What Is It Known For?
The East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) is a public career and technical education district (CTED) in the Phoenix area, serving over 5,000 students annually. Established in 1991, EVIT operates independently from state community college networks and offers specialized, hands-on training aligned with industry standards.
High school students from districts such as Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Scottsdale attend EVIT tuition-free for half-day career programs, with transportation provided by their home districts. EVIT also funds career and technical education (CTE) classes offered at local high schools.
Degrees & Certifications
EVIT offers a range of career-focused programs tailored for both adult learners and high school students. These programs are organized into distinct fields to cater to various career interests and industry needs:
Adult Career Training:
- Health Sciences: Includes Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Massage Therapy, Nursing (Associate Degree), Practical Nursing, Sterile Processing Technician, and Surgical Technology (Associate Degree).
- Industrial Trades: Covers Collision Repair, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR), Plumbing, and Welding.
- Service Industry: Encompasses Aesthetics and Cosmetology.
High School Career Training:
- Health Sciences: Offers programs including Medical Assisting, Nursing, and Veterinary Assistant.
- Industrial Trades: Features Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, Welding, Building and Construction, and Electrical.
- Media and Design: Includes Digital Media and Graphic Design.
- STEM: Focuses on Aviation, Future Engineers, Network Security, Software and App Design, and Technology Device Maintenance.
- Service Industry: Covers Aesthetics, Barbering, Commercial Baking and Pastry Arts, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, and Fire and Emergency Services.
Class Schedules
EVIT offers flexible class schedules to accommodate various needs. Classes are scheduled in the morning, afternoon, and evening sessions, Monday through Friday. Typical class times are from 8:00 to 10:35 a.m. or 12:00 to 2:35 p.m.
For programs with four-hour blocks, classes run Monday through Friday from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Postsecondary programs may have varying schedules based on the specific program.
Is It Legit?
EVIT is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), ensuring that its programs meet rigorous educational and industry standards. Additionally, EVIT is accredited by Cognia, which upholds high standards for educational quality and effectiveness.
Acceptance Rate
EVIT has an open admissions policy for most programs, making career and technical education accessible to a broad range of students. Acceptance primarily depends on meeting basic program entry requirements, and specific acceptance rates may vary by program.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
For high school students enrolled at East Valley High School, attending EVIT is a tuition-free experience. However, the cost of each class may differ based on the program’s requirements, such as essential tools, supplies, materials, and memberships in career and technical student organizations (CTSOs).
Postsecondary students pay an affordable, competitive tuition rate that generally ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 per year, depending on the program. For details on tuition costs and to estimate your net price, use the Net Price Calculator.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Dental Assistant
- EMT
- Massage Therapy
- Medical Assistant
- Physician Assistant
- Physical Therapy Technician
- Sterile Processing Technician
- Surgical Technology
- Veterinary Assistant
Media & Design
- Graphic Design
- Interior Design
- Fashion Design
Professional Services
- Aesthetics
- Baking
- Barbering
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Services
- Pet Grooming
Skilled Trades
- Automotive
- Collision Repair
- Construction
- Diesel
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Welding
Campus Locations
Mesa 1601 W Main Street Mesa AZ 85201
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) has a highly polarized reputation, with recent reviews containing very serious allegations alongside some positive feedback. The overall score is mixed, reflecting a wide range of experiences.
Overall Score: 3.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
Helpful Staff and Enthusiastic Students: Some reviewers praise specific staff members for being friendly and helpful, particularly in administrative tasks. One reviewer was impressed with the knowledge and professionalism of a student performing a service, which they felt reflected well on the school’s training.
Positive Learning Experiences: A few students and alumni had positive experiences in specific programs like EMT and cosmetology, praising their instructors’ expertise and the hands-on nature of the training.
Accessibility: One review noted the easy-to-navigate campus, with plenty of signs and ample parking.
Common Criticisms
Allegations of Racism and Unprofessionalism: A very serious review alleges that a staff member is “completely racist” for questioning students about their citizenship and social security status. More generally, many students describe staff and teachers as rude, unprofessional, uncaring, and unorganized.
Safety and Dormitory Issues: A recent review from a former dorm resident describes a “nightmare” experience, alleging a lack of security, a fight with other students, and theft of personal belongings.
Financial and Quality Concerns: Many reviews express the opinion that the school is a “waste of money” and that it is “more focused on making money than on providing a quality education.” Students complain that programs are underfunded, classes are disorganized, and the training is not a good value.
Ineffective Communication: Several reviewers claim that staff members, particularly in administrative or program coordinator roles, “never answer the phone” or return emails, making it difficult to resolve issues.
Unsanitary and Disorganized Facilities: Reviews from cosmetology and barber programs specifically mention that the facilities are “unsanitary.” Other reviews report a lack of necessary materials and supplies.
Momentum
The reviews from the last six months are very active and sharply divided. While some new reviews offer high praise, there are also very serious and detailed negative reviews about racism, a lack of security, financial issues, and general unprofessionalism. Unlike other schools reviewed, there are no official responses from the owner within the provided review set, which means the negative feedback is not publicly addressed by the school itself. This suggests an ongoing and unresolved set of student concerns.