bonds and other(3)	250		250		—		—
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	97,483	$	62,090	$	—	$	35,393

12

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	September 30, 2020		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Money market funds(1)	$	43,322	$	43,322	$	—	$	—
Notes receivable(2)	32,793		—		—		32,793
Corporate bonds(3)	33,119		33,119		—		—
Municipal bonds and other(3)	4,913		4,913		—		—
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	114,147	$	81,354	$	—	$	32,793

(1) Money market funds and other highly liquid investments with maturity dates less than 90 days are reflected as “Cash and cash equivalents” in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020.

(2) Notes receivable relate to our proprietary loan program.

(3) Corporate bonds, municipal bonds and other are reflected as “Held-to-maturity investments” in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020.

Note 7 - Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:

	Depreciable Lives (in years)	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Land (1)	—	$	8,355	$	3,189
Buildings and building improvements (1)	3-35	68,305		28,046
Leasehold improvements	1-28	64,320		62,899
Training equipment	3-10	91,032		91,731
Office and computer equipment	3-10	31,536		33,524
Curriculum development	5	19,692		19,692
Software developed for internal use	1-5	11,959		11,951
Vehicles	5	1,460		1,502
Right-of-use assets for finance leases	2-3	359		359
Construction in progress	—	7,000		2,213
		304,018		255,106
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(186,528)		(182,363)
		$	117,490	$	72,743

(1) During the nine months ended June 30, 2021, land and buildings and building improvements increased due to the purchase of the building and land at our Avondale, Arizona campus location. The total purchase price was approximately $45.2 million, of which $5.1 million was allocated to land and $40.1 million was allocated to buildings and building improvements based upon the appraised values.

Note 8 - Goodwill

Our goodwill balance of $8.2 million as of June 30, 2021 resulted from the acquisition of our motorcycle and marine education business in Orlando, Florida in 1998 and relates to our Postsecondary Education segment. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment, which may result from the deterioration in the operating performance

13

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

of the acquired business, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in applicable laws or regulations and a variety of other circumstances. Any resulting impairment charge would be recognized as an expense in the period in which impairment is identified. There were no indicators of goodwill impairment as of June 30, 2021.

Note 9 - Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate

In 2012, we invested $4.0 million to acquire an equity interest of approximately 28% in a joint venture (“JV”) related to the lease of our Lisle, Illinois campus facility. In connection with this investment, we do not possess a controlling financial interest as we do not hold a majority of the equity interest, nor do we have the power to make major decisions without approval from the other equity member. Therefore, we do not qualify as the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, this investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. We recognize our proportionate share of the JV's net income or loss during each accounting period and any return of capital as a change in our investment.

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate consisted of the following and is included within “Other assets” on our condensed consolidated balance sheets:

	June 30, 2021				September 30, 2020
	Carrying Value		Ownership Percentage		Carrying Value		Ownership Percentage
Investment in JV	$	4,594	28.0	%	$	4,494	28.0	%

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate included the following activity during the period:

	Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Balance at beginning of period	$	4,494	$	4,338
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	326		311
Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate	(226)		(190)
Balance at end of period	$	4,594	$	4,459

Note 10 - Leases

As of June 30, 2021, we leased 9 of our 12 campuses and our corporate headquarters under non-cancelable operating leases, some of which contain escalation clauses and requirements to pay other fees associated with the leases. The facility leases have original lease terms ranging from 8 to 20 years and expire at various dates through 2031. In addition, the leases commonly include lease incentives in the form of rent abatements and tenant improvement allowances. We sublease certain portions of unused building space to third parties, which as of June 30, 2021, resulted in minimal income. All of the leases, other than those that may qualify for the short-term scope exception of 12 months or less, are recorded on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Some of the facility leases are subject to annual changes in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). While lease liabilities are not remeasured as a result of changes to the CPI, changes to the CPI are treated as variable lease payments and recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments was incurred. Many of our lease agreements include options to extend the lease, which we do not include in our minimum lease terms unless they are reasonably certain to be exercised. There are no early termination with penalties, residual value guarantees, restrictions or covenants imposed by our facility leases.

The components of lease expense are included in “Educational services and facilities” and “Selling, general and administrative” on the condensed consolidated statement of operations, with the exception of interest on lease liabilities, which is included in “Interest expense.” The components of lease expense during the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:

14

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Nine Months Ended June 30,
Lease Expense	2021		2020		2021		2020
Operating lease expense(1)	$	5,547	$	7,494	$	17,137	$	22,478
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of leased assets	32		32		97		70
Interest on lease liabilities	2		2		5		5
Variable lease expense	947		1,090		2,804		3,269
Sublease income	(119)		(145)		(365)		(653)
Total net lease expense	$	6,409	$	8,473	$	19,678	$	25,169

(1)     Excludes the expense for short-term leases not accounted for under ASC 842, which was not significant for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Supplemental balance sheet, cash flow and other information related to our leases was as follows (in thousands, except lease term and discount rate):

Leases	Classification	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Assets:
Operating lease assets	Right-of-use assets for operating leases	$	147,596	$	144,663
Finance lease assets	Property and equipment, net(1)	160		257
Total leased assets		$	147,756	$	144,920
Liabilities:
Current
Operating lease liabilities	Operating lease liability, current portion	$	19,999	$	23,666
Finance lease liabilities	Long-term debt, current portion	122		129
Noncurrent
Operating lease liabilities	Operating lease liability	138,999		134,089
Finance lease liabilities	Long-term debt	42		131
Total lease liabilities		$	159,162	$	158,015

(1)     Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $0.2 million and $0.1 million as of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively.

Lease Term and Discount Rate	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases	9.48		9.34
Finance leases	1.34		2.05
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases	4.56	%	4.37	%
Finance leases	3.08	%	3.08	%

15

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended June 30,
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information and Other Information	2021		2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	13,546	$	19,264
Financing cash flows from finance leases	96		68
Non-cash activity related to lease liabilities:
Lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities (1)	$	14,789	$	3,099
Leases assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	—		215

(1)     Excludes the impact of the opening balance adjustment for the adoption of ASC 842 as of October 1, 2019 for the nine months ended June 30, 2020.

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

	As of June 30, 2021
Years ending September 30,	Operating Leases		Finance Leases
Remainder of 2021	$	6,207	$	34
2022	24,241		110
2023	19,464		23
2024	19,208		—
2025	19,450		—
2026 and thereafter	107,409		—
Total lease payments	195,979		167
Less: interest	(36,981)		(3)
Present value of lease liabilities	158,998		164
Less: current lease liabilities	(19,999)		(122)
Long-term lease liabilities	$	138,999	$	42

Note 11 - Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:

	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Accounts payable	$	12,646	$	12,471
Accrued compensation and benefits	26,958		28,053
Other accrued expenses	11,055		11,367
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	50,659	$	51,891

16

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Note 12 - Debt

	June 30, 2021					September 30, 2020
	Interest Rate		Maturity Date	Carrying Value of Debt (4)		Carrying Value of Debt (4)
Term Loan(1)	2.09	%	May 2028	$	31,084	$	—
Finance leases(2)	3.08	%	Various	164		260
Total debt				31,248		260
Debt issuance costs presented with debt (3)				(265)		—
Total debt, net				30,983		260
Less: current portion of long-term debt				(918)		(129)
Long-term debt				$	30,065	$	131

(1)     Interest on the Term Loan (as defined below) accrues at annual rate equal to the LIBOR plus 2.0%.

(2)    Our finance leases include finance lease arrangements related to various equipment with a weighted-average annual interest rate of approximately 3.08%, which mature in varying installments between 2021 and 2023. See Note 10 for additional details on our finance leases.

(3)    The unamortized debt issuance costs as of June 30, 2021 relate entirely to the Term Loan.

(4)    Our Term Loan and finance leases bear interest at rates commensurate with market rates and therefore the respective carrying values approximate fair value.

Term Loan

In connection with the Avondale, Arizona building purchase in December 2020, we entered into a Credit Agreement with Fifth Third Bank, National Association (the “Lender”) on May 12, 2021 in the maximum principal amount of $31.2 million with a maturity of seven years (the “Term Loan”). The Term Loan bears interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 2.0%. Principal and interest payments are due monthly. The Term Loan is secured by a first priority lien on our Avondale, Arizona property, including all land and improvements. Additionally, on May 12, 2021, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with the Lender that effectively fixes the interest rate on 50% of the principal amount of the Term Loan, or approximately $15.6 million, at 3.5% for the entire loan term. See Note 13 below for further discussion on the interest rate swap.

We are subject to customary affirmative and negative covenants under the Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, certain reporting obligations and certain limitations on restricted payments, and limitations on liens, encumbrances and indebtedness. The Term Loan is also subject to certain financial maintenance covenants. The debt service coverage ratio shall not be less than 1.25 to 1.00 and is defined as the ratio of the sum of consolidated income (loss) for the year, to the extent deducted in determining income for such period, before income taxes, interest expense, amortization, depreciation and other non-cash charges including net stock-based compensation, fees and expenses related to potential acquisitions and expansion of operations and certain non-recurring charges, including relating to restructuring, business optimization and diversification strategy, less any extraordinary non-recurring gains, interest income and non-cash gains (“Consolidated EBITDA”) (less dividends payable on our Series A Preferred Stock) and other extraordinary items to the current portion of long-term debt and interest paid during the period being measured (which commences on September 30, 2021 and is tested annually thereafter on a trailing 12-month basis). The funded debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio is required to be no greater than 3.50 to 1.00 (which commences on June 30, 2021 and is tested quarterly thereafter on a trailing 12-month basis). Beginning on May 12, 2024, the Lender may request new appraisals of the Avondale property in order to maintain the ratio of the amortized loan balance to the value of the location at 70%, the approximate ratio that existed at May 12, 2021. Events of default under the Credit Agreement include, among others, the failure to make payments when due, breach of covenants (including certain financial maintenance covenants) and breach of representations or warranties. If we fail to meet the minimum debt service coverage ratio, loan-to-value or debt yield and fail to cure such non-compliance within a time period acceptable to the Lender, we will be in default. As of June 30, 2021, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.

17

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Debt Maturities

Scheduled principal payments due on our debt for the remainder of 2021 and for each year through the period ended September 30, 2025, and thereafter were as follows at June 30, 2021:

Maturity	Term Loan		Finance Leases		Total
Remainder of 2021	$	198	$	33	$	231
2022	803		108		911
2023	832		23		855
2024	861		—		861
2025	892		—		892
Thereafter	27,498		—		27,498
Subtotal	31,084		164		31,248
Debt issuance costs presented with debt	(265)		—		(265)
Total	$	30,819	$	164	$	30,983

Note 13- Derivative Financial Instruments

In the normal course of business, our operations are exposed to market risks, including the effect of changes in interest rates. We may enter into derivative financial instruments to offset these underlying market risks. See Note 2 for our derivative financial instruments policy.

On May 12, 2021, in connection with the Term Loan discussed in Note 12, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with the Lender that effectively fixes the interest rate on 50% of the principal amount of the Term Loan, or approximately $15.6 million, at 3.5% for the entire loan term, or seven years (the “Swap”). On May 12, 2021, the Swap was designated as an effective cash flow hedge for accounting and tax purposes.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. For cash flow hedges, we report the effective portion of the gain or loss as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” and reclassify it to “Interest expense” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations over the corresponding period of the underlying hedged item. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative financial instrument is recognized in “Interest expense” at the time the ineffectiveness occurs. To the extent the hedged forecasted interest payments on debt related to our interest rate swap is paid off, the remaining balance in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” is recognized in “Interest expense” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Of the net amount of the existing losses that are reported in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” as of June 30, 2021, we estimate that $0.2 million will be reclassified to “Interest expense” within the next twelve months. As of June 30, 2021, the notional amount of our Swap was approximately $15.5 million.

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The following table presents the fair value of our Swap (Level 2) which is designated as a cash flow hedge and the related classification on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021:

18

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Interest Rate Swap
Other current liabilities	$	194
Other liabilities	158
Total fair value of liabilities designated as hedging instruments	$	352

Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The table below presents the effect of cash flow hedge accounting for our Swap on “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” as of June 30, 2021:

	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivative		Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
Interest Rate Swap	$	(382)	Interest expense	$	(30)

Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

The table below presents the effect of cash flow hedge accounting for our Swap on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2021:

	Interest Expense
Interest Rate Swap
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into income	$	(30)

Note 14 - Income Taxes

Our income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $86 thousand, or 2.8% of pre-tax income, compared to $21 thousand, or (0.2)% of pre-tax loss, for the three months ended June 30, 2020. For the nine months ended June 30, 2021, our income tax expense was $78 thousand, or 3.0% of pre-tax income, compared to an income tax benefit of $10.7 million, or 117.0% of pre-tax loss, for the nine months ended June 30, 2020. The effective income tax rate in each period differed from the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily as a result of changes in the valuation allowance, state taxes and the impact of net operating loss carrybacks recognized in the prior year as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The balance of the valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets was $16.9 million and $17.4 million as of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively.

As discussed in Note 13 on “Income Taxes” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, during the year ended September 30, 2020, we recorded an income tax refund of approximately $11.3 million as a result of certain provisions of the CARES Act, of which $7.1 million remained outstanding as of September 30, 2020. During the nine months ended June 30, 2021, we received approximately $2.7 million in refunds, leaving $4.3 million as an income tax receivable recorded in “Receivable, net” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021. We received the remaining $4.3 million income tax refund in July 2021.

As of June 30, 2021, we continued to have a full valuation allowance against all deferred tax assets that rely upon future taxable income for their realization and will continue to evaluate our valuation allowance in future periods for any change in

19

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

circumstances that causes a change in judgment about the realizability of the deferred tax assets. The amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be adjusted in future periods if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are increased, if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and if additional weight is given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth.

Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies

Legal

In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are periodically subject to lawsuits, demands in arbitration, investigations, regulatory proceedings or other claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving current or former students, routine employment matters, business disputes and regulatory demands. When we are aware of a claim or potential claim, we assess the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the loss. When a loss is not both probable and estimable, we do not accrue a liability. Where a loss is not probable but is reasonably possible, including if a loss in excess of an accrued liability is reasonably possible, we determine whether it is possible to provide an estimate of the amount of the loss or range of possible losses for the claim. Because we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of the legal proceedings (including lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings or claims) asserted against us, it is not currently possible to provide such an estimate. The ultimate outcome of pending legal proceedings to which we are a party may have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows and results of operations or financial condition.

Note 16 - Shareholders’ Equity

Common Stock

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by our Board of Directors and have the right to one vote per share on all matters requiring shareholder approval. On June 9, 2016, our Board of Directors voted to eliminate the quarterly cash dividend on our common stock. Any future common stock dividends require the approval of a majority of the voting power of the Series A Preferred Stock.

Preferred Stock

Preferred Stock consists of 10,000,000 authorized preferred shares of $0.0001 par value each. As of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, 700,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) were issued and outstanding. The liquidation preference associated with the Series A Preferred Stock was $100 per share at June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020.

Pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designations of the Series A Preferred Stock, we may pay a cash dividend on each share of the Series A Preferred Stock at a rate of 7.5% per year on the liquidation preference then in effect (“Cash Dividend”). If we do not pay a Cash Dividend, the liquidation preference shall be increased to an amount equal to the current liquidation preference in effect plus an amount reflecting that liquidation preference multiplied by the Cash Dividend rate then in effect plus 2.0% per year (“Accrued Dividend”). Cash Dividends are payable semi-annually in arrears on September 30 and March 31 of each year, and begin to accrue on the first day of the applicable dividend period. We paid Cash Dividends of $2.6 million during March 2021.

For further discussion of our preferred stock, see Note 15 on “Shareholders’ Equity” included in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Share Repurchase Program

On December 10, 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase plan that would allow for the repurchase of up to $35.0 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. This new share repurchase plan replaced the previously authorized plan from fiscal 2012. Any repurchases under this new stock repurchase

20

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

program require the approval of a majority of the voting power of our Series A Preferred Stock. We did not repurchase any shares during the nine months ended June 30, 2021.

Note 17 - Earnings per Share

We calculate basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) pursuant to the two-class method as a result of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock on June 24, 2016. Our Series A Preferred Stock is considered a participating security because, in the event that we pay a dividend or make a distribution on the outstanding common stock, we shall also pay each holder of the Series A Preferred Stock a dividend on an as-converted basis. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines EPS for common stock and participating securities according to dividend and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings, distributed and undistributed, are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive dividends. The Series A Preferred Stock is not included in the computation of basic EPS in periods in which we have a net loss, as the Series A Preferred Stock is not contractually obligated to share in our net losses.

Diluted EPS is calculated using the more dilutive of the two-class method or as-converted method. The two-class method uses net income available to common shareholders and assumes conversion of all potential shares other than the participating securities. The as-converted method uses net income and assumes conversion of all potential shares including the participating securities. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options, unvested restricted share units and convertible preferred stock. The basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding are the same for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, and the three and nine months ended June 30, 2020, as a result of the net loss available to common shareholders and anti-dilutive impact of the potentially dilutive securities.

The following table summarizes the computation of basic and diluted EPS under the two-class or as-converted method, as well as the anti-dilutive shares excluded:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income (loss)	$	3,000	$	(13,268)	$	2,536	$	1,558
Less: Preferred stock dividend declared	(1,313)		(1,309)		(3,938)		(3,941)
Net income (loss) available for distribution	1,687		(14,577)		(1,402)		(2,383)
Income allocated to participating securities	(659)		—		—		—
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	1,028	$	(14,577)	$	(1,402)	$	(2,383)
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	32,821		32,607		32,746		28,871
Basic income (loss) per common share	$	0.03	$	(0.45)	$	(0.04)	$	(0.08)

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UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Diluted earnings per common share:
Method used:	Two-class		Two-class		Two-class		Two-class
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	1,028	$	(14,577)	$	(1,402)	$	(2,383)
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	32,821		32,607		32,746		28,871
Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans	215		—		—		—
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	33,036		32,607		32,746		28,871
Diluted income (loss) per common share	$	0.03	$	(0.45)	$	(0.04)	$	(0.08)
Anti-dilutive shares excluded:
Outstanding stock-based grants	190		281		646		297
Convertible preferred stock	21,021		21,021		21,021		21,021
Total anti-dilutive shares excluded	21,211		21,302		21,667		21,318
Dilutive shares under the as-converted method(1)	54,057		53,909		53,950		50,189

(1) The dilutive shares under the as-converted method assume conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and are presented here merely for reference. In a net income position, diluted earnings per share is determined by the more dilutive of the two-class method or the as-converted method.

Note 18 - Segment Information

Our principal business is providing postsecondary education. We also provide manufacturer-specific training, and these operations are managed separately from our campus operations. These operations do not currently meet the quantitative criteria for segments and therefore are reflected in the “Other” category. Our equity method investment and other non-postsecondary education operations are also included within the “Other” category. Corporate expenses are allocated to “Postsecondary Education” and the “Other” category based on compensation expense.

Summary information by reportable segment was as follows:

	Postsecondary Education		Other		Consolidated
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
Revenues	$	80,736	$	3,032	$	83,768
Income from operations	2,994		58		3,052
Depreciation and amortization (1)	3,599		20		3,619
Net income	2,942		58		3,000

22

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Postsecondary Education		Other		Consolidated
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
Revenues	$	52,199	$	2,284	$	54,483
Loss from operations	(13,341)		(438)		(13,779)
Depreciation and amortization (2)	2,904		23		2,927
Net loss	(12,830)		(438)		(13,268)
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021
Revenues	$	229,142	$	8,460	$	237,602
Income (loss) from operations	2,776		(610)		2,166
Depreciation and amortization(1)	10,404		66		10,470
Net income (loss)	3,146		(610)		2,536
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2020
Revenues	$	213,780	$	10,654	$	224,434
Loss from operations	(9,331)		(693)		(10,024)
Depreciation and amortization (2)	8,729		92		8,821
Net income (loss)	2,251		(693)		1,558
As of June 30, 2021
Total assets	$	467,803	$	7,207	$	475,010
As of September 30, 2020
Total assets	$	435,144	$	6,837	$	441,981

(1) Includes depreciation of training equipment obtained in exchange for services of $0.3 million and $0.9 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021, respectively.

(2) Excludes depreciation of training equipment obtained in exchange for services of $0.3 million and $1.0 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2020, respectively.

Note 19 - Government Regulation and Financial Aid

As discussed at length in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, our institutions participate in a range of government-sponsored student assistance programs. The most significant of these is the federal student aid programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) pursuant to Title IV of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”), commonly referred to as the Title IV Programs. Generally, to participate in the Title IV Programs, an institution must be licensed or otherwise legally authorized to operate in the state where it is physically located, be accredited by an accreditor recognized by ED, be certified as an eligible institution by ED, offer at least one eligible program of education, and comply with other statutory and regulatory requirements. See “Part I, Item 1. Regulatory Environment” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

23

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

State Authorization

To operate and offer postsecondary programs, and to be certified to participate in Title IV Programs, each of our institutions must obtain and maintain authorization from the state in which it is physically located (its “Home State”). To engage in recruiting or educational activities outside of its Home State, each institution also may be required to obtain and maintain authorization from the states in which it is recruiting or engaging in educational activities. The level of regulatory oversight varies substantially from state to state and is extensive in some states. State laws may establish standards for instruction, qualifications of faculty, location and nature of facilities and equipment, administrative procedures, marketing, recruiting, student outcomes reporting, disclosure obligations to students, limitations on mandatory arbitration clauses in enrollment agreements, financial operations, and other operational matters. Some states prescribe standards of financial responsibility and mandate that institutions post surety bonds. Many states have requirements for institutions to disclose institutional data to current and prospective students, as well as to the public. And some states require that our schools meet prescribed performance standards as a condition of continued approval.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a non-governmental process through which an institution voluntarily submits to ongoing qualitative reviews by an organization of peer institutions. Institutional accreditation by an ED-recognized accreditor is required for an institution to be certified to participate in Title IV Programs. All of our institutions are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (“ACCSC”), which is an accrediting agency recognized by ED. ACCSC reviews the academic quality of each institution’s instructional programs, as well as the administrative and financial operations of the institution to ensure that it has the resources necessary to perform its educational mission, implement continuous improvement processes, and support student success. Our institutions must submit annual reports, and at times, supplemental reports, to demonstrate ongoing compliance and improvement. ACCSC requires institutions to disclose certain institutional information to current and prospective students, as well as to the public, and requires that our schools and programs meet various performance standards as a condition of continued accreditation. Institutions must periodically renew their accreditation by completing a comprehensive renewal of accreditation process. See “Part I, Item 1. Regulatory Environment - Accreditation” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details and the current status of our campus accreditation.

Title IV Programs

The federal government provides a substantial part of its support for postsecondary education through Title IV Programs in the form of grants and loans to students who can use those funds at any institution that has been certified as eligible to participate by ED. All of our institutions are certified to participate in Title IV Programs. Significant factors relating to Title IV Programs that could adversely affect us include:

•The 90/10 Rule. As a condition of participation in Title IV Programs, proprietary institutions must agree when they sign their PPA to comply with the 90/10 rule. Under the current 90/10 rule, to remain eligible to participate in the federal student aid programs, a proprietary institution must derive at least 10% of their revenues for each fiscal year from sources other than Title IV Program funds. Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”), a proprietary institution must derive at least 10 percent of its revenue from sources other than “Federal education assistance funds.” Federal education assistance funds are defined as “federal funds that are disbursed or delivered to or on behalf of a student to be used to attend such institution.” Pursuant to ARPA, the earliest this revision to the 90/10 rule may take effect is for institutional fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2023.

A proprietary institution is subject to sanctions if it exceeds the 90% level for a single year, and loses its eligibility to participate in Title IV Programs if it derives more than 90% of its revenue from Title IV Programs/Federal education assistance funds, as applicable, for two consecutive fiscal years.

We are currently reviewing the potential impact of the change in the 90/10 rule created under ARPA and will be monitoring any proposed or final regulations promulgated by ED to carry out this change.

24

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

•Administrative Capability. To continue its participation in Title IV Programs, an institution must demonstrate that it remains administratively capable of providing the education it promises and of properly managing the Title IV Programs. ED assesses the administrative capability of each institution that participates in Title IV Programs under a series of standards listed in the regulations, which cover a wide range of operational and administrative topics, including the designation of capable and qualified individuals, the quality and scope of written procedures, the adequacy of institutional communication and processes, the timely resolution of issues, the sufficiency of recordkeeping, and the frequency of findings of noncompliance, to name a few. ED’s administrative capability standards also include thresholds and expectations for federal student loan cohort default rates (discussed below), satisfactory academic progress, and loan counseling. Failure to satisfy any of the standards may lead ED to find the institution ineligible to participate in Title IV Programs, require the institution to repay Title IV Program funds, change the method of payment of Title IV Program funds, place the institution on provisional certification as a condition of its continued participation or take other actions against the institution.

•Three-Year Student Loan Default Rates. To remain eligible to participate in Title IV Programs, institutions also must maintain federal student loan cohort default rates below specified levels. An institution whose three-year cohort default rate is 15% or greater for any one of the three preceding years is subject to a 30-day delay in receiving the first disbursement on federal student loans for first-time borrowers.

•Financial Responsibility. All institutions participating in Title IV Programs also must satisfy specific ED standards of financial responsibility. Among other things, an institution must meet all of its financial obligations, including required refunds to students and any Title IV Program liabilities and debts, be current in its debt payments, comply with certain past performance requirements, and not receive any adverse, qualified, or disclaimed opinion by its accountants in its audited financial statements. Each year, ED also evaluates institutions’ financial responsibility by calculating a “composite score,” which utilizes information provided in the institutions’ annual audited financial statements. The composite score is based on three ratios: (1) the equity ratio which measures the institution’s capital resources, ability to borrow and financial viability; (2) the primary reserve ratio which measures the institution’s ability to support current operations from expendable resources; and (3) the net income ratio which measures the institution’s ability to operate at a profit. Between composite score calculations, ED also will reevaluate the financial responsibility of an institution following the occurrence of certain “triggering events,” which must be timely reported to the agency.

•Title IV Program Rulemaking. ED is almost continuously engaged in one or more negotiated rulemakings, which is the process pursuant to which it revisits, revises, and expands the complex and voluminous Title IV Program regulations. Recent and significant negotiated rulemakings include the Gainful Employment Rulemaking, the Borrower Defense to Repayment Rulemaking, and the Accreditation and Innovation Rulemaking. New regulations associated with these rulemakings took effect on July 1, 2020, and additional, new rules took effect on July 1, 2021. Additionally, on May 26, 2021, ED announced its intention to establish multiple rulemaking committees and for these committees to prepare proposed regulations. These regulations could involve revisiting and potentially revising regulations across 14 different topics areas identified by ED, including the rules governing changes in ownership, standards of administrative capability, borrower defense to repayment, closed school loan discharges, mandatory pre-dispute arbitration clauses, and gainful employment. It is expected that these negotiated rulemakings would occur throughout 2022 and 2023, and that any resulting rules would become effective during that time or thereafter. ED has also invited public commentary on other matters around potential gaps in post secondary outcomes including retention, completion, loan repayment and student loan default. The potential outcome, if any, from these announced actions is unknown at this time. We devote significant effort to understanding the effects of ED regulations and rulemakings on our business and to developing compliant solutions that also are congruent with our business, culture, and mission to serve our students and industry relationships.

Other Federal and State Student Aid Programs

Some of our students also receive financial aid from federal sources other than Title IV Programs, such as the programs administered by the VA, the Department of Defense (“DOD”) and under the Workforce Investment Act. Additionally, some states provide financial aid to our students in the form of grants, loans or scholarships. Our Long Beach, Rancho Cucamonga

25

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

and Sacramento, California campuses, for example, are currently eligible to participate in the Cal Grant program. All of our institutions must comply with the eligibility and participation requirements applicable to each of these funding programs, which vary by funding agency and program.

Each year we derive a portion of our revenues, on a cash basis, from veterans’ benefits programs, which include the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, the Reserve Education Assistance Program (“REAP”) and VA Vocational Rehabilitation. To continue participation in veterans’ benefits programs, an institution must comply with certain requirements established by the VA.

COVID-19, the CARES Act, the CRRSAA, and ARPA

On March 13, 2020, the United States declared a national emergency concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, effective March 1, 2020. ED, consistent with its authority under then-existing statutes and regulations, issued guidance on March 5, 2020, outlining a range of accommodations intended to address interruptions of study related to COVID-19. On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the CARES Act, which provided additional flexibilities and accommodations, beyond those offered by the ED in its March 5, 2020 guidance, particularly with regard to the campus-based assistance programs, the measurement of satisfactory academic progress, and the return of unearned Title IV Program funds to ED. Shortly thereafter, on April 3, 2020, ED issued further guidance, providing additional regulatory flexibilities, and in some cases, implementing the accommodations provided for in the CARES Act. ED periodically updated and supplemented this guidance over the following months. Guidance also was published regarding immigration, discrimination, safety, and privacy issues, as well as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”) established under the CARES Act.

On December 11, 2020, ED published a notice in the Federal Register extending the end dates of COVID-19-related waivers and modifications, and introducing several new flexibilities using its authority granted by the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (“HEROES”) Act of 2003. In most cases the waivers and modifications were extended through the end of the payment period that begins after the date on which the federally-declared national emergency related to COVID-19 is rescinded.

On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed a $2.3 trillion spending bill that combined a $1.4 trillion omnibus appropriations bill for federal fiscal year 2021 with $900 billion in supplemental appropriations to provide relief for the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the omnibus appropriations bill, Congress simplifies the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, provides a $15 million increase to the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program, and adds an additional $10 million for Federal Work Study. This latter piece of legislation is known as the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (“CRRSAA”). The CRRSAA extends the Paycheck Protection Program and allocates to it an additional $284.5 billion, and includes The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (“HEERF II”), which makes an addition $22.7 billion available to higher education institutions to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of this amount, private, proprietary institutions are allocated approximately $681 million and may only use HEERF II funding to provide emergency financial aid grants to students. On January 14, 2021, ED made extensive guidance available regarding the administration of the HEERF II program.

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the ARPA, a $1.9 trillion economic relief package. The ARPA provides almost $40 billion in funding available to higher education institutions under the Higher Education Emergency Relief III (“HEERF III”). Of this amount, private, proprietary institutions are allocated approximately $396 million and may only use HEERF III funding to provide emergency financial aid grants to students. On May 11, 2021, ED published guidance regarding the administration of the HEERF III program.

On March 31, 2021, ED published its Guide for Compliance Attestation Engagements of Proprietary Schools Expending Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Grants (the “Guide”). We completed the required audit of our participation in the HEERF grant program for the year ended September 30, 2020 which was filed with the ED on July 26, 2021.

We have reviewed and implemented many of the flexibilities created by Congress and ED’s guidance. We continue to review new guidance from ED and to implement available legislative and regulatory relief as applicable.

26

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Distance Education

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ED provided broad approval for institutions to use distance learning modalities without going through the standard ED approval process for payment periods that begin on or before December 31, 2020, or the end of the payment period that includes the end date for the federally-declared emergency related to COVID-19, whichever occurs later. ED also permitted accreditors to waive their distance education review requirements. In its December 11, 2020 Federal Register notice, ED extended these flexibilities through the end of the payment period that begins after the date on which the federally-declared national emergency related to COVID-19 is rescinded. This extra payment period beyond the national emergency end date will facilitate a successful transition to non-pandemic requirements following the end of the national emergency.

We have received ACCSC approval to permanently offer blended format programs that utilize both distance and on-ground education. Additionally, we have received permanent approvals by all state agencies to offer blended format programs, with the exception of our Motorcycle and Marine programs in Orlando, Florida. We are still operating under a temporary approval for these Florida based programs as we are waiting on permanent approvals from the Florida state agency.

Note 20 - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Grants

Fiscal 2020 HEERF I Grants for Students and for Significant Changes to the Delivery of Instruction Due to the Coronavirus under the CARES Act

As discussed in “Note 21 - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund under the CARES Act” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, in May 2020, we were granted approximately $33.0 million in HEERF funds with at least $16.5 million required to be spent for emergency grants to student and no more than $16.5 million permitted to cover institutional costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to coronavirus. The allowable institutional costs for these institutional HEERF funds are described in “Note 21 - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund under the CARES Act” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

During the three months ended December 31, 2020, we incurred $0.9 million in allowable costs related to the changes in the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus, thereby utilizing the remaining available funds. Of the $0.9 million incurred, $0.3 million was recorded in “Educational services and facilities” and $0.6 million was recorded in “Selling, general and administrative” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, there were no remaining unused funds from the fiscal 2020 HEERF grant.

In October 2020 we drew down the $1.8 million recorded in accounts receivable as of September 30, 2020 for the allowable costs incurred during the year ended September 30, 2020. Additionally, the $0.9 million related to allowable costs incurred during the three months ended December 31, 2020 was drawn down in December 2020. Total institutional funds drawn down during the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $2.7 million which was included in our “Cash and cash equivalents” on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020.

Fiscal 2021 HEERF II Grant for Students under the CRRSAA

As noted above, the CRRSAA includes HEERF II, which makes an additional $22.7 billion available to higher education institutions. Of this amount, private, proprietary institutions are allocated approximately $681 million. The statute permits proprietary institutions to use HEERF II funds to provide financial aid grants to students, and requires that institutions prioritize the grants to students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants. On January 14, 2021, ED issued guidance regarding the administration of the HEERF II program. In accordance with the ED’s allocation schedule, during the three months ended March 31, 2021, we were granted approximately $16.8 million for purposes of funding HEERF II student grants. During the three months ended June 30, 2021, we awarded approximately $11.5 million in the form of grants to over 7,300 students. The HEERF II funds were drawn down as student grants were distributed, with $0.4 million included in “Restricted cash” on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2021 which relates to

27

UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

pending student grants and outstanding checks. We expect to grant the remaining $5.3 million in HEERF II funds by the end of our fiscal year, or September 30, 2021.

Fiscal 2021 HEERF III Grant for Students under the ARPA

As noted above, the ARPA provides almost $40 billion in funding available to higher education institutions under the HEERF III. Of this amount, private, proprietary institutions are allocated approximately $396 million and may only use HEERF III funding to provide emergency financial aid grants to students. In accordance with the ED’s allocation schedule, during the three months ended June 30, 2021, we were granted approximately $9.9 million for purposes of funding HEERF III student grants. However, as of June 30, 2021, the HEERF III funds were not yet available to us to draw down. The HEERF III funds became available for us to draw down during July 2021.

28

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and those in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to those described under “Risk Factors” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and included in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. See also “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” on page ii of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Company Overview

We are the leading provider of postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians as measured by total average undergraduate full-time enrollment and graduates. We also provide programs for welders and computer numeric control (“CNC”) machining technicians. We offer certificate, diploma or degree programs at 12 campuses across the United States under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. We also offer manufacturer specific advanced training (“MSAT”) programs, including student-paid electives, at our campuses and manufacturer or dealer sponsored training at certain campuses and dedicated training centers. Founded in 1965, we have provided technical education for more than 56 years and have graduated more than 225,000 technicians.

To ensure our programs provide students with the necessary hard and soft skills needed upon graduation, we have relationships with over 35 original equipment manufacturers and industry brand partners across the country to understand their needs for qualified service professionals. Through our industry relationships, we are able to continuously refine and expand our programs and curricula. We believe our industry-focused educational model and national presence have enabled us to develop valuable industry relationships, which provide us with significant competitive strengths and supports our market leadership, along with enabling us to provide highly specialized education to our students, resulting in enhanced employment opportunities and the potential for higher wages for our graduates.

Our industry relationships also extend to thousands of local employers, after-market retailers, fleet service providers and enthusiast organizations. Other target groups for relationship-building, such as parts and tools suppliers, provide us with a variety of strategic and financial benefits that include equipment sponsorship, new product support, licensing and branding opportunities and financial sponsorship for our campuses and students.

During fiscal 2020, we transitioned our on-campus, in-person education model to a blended training model that combines instructor-facilitated online teaching and demonstrations with hands-on labs. This new blended learning format allowed us to continue to offer our programs to our students during the COVID-19 pandemic and aligns with an increasing trend of online education now being offered as individuals seek life-long learning opportunities. On-campus labs are designed to meet the current national guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) as well as state and local mandates, while still meeting our accreditation and curriculum requirements.

The ED granted institutions temporary approval to offer distance learning through December 31, 2020. The ED has extended these flexibilities through the end of the payment period that begins after the date on which the federally-declared national emergency related to COVID-19 is rescinded. We have received approval from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (“ACCSC”) to permanently offer blended format programs that utilize both distance and on-ground education. Additionally, we have received permanent approvals by all state agencies to offer blended format programs, with the exception of our Motorcycle and Marine programs in Orlando, Florida. We are still operating under a temporary approval for these Florida based programs as we are waiting on permanent approvals from the Florida state agency. We intend to offer our Automotive, Diesel, Automotive/Diesel, Motorcycle and Marine programs in a blended learning format on a permanent basis. Additionally, we continue to invest in the online delivery platform and curriculum to further enhance the student experience and student outcomes.

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Overview of the Three and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021

Operations

For the three months ended June 30, 2021, we had an increase of 19.1% in our average undergraduate full-time active students to 10,797. Additionally, during the same period, we started 2,532 new students, which was an increase of 38.8% from the prior year comparable period, reflecting strong front-end demand across all channels and impacts of COVID-19 in the prior year period.

Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $83.8 million, an increase of $29.3 million, or 53.8%, from the comparable period in the prior year. Revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 were $237.6 million, an increase of $13.2 million, or 5.9%, from the comparable period in the prior year. Revenues during the three and nine months ended June 30, 2020 were impacted by a higher number of students on leave of absence and the deferral of $10.8 million in revenue related to the large number of make-up labs and online-only students that resulted when we paused operations during the prior year period due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. All of our campuses remained open during the nine months ended June 30, 2021, and as of June 30, 2021, all students were back in person for labs at our campuses with less than 1% of students with catch-up lab work outstanding. As a result, during the three months ended June 30, 2021, we recognized the remaining $0.8 million of deferred revenue outstanding and had zero deferred revenue as of June 30, 2021.

We had income from operations of $3.1 million and $2.2 million during the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, compared to a loss from operations of $13.8 million and $10.0 million during the three and nine months ended June 30, 2020, respectively. The increase in our income from operations during the three months ended June 30, 2021 was primarily driven by our increase in revenue, which was partially offset by increases in expenses such as compensation and benefits expenses primarily as a result of our being fully operational in the current year period while restrictions related to the pandemic limited our operations in the prior year period. For the nine months ended June 30, 2021, the increase in revenue and lower occupancy costs, partially offset by increases in compensation and benefits costs, drove the increase in our income from operations for the period.

Business Strategy

In support of our goal to continue to be the leading provider of postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians, as well as welders and CNC machining technicians, and the leading supplier of entry-level skilled technicians for the industries we serve, we continue to pursue the following business strategies: return on education; strengthen industry relationships; recruit, train and identify employment opportunities for more students; education program affordability; and overall company growth and diversification.

During the nine months ended June 30, 2021 some actionable steps in executing our business strategies included:

•Announcing our plans to open two additional campus locations during fiscal 2022 in Austin, Texas and Miami, Florida.

•We entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MIAT College of Technology (“MIAT”) from HCP & Company. MIAT currently serves approximately 1,200 students through its campuses in Canton, Michigan and Houston, Texas. The company offers vocational and technical certificates as well as associates degrees in fields with robust and growing demand for skilled technical workers, including aviation maintenance, energy technology, wind power, robotics and automation, non-destructive testing, HVACR, and welding. The acquisition will enable us to further expand our program offerings into growing industry sections and rapidly expanding fields likely to be bolstered by technological innovation and the country’s focus on sustainable energy. The closing of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions.

•Announcing the expansion of our welding technology program to our Bloomfield, New Jersey campus, with classes beginning in July 2021, and our plans to further expand to two more locations in fiscal 2022.

•Announcing a new manufacturer training program with AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and solutions. The Fendt® Technician Academy will launch at our Lisle, Illinois campus in Fall 2021.

•Launching our new Premier Truck Group Technician Skills Program, a first-of-its-kind diesel-commercial vehicle technician career skills program for service members at Fort Bliss, a U.S. Army post in El Paso, Texas. The 12-week program will provide hands-on, industry-aligned technician training designed to lead directly to rewarding

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career opportunities at Premier Truck Group for veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life. Premier Truck Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of Penske Automotive Group.

•Announcing the expansion of the Daimler Trucks North America (“DTNA”) Finish First program to our Orlando, Florida campus in Summer 2021. The program, an elective offered exclusively at certain of our UTI campus locations, trains students to maintain, diagnose and repair DTNA's industry-leading brands, including Freightliner, Western Star and Detroit. Our UTI campuses in Avondale, Arizona and Lisle, Illinois currently offer the Finish First program.

•Purchasing our Avondale, Arizona campus at the end of December 2020, for approximately $45.2 million, including closing costs and other fees, with the intention of consolidating our MMI Phoenix, Arizona campus into the same location by the end of fiscal 2022. During May 2021, we completed the financing of our Avondale, Arizona campus which replenished approximately $31.2 million of the funds used to purchase the campus.

•Announcing the future consolidation and reconfiguration of the UTI and MMI Orlando, Florida campus facilities into one site which is currently scheduled for completion by the end of calendar 2021.

In addition, we continue to pursue other opportunities that align with our growth and diversification strategy.

Regulatory Environment

See Note 19 of the notes to our condensed consolidated financial statements herein for a discussion of our regulatory environment.

Results of Operations: Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2020

The following table sets forth selected statements of operations data as a percentage of revenues for each of the periods indicated. 

	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Revenues	100.0	%	100.0	%
Operating expenses:
Educational services and facilities	50.4	%	59.6	%
Selling, general and administrative	45.9	%	65.7	%
Total operating expenses	96.3	%	125.3	%
Income (loss) from operations	3.6	%	(25.3)	%
Interest income	—	%	0.4	%
Interest expense	(0.2)	%	—	%
Other income, net	0.2	%	0.6	%
Total other income, net	—	%	1.0	%
Income (loss) before income taxes	3.7	%	(24.3)	%
Income tax (expense) benefit	(0.1)	%	—	%
Net income (loss)	3.6	%	(24.3)	%
Preferred stock dividends	1.6	%	2.4	%
Income (loss) available for distribution	2.0	%	(26.7)	%

Revenues

Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $83.8 million, an increase of $29.3 million, or 53.8%, as compared to revenues of $54.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. During the three months ended June 30, 2021, we had a 19.1% increase in our average undergraduate full-time active students and a 38.8% increase in new student starts reflecting strong front-end demand across all channels and impacts of the global pandemic in the prior year period. Revenues during the three months ended June 30, 2020 were impacted by a higher number of students on leave of absence and the deferral of $10.8 million of revenue related to the large number of make-up labs and online-only students that resulted when we paused operations during the period due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. As of June 30, 2021, all

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students were back in person for labs at our campuses with less than 1% of students with catch-up lab work outstanding. As a result, we recognized the remaining $0.8 million of deferred revenue outstanding during the three months ended June 30, 2021, and had zero deferred revenue related to the impact of COVID-19 as of June 30, 2021. We recognized $3.4 million and $2.3 million on an accrual basis related to revenues and interest under our proprietary loan program for the three months ended June 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively.

Educational services and facilities expenses

Educational services and facilities expenses were $42.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, which represents an increase of $9.8 million as compared to $32.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020.

The following table sets forth the significant components of our educational services and facilities expenses (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Salaries expense	$	19,500	$	15,728
Employee benefits and tax	3,028		2,586
Bonus expense	812		703
Stock-based compensation	(33)		20
Compensation and related costs	23,307		19,037
Occupancy costs	7,667		9,323
Depreciation and amortization expense	3,450		3,082
Supplies and maintenance expense	3,069		1,623
Taxes and licensing expense	593		647
Student expense	703		478
Contract services expense	575		523
Other educational services and facilities expense	2,874		(2,237)
Total educational services and facilities expense	$	42,238	$	32,476

Compensation and related costs increased by $4.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 primarily due to lower headcount in the prior year period due to attrition and furloughs that were enacted as a result of limitations in our operations from COVID-19 restrictions.

Occupancy costs decreased by $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease was primarily attributed to cost reductions from closing our Norwood, Massachusetts campus, downsizing our Exton, Pennsylvania and Sacramento, California campuses, and purchasing our Avondale, Arizona campus in December 2020.

Supplies and maintenance expense increased by $1.4 million primarily due to $0.6 million for the purchase of laptops for our students to aid their education under our blended-learning model. We began purchasing and supplying laptops to our students in July 2020. Additionally, due to fewer undergraduate full-time active students in the prior year as a result of COVID-19 impacts, we had additional expenses for student textbooks of $0.4 million and technical supplies of $0.3 million.

Other educational services and facilities expense increased by $5.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, primarily due to a credit of $4.9 million for the reimbursement of allowable costs related to the changes in the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus during the three months ended June 30, 2020. The allowable costs are included in the relevant line items above for the prior year period. See Note 19 and Note 20 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements herein for a discussion on the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”) established under the CARES Act.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $38.5 million. This represents an increase of $2.7 million, as compared to $35.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020.

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The following table sets forth the significant components of our selling, general and administrative expenses (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Salaries expense	$	14,268	$	13,849
Employee benefits and tax	2,672		2,896
Bonus expense	4,276		4,074
Stock-based compensation	(563)		533
Compensation and related costs	20,653		21,352
Advertising expense	10,388		9,045
Contract services expense	1,299		868
Professional services expense	792		942
Depreciation and amortization expense	169		177
Other selling, general and administrative expenses	5,177		3,402
Total selling, general and administrative expenses	$	38,478	$	35,786

Compensation and related costs decreased by $0.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 primarily due to the adjustment of stock-based compensation expense for the expected performance achievement against the established grant date targets for performance share unit awards granted in fiscal 2020.

Advertising expense increased by $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, primarily due to timing of spend and targeted cost-reduction efforts in the prior year period due to COVID-19.

Other selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The three months ended June 30, 2020 included a $1.0 million credit for the reimbursement of allowable costs related to the changes in the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus from the institutional HEERF funds received. The allowable costs are included in the relevant line items above for the prior year period. See Note 19 and Note 20 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements herein for further information on the HEERF funds. Additionally, during the three months ended June 30, 2021 there was an increase in travel and entertainment expenses of $0.7 million as a result of significant travel restrictions in the prior year period from COVID-19.

Contract services expense increased by $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021. The increase was primarily due to costs incurred related to our growth and diversification initiatives, including the announced acquisition of MIAT.

Income taxes

Our income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $86 thousand, or 2.8% of pre-tax income, compared to an income tax expense of $21 thousand, or (0.2)% of pre-tax loss, for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The effective income tax rate in each period differed from the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily as a result of changes in the valuation allowance, state taxes and the impact of net operating loss carrybacks recognized in the prior year as a result of the CARES Act. We recorded a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Preferred stock dividends

On June 24, 2016, we sold 700,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for $70.0 million in cash, less $1.2 million in issuance costs. Pursuant to the Certificate of Designations of the Series A Preferred Stock, we recorded a preferred stock cash dividend of $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Net income (loss) available for distribution

Net income (loss) available for distribution refers to the net income or net loss reduced by dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock. As a result of the foregoing, we reported a net income available for distribution for the three months ended

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June 30, 2021 of $1.7 million and net loss available for distribution of $14.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020.

Results of Operations: Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared to Nine Months Ended June 30, 2020

The following table sets forth selected statements of operations data as a percentage of revenues for each of the periods indicated. 

	Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Revenues	100.0	%	100.0	%
Operating expenses:
Educational services and facilities	51.4	%	52.7	%
Selling, general and administrative	47.7	%	51.8	%
Total operating expenses	99.1	%	104.5	%
Income (loss) from operations	0.9	%	(4.5)	%
Interest income	—	%	0.4	%
Interest expense	(0.1)	%	—	%
Other income, net	0.2	%	—	%
Total other income, net	0.1	%	0.4	%
Income (loss) before income taxes	1.1	%	(4.1)	%
Income tax (expense) benefit	—	%	4.8	%
Net income	1.1	%	0.7	%
Preferred stock dividends	1.7	%	1.8	%
Loss available for distribution	(0.6)	%	(1.1)	%

Revenues

Revenues for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 were $237.6 million, an increase of $13.2 million, or 5.9%, as compared to revenues of $224.4 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2020. During the nine months ended June 30, 2021, we had a 10.4% increase in our average full-time student enrollment and a 24.6% increase in new student starts, reflecting strong front-end demand across all channels. Revenues during the nine months ended June 30, 2020 were impacted by a higher number of students on leave of absence and the deferral of $10.8 million of revenue related to the large number of make-up labs and online-only students that resulted when we paused operations during the prior year period due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Our revenue recognized for active students over the nine months ended June 30, 2021 was also impacted by COVID-19, with lower average revenue per student driven by the pace in which students are progressing through their programs and by students retaking courses previously completed or attempted. However, as of June 30, 2021, all students were back in person for labs at our campuses with less than 1% of students with catch-up lab work outstanding allowing us to recognize the remaining deferred revenue balance of $0.8 million during the period. We recognized $7.0 million and $5.8 million on an accrual basis related to revenues and interest under our proprietary loan program for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, and 2020, respectively.

Educational services and facilities expenses

Educational services and facilities expenses were $122.0 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, which represents an increase of $3.8 million as compared to $118.3 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2020.

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The following table sets forth the significant components of our educational services and facilities expenses (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Salaries expense	$	56,344	$	53,582
Employee benefits and tax	8,664		9,014
Bonus expense	1,655		1,269
Stock-based compensation	32		38
Compensation and related costs	66,695		63,903
Occupancy costs	23,384		28,674
Depreciation and amortization expense	9,903		9,087
Supplies and maintenance expense	7,868		6,510
Student expense	2,854		1,979
Contract services expense	1,869		2,123
Taxes and licensing expense	1,867		1,952
Other educational services and facilities expense	7,609		4,033
Total educational services and facilities expense	$	122,049	$	118,261

Compensation and related costs increased by $2.8 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 primarily due to an increase in instructor salaries of $2.8 million as a result of the prior period having lower instructor headcount driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Occupancy costs decreased by $5.3 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease was primarily attributed to cost reductions from closing our Norwood, Massachusetts campus, downsizing our Exton, Pennsylvania and Sacramento, California campuses, and purchasing our Avondale, Arizona campus in December 2020.

Supplies and maintenance expense increased by $1.4 million primarily due to the purchase of laptops for our students to aide their education under our blended-learning model which accounted for $0.9 million of the increase, along with an increased technical supplies expense of $0.3 million.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $0.8 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 primarily due to the purchase of our Avondale, Arizona campus in December 2020.

Student expense increased by $0.9 million primarily due to an increase in student housing expense of $1.0 million.

Other educational services and facilities expense increased by $3.6 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2021 primarily due to a credit of $4.9 million for the reimbursement of allowable costs related to the changes in the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus during the nine months ended June 30, 2020, while the nine months ended June 30, 2021 includes a $0.3 million credit for allowable costs. The allowable costs are included in the relevant line items above. See Note 19 and Note 20 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements herein for further information on the HEERF funds. Additionally, the nine months ended June 30, 2021, reflects a decrease of $0.8 million in expenses related to our accrued tool sets.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 were $113.4 million. This represents a decrease of $2.8 million, as compared to $116.2 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2020.

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The following table sets forth the significant components of our selling, general and administrative expenses (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Salaries expense	$	42,140	$	43,203
Employee benefits and tax	8,074		9,147
Bonus expense	10,889		11,029
Stock-based compensation	1,229		1,522
Compensation and related costs	62,332		64,901
Advertising expense	30,010		30,062
Contract services expense	4,214		3,170
Professional services expense	3,320		2,965
Depreciation and amortization expense	567		744
Other selling, general and administrative expenses	12,944		14,355
Total selling, general and administrative expenses	$	113,387	$	116,197

Compensation and related costs decreased by $2.6 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021:

•Salaries expense decreased by $1.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to severance expense related to the retirement of Kimberly J. McWaters, our former President and Chief Executive Officer, in the nine months ended June 30, 2020.

•Employee benefits and tax decreased by $1.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to lower medical claims expense.

Contract services expense increased by $1.0 million and professional services expense increased by $0.4 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021. The increases were primarily due to costs incurred related to our growth and diversification initiatives, including the announced acquisition of MIAT.

Other selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $1.4 million primarily due to decreases of $1.2 million in travel and entertainment costs, $0.9 million in occupancy costs due to relocating and downsizing our corporate headquarters. Additionally, the nine months ended June 30, 2021 includes a $0.6 million credit for the reimbursement of allowable costs related to the changes in the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus, while the nine months ended June 30, 2020 included a credit of $1.0 million for allowable costs. The allowable costs are included in the relevant line items above. See Note 19 and Note 20 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements herein for further information on the HEERF funds.

Income taxes

Our income tax expense for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 was $78 thousand, or 3.0% of pre-tax income, compared to an income tax benefit of $10.7 million, or 117.0% of pre-tax loss, for the nine months ended June 30, 2020. The effective income tax rate in each period differed from the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily as a result of changes in the valuation allowance and state taxes. We recorded a full valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets as of June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020. The significant decrease in the valuation allowance for the nine months ended June 30, 2020, and the related income tax benefit, was primarily attributable to the carryback of NOLs under the provisions of the CARES Act and the adoption of ASC 842 as of October 1, 2019.

Preferred stock dividends

On June 24, 2016, we sold 700,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for $70.0 million in cash, less $1.2 million in issuance costs. In accordance with the terms of the related purchase agreement, we recorded a preferred stock cash dividend of $3.9 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

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Net (loss) income available for distribution

Net (loss) income available for distribution refers to the net income or net loss reduced by dividends on our Series A Preferred Stock. As a result of the foregoing, we reported a net loss available for distribution for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 of $1.4 million and net loss available for distribution of $2.4 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2020.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Our earnings before interest income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021 were $6.8 million and $13.1 million, respectively, compared to $(10.2) million and $(0.2) million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2020, respectively. We define EBITDA as net income (loss), before interest (income) expense, income tax (benefit) expense, and depreciation and amortization.

EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which is provided to supplement, but not substitute for, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. We choose to disclose this non-GAAP financial measure because it provides an additional analytical tool to clarify our results from operations and helps to identify underlying trends. Additionally, this measure helps compare our performance on a consistent basis across time periods. Management also utilizes EBITDA as a performance measure internally. To obtain a complete understanding of our performance, this measure should be examined in connection with net income determined in accordance with GAAP. Since the items excluded from this measure should be examined in connection with net income in determining financial performance under GAAP, this measure should not be considered an alternative to net income as a measure of our operating performance or profitability. Exclusion of items in our non-GAAP presentation should not be construed as an inference that these items are unusual, infrequent or non-recurring. Other companies, including other companies in the education industry, may calculate EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure across companies. Investors are encouraged to use GAAP measures when evaluating our financial performance.

EBITDA reconciles to net income, as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Net income (loss)	$	3,000	$	(13,268)	$	2,536	$	1,558
Interest income	(11)		(218)		(73)		(901)
Interest expense	130		2		133		5
Income tax expense (benefit)	86		21		78		(10,699)
Depreciation and amortization(1)	3,619		3,259		10,470		9,831
EBITDA	$	6,824	$	(10,204)	$	13,144	$	(206)

(1) Includes depreciation of training equipment obtained in exchange for services of $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 and $0.9 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe that our cash flows from operations, cash on hand and investments will satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, commitments and other liquidity requirements associated with our existing operations, as well as announced growth and diversification initiatives through the next 12 months. Our cash position is available to fund strategic long-term growth initiatives, including opening additional campuses in new markets and the creation of new programs, such as welding, in existing markets with under-utilized campus facilities.

Our aggregate cash and cash equivalents were $102.9 million as of June 30, 2021, an increase of $26.1 million from September 30, 2020. Additionally, we had short-term held-to-maturity investments of $0.3 million and $38.1 million as of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively. We had $31.2 million of long-term debt outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and no long-term debt outstanding as of September 30, 2020.

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We believe that additional strategic uses of our cash resources may include subsidizing funding alternatives for our students, the repurchase of common stock, purchase of real estate assets, and consideration of strategic acquisitions, among others. To the extent that potential acquisitions are large enough to require financing beyond cash from operations, cash and cash equivalents, and short-term investments, or we need capital to fund operations, new campus openings or expansion of programs at existing campuses, we may enter into additional credit facilities, issue debt or issue additional equity.

As previously noted, we purchased our Avondale, Arizona campus at the end of December 2020, for approximately $45.2 million, including closing costs and other fees. Due to the timing of the close for the Avondale property, we used available operating cash for the purchase. On May 12, 2021, we entered into a credit agreement to finance the Avondale property through a $31.2 million term loan that bears interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 2.0% over the seven year term. In connection with the term loan, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with the lender that effectively fixes the interest rate on 50% of the principal amount of the term loan at 3.5% for the entire loan term. The term loan is secured by a first priority lien on our Avondale, Arizona property, including all land and improvements. See Note 12 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements herein for additional details on the term loan.

Additionally, on March 29, 2021, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MIAT from HCP & Company for a purchase price not to exceed $26.0 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments. The closing is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of a Pre-Acquisition Review Response from the United States Department of Education that does not contain certain letter of credit requirements or operational restrictions and ACCSC approvals. We intend to use cash on hand to pay the consideration contemplated under the definitive agreement.

We currently do not pay a cash dividend on our common stock. We paid preferred stock cash dividends of $2.6 million during March of 2021.

Our principal source of liquidity is operating cash flows and existing cash and cash equivalents. A majority of our revenues are derived from Title IV Programs and various veterans benefits programs. Federal regulations dictate the timing of disbursements of funds under Title IV Programs. Students must apply for new funding for each academic year consisting of 30-week periods. Loan funds are generally provided in two disbursements for each academic year. The first disbursement for first-time borrowers is usually received 30 days after the start of a student’s academic year, and the second disbursement is typically received at the beginning of the 16th week from the start of the student’s academic year. Under our proprietary loan program, we bear all credit and collection risk and students are not required to begin repayment until six months after the student completes or withdraws from his or her program. These factors, together with the timing of when our students begin their programs, affect our operating cash flow.

Operating Activities

Our net cash provided by operating activities was $14.8 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, compared to a use of cash of $10.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2020.

Net income, after adjustments for non-cash items, provided cash of $26.9 million. The non-cash items included $11.9 million for amortization of right-of-use assets for operating leases, $10.5 million for depreciation and amortization expense and $1.2 million for stock-based compensation expense.

Changes in operating assets and liabilities used cash of $12.1 million primarily due to the following:

•Changes in our operating lease liability as a result of rent payments used cash of $13.5 million.

•The increase in prepaid expenses used cash of $4.9 million primarily due to the purchase of laptops for future students, as well as prepayments for insurance and property taxes.

•The decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses used cash of $1.7 million primarily related to the timing of payments to vendors and for payroll and bonus accruals.

•The decrease in receivables provided cash of $6.1 million and was primarily due to the timing of Title IV disbursements and other cash receipts on behalf of our students.

•The decrease in income tax receivable provided cash of $2.5 million and was primarily attributable to receiving an income tax refund as a result of the CARES Act.

38

Net income, after adjustments for non-cash items, for the nine months ended June 30, 2020 provided cash of $32.0 million. The non-cash items included $18.2 million for amortization of right-of-use assets for operating leases, $8.8 million for depreciation and amortization expense and $1.5 million for stock-based compensation expense.

Changes in operating assets and liabilities used cash of $42.2 million primarily due to the following:

•The decrease in the lease liability resulted in a cash outflow of $19.3 million for rent payments.

•The increase in the income taxes receivable used cash of $11.1 million and was primarily attributable to recording an income tax receivable of $11.3 million as a result of the CARES Act.

•The decrease in deferred revenue used cash of $10.0 million and was primarily attributable to the timing of student starts, the number of students in school and where they were at period end in relation to completion of their program at June 30, 2020 as compared to September 30, 2019.

•The increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses provided cash of $12.5 million primarily related to the timing of payments to vendors and for payroll and bonus accruals.

•The increase in receivable used cash of $13.9 million and was primarily due to the timing of Title IV disbursements and other cash receipts on behalf of our students.

Investing Activities

During the nine months ended June 30, 2021, cash used in investing activities was $16.6 million. The cash outflow was primarily related to the purchase of property and equipment of $54.2 million, of which $45.2 million related to the purchase of the building at our Avondale, Arizona campus location, while the remaining $9.0 million represented capital expenditures for the Lisle, Illinois and Bloomfield, New Jersey welding program expansions, the Orlando, Florida and Sacramento, California consolidations, and other campus investments. The purchase of property and equipment was partially offset by proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity securities of $37.4 million.

During the nine months ended June 30, 2020, cash used in investing activities was $37.2 million. The cash outflow was primarily related to the purchase of held-to-maturity investments of $41.6 million with a portion of the proceeds received from a public offering of our common stock in February 2020, which was partially offset by $9.8 million in maturities of certain of the held-to-maturity investments. Net cash used in investing activities also was impacted by purchases of property and equipment of $7.2 million which included capital expenditures for the Houston, Texas and Long Beach, California welding program expansions.

Financing Activities

During the nine months ended June 30, 2021, cash provided by financing activities was $27.7 million which was primarily the result of the $31.2 million in proceeds received from the financing of the Avondale, Arizona property in May 2021. This was offset by our semi-annual payment of preferred stock dividends of $2.6 million.

During the nine months ended June 30, 2020, cash provided by financing activities was $45.9 million and related primarily to the net proceeds received from the public offering of our common stock in February 2020, offset by our semi-annual payment of preferred stock dividends of $2.6 million.

Seasonality and Trends

Our operating results normally fluctuate as a result of seasonal variations in our business, principally due to changes in total student population and costs associated with opening or expanding our campuses. Our student population varies as a result of new student enrollments, graduations and student attrition. Historically, we have had lower student populations in our third quarter than in the remainder of our year because fewer students are enrolled during the summer months. Additionally, we have had higher student populations in our fourth quarter than in the remainder of the year because more students enroll during this period. Our expenses, however, do not vary significantly with changes in student population and revenues, and, as a result, such expenses do not fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis. We expect quarterly fluctuations in operating results to continue as a result of seasonal enrollment patterns. However, such patterns may change as a result of new school openings, new program introductions, increased enrollments of adult students or acquisitions.

39

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

There were no significant changes in our critical accounting policies in the nine months ended June 30, 2021 from those previously disclosed in Part II, Item 7 of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 3 of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements herein.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our principal exposure to market risk relates to changes in interest rates.

We invest our cash and cash equivalents in money market funds and short-term corporate and municipal bonds. As of June 30, 2021, we held $102.9 million in cash and cash equivalents and $0.3 million in short-term held-to-maturity securities. During the three months ended June 30, 2021, we earned interest income of $48 thousand. During the nine months ended June 30, 2021, we earned interest income of $0.5 million. As we have a restrictive investment policy, our financial exposure to fluctuations in interest rates related to our interest income is expected to remain low. We do not believe that the value or liquidity of our cash and cash equivalents and investments have been significantly impacted by current market events.

On May 12, 2021, we entered into a credit agreement to finance the Avondale property through a $31.2 million term loan that bears interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 2.0% with a maturity of seven years. As of June 30, 2021, the fair value of our long-term debt was $31.1 million and bears interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to the LIBOR plus 2.0%, which was 2.09% as of June 30, 2021. We believe the carrying value of the debt approximates fair value as the interest rate is a floating rate equal to the LIBOR plus 2.0%, which is representative of market rates for similar instruments. It is anticipated that the fair market value of our debt will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates and we do not believe that the value of our debt has been significantly impacted by current market events. The variable rate of interest on our long-term debt can expose us to interest rate volatility due to changes in LIBOR. To mitigate this exposure, on May 12, 2021, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that effectively fixes the interest rate on 50% of the principal amount of the term loan at 3.5% for the entire loan term.

During the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021, we recorded interest expense of $0.1 million on our outstanding debt. Assuming all terms of our outstanding long-term debt remained the same, a hypothetical 1.0% change (up or down) in the one-month LIBOR would result in a $0.3 million change to our annual interest expense for the portion of the long-term debt not hedged by the interest rate swap agreement.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2021 were effective in ensuring that (i) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) that occurred during the three months ended June 30, 2021, except for the implementation of new internal controls related to our derivative financial instrument.

40

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, misstatements, errors and instances of fraud, if any, within our company have been or will be prevented or detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls also can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks that internal controls may become inadequate as a result of changes in conditions, or through the deterioration of the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are periodically subject to lawsuits, demands in arbitrations, investigations, regulatory proceedings or other claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving current and former students, routine employment matters, business disputes and regulatory demands. When we are aware of a claim or potential claim, we assess the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we would accrue a liability for the loss. When a loss is not both probable and estimable, we do not accrue a liability. Where a loss is not probable but is reasonably possible, including if a loss in excess of an accrued liability is reasonably possible, we determine whether it is possible to provide an estimate of the amount of the loss or range of possible losses for the claim. Because we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of the legal proceedings (including lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings or claims) asserted against us, it is not currently possible to provide such an estimate. The ultimate outcome of pending legal proceedings to which we are a party may have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, results of operations or financial condition.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the information contained in Part I, Item 3, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item IA of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or operating results. The risks described in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.

We are party to a Credit Agreement which contains restrictive covenants, and if we are unable to comply with these covenants then the lender could declare an event of default wherein we may need to immediately repay the amounts due under the Credit Agreement.

On May 12, 2021, we entered into a Credit Agreement with Fifth Third Bank, National Association to finance the Avondale, Arizona property that we purchased in December 2020, via a term loan in the maximum principal amount of $31.2 million with a maturity of seven years. We are required to make monthly payments of principal plus accrued interest. As of June 30, 2021, $31.1 million in principal was outstanding under the Term Loan. The Credit Agreement imposes various restrictions and contains customary affirmative and restrictive covenants, including, without limitation, certain reporting obligations and certain limitations on restricted payments; and limitations on liens, encumbrances and indebtedness. In addition, borrowings under the Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority lien on the Company’s Avondale, Arizona property, including all land and improvements. If we fail to comply with the covenants or payments specified in the Credit Agreement, the lender could declare an event of default, which would give it the right to declare all borrowings outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest and fees, to be immediately due and payable. The amount of our outstanding indebtedness could have an adverse effect on our operations and liquidity, including by, among other things: (i) making it more difficult for us to pay or refinance our debts as they become due during adverse economic and industry conditions, because we may not have sufficient cash flows to make our scheduled debt payments; (ii) causing us to use a larger portion of our cash flows to fund interest and principal payments, thereby reducing the availability of cash to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other business activities; (iii) making it more difficult for us to take advantage of significant business opportunities, such as acquisition opportunities or other strategic transactions, and to react to changes in market or industry conditions; and (iv) limiting our ability to borrow additional monies in the future to fund the activities and expenditures described above and for other general corporate purposes as and when needed, which could force us to suspend, delay or curtail business prospects, strategies or operations.

An increase in interest rates would increase the cost of servicing our debt and could reduce our profitability.

A portion of our Term Loan bears interest at variable rates. We have entered into an interest rate swap agreement with the lender that effectively fixes the interest rate on 50% of the principal amount of the Term Loan at 3.5% for the entire loan term. However, increases in interest rates with respect to any amount of our debt not covered by the interest rate swap could increase the cost of servicing our debt and could reduce our profitability and cash flows. Such increases may occur from changes in regulatory standards or industry practices, such as the upcoming transition away from LIBOR as a benchmark reference for short-term interests. Such a transition may result in the usage of a higher reference rate for our variable rate

42

debt. Excluding the effect of the interest rate swap on the Term Loan, each 1.0% increase in interest rates on the Term Loan would increase our annual interest expense by $0.3 million based on balances outstanding under the Term Loan as of June 30, 2021.

Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

43

Item 6. EXHIBITS

The following exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are filed or furnished with this report, as applicable:

Exhibit Number	Description
10.1#	Credit Agreement, dated May 12, 2021, by and among the Company, Universal Technical Institute of Arizona, LLC and Fifth Third Bank, National Association (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 12, 2021).
10.2	Term Promissory Note, issued by the Company, dated May 12, 2021 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 12, 2021).
10.3#	Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing dated May 12, 2021 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 12, 2021).
31.1*	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1+	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2+	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS*	XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

__________________

*     Filed herewith.

+     Furnished herewith.

#    Portions of the exhibit have been omitted at the time of filing.

44

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

		UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
Date:	August 3, 2021	By:	/s/ Jerome A. Grant
		Name:	Jerome A. Grant
		Title:	Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

45

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Jerome A. Grant, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Report on Form 10-Q of Universal Technical Institute, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 3, 2021

/s/ Jerome A. Grant

Jerome A. Grant

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Troy R. Anderson, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this Report on Form 10-Q of Universal Technical Institute, Inc.;

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 3, 2021

/s/ Troy R. Anderson

Troy R. Anderson

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

Certification of CEO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Jerome A. Grant, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, to the best of my knowledge, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)    The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)    The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:	August 3, 2021
		/s/ Jerome A. Grant
		Jerome A. Grant
		Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer)

This certification accompanies the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to which it relates, is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (whether made before or after the date of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

Certification of CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2021, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Troy R. Anderson, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, to the best of my knowledge, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)    The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)    The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:	August 3, 2021
		/s/ Troy R. Anderson
		Troy R. Anderson
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

This certification accompanies the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to which it relates, is not deemed filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (whether made before or after the date of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q), irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

XML

Cover Page - shares	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jul. 31, 2021
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2021
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-31923
Entity Registrant Name	UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001261654
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2021
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	86-0226984
Entity Address, Address Line One	4225 East Windrose Drive
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 200
Entity Address, City or Town	Phoenix
Entity Address, State or Province	AZ
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	85032
City Area Code	623
Local Phone Number	445-9500
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.0001 par value
Trading Symbol	UTI
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		32,824,707

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 102,856	$ 76,803
Restricted cash	11,924	12,116
Held-to-maturity investments	250	38,055
Receivables, net	25,611	35,411
Notes receivable, current portion	5,441	5,184
Prepaid expenses	7,409	6,121
Other current assets	8,395	6,489
Total current assets	161,886	180,179
Property and equipment, net	117,490	72,743
Goodwill	8,222	8,222
Notes receivable, less current portion	29,952	27,609
Right-of-use assets for operating leases	147,596	144,663
Other assets	9,864	8,565
Total assets	475,010	441,981
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	50,659	51,891
Dividends payable	1,313	0
Deferred revenue	41,993	40,694
Accrued tool sets	3,454	3,148
Operating lease liability, current portion	19,999	23,666
Long term debt, current portion	918	129
Other current liabilities	2,009	2,112
Total current liabilities	120,345	121,640
Deferred tax liabilities, net	674	674
Operating lease liability	138,999	134,089
Long-term debt	30,065	131
Other liabilities	7,730	8,925
Total liabilities	297,813	265,459
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000 shares authorized, 32,907 and 32,730 shares issued	3	3
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; 700 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, liquidation preference of $100 per share	0	0
Paid-in capital - common	141,787	141,002
Paid-in capital - preferred	68,853	68,853
Treasury stock, at cost, 82 shares as of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020	(365)	(365)
Retained deficit	(32,729)	(32,971)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(352)	0
Total shareholders’ equity	177,197	176,522
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 475,010	$ 441,981

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	32,907,000	32,730,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock (in shares)	700,000	700,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	700,000	700,000
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$ 100	$ 100
Treasury stock, shares, at cost	82,000	82,000

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 83,768	$ 54,483	$ 237,602	$ 224,434
Operating expenses:
Educational services and facilities	42,238	32,476	122,049	118,261
Selling, general and administrative	38,478	35,786	113,387	116,197
Total operating expenses	80,716	68,262	235,436	234,458
Income (loss) from operations	3,052	(13,779)	2,166	(10,024)
Other income:
Interest income	11	218	73	901
Interest expense	(130)	(2)	(133)	(5)
Other income (expense), net	153	316	508	(13)
Total other income, net	34	532	448	883
Income (loss) before income taxes	3,086	(13,247)	2,614	(9,141)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(86)	(21)	(78)	10,699
Net income (loss)	3,000	(13,268)	2,536	1,558
Preferred stock dividends	1,313	1,309	3,938	3,941
Net income (loss) available for distribution	$ 1,687	$ (14,577)	$ (1,402)	$ (2,383)
Earnings per share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.03	$ (0.45)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.08)
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.03	$ (0.45)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.08)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	32,821	32,607	32,746	28,871
Diluted (in shares)	33,036	32,607	32,746	28,871

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Statement) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 3,000	$ (13,268)	$ 2,536	$ 1,558
Unrealized loss on derivative contract	(352)	0	(352)	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 2,648	$ (13,268)	$ 2,184	$ 1,558

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Common Stock	Preferred Stock	Treasury Stock	Retained Deficit	Retained Deficit Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Common Stock Paid-in Capital	Preferred Stock Paid-in Capital
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 114,288		$ 3	$ 0	$ (97,388)	$ (44,673)			$ 187,493	$ 68,853
Beginning Balance (Accounting Standards Update 2016-02) at Sep. 30, 2019		$ 9,107					$ 9,107
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019			32,499	700	6,865
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	4,684					4,684
Issuance of common stock under employee plans (in shares)			179
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	(497)								(497)
Shares withheld for payroll taxes (in shares)			(68)
Stock-based compensation	14								14
Preferred stock dividends	(1,323)					(1,323)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	126,273	(149)	$ 3	$ 0	$ (97,388)	(32,205)	(149)		187,010	68,853
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019			32,610	700	6,865
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	114,288		$ 3	$ 0	$ (97,388)	(44,673)			187,493	68,853
Beginning Balance (Accounting Standards Update 2016-02) at Sep. 30, 2019		9,107					9,107
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019			32,499	700	6,865
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	1,558
Unrealized loss on derivative contract	0
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	$ 170,982		$ 3	$ 0	$ (365)	(38,098)			140,589	68,853
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020			32,693	700	82
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201905Member
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 114,288		$ 3	$ 0	$ (97,388)	(44,673)			187,493	68,853
Beginning Balance (Accounting Standards Update 2016-02) at Sep. 30, 2019		9,107					9,107
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019			32,499	700	6,865
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	176,522		$ 3	$ 0	$ (365)	(32,971)		$ 0	141,002	68,853
Ending Balance (Accounting Standards Update 2016-13) at Sep. 30, 2020		1,644					1,644
Ending Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020			32,730	700	82
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	126,273	(149)	$ 3	$ 0	$ (97,388)	(32,205)	(149)		187,010	68,853
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019			32,610	700	6,865
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	10,142					10,142
Issuance of common stock under employee plans (in shares)			81
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	(30)								(30)
Shares withheld for payroll taxes (in shares)			(4)
Stock-based compensation	992								992
Shares issued for equity offering	49,137				$ 97,023				(47,886)
Shares issued for equity offering (in shares)					6,783
Preferred stock dividends	(1,309)					(1,309)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2020	185,056		$ 3	$ 0	$ (365)	(23,521)			140,086	68,853
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2020			32,687	700	82
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(13,268)					(13,268)
Issuance of common stock under employee plans (in shares)			6
Stock-based compensation	503								503
Unrealized loss on derivative contract	0
Preferred stock dividends	(1,309)					(1,309)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	170,982		$ 3	$ 0	$ (365)	(38,098)			140,589	68,853
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2020			32,693	700	82
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	176,522		$ 3	$ 0	$ (365)	(32,971)		0	141,002	68,853
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020			32,730	700	82
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	1,083					1,083
Issuance of common stock under employee plans (in shares)			66
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	(178)								(178)
Shares withheld for payroll taxes (in shares)			(29)
Stock-based compensation	548								548
Preferred stock dividends	(1,313)					(1,313)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	178,306		$ 3	$ 0	$ (365)	(31,557)		0	141,372	68,853
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020			32,767	700	82
Beginning Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	176,522		$ 3	$ 0	$ (365)	(32,971)		0	141,002	68,853
Beginning Balance (Accounting Standards Update 2016-13) at Sep. 30, 2020		$ 1,644					$ 1,644
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020			32,730	700	82
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	2,536
Unrealized loss on derivative contract	(352)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	177,197		$ 3	$ 0	$ (365)	(32,729)		(352)	141,787	68,853
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021			32,907	700	82
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2020	178,306		$ 3	$ 0	$ (365)	(31,557)		0	141,372	68,853
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020			32,767	700	82
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(1,547)					(1,547)
Issuance of common stock under employee plans (in shares)			164
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	(223)								(223)
Shares withheld for payroll taxes (in shares)			(35)
Stock-based compensation	1,234								1,234
Preferred stock dividends	(1,312)					(1,312)
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2021	176,458		$ 3	$ 0	$ (365)	(34,416)		0	142,383	68,853
Ending Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2021			32,896	700	82
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	3,000					3,000
Issuance of common stock under employee plans (in shares)			11
Stock-based compensation	(596)								(596)
Unrealized loss on derivative contract	(352)							(352)
Preferred stock dividends	(1,313)					(1,313)
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	$ 177,197		$ 3	$ 0	$ (365)	$ (32,729)		$ (352)	$ 141,787	$ 68,853
Ending Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2021			32,907	700	82

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 3,000	$ 1,083	$ (13,268)	$ 4,684	$ 2,536	$ 1,558
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	3,619		2,927		10,470	8,821
Amortization of right-of-use assets for operating leases					11,856	18,163
Bad debt expense					1,025	1,138
Stock-based compensation					1,186	1,509
Deferred income taxes					0	345
Training equipment credits earned, net					504	503
Unrealized loss on derivative contract					(352)	0
Other (losses) gains, net					(330)	8
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables					6,093	(13,917)
Prepaid expenses					(4,906)	(1,591)
Other assets					(773)	40
Notes receivable					(956)	1,115
Accounts payable and accrued expenses					(1,693)	12,494
Deferred revenue					1,299	(9,973)
Income tax receivable					2,522	(11,070)
Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities					1,122	1,030
Operating lease liability					(13,546)	(19,264)
Other liabilities					(1,274)	(1,026)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities					14,783	(10,117)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of held-to-maturity securities					0	(41,562)
Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturity securities					37,401	9,761
Purchase of property and equipment					(54,245)	(7,190)
Proceeds from insurance policy					0	1,566
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment					6	48
Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate					226	190
Net cash used in investing activities					(16,612)	(37,187)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from term loan					31,150	0
Debt issuance costs related to the term loan					(272)	0
Proceeds from equity offering					0	49,137
Payment of preferred stock cash dividend					(2,625)	(2,632)
Payments on term loan and finance leases					(162)	(68)
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld					(401)	(527)
Net cash provided by financing activities					27,690	45,910
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash					25,861	(1,394)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		76,803		65,442	76,803	65,442	$ 65,442
Restricted cash, beginning of period		12,116		15,113	12,116	15,113	15,113
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period		$ 88,919		$ 80,555	88,919	80,555	80,555
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	102,856		59,956		102,856	59,956	76,803
Restricted cash, end of period	11,924		19,205		11,924	19,205	12,116
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	114,780		79,161		114,780	79,161	88,919
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Income taxes refunded					(2,443)	(172)	$ (11,300)
Interest paid					133	5
Training equipment obtained in exchange for services					400	279
Depreciation of training equipment obtained in exchange for services	300		300		922	1,011
Change in accrued capital expenditures during the period					(621)	313
CARES Act funds received for student emergency grants (See Note 20)					11,902	16,565
CARES Act funds disbursed for student emergency grants (See Note 20)					11,528	11,012
CARES Act funds received for institutional costs (See Note 20)	2,677		0		2,677	0
CARES Act funds for institutional costs included in Receivables, net	$ 0		$ 5,931		$ 0	$ 5,931

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Nature of the Business

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of the Business

Nature of the Business

We are the leading provider of postsecondary education for students seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians as measured by total average undergraduate full-time enrollment and graduates. We also provide programs for welders and computer numeric control (“CNC”) machining technicians. We offer certificate, diploma or degree programs at 12 campuses across the United States under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Marine Mechanics Institute and NASCAR Technical Institute. We also offer manufacturer specific advanced training (“MSAT”) programs, including student-paid electives, at our campuses and manufacturer or dealer sponsored training at certain campuses and dedicated training centers. Founded in 1965, we have provided technical education for more than 56 years and have graduated more than 225,000 technicians.

We work closely with over 35 original equipment manufacturers and industry brand partners to understand their needs for qualified service professionals. Revenues generated from our schools consist primarily of tuition and fees paid by students. To pay for a substantial portion of their tuition, the majority of students rely on funds received from federal financial aid programs under Title IV Programs of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (“HEA”), as well as from various veterans benefits programs. For further discussion, see Note 2 on “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Concentration of Risk” and Note 20 on “Government Regulation and Financial Aid” included in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on December 3, 2020 (the “2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K”).

During fiscal 2020, we transitioned our on-campus, in-person education model to a blended training model that combines instructor-facilitated online teaching and demonstrations with hands-on labs. This new blended learning format allowed us to continue to offer our programs to our students during the COVID-19 pandemic and aligns with an increasing trend of online education now being offered as individuals seek life-long learning opportunities. We intend to offer our Automotive, Diesel, Automotive/Diesel, Motorcycle and Marine programs in a blended learning format on a permanent basis.

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Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, our condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended June 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2021. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Other than described below, there have been no other material changes or developments in our significant accounting policies or evaluation of accounting estimates and underlying assumptions or methodologies from those disclosed in Note 2 of our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

New Significant Accounting Policy for Derivative Financial Instruments

On occasion, we may use interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk and limit the impact of future interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows, primarily with variable-rate debt. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We recognize all derivatives at fair value within the line items “Other current assets,” “Other assets,” “Other current liabilities,” and “Other liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Management reviews our derivative positions and overall risk management strategy on a regular basis. We only enter into transactions that we believe will be highly effective at offsetting the underlying risk, and we do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

We may choose to designate our derivative financial instruments, which are generally interest rate swaps, to hedge future interest payments on variable debt. At inception of the transaction, we formally designate and document the derivative financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, the risk management objective, and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. We formally assess both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, the effectiveness of our hedging transactions. Due to the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging instruments and the underlying exposures hedged, fluctuations in the value of the derivative financial instruments will generally be offset by the changes in the cash flows or fair value of the underlying exposures being hedged.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. For cash flow hedges, we report the effective portion of the gain or loss as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” and reclassify it to “Interest expense” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations over the corresponding period of the underlying hedged item. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative financial instrument is recognized in “Interest expense” at the time the ineffectiveness occurs. To the extent the hedged forecasted interest payments on debt related to our interest rate swap is paid off, the remaining balance in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” is recognized in “Interest expense” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

See Note 13 for additional disclosures related to our derivative financial instruments.

Reclassifications

Due to the new term loan that was executed during the three months ended June 30, 2021, which is described in further detail in Note 12, we added two new lines to the condensed consolidated balance sheet: “Long-term debt, current portion,” and “Long-term debt.” We have presented both the liabilities related to the term loan and finance leases in these new lines as of June 30, 2021. For the period ended September 30, 2020, $0.1 million of short-term finance lease liabilities was reclassified from “Other current liabilities” to “Long-term debt, current portion” and long-term finance lease liabilities of $0.1 million were reclassified from “Other liabilities” to “Long-term debt” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet for comparable presentation.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Effective in Fiscal 2021

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326). This update significantly changes the way that entities measure credit losses. The new standard requires that entities estimate credit losses based upon an “expected credit loss” approach rather than the historical “incurred loss” approach. The new approach requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable forecasts of collectability. The change in approach impacts the timing of recognition of credit losses. This standard is effective for financial statements issued by public companies for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. These changes became effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020. Upon adoption on October 1, 2020, we recorded an increase in our

receivables balance related to our proprietary loan program of $1.6 million, with the corresponding amount recorded as an increase to retained earnings. No other adjustments were deemed necessary in applying this new guidance.

Effective in Fiscal 2022

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The amendments in this standard simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. We are currently evaluating the impact that the update will have on our results of operations, financial condition and financial statement disclosures.

Other

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”), which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. This new guidance only applies to contracts and other transactions that reference London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. An entity may elect to apply the amendments for contract modifications as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or prospectively from a date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, up to the date that the financial statements are available to be issued. The amendments in ASU 2020-04 do not apply to contract modifications made after December 31, 2022. Given the interest rate for our new term loan (which is further described in Note 12) references LIBOR, we are currently evaluating the new reference rate reform practical expedients and will consider adopting this guidance when we are required to modify our contract for the discontinuation of LIBOR.

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Revenue from Contracts with Customers

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Nature of Goods and Services

Postsecondary Education

Revenues consist primarily of student tuition and fees derived from the programs we provide after reductions are made for discounts and scholarships that we sponsor and for refunds for students who withdraw from our programs prior to specified dates. We apply the five-step model outlined in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts from Customers. Tuition and fee revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the course or program offered. The majority of our programs are designed to be completed in 36 to 90 weeks, and our advanced training programs range from 12 to 23 weeks in duration. We supplement our revenues with sales of textbooks and program supplies and other revenues, which are recognized as the transfer of goods or services occurs. Deferred revenue represents the excess of tuition and fee payments received as compared to tuition and fees earned and is reflected as a current liability in our condensed consolidated balance sheets because it is expected to be earned within the next 12 months.

Additionally, certain students participate in a proprietary loan program that extends repayment terms for their tuition.  We purchase said loans from the lender and, based on historical collection rates, believe a portion of these loans are collectible. Accordingly, we recognize tuition and loan origination fees financed by the loan and any related interest revenue under the effective interest method required under the loan based on the amount we expect to collect, and we recognize these revenues ratably over the term of the course or program offered.

Other

We provide dealer technician training or instructor staffing services to manufacturers. Revenues are recognized as transfer of the services occurs.

We provide postsecondary education and other services in the same geographical market, the United States. The impact of economic factors on the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows is consistent among our various postsecondary education programs. See Note 18 for disaggregated segment revenue information.

Contract Balances

Contract assets primarily relate to our rights to consideration for a student’s progress through our training program in relation to our services performed but not billed at the reporting date. The contract assets are transferred to the receivables when the rights become unconditional. Currently, we do not have any contract assets that have not transferred to a receivable. Our deferred revenue is considered a contract liability and primarily relates to our enrollment agreements where we received payments for tuition but we have not yet delivered the related training programs to satisfying the related performance obligations. The advance consideration received from students or Title IV funding is deferred revenue until the training program has been delivered to the students.

The following table provides information about receivables and deferred revenue resulting from our enrollment agreements with students:

	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Receivables, which includes tuition and notes receivable	$	50,145	$	53,144
Deferred revenue	41,993		40,694

During the nine months ended June 30, 2021, the deferred revenue balance included decreases for revenues recognized during the period and increases related to new students who started their training programs during the period.

Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations

Tuition and fee revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the course or program offered. The majority of our undergraduate programs are designed to be completed in 36 to 90 weeks, and our advanced training programs range from 12 to 23 weeks in duration.

Impacts of COVID-19

As previously noted, during the year ended September 30, 2020, we transitioned our on-campus, in-person education model to a blended training model that combines instructor-facilitated online teaching and demonstrations with hands-on labs so that our students could continue their education during the COVID-19 pandemic. On-campus labs are designed to meet the current national guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) as well as state and local mandates, while still meeting our accreditation and curriculum requirements.

All of our campuses remained open during the nine months ended June 30, 2021, and as of June 30, 2021, all students were back in person for labs at our campuses with less than 1% of students with catch-up lab work outstanding. As a result, during the three months ended June 30, 2021, we recognized the remaining $0.8 million of deferred revenue outstanding and had zero deferred revenue related to the impact of COVID-19 as of June 30, 2021 as the deferral would not have been material to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Investments

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments

InvestmentsDuring the second quarter of 2020, we raised approximately $49.5 million in net proceeds from an underwritten public offering of shares of our common stock. See Note 15 on “Shareholders’ Equity - Equity Offering” included in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details on the equity offering. These proceeds, along with our existing cash balance at that time, resulted in a total cash balance well in excess of our near-term cash needs at that time. As a result, we invested a portion of the excess cash in held-to-maturity securities, which primarily consist of corporate bonds from large cap industrial and selected financial companies with a minimum credit rating of A. We have the ability and intention to hold these investments until maturity and therefore have classified these investments as held-to-maturity and recorded them at amortized cost.

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains or losses, and fair value of investments classified as held-to-maturity at June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 were as follows:

	June 30, 2021
			Gross Unrealized				Estimated Fair
Due in less than 1 year:	Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Market Value
Corporate and municipal bonds	$	250	$	—	$	—	$	250

	September 30, 2020
			Gross Unrealized				Estimated Fair
Due in less than 1 year:	Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Market Value
Corporate and municipal bonds	$	38,055	$	10	$	(33)	$	38,032

Investments are exposed to various risks, including interest rate, market and credit risk. As a result, it is possible that changes in the values of these investments may occur and that such changes could affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

The accounting framework for determining fair value includes a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to measure fair value, which enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements. The fair value hierarchy consists of three tiers:

Level 1:    Defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2:    Defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3:    Defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

Any transfers of investments between levels occurs at the end of the reporting period. Assets measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	June 30, 2021		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Money market funds(1)	$	61,840	$	61,840	$	—	$	—
Notes receivable(2)	35,393		—		—		35,393
Municipal bonds and other(3)	250		250		—		—
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	97,483	$	62,090	$	—	$	35,393

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	September 30, 2020		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Money market funds(1)	$	43,322	$	43,322	$	—	$	—
Notes receivable(2)	32,793		—		—		32,793
Corporate bonds(3)	33,119		33,119		—		—
Municipal bonds and other(3)	4,913		4,913		—		—
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	114,147	$	81,354	$	—	$	32,793

(1) Money market funds and other highly liquid investments with maturity dates less than 90 days are reflected as “Cash and cash equivalents” in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020.

(2) Notes receivable relate to our proprietary loan program.

(3) Corporate bonds, municipal bonds and other are reflected as “Held-to-maturity investments” in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020.

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Property and Equipment, net

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment, net

Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:

	Depreciable Lives (in years)	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Land (1)	—	$	8,355	$	3,189
Buildings and building improvements (1)	3-35	68,305		28,046
Leasehold improvements	1-28	64,320		62,899
Training equipment	3-10	91,032		91,731
Office and computer equipment	3-10	31,536		33,524
Curriculum development	5	19,692		19,692
Software developed for internal use	1-5	11,959		11,951
Vehicles	5	1,460		1,502
Right-of-use assets for finance leases	2-3	359		359
Construction in progress	—	7,000		2,213
		304,018		255,106
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(186,528)		(182,363)
		$	117,490	$	72,743

(1) During the nine months ended June 30, 2021, land and buildings and building improvements increased due to the purchase of the building and land at our Avondale, Arizona campus location. The total purchase price was approximately $45.2 million, of which $5.1 million was allocated to land and $40.1 million was allocated to buildings and building improvements based upon the appraised values.

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Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	GoodwillOur goodwill balance of $8.2 million as of June 30, 2021 resulted from the acquisition of our motorcycle and marine education business in Orlando, Florida in 1998 and relates to our Postsecondary Education segment. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment, which may result from the deterioration in the operating performance of the acquired business, adverse market conditions, adverse changes in applicable laws or regulations and a variety of other circumstances. Any resulting impairment charge would be recognized as an expense in the period in which impairment is identified. There were no indicators of goodwill impairment as of June 30, 2021.

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Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate

In 2012, we invested $4.0 million to acquire an equity interest of approximately 28% in a joint venture (“JV”) related to the lease of our Lisle, Illinois campus facility. In connection with this investment, we do not possess a controlling financial interest as we do not hold a majority of the equity interest, nor do we have the power to make major decisions without approval from the other equity member. Therefore, we do not qualify as the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, this investment is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. We recognize our proportionate share of the JV's net income or loss during each accounting period and any return of capital as a change in our investment.

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate consisted of the following and is included within “Other assets” on our condensed consolidated balance sheets:

	June 30, 2021				September 30, 2020
	Carrying Value		Ownership Percentage		Carrying Value		Ownership Percentage
Investment in JV	$	4,594	28.0	%	$	4,494	28.0	%

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate included the following activity during the period:

	Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Balance at beginning of period	$	4,494	$	4,338
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	326		311
Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate	(226)		(190)
Balance at end of period	$	4,594	$	4,459

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Leases

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

Leases

As of June 30, 2021, we leased 9 of our 12 campuses and our corporate headquarters under non-cancelable operating leases, some of which contain escalation clauses and requirements to pay other fees associated with the leases. The facility leases have original lease terms ranging from 8 to 20 years and expire at various dates through 2031. In addition, the leases commonly include lease incentives in the form of rent abatements and tenant improvement allowances. We sublease certain portions of unused building space to third parties, which as of June 30, 2021, resulted in minimal income. All of the leases, other than those that may qualify for the short-term scope exception of 12 months or less, are recorded on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Some of the facility leases are subject to annual changes in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”). While lease liabilities are not remeasured as a result of changes to the CPI, changes to the CPI are treated as variable lease payments and recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments was incurred. Many of our lease agreements include options to extend the lease, which we do not include in our minimum lease terms unless they are reasonably certain to be exercised. There are no early termination with penalties, residual value guarantees, restrictions or covenants imposed by our facility leases.

The components of lease expense are included in “Educational services and facilities” and “Selling, general and administrative” on the condensed consolidated statement of operations, with the exception of interest on lease liabilities, which is included in “Interest expense.” The components of lease expense during the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Nine Months Ended June 30,
Lease Expense	2021		2020		2021		2020
Operating lease expense(1)	$	5,547	$	7,494	$	17,137	$	22,478
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of leased assets	32		32		97		70
Interest on lease liabilities	2		2		5		5
Variable lease expense	947		1,090		2,804		3,269
Sublease income	(119)		(145)		(365)		(653)
Total net lease expense	$	6,409	$	8,473	$	19,678	$	25,169

(1)     Excludes the expense for short-term leases not accounted for under ASC 842, which was not significant for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Supplemental balance sheet, cash flow and other information related to our leases was as follows (in thousands, except lease term and discount rate):

Leases	Classification	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Assets:
Operating lease assets	Right-of-use assets for operating leases	$	147,596	$	144,663
Finance lease assets	Property and equipment, net(1)	160		257
Total leased assets		$	147,756	$	144,920
Liabilities:
Current
Operating lease liabilities	Operating lease liability, current portion	$	19,999	$	23,666
Finance lease liabilities	Long-term debt, current portion	122		129
Noncurrent
Operating lease liabilities	Operating lease liability	138,999		134,089
Finance lease liabilities	Long-term debt	42		131
Total lease liabilities		$	159,162	$	158,015

(1)     Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $0.2 million and $0.1 million as of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively.

Lease Term and Discount Rate	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases	9.48		9.34
Finance leases	1.34		2.05
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases	4.56	%	4.37	%
Finance leases	3.08	%	3.08	%

	Nine Months Ended June 30,
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information and Other Information	2021		2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	13,546	$	19,264
Financing cash flows from finance leases	96		68
Non-cash activity related to lease liabilities:
Lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities (1)	$	14,789	$	3,099
Leases assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	—		215

(1)     Excludes the impact of the opening balance adjustment for the adoption of ASC 842 as of October 1, 2019 for the nine months ended June 30, 2020.

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

	As of June 30, 2021
Years ending September 30,	Operating Leases		Finance Leases
Remainder of 2021	$	6,207	$	34
2022	24,241		110
2023	19,464		23
2024	19,208		—
2025	19,450		—
2026 and thereafter	107,409		—
Total lease payments	195,979		167
Less: interest	(36,981)		(3)
Present value of lease liabilities	158,998		164
Less: current lease liabilities	(19,999)		(122)
Long-term lease liabilities	$	138,999	$	42

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Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts Payable and Accrued ExpensesAccounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:

	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Accounts payable	$	12,646	$	12,471
Accrued compensation and benefits	26,958		28,053
Other accrued expenses	11,055		11,367
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	50,659	$	51,891

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Debt

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

Debt

	June 30, 2021					September 30, 2020
	Interest Rate		Maturity Date	Carrying Value of Debt (4)		Carrying Value of Debt (4)
Term Loan(1)	2.09	%	May 2028	$	31,084	$	—
Finance leases(2)	3.08	%	Various	164		260
Total debt				31,248		260
Debt issuance costs presented with debt (3)				(265)		—
Total debt, net				30,983		260
Less: current portion of long-term debt				(918)		(129)
Long-term debt				$	30,065	$	131

(1)     Interest on the Term Loan (as defined below) accrues at annual rate equal to the LIBOR plus 2.0%.

(2)    Our finance leases include finance lease arrangements related to various equipment with a weighted-average annual interest rate of approximately 3.08%, which mature in varying installments between 2021 and 2023. See Note 10 for additional details on our finance leases.

(3)    The unamortized debt issuance costs as of June 30, 2021 relate entirely to the Term Loan.

(4)    Our Term Loan and finance leases bear interest at rates commensurate with market rates and therefore the respective carrying values approximate fair value.

Term Loan

In connection with the Avondale, Arizona building purchase in December 2020, we entered into a Credit Agreement with Fifth Third Bank, National Association (the “Lender”) on May 12, 2021 in the maximum principal amount of $31.2 million with a maturity of seven years (the “Term Loan”). The Term Loan bears interest at the rate of LIBOR plus 2.0%. Principal and interest payments are due monthly. The Term Loan is secured by a first priority lien on our Avondale, Arizona property, including all land and improvements. Additionally, on May 12, 2021, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with the Lender that effectively fixes the interest rate on 50% of the principal amount of the Term Loan, or approximately $15.6 million, at 3.5% for the entire loan term. See Note 13 below for further discussion on the interest rate swap.

We are subject to customary affirmative and negative covenants under the Credit Agreement, including, without limitation, certain reporting obligations and certain limitations on restricted payments, and limitations on liens, encumbrances and indebtedness. The Term Loan is also subject to certain financial maintenance covenants. The debt service coverage ratio shall not be less than 1.25 to 1.00 and is defined as the ratio of the sum of consolidated income (loss) for the year, to the extent deducted in determining income for such period, before income taxes, interest expense, amortization, depreciation and other non-cash charges including net stock-based compensation, fees and expenses related to potential acquisitions and expansion of operations and certain non-recurring charges, including relating to restructuring, business optimization and diversification strategy, less any extraordinary non-recurring gains, interest income and non-cash gains (“Consolidated EBITDA”) (less dividends payable on our Series A Preferred Stock) and other extraordinary items to the current portion of long-term debt and interest paid during the period being measured (which commences on September 30, 2021 and is tested annually thereafter on a trailing 12-month basis). The funded debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio is required to be no greater than 3.50 to 1.00 (which commences on June 30, 2021 and is tested quarterly thereafter on a trailing 12-month basis). Beginning on May 12, 2024, the Lender may request new appraisals of the Avondale property in order to maintain the ratio of the amortized loan balance to the value of the location at 70%, the approximate ratio that existed at May 12, 2021. Events of default under the Credit Agreement include, among others, the failure to make payments when due, breach of covenants (including certain financial maintenance covenants) and breach of representations or warranties. If we fail to meet the minimum debt service coverage ratio, loan-to-value or debt yield and fail to cure such non-compliance within a time period acceptable to the Lender, we will be in default. As of June 30, 2021, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.

Debt Maturities

Scheduled principal payments due on our debt for the remainder of 2021 and for each year through the period ended September 30, 2025, and thereafter were as follows at June 30, 2021:

Maturity	Term Loan		Finance Leases		Total
Remainder of 2021	$	198	$	33	$	231
2022	803		108		911
2023	832		23		855
2024	861		—		861
2025	892		—		892
Thereafter	27,498		—		27,498
Subtotal	31,084		164		31,248
Debt issuance costs presented with debt	(265)		—		(265)
Total	$	30,819	$	164	$	30,983

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Derivative Financial Instruments

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

In the normal course of business, our operations are exposed to market risks, including the effect of changes in interest rates. We may enter into derivative financial instruments to offset these underlying market risks. See Note 2 for our derivative financial instruments policy.

On May 12, 2021, in connection with the Term Loan discussed in Note 12, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with the Lender that effectively fixes the interest rate on 50% of the principal amount of the Term Loan, or approximately $15.6 million, at 3.5% for the entire loan term, or seven years (the “Swap”). On May 12, 2021, the Swap was designated as an effective cash flow hedge for accounting and tax purposes.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. For cash flow hedges, we report the effective portion of the gain or loss as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” and reclassify it to “Interest expense” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations over the corresponding period of the underlying hedged item. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative financial instrument is recognized in “Interest expense” at the time the ineffectiveness occurs. To the extent the hedged forecasted interest payments on debt related to our interest rate swap is paid off, the remaining balance in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” is recognized in “Interest expense” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Of the net amount of the existing losses that are reported in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” as of June 30, 2021, we estimate that $0.2 million will be reclassified to “Interest expense” within the next twelve months. As of June 30, 2021, the notional amount of our Swap was approximately $15.5 million.

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The following table presents the fair value of our Swap (Level 2) which is designated as a cash flow hedge and the related classification on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021:

	Interest Rate Swap
Other current liabilities	$	194
Other liabilities	158
Total fair value of liabilities designated as hedging instruments	$	352

Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The table below presents the effect of cash flow hedge accounting for our Swap on “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” as of June 30, 2021:

	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivative		Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
Interest Rate Swap	$	(382)	Interest expense	$	(30)

Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

The table below presents the effect of cash flow hedge accounting for our Swap on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2021:

	Interest Expense
Interest Rate Swap
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into income	$	(30)

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Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Our income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $86 thousand, or 2.8% of pre-tax income, compared to $21 thousand, or (0.2)% of pre-tax loss, for the three months ended June 30, 2020. For the nine months ended June 30, 2021, our income tax expense was $78 thousand, or 3.0% of pre-tax income, compared to an income tax benefit of $10.7 million, or 117.0% of pre-tax loss, for the nine months ended June 30, 2020. The effective income tax rate in each period differed from the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily as a result of changes in the valuation allowance, state taxes and the impact of net operating loss carrybacks recognized in the prior year as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The balance of the valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets was $16.9 million and $17.4 million as of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively.

As discussed in Note 13 on “Income Taxes” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, during the year ended September 30, 2020, we recorded an income tax refund of approximately $11.3 million as a result of certain provisions of the CARES Act, of which $7.1 million remained outstanding as of September 30, 2020. During the nine months ended June 30, 2021, we received approximately $2.7 million in refunds, leaving $4.3 million as an income tax receivable recorded in “Receivable, net” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021. We received the remaining $4.3 million income tax refund in July 2021.

As of June 30, 2021, we continued to have a full valuation allowance against all deferred tax assets that rely upon future taxable income for their realization and will continue to evaluate our valuation allowance in future periods for any change in

circumstances that causes a change in judgment about the realizability of the deferred tax assets. The amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be adjusted in future periods if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are increased, if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and if additional weight is given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth.

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Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

Legal

In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are periodically subject to lawsuits, demands in arbitration, investigations, regulatory proceedings or other claims, including, but not limited to, claims involving current or former students, routine employment matters, business disputes and regulatory demands. When we are aware of a claim or potential claim, we assess the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we accrue a liability for the loss. When a loss is not both probable and estimable, we do not accrue a liability. Where a loss is not probable but is reasonably possible, including if a loss in excess of an accrued liability is reasonably possible, we determine whether it is possible to provide an estimate of the amount of the loss or range of possible losses for the claim. Because we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of the legal proceedings (including lawsuits, investigations, regulatory proceedings or claims) asserted against us, it is not currently possible to provide such an estimate. The ultimate outcome of pending legal proceedings to which we are a party may have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows and results of operations or financial condition.

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Shareholders' Equity

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Equity [Abstract]

Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders’ Equity

Common Stock

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by our Board of Directors and have the right to one vote per share on all matters requiring shareholder approval. On June 9, 2016, our Board of Directors voted to eliminate the quarterly cash dividend on our common stock. Any future common stock dividends require the approval of a majority of the voting power of the Series A Preferred Stock.

Preferred Stock

Preferred Stock consists of 10,000,000 authorized preferred shares of $0.0001 par value each. As of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, 700,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) were issued and outstanding. The liquidation preference associated with the Series A Preferred Stock was $100 per share at June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020.

Pursuant to the terms of the Certificate of Designations of the Series A Preferred Stock, we may pay a cash dividend on each share of the Series A Preferred Stock at a rate of 7.5% per year on the liquidation preference then in effect (“Cash Dividend”). If we do not pay a Cash Dividend, the liquidation preference shall be increased to an amount equal to the current liquidation preference in effect plus an amount reflecting that liquidation preference multiplied by the Cash Dividend rate then in effect plus 2.0% per year (“Accrued Dividend”). Cash Dividends are payable semi-annually in arrears on September 30 and March 31 of each year, and begin to accrue on the first day of the applicable dividend period. We paid Cash Dividends of $2.6 million during March 2021.

For further discussion of our preferred stock, see Note 15 on “Shareholders’ Equity” included in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Share Repurchase Program

On December 10, 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase plan that would allow for the repurchase of up to $35.0 million of our common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. This new share repurchase plan replaced the previously authorized plan from fiscal 2012. Any repurchases under this new stock repurchase

program require the approval of a majority of the voting power of our Series A Preferred Stock. We did not repurchase any shares during the nine months ended June 30, 2021.

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Earnings per Share

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share

We calculate basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) pursuant to the two-class method as a result of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock on June 24, 2016. Our Series A Preferred Stock is considered a participating security because, in the event that we pay a dividend or make a distribution on the outstanding common stock, we shall also pay each holder of the Series A Preferred Stock a dividend on an as-converted basis. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines EPS for common stock and participating securities according to dividend and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings, distributed and undistributed, are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive dividends. The Series A Preferred Stock is not included in the computation of basic EPS in periods in which we have a net loss, as the Series A Preferred Stock is not contractually obligated to share in our net losses.

Diluted EPS is calculated using the more dilutive of the two-class method or as-converted method. The two-class method uses net income available to common shareholders and assumes conversion of all potential shares other than the participating securities. The as-converted method uses net income and assumes conversion of all potential shares including the participating securities. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options, unvested restricted share units and convertible preferred stock. The basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding are the same for the nine months ended June 30, 2021, and the three and nine months ended June 30, 2020, as a result of the net loss available to common shareholders and anti-dilutive impact of the potentially dilutive securities.

The following table summarizes the computation of basic and diluted EPS under the two-class or as-converted method, as well as the anti-dilutive shares excluded:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income (loss)	$	3,000	$	(13,268)	$	2,536	$	1,558
Less: Preferred stock dividend declared	(1,313)		(1,309)		(3,938)		(3,941)
Net income (loss) available for distribution	1,687		(14,577)		(1,402)		(2,383)
Income allocated to participating securities	(659)		—		—		—
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	1,028	$	(14,577)	$	(1,402)	$	(2,383)
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	32,821		32,607		32,746		28,871
Basic income (loss) per common share	$	0.03	$	(0.45)	$	(0.04)	$	(0.08)

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Diluted earnings per common share:
Method used:	Two-class		Two-class		Two-class		Two-class
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	1,028	$	(14,577)	$	(1,402)	$	(2,383)
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	32,821		32,607		32,746		28,871
Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans	215		—		—		—
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	33,036		32,607		32,746		28,871
Diluted income (loss) per common share	$	0.03	$	(0.45)	$	(0.04)	$	(0.08)
Anti-dilutive shares excluded:
Outstanding stock-based grants	190		281		646		297
Convertible preferred stock	21,021		21,021		21,021		21,021
Total anti-dilutive shares excluded	21,211		21,302		21,667		21,318
Dilutive shares under the as-converted method(1)	54,057		53,909		53,950		50,189

(1) The dilutive shares under the as-converted method assume conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and are presented here merely for reference. In a net income position, diluted earnings per share is determined by the more dilutive of the two-class method or the as-converted method.

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Segment Information

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

Segment Information

Our principal business is providing postsecondary education. We also provide manufacturer-specific training, and these operations are managed separately from our campus operations. These operations do not currently meet the quantitative criteria for segments and therefore are reflected in the “Other” category. Our equity method investment and other non-postsecondary education operations are also included within the “Other” category. Corporate expenses are allocated to “Postsecondary Education” and the “Other” category based on compensation expense.

Summary information by reportable segment was as follows:

	Postsecondary Education		Other		Consolidated
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
Revenues	$	80,736	$	3,032	$	83,768
Income from operations	2,994		58		3,052
Depreciation and amortization (1)	3,599		20		3,619
Net income	2,942		58		3,000

	Postsecondary Education		Other		Consolidated
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
Revenues	$	52,199	$	2,284	$	54,483
Loss from operations	(13,341)		(438)		(13,779)
Depreciation and amortization (2)	2,904		23		2,927
Net loss	(12,830)		(438)		(13,268)
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021
Revenues	$	229,142	$	8,460	$	237,602
Income (loss) from operations	2,776		(610)		2,166
Depreciation and amortization(1)	10,404		66		10,470
Net income (loss)	3,146		(610)		2,536
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2020
Revenues	$	213,780	$	10,654	$	224,434
Loss from operations	(9,331)		(693)		(10,024)
Depreciation and amortization (2)	8,729		92		8,821
Net income (loss)	2,251		(693)		1,558
As of June 30, 2021
Total assets	$	467,803	$	7,207	$	475,010
As of September 30, 2020
Total assets	$	435,144	$	6,837	$	441,981

(1) Includes depreciation of training equipment obtained in exchange for services of $0.3 million and $0.9 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021, respectively.

(2) Excludes depreciation of training equipment obtained in exchange for services of $0.3 million and $1.0 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2020, respectively.

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Government Regulation and Financial Aid

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Government Regulation and Financial Aid [Abstract]

Government Regulation And Financial Aid

Government Regulation and Financial AidAs discussed at length in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, our institutions participate in a range of government-sponsored student assistance programs. The most significant of these is the federal student aid programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) pursuant to Title IV of the Higher Education Act (“HEA”), commonly referred to as the Title IV Programs. Generally, to participate in the Title IV Programs, an institution must be licensed or otherwise legally authorized to operate in the state where it is physically located, be accredited by an accreditor recognized by ED, be certified as an eligible institution by ED, offer at least one eligible program of education, and comply with other statutory and regulatory requirements. See “Part I, Item 1. Regulatory Environment” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

State Authorization

To operate and offer postsecondary programs, and to be certified to participate in Title IV Programs, each of our institutions must obtain and maintain authorization from the state in which it is physically located (its “Home State”). To engage in recruiting or educational activities outside of its Home State, each institution also may be required to obtain and maintain authorization from the states in which it is recruiting or engaging in educational activities. The level of regulatory oversight varies substantially from state to state and is extensive in some states. State laws may establish standards for instruction, qualifications of faculty, location and nature of facilities and equipment, administrative procedures, marketing, recruiting, student outcomes reporting, disclosure obligations to students, limitations on mandatory arbitration clauses in enrollment agreements, financial operations, and other operational matters. Some states prescribe standards of financial responsibility and mandate that institutions post surety bonds. Many states have requirements for institutions to disclose institutional data to current and prospective students, as well as to the public. And some states require that our schools meet prescribed performance standards as a condition of continued approval.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a non-governmental process through which an institution voluntarily submits to ongoing qualitative reviews by an organization of peer institutions. Institutional accreditation by an ED-recognized accreditor is required for an institution to be certified to participate in Title IV Programs. All of our institutions are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (“ACCSC”), which is an accrediting agency recognized by ED. ACCSC reviews the academic quality of each institution’s instructional programs, as well as the administrative and financial operations of the institution to ensure that it has the resources necessary to perform its educational mission, implement continuous improvement processes, and support student success. Our institutions must submit annual reports, and at times, supplemental reports, to demonstrate ongoing compliance and improvement. ACCSC requires institutions to disclose certain institutional information to current and prospective students, as well as to the public, and requires that our schools and programs meet various performance standards as a condition of continued accreditation. Institutions must periodically renew their accreditation by completing a comprehensive renewal of accreditation process. See “Part I, Item 1. Regulatory Environment - Accreditation” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details and the current status of our campus accreditation.

Title IV Programs

The federal government provides a substantial part of its support for postsecondary education through Title IV Programs in the form of grants and loans to students who can use those funds at any institution that has been certified as eligible to participate by ED. All of our institutions are certified to participate in Title IV Programs. Significant factors relating to Title IV Programs that could adversely affect us include:

•The 90/10 Rule. As a condition of participation in Title IV Programs, proprietary institutions must agree when they sign their PPA to comply with the 90/10 rule. Under the current 90/10 rule, to remain eligible to participate in the federal student aid programs, a proprietary institution must derive at least 10% of their revenues for each fiscal year from sources other than Title IV Program funds. Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”), a proprietary institution must derive at least 10 percent of its revenue from sources other than “Federal education assistance funds.” Federal education assistance funds are defined as “federal funds that are disbursed or delivered to or on behalf of a student to be used to attend such institution.” Pursuant to ARPA, the earliest this revision to the 90/10 rule may take effect is for institutional fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2023.

A proprietary institution is subject to sanctions if it exceeds the 90% level for a single year, and loses its eligibility to participate in Title IV Programs if it derives more than 90% of its revenue from Title IV Programs/Federal education assistance funds, as applicable, for two consecutive fiscal years.

We are currently reviewing the potential impact of the change in the 90/10 rule created under ARPA and will be monitoring any proposed or final regulations promulgated by ED to carry out this change.

•Administrative Capability. To continue its participation in Title IV Programs, an institution must demonstrate that it remains administratively capable of providing the education it promises and of properly managing the Title IV Programs. ED assesses the administrative capability of each institution that participates in Title IV Programs under a series of standards listed in the regulations, which cover a wide range of operational and administrative topics, including the designation of capable and qualified individuals, the quality and scope of written procedures, the adequacy of institutional communication and processes, the timely resolution of issues, the sufficiency of recordkeeping, and the frequency of findings of noncompliance, to name a few. ED’s administrative capability standards also include thresholds and expectations for federal student loan cohort default rates (discussed below), satisfactory academic progress, and loan counseling. Failure to satisfy any of the standards may lead ED to find the institution ineligible to participate in Title IV Programs, require the institution to repay Title IV Program funds, change the method of payment of Title IV Program funds, place the institution on provisional certification as a condition of its continued participation or take other actions against the institution.

•Three-Year Student Loan Default Rates. To remain eligible to participate in Title IV Programs, institutions also must maintain federal student loan cohort default rates below specified levels. An institution whose three-year cohort default rate is 15% or greater for any one of the three preceding years is subject to a 30-day delay in receiving the first disbursement on federal student loans for first-time borrowers.

•Financial Responsibility. All institutions participating in Title IV Programs also must satisfy specific ED standards of financial responsibility. Among other things, an institution must meet all of its financial obligations, including required refunds to students and any Title IV Program liabilities and debts, be current in its debt payments, comply with certain past performance requirements, and not receive any adverse, qualified, or disclaimed opinion by its accountants in its audited financial statements. Each year, ED also evaluates institutions’ financial responsibility by calculating a “composite score,” which utilizes information provided in the institutions’ annual audited financial statements. The composite score is based on three ratios: (1) the equity ratio which measures the institution’s capital resources, ability to borrow and financial viability; (2) the primary reserve ratio which measures the institution’s ability to support current operations from expendable resources; and (3) the net income ratio which measures the institution’s ability to operate at a profit. Between composite score calculations, ED also will reevaluate the financial responsibility of an institution following the occurrence of certain “triggering events,” which must be timely reported to the agency.

•Title IV Program Rulemaking. ED is almost continuously engaged in one or more negotiated rulemakings, which is the process pursuant to which it revisits, revises, and expands the complex and voluminous Title IV Program regulations. Recent and significant negotiated rulemakings include the Gainful Employment Rulemaking, the Borrower Defense to Repayment Rulemaking, and the Accreditation and Innovation Rulemaking. New regulations associated with these rulemakings took effect on July 1, 2020, and additional, new rules took effect on July 1, 2021. Additionally, on May 26, 2021, ED announced its intention to establish multiple rulemaking committees and for these committees to prepare proposed regulations. These regulations could involve revisiting and potentially revising regulations across 14 different topics areas identified by ED, including the rules governing changes in ownership, standards of administrative capability, borrower defense to repayment, closed school loan discharges, mandatory pre-dispute arbitration clauses, and gainful employment. It is expected that these negotiated rulemakings would occur throughout 2022 and 2023, and that any resulting rules would become effective during that time or thereafter. ED has also invited public commentary on other matters around potential gaps in post secondary outcomes including retention, completion, loan repayment and student loan default. The potential outcome, if any, from these announced actions is unknown at this time. We devote significant effort to understanding the effects of ED regulations and rulemakings on our business and to developing compliant solutions that also are congruent with our business, culture, and mission to serve our students and industry relationships.

Other Federal and State Student Aid Programs

Some of our students also receive financial aid from federal sources other than Title IV Programs, such as the programs administered by the VA, the Department of Defense (“DOD”) and under the Workforce Investment Act. Additionally, some states provide financial aid to our students in the form of grants, loans or scholarships. Our Long Beach, Rancho Cucamonga

and Sacramento, California campuses, for example, are currently eligible to participate in the Cal Grant program. All of our institutions must comply with the eligibility and participation requirements applicable to each of these funding programs, which vary by funding agency and program.

Each year we derive a portion of our revenues, on a cash basis, from veterans’ benefits programs, which include the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, the Reserve Education Assistance Program (“REAP”) and VA Vocational Rehabilitation. To continue participation in veterans’ benefits programs, an institution must comply with certain requirements established by the VA.

COVID-19, the CARES Act, the CRRSAA, and ARPA

On March 13, 2020, the United States declared a national emergency concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, effective March 1, 2020. ED, consistent with its authority under then-existing statutes and regulations, issued guidance on March 5, 2020, outlining a range of accommodations intended to address interruptions of study related to COVID-19. On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the CARES Act, which provided additional flexibilities and accommodations, beyond those offered by the ED in its March 5, 2020 guidance, particularly with regard to the campus-based assistance programs, the measurement of satisfactory academic progress, and the return of unearned Title IV Program funds to ED. Shortly thereafter, on April 3, 2020, ED issued further guidance, providing additional regulatory flexibilities, and in some cases, implementing the accommodations provided for in the CARES Act. ED periodically updated and supplemented this guidance over the following months. Guidance also was published regarding immigration, discrimination, safety, and privacy issues, as well as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”) established under the CARES Act.

On December 11, 2020, ED published a notice in the Federal Register extending the end dates of COVID-19-related waivers and modifications, and introducing several new flexibilities using its authority granted by the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (“HEROES”) Act of 2003. In most cases the waivers and modifications were extended through the end of the payment period that begins after the date on which the federally-declared national emergency related to COVID-19 is rescinded.

On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed a $2.3 trillion spending bill that combined a $1.4 trillion omnibus appropriations bill for federal fiscal year 2021 with $900 billion in supplemental appropriations to provide relief for the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the omnibus appropriations bill, Congress simplifies the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, provides a $15 million increase to the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program, and adds an additional $10 million for Federal Work Study. This latter piece of legislation is known as the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (“CRRSAA”). The CRRSAA extends the Paycheck Protection Program and allocates to it an additional $284.5 billion, and includes The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (“HEERF II”), which makes an addition $22.7 billion available to higher education institutions to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of this amount, private, proprietary institutions are allocated approximately $681 million and may only use HEERF II funding to provide emergency financial aid grants to students. On January 14, 2021, ED made extensive guidance available regarding the administration of the HEERF II program.

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the ARPA, a $1.9 trillion economic relief package. The ARPA provides almost $40 billion in funding available to higher education institutions under the Higher Education Emergency Relief III (“HEERF III”). Of this amount, private, proprietary institutions are allocated approximately $396 million and may only use HEERF III funding to provide emergency financial aid grants to students. On May 11, 2021, ED published guidance regarding the administration of the HEERF III program.

On March 31, 2021, ED published its Guide for Compliance Attestation Engagements of Proprietary Schools Expending Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Grants (the “Guide”). We completed the required audit of our participation in the HEERF grant program for the year ended September 30, 2020 which was filed with the ED on July 26, 2021.

We have reviewed and implemented many of the flexibilities created by Congress and ED’s guidance. We continue to review new guidance from ED and to implement available legislative and regulatory relief as applicable.

Distance Education

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ED provided broad approval for institutions to use distance learning modalities without going through the standard ED approval process for payment periods that begin on or before December 31, 2020, or the end of the payment period that includes the end date for the federally-declared emergency related to COVID-19, whichever occurs later. ED also permitted accreditors to waive their distance education review requirements. In its December 11, 2020 Federal Register notice, ED extended these flexibilities through the end of the payment period that begins after the date on which the federally-declared national emergency related to COVID-19 is rescinded. This extra payment period beyond the national emergency end date will facilitate a successful transition to non-pandemic requirements following the end of the national emergency.

We have received ACCSC approval to permanently offer blended format programs that utilize both distance and on-ground education. Additionally, we have received permanent approvals by all state agencies to offer blended format programs, with the exception of our Motorcycle and Marine programs in Orlando, Florida. We are still operating under a temporary approval for these Florida based programs as we are waiting on permanent approvals from the Florida state agency.

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Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund under the CARES Act

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both [Abstract]

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Grants

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Grants

Fiscal 2020 HEERF I Grants for Students and for Significant Changes to the Delivery of Instruction Due to the Coronavirus under the CARES Act

As discussed in “Note 21 - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund under the CARES Act” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, in May 2020, we were granted approximately $33.0 million in HEERF funds with at least $16.5 million required to be spent for emergency grants to student and no more than $16.5 million permitted to cover institutional costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to coronavirus. The allowable institutional costs for these institutional HEERF funds are described in “Note 21 - Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund under the CARES Act” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

During the three months ended December 31, 2020, we incurred $0.9 million in allowable costs related to the changes in the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus, thereby utilizing the remaining available funds. Of the $0.9 million incurred, $0.3 million was recorded in “Educational services and facilities” and $0.6 million was recorded in “Selling, general and administrative” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, there were no remaining unused funds from the fiscal 2020 HEERF grant.

In October 2020 we drew down the $1.8 million recorded in accounts receivable as of September 30, 2020 for the allowable costs incurred during the year ended September 30, 2020. Additionally, the $0.9 million related to allowable costs incurred during the three months ended December 31, 2020 was drawn down in December 2020. Total institutional funds drawn down during the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $2.7 million which was included in our “Cash and cash equivalents” on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020.

Fiscal 2021 HEERF II Grant for Students under the CRRSAA

As noted above, the CRRSAA includes HEERF II, which makes an additional $22.7 billion available to higher education institutions. Of this amount, private, proprietary institutions are allocated approximately $681 million. The statute permits proprietary institutions to use HEERF II funds to provide financial aid grants to students, and requires that institutions prioritize the grants to students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants. On January 14, 2021, ED issued guidance regarding the administration of the HEERF II program. In accordance with the ED’s allocation schedule, during the three months ended March 31, 2021, we were granted approximately $16.8 million for purposes of funding HEERF II student grants. During the three months ended June 30, 2021, we awarded approximately $11.5 million in the form of grants to over 7,300 students. The HEERF II funds were drawn down as student grants were distributed, with $0.4 million included in “Restricted cash” on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2021 which relates to

pending student grants and outstanding checks. We expect to grant the remaining $5.3 million in HEERF II funds by the end of our fiscal year, or September 30, 2021.

Fiscal 2021 HEERF III Grant for Students under the ARPA

As noted above, the ARPA provides almost $40 billion in funding available to higher education institutions under the HEERF III. Of this amount, private, proprietary institutions are allocated approximately $396 million and may only use HEERF III funding to provide emergency financial aid grants to students. In accordance with the ED’s allocation schedule, during the three months ended June 30, 2021, we were granted approximately $9.9 million for purposes of funding HEERF III student grants. However, as of June 30, 2021, the HEERF III funds were not yet available to us to draw down. The HEERF III funds became available for us to draw down during July 2021.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Accounting Policy for Derivative Financial Instruments

Accounting Policy for Derivative Financial Instruments

On occasion, we may use interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk and limit the impact of future interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows, primarily with variable-rate debt. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. We recognize all derivatives at fair value within the line items “Other current assets,” “Other assets,” “Other current liabilities,” and “Other liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Management reviews our derivative positions and overall risk management strategy on a regular basis. We only enter into transactions that we believe will be highly effective at offsetting the underlying risk, and we do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

We may choose to designate our derivative financial instruments, which are generally interest rate swaps, to hedge future interest payments on variable debt. At inception of the transaction, we formally designate and document the derivative financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, the risk management objective, and strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. We formally assess both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, the effectiveness of our hedging transactions. Due to the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging instruments and the underlying exposures hedged, fluctuations in the value of the derivative financial instruments will generally be offset by the changes in the cash flows or fair value of the underlying exposures being hedged.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. For cash flow hedges, we report the effective portion of the gain or loss as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” and reclassify it to “Interest expense” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations over the corresponding period of the underlying hedged item. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative financial instrument is recognized in “Interest expense” at the time the ineffectiveness occurs. To the extent the hedged forecasted interest payments on debt related to our interest rate swap is paid off, the remaining balance in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” is recognized in “Interest expense” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

See Note 13 for additional disclosures related to our derivative financial instruments.

Recently Accounting Pronouncements

Effective in Fiscal 2021

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Topic 326). This update significantly changes the way that entities measure credit losses. The new standard requires that entities estimate credit losses based upon an “expected credit loss” approach rather than the historical “incurred loss” approach. The new approach requires entities to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable forecasts of collectability. The change in approach impacts the timing of recognition of credit losses. This standard is effective for financial statements issued by public companies for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. These changes became effective for our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020. Upon adoption on October 1, 2020, we recorded an increase in our

receivables balance related to our proprietary loan program of $1.6 million, with the corresponding amount recorded as an increase to retained earnings. No other adjustments were deemed necessary in applying this new guidance.

Effective in Fiscal 2022

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The amendments in this standard simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. We are currently evaluating the impact that the update will have on our results of operations, financial condition and financial statement disclosures.

Other

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”), which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by reference rate reform, if certain criteria are met. This new guidance only applies to contracts and other transactions that reference London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. An entity may elect to apply the amendments for contract modifications as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, or prospectively from a date within an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020, up to the date that the financial statements are available to be issued. The amendments in ASU 2020-04 do not apply to contract modifications made after December 31, 2022. Given the interest rate for our new term loan (which is further described in Note 12) references LIBOR, we are currently evaluating the new reference rate reform practical expedients and will consider adopting this guidance when we are required to modify our contract for the discontinuation of LIBOR.

Nature of Goods and Services/Contract Balances

Nature of Goods and Services

Postsecondary Education

Revenues consist primarily of student tuition and fees derived from the programs we provide after reductions are made for discounts and scholarships that we sponsor and for refunds for students who withdraw from our programs prior to specified dates. We apply the five-step model outlined in ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts from Customers. Tuition and fee revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the course or program offered. The majority of our programs are designed to be completed in 36 to 90 weeks, and our advanced training programs range from 12 to 23 weeks in duration. We supplement our revenues with sales of textbooks and program supplies and other revenues, which are recognized as the transfer of goods or services occurs. Deferred revenue represents the excess of tuition and fee payments received as compared to tuition and fees earned and is reflected as a current liability in our condensed consolidated balance sheets because it is expected to be earned within the next 12 months.

Additionally, certain students participate in a proprietary loan program that extends repayment terms for their tuition.  We purchase said loans from the lender and, based on historical collection rates, believe a portion of these loans are collectible. Accordingly, we recognize tuition and loan origination fees financed by the loan and any related interest revenue under the effective interest method required under the loan based on the amount we expect to collect, and we recognize these revenues ratably over the term of the course or program offered.

Other

We provide dealer technician training or instructor staffing services to manufacturers. Revenues are recognized as transfer of the services occurs.

We provide postsecondary education and other services in the same geographical market, the United States. The impact of economic factors on the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows is consistent among our various postsecondary education programs. See Note 18 for disaggregated segment revenue information.

Contract Balances

Contract assets primarily relate to our rights to consideration for a student’s progress through our training program in relation to our services performed but not billed at the reporting date. The contract assets are transferred to the receivables when the rights become unconditional. Currently, we do not have any contract assets that have not transferred to a receivable. Our deferred revenue is considered a contract liability and primarily relates to our enrollment agreements where we received payments for tuition but we have not yet delivered the related training programs to satisfying the related performance obligations. The advance consideration received from students or Title IV funding is deferred revenue until the training program has been delivered to the students.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurements

The accounting framework for determining fair value includes a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to measure fair value, which enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements. The fair value hierarchy consists of three tiers:

Level 1:    Defined as quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2:    Defined as inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3:    Defined as unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

Any transfers of investments between levels occurs at the end of the reporting period.

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Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]

Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability

The following table provides information about receivables and deferred revenue resulting from our enrollment agreements with students:

	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Receivables, which includes tuition and notes receivable	$	50,145	$	53,144
Deferred revenue	41,993		40,694

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Investments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Schedule of Held-to-Maturity Investments

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains or losses, and fair value of investments classified as held-to-maturity at June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020 were as follows:

	June 30, 2021
			Gross Unrealized				Estimated Fair
Due in less than 1 year:	Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Market Value
Corporate and municipal bonds	$	250	$	—	$	—	$	250

	September 30, 2020
			Gross Unrealized				Estimated Fair
Due in less than 1 year:	Amortized Cost		Gains		Losses		Market Value
Corporate and municipal bonds	$	38,055	$	10	$	(33)	$	38,032

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Summary of Fair Value of Our Trading Securities, Money Market Funds, Notes Receivable and Corporate Bonds

Assets measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following:

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	June 30, 2021		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Money market funds(1)	$	61,840	$	61,840	$	—	$	—
Notes receivable(2)	35,393		—		—		35,393
Municipal bonds and other(3)	250		250		—		—
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	97,483	$	62,090	$	—	$	35,393

			Fair Value Measurements Using
	September 30, 2020		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Money market funds(1)	$	43,322	$	43,322	$	—	$	—
Notes receivable(2)	32,793		—		—		32,793
Corporate bonds(3)	33,119		33,119		—		—
Municipal bonds and other(3)	4,913		4,913		—		—
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$	114,147	$	81,354	$	—	$	32,793

(1) Money market funds and other highly liquid investments with maturity dates less than 90 days are reflected as “Cash and cash equivalents” in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020.

(2) Notes receivable relate to our proprietary loan program.

(3) Corporate bonds, municipal bonds and other are reflected as “Held-to-maturity investments” in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020.

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Property and Equipment, net (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:

	Depreciable Lives (in years)	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Land (1)	—	$	8,355	$	3,189
Buildings and building improvements (1)	3-35	68,305		28,046
Leasehold improvements	1-28	64,320		62,899
Training equipment	3-10	91,032		91,731
Office and computer equipment	3-10	31,536		33,524
Curriculum development	5	19,692		19,692
Software developed for internal use	1-5	11,959		11,951
Vehicles	5	1,460		1,502
Right-of-use assets for finance leases	2-3	359		359
Construction in progress	—	7,000		2,213
		304,018		255,106
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(186,528)		(182,363)
		$	117,490	$	72,743

(1) During the nine months ended June 30, 2021, land and buildings and building improvements increased due to the purchase of the building and land at our Avondale, Arizona campus location. The total purchase price was approximately $45.2 million, of which $5.1 million was allocated to land and $40.1 million was allocated to buildings and building improvements based upon the appraised values.

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Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Equity Method Investment

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate consisted of the following and is included within “Other assets” on our condensed consolidated balance sheets:

	June 30, 2021				September 30, 2020
	Carrying Value		Ownership Percentage		Carrying Value		Ownership Percentage
Investment in JV	$	4,594	28.0	%	$	4,494	28.0	%

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate included the following activity during the period:

	Nine Months Ended June 30,
	2021		2020
Balance at beginning of period	$	4,494	$	4,338
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	326		311
Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate	(226)		(190)
Balance at end of period	$	4,594	$	4,459

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Leases (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Leases [Abstract]

Components of Lease Expense

The components of lease expense during the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows:

	Three Months Ended June 30,				Nine Months Ended June 30,
Lease Expense	2021		2020		2021		2020
Operating lease expense(1)	$	5,547	$	7,494	$	17,137	$	22,478
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of leased assets	32		32		97		70
Interest on lease liabilities	2		2		5		5
Variable lease expense	947		1,090		2,804		3,269
Sublease income	(119)		(145)		(365)		(653)
Total net lease expense	$	6,409	$	8,473	$	19,678	$	25,169

(1)     Excludes the expense for short-term leases not accounted for under ASC 842, which was not significant for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Supplemental Information

Supplemental balance sheet, cash flow and other information related to our leases was as follows (in thousands, except lease term and discount rate):

Leases	Classification	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Assets:
Operating lease assets	Right-of-use assets for operating leases	$	147,596	$	144,663
Finance lease assets	Property and equipment, net(1)	160		257
Total leased assets		$	147,756	$	144,920
Liabilities:
Current
Operating lease liabilities	Operating lease liability, current portion	$	19,999	$	23,666
Finance lease liabilities	Long-term debt, current portion	122		129
Noncurrent
Operating lease liabilities	Operating lease liability	138,999		134,089
Finance lease liabilities	Long-term debt	42		131
Total lease liabilities		$	159,162	$	158,015

(1)     Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $0.2 million and $0.1 million as of June 30, 2021 and September 30, 2020, respectively.

Lease Term and Discount Rate	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Operating leases	9.48		9.34
Finance leases	1.34		2.05
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases	4.56	%	4.37	%
Finance leases	3.08	%	3.08	%

	Nine Months Ended June 30,
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information and Other Information	2021		2020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	13,546	$	19,264
Financing cash flows from finance leases	96		68
Non-cash activity related to lease liabilities:
Lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities (1)	$	14,789	$	3,099
Leases assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	—		215

(1)     Excludes the impact of the opening balance adjustment for the adoption of ASC 842 as of October 1, 2019 for the nine months ended June 30, 2020.

Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities After Adoption of 842

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

	As of June 30, 2021
Years ending September 30,	Operating Leases		Finance Leases
Remainder of 2021	$	6,207	$	34
2022	24,241		110
2023	19,464		23
2024	19,208		—
2025	19,450		—
2026 and thereafter	107,409		—
Total lease payments	195,979		167
Less: interest	(36,981)		(3)
Present value of lease liabilities	158,998		164
Less: current lease liabilities	(19,999)		(122)
Long-term lease liabilities	$	138,999	$	42

Maturities of Finance Lease Liabilities After Adoption of 842

Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

	As of June 30, 2021
Years ending September 30,	Operating Leases		Finance Leases
Remainder of 2021	$	6,207	$	34
2022	24,241		110
2023	19,464		23
2024	19,208		—
2025	19,450		—
2026 and thereafter	107,409		—
Total lease payments	195,979		167
Less: interest	(36,981)		(3)
Present value of lease liabilities	158,998		164
Less: current lease liabilities	(19,999)		(122)
Long-term lease liabilities	$	138,999	$	42

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Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Payables and Accruals [Abstract]

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:

	June 30, 2021		September 30, 2020
Accounts payable	$	12,646	$	12,471
Accrued compensation and benefits	26,958		28,053
Other accrued expenses	11,055		11,367
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	50,659	$	51,891

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Debt (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Debt

	June 30, 2021					September 30, 2020
	Interest Rate		Maturity Date	Carrying Value of Debt (4)		Carrying Value of Debt (4)
Term Loan(1)	2.09	%	May 2028	$	31,084	$	—
Finance leases(2)	3.08	%	Various	164		260
Total debt				31,248		260
Debt issuance costs presented with debt (3)				(265)		—
Total debt, net				30,983		260
Less: current portion of long-term debt				(918)		(129)
Long-term debt				$	30,065	$	131

(1)     Interest on the Term Loan (as defined below) accrues at annual rate equal to the LIBOR plus 2.0%.

(2)    Our finance leases include finance lease arrangements related to various equipment with a weighted-average annual interest rate of approximately 3.08%, which mature in varying installments between 2021 and 2023. See Note 10 for additional details on our finance leases.

(3)    The unamortized debt issuance costs as of June 30, 2021 relate entirely to the Term Loan.

(4)    Our Term Loan and finance leases bear interest at rates commensurate with market rates and therefore the respective carrying values approximate fair value.

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt

Scheduled principal payments due on our debt for the remainder of 2021 and for each year through the period ended September 30, 2025, and thereafter were as follows at June 30, 2021:

Maturity	Term Loan		Finance Leases		Total
Remainder of 2021	$	198	$	33	$	231
2022	803		108		911
2023	832		23		855
2024	861		—		861
2025	892		—		892
Thereafter	27,498		—		27,498
Subtotal	31,084		164		31,248
Debt issuance costs presented with debt	(265)		—		(265)
Total	$	30,819	$	164	$	30,983

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Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The following table presents the fair value of our Swap (Level 2) which is designated as a cash flow hedge and the related classification on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021:

	Interest Rate Swap
Other current liabilities	$	194
Other liabilities	158
Total fair value of liabilities designated as hedging instruments	$	352

Schedule of Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The table below presents the effect of cash flow hedge accounting for our Swap on “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” as of June 30, 2021:

	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivative		Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income	Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
Interest Rate Swap	$	(382)	Interest expense	$	(30)

Schedule of Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on the Statement of Operations

The table below presents the effect of cash flow hedge accounting for our Swap on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2021:

	Interest Expense
Interest Rate Swap
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into income	$	(30)

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Earnings per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Summary of Calculation of Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Used in Computing Basic and Diluted Net Income Loss Per Share

The following table summarizes the computation of basic and diluted EPS under the two-class or as-converted method, as well as the anti-dilutive shares excluded:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income (loss)	$	3,000	$	(13,268)	$	2,536	$	1,558
Less: Preferred stock dividend declared	(1,313)		(1,309)		(3,938)		(3,941)
Net income (loss) available for distribution	1,687		(14,577)		(1,402)		(2,383)
Income allocated to participating securities	(659)		—		—		—
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	1,028	$	(14,577)	$	(1,402)	$	(2,383)
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	32,821		32,607		32,746		28,871
Basic income (loss) per common share	$	0.03	$	(0.45)	$	(0.04)	$	(0.08)

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Diluted earnings per common share:
Method used:	Two-class		Two-class		Two-class		Two-class
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	1,028	$	(14,577)	$	(1,402)	$	(2,383)
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	32,821		32,607		32,746		28,871
Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans	215		—		—		—
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	33,036		32,607		32,746		28,871
Diluted income (loss) per common share	$	0.03	$	(0.45)	$	(0.04)	$	(0.08)
Anti-dilutive shares excluded:
Outstanding stock-based grants	190		281		646		297
Convertible preferred stock	21,021		21,021		21,021		21,021
Total anti-dilutive shares excluded	21,211		21,302		21,667		21,318
Dilutive shares under the as-converted method(1)	54,057		53,909		53,950		50,189

(1) The dilutive shares under the as-converted method assume conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and are presented here merely for reference. In a net income position, diluted earnings per share is determined by the more dilutive of the two-class method or the as-converted method.

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share

The following table summarizes the computation of basic and diluted EPS under the two-class or as-converted method, as well as the anti-dilutive shares excluded:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income (loss)	$	3,000	$	(13,268)	$	2,536	$	1,558
Less: Preferred stock dividend declared	(1,313)		(1,309)		(3,938)		(3,941)
Net income (loss) available for distribution	1,687		(14,577)		(1,402)		(2,383)
Income allocated to participating securities	(659)		—		—		—
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	1,028	$	(14,577)	$	(1,402)	$	(2,383)
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	32,821		32,607		32,746		28,871
Basic income (loss) per common share	$	0.03	$	(0.45)	$	(0.04)	$	(0.08)

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 30,				June 30,
	2021		2020		2021		2020
Diluted earnings per common share:
Method used:	Two-class		Two-class		Two-class		Two-class
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	1,028	$	(14,577)	$	(1,402)	$	(2,383)
Weighted average basic shares outstanding	32,821		32,607		32,746		28,871
Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans	215		—		—		—
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	33,036		32,607		32,746		28,871
Diluted income (loss) per common share	$	0.03	$	(0.45)	$	(0.04)	$	(0.08)
Anti-dilutive shares excluded:
Outstanding stock-based grants	190		281		646		297
Convertible preferred stock	21,021		21,021		21,021		21,021
Total anti-dilutive shares excluded	21,211		21,302		21,667		21,318
Dilutive shares under the as-converted method(1)	54,057		53,909		53,950		50,189

(1) The dilutive shares under the as-converted method assume conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and are presented here merely for reference. In a net income position, diluted earnings per share is determined by the more dilutive of the two-class method or the as-converted method.

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Segment Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Summary of Information by Reportable Segment

Summary information by reportable segment was as follows:

	Postsecondary Education		Other		Consolidated
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
Revenues	$	80,736	$	3,032	$	83,768
Income from operations	2,994		58		3,052
Depreciation and amortization (1)	3,599		20		3,619
Net income	2,942		58		3,000

	Postsecondary Education		Other		Consolidated
Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
Revenues	$	52,199	$	2,284	$	54,483
Loss from operations	(13,341)		(438)		(13,779)
Depreciation and amortization (2)	2,904		23		2,927
Net loss	(12,830)		(438)		(13,268)
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2021
Revenues	$	229,142	$	8,460	$	237,602
Income (loss) from operations	2,776		(610)		2,166
Depreciation and amortization(1)	10,404		66		10,470
Net income (loss)	3,146		(610)		2,536
Nine Months Ended June 30, 2020
Revenues	$	213,780	$	10,654	$	224,434
Loss from operations	(9,331)		(693)		(10,024)
Depreciation and amortization (2)	8,729		92		8,821
Net income (loss)	2,251		(693)		1,558
As of June 30, 2021
Total assets	$	467,803	$	7,207	$	475,010
As of September 30, 2020
Total assets	$	435,144	$	6,837	$	441,981

(1) Includes depreciation of training equipment obtained in exchange for services of $0.3 million and $0.9 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2021, respectively.

(2) Excludes depreciation of training equipment obtained in exchange for services of $0.3 million and $1.0 million for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2020, respectively.

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Nature of the Business - Narrative (Details) technician in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021 location technician
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of campuses through which undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs are offered | location	12
Number of graduated technicians | technician	225

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Basis of Presentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Total debt, net	$ 30,983	$ 260
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Finance lease liabilities	122	129
Financing obligation	$ 42	131
Revision of Prior Period, Reclassification, Adjustment | Long-term debt, current portion
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Finance lease liabilities		100
Revision of Prior Period, Reclassification, Adjustment | Long-term debt
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Financing obligation		$ 100

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Oct. 01, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings	$ (32,729)		$ (32,971)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Receivables balance		$ 1,600
Retained earnings		$ 1,600

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Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Receivables, which includes tuition and notes receivable	$ 50,145	$ 53,144
Deferred revenue	$ 41,993	$ 40,694
Percentage of students completing catch up labs	1.00%
Students
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Deferred revenue	$ 800

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Investments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from equity offering	$ 49,500	$ 0	$ 49,137

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Investments - Schedule of Held-to-Maturity Investments (Details) - Corporate and municipal bonds - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$ 250	$ 38,055
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	10
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(33)
Estimated Fair Market Value	$ 250	$ 38,032

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Fair Value Measurements - Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Estimate of Fair Value Measurement - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$ 97,483	$ 114,147
Money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	61,840	43,322
Notes receivable
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	35,393	32,793
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis		33,119
Municipal bonds and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	250	4,913
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	62,090	81,354
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	61,840	43,322
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Notes receivable
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis		33,119
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Municipal bonds and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	250	4,913
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Notes receivable
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Municipal bonds and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	35,393	32,793
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Notes receivable
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	35,393	32,793
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Municipal bonds and other
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$ 0	$ 0

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Property and Equipment, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Right-of-use assets for finance leases	$ 359		$ 359
Property and equipment and Right-of-use assets for finance leases, gross	304,018		255,106
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(186,528)		(182,363)
Property and equipment and Right-of-use assets for finance leases, net	117,490		72,743
Total purchase price	54,245	$ 7,190
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	8,355		3,189
Purchase price allocation	5,100
Building and building improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	68,305		28,046
Purchase price allocation	$ 40,100
Building and building improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives (in years)	3 years
Building and building improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives (in years)	35 years
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 64,320		62,899
Leasehold improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives (in years)	1 year
Leasehold improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives (in years)	28 years
Training equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 91,032		91,731
Training equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives (in years)	3 years
Training equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives (in years)	10 years
Office and computer equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 31,536		33,524
Office and computer equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives (in years)	3 years
Office and computer equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives (in years)	10 years
Curriculum development
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives (in years)	5 years
Property and equipment, gross	$ 19,692		19,692
Software developed for internal use
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 11,959		11,951
Software developed for internal use | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives (in years)	1 year
Software developed for internal use | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives (in years)	5 years
Vehicles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives (in years)	5 years
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,460		1,502
Right of use assets for finance leases | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives (in years)	2 years
Right of use assets for finance leases | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives (in years)	3 years
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 7,000		$ 2,213
Land and building and building improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total purchase price	$ 45,200

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Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 8,222	$ 8,222

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Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate - Narrative (Details) - Investment in JV - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying Value	$ 4,594	$ 4,494	$ 4,459	$ 4,338	$ 4,000
Ownership Percentage	28.00%	28.00%			28.00%

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Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate - Unconsolidated Affiliate Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Roll Forward]
Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate	$ (226)	$ (190)
Investment in JV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	4,494	4,338
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	326	311
Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate	(226)	(190)
Balance at end of period	$ 4,594	$ 4,459

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Leases - Narrative (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 location
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Number of lease contracts	9
Number of campuses	12
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease term	8 years
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease term	20 years

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Leases - Components of Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense	$ 5,547	$ 7,494	$ 17,137	$ 22,478
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of leased assets	32	32	97	70
Interest on lease liabilities	2	2	5	5
Variable lease expense	947	1,090	2,804	3,269
Sublease income	(119)	(145)	(365)	(653)
Total net lease expense	$ 6,409	$ 8,473	$ 19,678	$ 25,169

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Leases - Supplemental Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Assets:
Operating lease assets	$ 147,596		$ 144,663
Finance lease assets	160		257
Total leased assets	$ 147,756		$ 144,920
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Property and equipment, net		Property and equipment, net
Current
Operating lease liabilities	$ 19,999		$ 23,666
Finance lease liabilities	122		129
Noncurrent
Operating lease liabilities	138,999		134,089
Financing obligation	42		131
Total lease liabilities	$ 159,162		$ 158,015
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Other current liabilities		Other current liabilities
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	Other liabilities		Other liabilities
Finance lease, accumulated amortization	$ 200		$ 100
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Weighted-average remaining lease term, operating leases	9 years 5 months 23 days	9 years 4 months 2 days
Weighted-average remaining lease term, finance leases	1 year 4 months 2 days	2 years 18 days
Weighted average discount rate:
Weighted average discount rate, operating leases	4.56%	4.37%
Weighted average discount rate, finance leases	3.08%	3.08%
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 13,546	$ 19,264
Financing cash flows from finance leases	96	68
Non-cash activity related to lease liabilities:
Lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	14,789	3,099
Leases assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	$ 0	$ 215

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Leases - Maturities of Operating Leases After Adoption of 842 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Operating Leases
Remainder of 2021	$ 6,207
2022	24,241
2023	19,464
2024	19,208
2025	19,450
2026 and thereafter	107,409
Total lease payments	195,979
Less: interest	(36,981)
Present value of lease liabilities	158,998
Less: current lease liabilities	(19,999)	$ (23,666)
Operating lease liabilities	138,999	134,089
Finance Leases
Remainder of 2021	34
2022	110
2023	23
2024	0
2025	0
2026 and thereafter	0
Total lease payments	167
Less: interest	(3)
Present value of lease liabilities	164
Less: current lease liabilities	(122)	(129)
Long-term lease liabilities	$ 42	$ 131

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Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 12,646	$ 12,471
Accrued compensation and benefits	26,958	28,053
Other accrued expenses	11,055	11,367
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 50,659	$ 51,891

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Debt - Schedule of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 31,248	$ 260
Debt issuance costs presented with debt (3)	(265)	0
Total debt, net	30,983	260
Less: current portion of long-term debt	(918)	(129)
Long-term debt	$ 30,065	131
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate	2.09%
Total debt	$ 31,084	0
Debt issuance costs presented with debt (3)	(265)
Total debt, net	$ 30,819
Term Loan | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	2.00%
Finance Leases
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate	3.08%
Total debt	$ 164	$ 260
Debt issuance costs presented with debt (3)	0
Total debt, net	$ 164
Weighted average interest rate	3.08%

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Debt - Narrative (Details) - Term Loan - USD ($)		9 Months Ended
	May 12, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate		2.09%
LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate		2.00%
Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt service coverage ratio	1.25
Funded debt to EBITDA ratio	3.50
Maximum loan of lender, percentage	70.00%
Secured Debt | Lender
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum principal amount	$ 31,200,000
Debt maturity term	7 years
Fixed rate on principal amount	50.00%
Fixed amount of debt	$ 15,600,000
Interest Rate	3.50%
Secured Debt | LIBOR | Lender
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate	2.00%

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Debt - Debt Maturities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Term Loan
Remainder of 2021	$ 231
2022	911
2022	855
2023	861
2024	892
Thereafter	27,498
Total debt, net	31,248	$ 260
Debt issuance costs presented with debt	(265)	0
Total debt, net	30,983	260
Term Loan
Term Loan
Remainder of 2021	198
2022	803
2022	832
2023	861
2024	892
Thereafter	27,498
Total debt, net	31,084	0
Debt issuance costs presented with debt	(265)
Total debt, net	30,819
Finance Leases
Term Loan
Remainder of 2021	33
2022	108
2022	23
2023	0
2024	0
Thereafter	0
Total debt, net	164	$ 260
Debt issuance costs presented with debt	0
Total debt, net	$ 164

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Derivative Financial Instruments - (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
	May 12, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021
Interest rate swap | Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Gain (loss) expected to reclassified to interest expense within the next twelve months		$ 200
Derivative, notional amount		15,500
Total fair value of liabilities designated as hedging instruments		352
Interest rate swap | Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on Derivative		(382)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income		(30)
Interest rate swap | Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging | Other current liabilities
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Total fair value of liabilities designated as hedging instruments		194
Interest rate swap | Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging | Other liabilities
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Total fair value of liabilities designated as hedging instruments		$ 158
Term Loan
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest Rate		2.09%
Secured Debt | Lender | Term Loan
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Fixed rate on principal amount	50.00%
Fixed amount of debt	$ 15,600
Interest Rate	3.50%
Debt maturity term	7 years

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Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2021	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income Tax expense (benefit)		$ (86)	$ (21)	$ (78)	$ 10,699
Effective income tax rate, percent		2.80%	0.20%	3.00%	(117.00%)
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		$ 16,900		$ 16,900		$ 17,400
Tax refund				2,443	$ 172	11,300
Income Taxes Receivable						$ 7,100
Refund				2,700
Receivable, net		$ 4,300		$ 4,300
Subsequent Event
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Refund	$ 4,300

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Shareholders' Equity - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) vote $ / shares shares	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 10, 2020 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Number of voting rights | vote	1
Preferred stock (in shares) | shares	10,000,000			10,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.0001			$ 0.0001
Preferred stock (in shares) | shares	700,000			700,000
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 100			$ 100
Dividends payable | $	$ 1,313	$ 2,600		$ 0
Repurchase of common stock authorized by Board of Directors | $			$ 35,000
Series A Preferred Stock
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Preferred stock (in shares) | shares	10,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock (in shares) | shares	700,000			700,000
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 100			$ 100
Preferred stock, dividend rate, percentage	7.50%
Additional percentage to cash dividend rate	2.00%

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Earnings per Share - Calculation of earnings per share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income (loss)	$ 3,000	$ (1,547)	$ 1,083	$ (13,268)	$ 10,142	$ 4,684	$ 2,536	$ 1,558
Less: Preferred stock dividend declared	(1,313)			(1,309)			(3,938)	(3,941)
Net income (loss) available for distribution	1,687			(14,577)			(1,402)	(2,383)
Income allocated to participating securities	(659)			0			0	0
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ 1,028			$ (14,577)			$ (1,402)	$ (2,383)
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)	32,821			32,607			32,746	28,871
Basic (loss) income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.03			$ (0.45)			$ (0.04)	$ (0.08)
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ 1,028			$ (14,577)			$ (1,402)	$ (2,383)
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)	32,821			32,607			32,746	28,871
Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans (in shares)	215			0			0	0
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	33,036			32,607			32,746	28,871
Diluted income (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.03			$ (0.45)			$ (0.04)	$ (0.08)
Dilutive effect related to preferred stock (in shares)	54,057			53,909			53,950	50,189

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Earnings per Share - Schedule of antidilutive securities (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total anti-dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	21,211	21,302	21,667	21,318
Dilutive effect related to preferred stock (in shares)	54,057	53,909	53,950	50,189
Outstanding stock-based grants
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total anti-dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	190	281	646	297
Convertible preferred stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Total anti-dilutive shares excluded (in shares)	21,021	21,021	21,021	21,021

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Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 83,768			$ 54,483			$ 237,602	$ 224,434
Income (loss) from operations	3,052			(13,779)			2,166	(10,024)
Depreciation and amortization	3,619			2,927			10,470	8,821
Net income (loss)	3,000	$ (1,547)	$ 1,083	(13,268)	$ 10,142	$ 4,684	2,536	1,558
Total assets	475,010						475,010		$ 441,981
Depreciation of training equipment obtained in exchange for services	300			300			922	1,011
Operating Segments | Postsecondary Education
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	80,736			52,199			229,142	213,780
Income (loss) from operations	2,994			(13,341)			2,776	(9,331)
Depreciation and amortization	3,599			2,904			10,404	8,729
Net income (loss)	2,942			(12,830)			3,146	2,251
Total assets	467,803						467,803		435,144
Corporate, Non-Segment | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	3,032			2,284			8,460	10,654
Income (loss) from operations	58			(438)			(610)	(693)
Depreciation and amortization	20			23			66	92
Net income (loss)	58			$ (438)			(610)	$ (693)
Total assets	$ 7,207						$ 7,207		$ 6,837

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Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund under the CARES Act (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2020 USD ($)	May 31, 2020 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($) student	Mar. 31, 2021 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Amount of HEERF funds granted			$ 33.0
Institutional emergency grants to students			16.5
Funds received to offset costs			$ 16.5
Sanitization supplies, partitions, labor hours and other related expenses						$ 0.9
HEERF funds, draws	$ 0.9	$ 1.8				2.7
HEERF funds received					$ 16.8
CRRSAA, amount awarded				$ 11.5			$ 11.5
HEERF II funds, student grants | student				7,300
Granted amount included in restricted cash				$ 0.4			0.4
HEERF II funds, remaining grants							$ 5.3
Educational services and facilities
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Sanitization supplies, partitions, labor hours and other related expenses						0.3
HEERF III funds received				$ 9.9
Selling, general and administrative
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Sanitization supplies, partitions, labor hours and other related expenses						$ 0.6

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Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible Enumeration]	us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList	Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible Enumeration]	us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList	Accounting Standards Update 2019-05 [Member]