Universal Technical Institute (UTI) 10-K 3 Dec 20 2020 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Nov. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-31923
Entity Registrant Name	UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	86-0226984
Entity Central Index Key	0001261654
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
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 Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
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
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		32,647,362
Entity Public Float			$ 170
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 76,803	$ 65,442
Restricted Cash	12,116	15,113
Held-to-maturity investments	38,055	0
Receivables, net	35,411	17,937
Notes receivable, current portion	5,184	5,227
Prepaid expenses	6,121	7,054
Other current assets	6,489	7,331
Total current assets	180,179	118,104
Property and equipment, net	72,743
Property and equipment, net		104,126
Goodwill	8,222	8,222
Notes receivable, less current portion	27,609	29,852
Right-of-use assets for operating leases	144,663	0
Other assets	8,565	10,222
Total assets	441,981	270,526
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	51,891	45,878
Deferred revenue	40,694	42,886
Accrued tool sets	3,148	2,586
Operating lease liability, current portion	23,666	0
Financing obligation, current		1,554
Other current liabilities	2,241	3,940
Total current liabilities	121,640	96,844
Deferred tax liabilities, net	674	329
Deferred rent liability		10,326
Financing obligation		39,161
Operating lease liability	134,089
Other liabilities	9,056	9,578
Total liabilities	265,459	156,238
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000 shares authorized, 32,730 and 32,499 shares issued, and 32,647 and 25,634 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively	3	3
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; 700 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, liquidation preference of $100 per share	0	0
Paid-in capital - common	141,002	187,493
Paid-in capital - preferred	68,853	68,853
Treasury stock, at cost, 82 and 6,865 shares as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively	(365)	(97,388)
Retained deficit	(32,971)	(44,673)
Total shareholders’ equity	176,522	114,288
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 441,981	$ 270,526

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
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	32,730,000	32,499,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	32,647,000	25,634,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	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	6,865,000
Series A Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	700,000	700,000
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)	$ 100	$ 100

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue
Revenues	$ 300,761	$ 331,504	$ 316,965
Operating expenses:
Educational services and facilities	155,932	178,317	182,589
Selling, general and administrative	148,700	160,989	169,651
Total operating expenses	304,632	339,306	352,240
Loss from operations	(3,871)	(7,802)	(35,275)
Other income (expense):
Interest income	1,152	1,491	1,425
Interest expense	(10)	(3,220)	(3,310)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	0	399	385
Other income	135	1,467	1,078
Total other income (expense), net	1,277	137	(422)
Loss before income taxes	(2,594)	(7,665)	(35,697)
Income tax benefit (expense)	10,602	(203)	3,015
Net income (loss)	8,008	(7,868)	(32,682)
Preferred stock dividends	5,264	5,250	5,250
Income (loss) available for distribution	$ 2,744	$ (13,118)	$ (37,932)
Loss per share:
Net income (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05	$ (0.52)	$ (1.51)
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05	$ (0.52)	$ (1.51)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	29,812	25,438	25,115
Diluted (in shares)	30,113	25,438	25,115

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Common Stock	Preferred Stock	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings	Retained EarningsCumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Common StockPaid-in Capital	Series A Preferred StockPaid-in Capital
Beginning balance at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 125,776	$ 37,209	$ 3	$ 0	$ (97,388)	$ (30,832)	$ 37,209	$ 185,140	$ 68,853
Beginning balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017			31,872	700	6,865
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(32,682)					(32,682)
Issuance of common stock under employee plans (in shares)			379
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	(223)							(223)
Shares withheld for payroll taxes (in shares)			(82)
Stock-based compensation	1,815							1,815
Preferred stock cash dividends declared	(5,250)					(5,250)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 126,645		$ 3	$ 0	$ (97,388)	(31,555)		186,732	68,853
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018			32,169	700	6,865
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	$ (7,868)					(7,868)
Issuance of common stock under employee plans (in shares)			465
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	(629)							(629)
Shares withheld for payroll taxes (in shares)			(135)
Stock-based compensation	1,390							1,390
Preferred stock cash dividends declared	(5,250)					(5,250)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2019	114,288	$ 8,958	$ 3	$ 0	$ (97,388)	(44,673)	$ 8,958	187,493	68,853
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2019			32,499	700	6,865
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	8,008					8,008
Issuance of common stock under employee plans (in shares)			328
Shares withheld for payroll taxes	(698)							(698)
Shares withheld for payroll taxes (in shares)			(97)
Stock-based compensation	2,077							2,077
Shares issued for equity offering	49,153				$ 97,023			(47,870)
Shares issued for equity offering (in shares)					6,783
Preferred stock cash dividends declared	(5,264)					(5,264)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2020	176,522		$ 3	$ 0	$ (365)	(32,971)		141,002	68,853
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020			32,730	700	82
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	6,450
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 176,522		$ 3	$ 0	$ (365)	$ (32,971)		$ 141,002	$ 68,853
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2020			32,730	700	82

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 8,008	$ (7,868)	$ (32,682)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	11,804	13,222	13,006
Amortization of assets subject to financing obligation		2,682	2,682
Amortization of right-of-use assets for operating leases	24,273
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment expense	0	0	1,164
Bad debt expense	1,767	1,166	1,511
Stock-based compensation	2,077	1,390	1,815
Deferred income taxes	345	0	(2,812)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	0	(399)	(385)
Training equipment credits earned, net	541	302	33
Other (gains) losses, net	(52)	561	122
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(13,749)	(1,483)	(2,695)
Notes receivable	2,286	1,298	3,393
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(1,016)	3,157	(1,584)
Other assets	(76)	1,016	(116)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	7,020	2,942	3,858
Deferred revenue	(2,192)	4,650	(5,663)
Income tax (receivable) payable	(6,989)	166	(812)
Accrued tool sets and other current liabilities	1,863	300	1,014
Deferred rent liability	0	(1,677)	5,116
Operating lease liability	(25,617)
Other liabilities	739	321	(318)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	11,032	21,746	(13,353)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(9,262)	(6,453)	(20,606)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment	64	34	25
Purchase of held-to-maturity investments	(69,678)	0	0
Proceeds received upon maturity of investments	31,289	0	7,739
Proceeds from life insurance policy	1,566	0	0
Purchase of trading securities	0	0	(894)
Proceeds from sales of trading securities	0	0	40,902
Capitalized costs for intangible assets	0	0	(325)
Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate	261	267	291
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(45,760)	(6,152)	27,132
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from equity offering	49,153	0	0
Payment of preferred stock cash dividend	(5,264)	(5,250)	(5,250)
Payment of financing obligation and finance leases	(99)	(1,319)	(1,107)
Payment of payroll taxes on stock-based compensation through shares withheld	(698)	(629)	(223)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	43,092	(7,198)	(6,580)
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	8,364	8,396	7,199
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	65,442	58,104	50,138
Restricted cash, beginning of period	15,113	14,055	14,822
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	80,555	72,159	64,960
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	76,803	65,442	58,104
Restricted cash, end of period	12,116	15,113	14,055
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	88,919	80,555	72,159
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Taxes refunded	(113)
Taxes paid		37	610
Interest paid	7	3,220	3,310
Training equipment obtained in exchange for services	985	772	3,240
Depreciation of training equipment obtained in exchange for services	1,345	1,387	1,386
Change in accrued capital expenditures during the period	(490)	316	(1,042)
CARES Act funds received for student emergency grants (See Note 21)	16,565	0	0
CARES Act funds disbursed for student emergency grants (See Note 21)	(17,184)	0	0
CARES Act funds received for institutional costs (See Note 21)	13,889	0	0
CARES Act funds for institutional costs included in Receivables, net (See Note 21)	$ 1,797	$ 0	$ 0

Business Description

Business Description	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Business Description	Business Description Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (“we,” “us” or “our”) is 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 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. This excludes the Norwood, Massachusetts campus that was closed on July 31, 2020. 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 55 years and have graduated more than 220,000 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.”

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UTI and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, our proprietary loan program, allowance for uncollectible accounts, investments, property and equipment, goodwill recoverability, self-insurance claim liabilities, income taxes, contingencies and stock-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of our analysis form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, and the impact of such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements. Revenue Recognition 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 Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts from Customers (“ASC 606”). Tuition and fee revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the course or program offered. Approximately 99%, 99% and 98% of our revenues for each of the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, consisted of gross tuition. The majority of our core 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 consolidated balance sheets because it is expected to be earned within the next 12 months. Through our proprietary loan program, we, in substance, provide the students who participate in this program with extended payment terms for a portion of their tuition. Based on historical collection rates, we can demonstrate that 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 this collection rate. Other We provide dealer technician training or instructor staffing services to manufacturers. Revenues are recognized as transfer of the services occurs. Proprietary Loan Program In order to provide funding for students who are not able to fully finance the cost of their education under traditional governmental financial aid programs, commercial loan programs or other alternative sources, we established a private loan program with a bank. Under the terms of the proprietary loan program, the bank originates loans for our students who meet our specific credit criteria with the related proceeds used exclusively to fund a portion of their tuition. We then purchase all such loans from the bank at least monthly and assume all of the related credit risk. The loans bear interest at market rates ranging from approximately 7% to 10%; however, principal and interest payments are not required until six months after the student completes or withdraws from his or her program. After the deferral period, monthly principal and interest payments are required over the related term of the loan. The repayment term is up to 10 years. The bank provides these services in exchange for a fee at a percentage of the principal balance of each loan and related fees. Under the terms of the related agreement, we transfer funds for loan purchases to a deposit account with the bank in advance of the bank funding the loan, which secures our related loan purchase obligation. Such funds are classified as restricted cash in our consolidated balance sheet. All related expenses incurred with the bank or other service providers are expensed as incurred within educational services and facilities expense and were approximately $0.9 million, $1.1 million and $1.3 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The portion of tuition revenue related to the proprietary loan program is considered a form of variable consideration. We estimate the amount we ultimately expect to collect from the portion of tuition that is funded by the proprietary loan program, resulting in a note receivable. Estimating the collection rate requires significant management judgment. The estimated amount is determined at the inception of the contract, and we recognize the related revenue as the student progresses through school. Each reporting period, we update our assessment of the variable collection rate associated with the proprietary loan program. Prior to adopting ASC 606 on October 1, 2017, we recognized revenue related to the proprietary loan program as cash was received. Restricted Cash Restricted cash includes funds held as collateral for certain of the surety bonds that our insurers issue on behalf of our campuses and admissions representatives with multiple states, which are required to maintain authorization to conduct our business, funds transferred in advance of loan purchases under our proprietary loan program and funds held for students from Title IV financial aid program funds that result in credit balances on a student’s account. Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts We maintain an allowance for uncollectible accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability, failure or refusal of our students to make required payments. We offer a variety of payment plans to help students pay that portion of their education expenses not covered by financial aid programs or alternate fund sources, which are unsecured and not guaranteed. Management analyzes accounts receivable, historical percentages of uncollectible accounts, customer credit worthiness and changes in payment history when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for uncollectible accounts. We use an internal group of collectors, augmented by third party collectors as deemed appropriate, in our collection efforts. Although we believe that our allowance is adequate, if the financial condition of our students deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, or if we underestimate the allowances required, additional allowances may be necessary, which would result in increased selling, general and administrative expenses in the period such determination is made. Property and Equipment Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Amortization of leasehold improvements is calculated using the straight-line method over the remaining useful life of the asset or term of lease, whichever is shorter. Costs relating to software developed for internal use and curriculum development are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the related estimated useful lives. Such costs include direct costs of materials and services as well as payroll and related costs for employees who are directly associated with the projects. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. We review the carrying value of our property and equipment for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment by examining estimated future cash flows. These cash flows are evaluated by using probability weighting techniques as well as comparisons of past performance against projections. Assets may also be evaluated by identifying independent market values. If we determine that an asset’s carrying value is impaired, we will write-down the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value and charge the impairment as an operating expense in the period in which the determination is made. There were no significant impairment charges required for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Goodwill Our goodwill balance of $8.2 million resulted from the acquisition of our motorcycle and marine education business in 1998 and is allocated to our MMI Orlando, Florida campus that provides the related educational programs. 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 the 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. On March 19, 2020, we suspended all in person classes at all of our campuses, including our Orlando, Florida campus, for the safety and protection of our students and staff, to help slow the spread of COVID-19, and to comply with state and local orders and restrictions. On March 25, 2020, we began offering the classroom portion of our training online so that students who elected to remain enrolled in the program could continue their education from home. During May of 2020, our Orlando, Florida campus reopened for students to complete hands-on labs, which have been re-designed to meet CDC, state and local guidelines for health, safety and social distancing. While some student graduation dates have been delayed due to the closure, the average students enrolled at our Orlando, Florida campus only decreased by 3.8% as compared to the prior year. Even with the impacts of COVID-19, our new student enrollments at the Orlando, Florida campus increased by 3.4% during 2020 over the prior year. After performing a qualitative analysis, there were no indicators of goodwill impairment as of September 30, 2020. Self-Insurance Plans We are self-insured for claims related to employee health and dental care and claims related to workers’ compensation. Liabilities associated with these plans are estimated by management with consideration of our historical loss experience, severity factors and independent actuarial analysis. Our claim liabilities are based on estimates, and while we believe the amounts accrued are adequate, the ultimate losses may differ from the amounts provided. Our recorded net liability related to self-insurance plans was $3.4 million as of September 30, 2020. Leases We lease the majority of our administrative and educational facilities under operating lease agreements. Upon adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”) as of October 1, 2019, we derecognized our previously recorded deferred rent balance. ASC 842 requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for substantially all leases, with the exception of short-term leases. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of income. We adopted ASC 842 under a modified retrospective method without the recasting of comparative periods’ financial information. See Note 3 “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for further detail regarding the adoption of ASC 842 and the impact on our financial statements and Note 10 “Leases” for our fiscal 2020 disclosures. Advertising Costs Costs related to advertising are expensed as incurred and totaled approximately $39.7 million, $41.2 million and $44.8 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Stock-Based Compensation Historically, we have issued restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock options. Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units are subject to vesting with service and performance conditions. We measure all share-based payments to employees at estimated fair value. We recognize the compensation expense for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units with only service conditions on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We granted restricted stock awards with both service and performance conditions during the year ended September 30, 2020. We did not grant any stock options during the year ended September 30, 2020. Shares issued under our equity compensation plans are new shares. Compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance units is measured based on the grant date fair value of our common stock, discounted for non-participation in anticipated dividends during the vesting period. The requisite service period for restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance units is generally the vesting period. We estimate the fair value of performance units using a Monte Carlo simulation which requires assumptions for expected volatility, risk-free rates of return, and dividend yields. Expected volatilities are derived using a method that calculates historical volatility over a period equal to the length of the measurement period for UTI. We use a risk-free rate of return that is equal to the yield of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bill that is commensurate with each measurement period, and we assume that any dividends paid were reinvested. Stock-based compensation expense of $2.1 million, $1.4 million and $1.9 million was recorded for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The tax benefit related to stock-based compensation recognized was $0.5 million, $0.4 million, and $0.5 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. See Note 14 for further discussion. Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences of events attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We also recognize deferred tax assets for net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced through a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Concentration of Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments and receivables. As of September 30, 2020, we held cash and cash equivalents of $76.8 million, restricted cash of $12.1 million and short-term held-to-maturity investments of $38.1 million. We place our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash with high quality financial institutions and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution. We mitigate the concentration risk of our investments by limiting the amount invested in any one issuer. We mitigate the risk associated with our investment in corporate bonds by requiring 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. We extend credit for tuition and fees, for a limited period of time, to a majority of our students. A substantial portion is repaid through the student’s participation in federally funded financial aid programs. Transfers of funds from the financial aid programs to us are made in accordance with the ED requirements. Approximately 66% of our revenues, on a cash basis, were collected from funds distributed under Title IV Programs for the year ended September 30, 2020 as calculated under the 90/10 rule. Additionally, approximately 17% of our revenues, on a cash basis, were collected from funds distributed under various veterans benefits programs for the year ended September 30, 2020. The financial aid and veterans benefits programs are subject to political and budgetary considerations. There is no assurance that such funding will be maintained at current levels. Extensive and complex regulations govern the financial assistance programs in which our students participate. Our administration of these programs is periodically reviewed by various regulatory agencies. Any regulatory violation could be the basis for the initiation of potential adverse actions, including a suspension, limitation, placement on reimbursement status or termination proceeding, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. ED and other regulators have increased the frequency and severity of their enforcement actions against postsecondary schools which have resulted in the imposition of material liabilities, sanctions, letter of credit requirements and other restrictions and, in some cases, resulted in the loss of schools’ eligibility to receive Title IV funds or in closure of the schools. If any of our institutions were to lose its eligibility to participate in federal student financial aid programs, the students at that institution would lose access to funds derived from those programs and would have to seek alternative sources of funds to pay their tuition and fees. Students obtain access to federal student financial aid through an ED prescribed application and eligibility certification process. Student financial aid funds are generally made available to students at prescribed intervals throughout their predetermined expected length of study. Students typically apply the funds received from the federal financial aid programs to pay their tuition and fees. The transfer of funds is from the financial aid program to the student, who then uses those funds to pay for a portion of the cost of their education. The receipt of financial aid funds reduces the student’s amounts due to us and has no impact on revenue recognition, as the transfer relates to the source of funding for the costs of education, which may occur either through Title IV or other funds and resources available to the student. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying value of cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred tuition approximates their respective fair value as of September 30, 2020 and 2019 due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Start-up Costs Costs related to the start-up of new campuses and programs are expensed as incurred.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Pronouncements Effective in Fiscal 2020 Leases In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), which amended the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) by creating ASC 842 to replace ASC 840. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for substantially all leases, with the exception of short-term leases. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of income. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842) to provide entities with relief from the costs of implementing certain aspects of the new leasing standard. It also allows lessors to elect not to separate lease and non-lease components when certain conditions are met. In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-01, Lease (Topic 842): Codification Improvements (“ASU 2019-01”). ASU 2019-01 clarifies certain items regarding lessor accounting. It also clarifies the interim disclosure requirements during transition. The new guidance in ASC 842 also provides a package of transition practical expedients that allow an entity to not reassess (1) whether any expired or existing contracts contain a lease, (2) the lease classification of any expired or existing lease, and (3) initial direct costs for any existing lease. We adopted ASC 842 effective October 1, 2019, and elected the package of transition practical expedients. We also elected additional transitional practical expedients that allow an entity to not reassess land easements not previously addressed under ASC 840 and to not recognize on the balance sheet leases with terms of less than 12 months. We are using the modified retrospective method without the recasting of comparative periods’ financial information. We did not elect the practical expedient to use hindsight in determining a lease term of the ROU assets at the adoption date. As a result of adopting the new standard, we recognized an operating lease liability of $163.0 million and an operating lease ROU asset of $148.6 million on October 1, 2019. The change resulted in the de-recognition of approximately $0.9 million of other assets and $15.3 million of other liabilities. The standard did not materially impact our condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows. In addition, we have two build-to-suit leases that were accounted for as financing obligations and related assets because we had continued involvement in the related facility after the construction period was completed. The financing obligations are now classified as operating leases in accordance with the new standard as of the transition date, including recognition of operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities. The change resulted in the de-recognition of approximately $40.7 million existing deferred financing obligations and $31.6 million in related assets. The net impact of the de-recognition and the adoption of ASC 842 as of October 1, 2019 was an increase in stockholders’ equity of approximately $9.1 million, with a subsequent adjustment during the three months ended March 31, 2020, which reduced the impact to stockholders’ equity by $0.1 million. The transition also resulted in the recognition of rent expense, which was previously reported as interest expense under the former guidance. See Note 10 “Leases” for our fiscal 2020 disclosures. Fair Value Measurement In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) (“ASU 2018-13”). ASU 2018-13 amends the disclosure requirements of ASC 820, changing the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of ASC 820 by adding new disclosure requirements, modifying existing disclosure requirements and eliminating other disclosure requirements. We adopted ASU 2018-13 as of October 1, 2019. There was no impact to our consolidated financial statements or disclosures. Cloud Computing Arrangements In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and other Internal-use Software (Subtopic 350-40) (“ASU 2018-15”). ASU 2018-15 aligns the accounting for costs incurred to implement a cloud computing arrangement (“CCA”) that is a service arrangement with the guidance on capitalizing costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Specifically, ASU 2018-15 amends ASC 350 to include in its scope implementation costs of a CCA that is a service contract and clarifies that a customer should apply ASC 350-40 to determine which implementation costs should be capitalized in a CCA that is considered a service contract. The effect of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements is dependent on our entry into any future cloud computing arrangements. Accounting Pronouncements Effective in Fiscal 2021 In June 2016, the 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 will be required to measure credit losses. This standard requires that entities estimate credit losses based upon an “expected credit loss” approach rather than the “incurred loss” approach, which is currently used. The new approach will require 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 is anticipated to impact 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 the Company's 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, and we do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-13 to have a material impact on our results of operations. Accounting Pronouncements Effective in Fiscal 2022 In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). The amendments in ASU 2019-12 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.

Revenue from Contracts with Cus

Revenue from Contracts with Customers	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer	Revenue from Contracts with Customers Nature of Goods and Services See Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for a description of the nature of revenues. 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 19 “Segment Information” 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 satisfy 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 contract liabilities from contracts with customers: September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Receivables, which includes Tuition and Notes Receivable $ 53,144 $ 44,629 Deferred revenue $ 40,694 $ 42,886 During the year ended September 30, 2020, the contract liabilities balance included decreases for revenues recognized during the period and increases related to new students who started school 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 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 On March 19, 2020, we suspended all in person classes at all of our campuses for the safety and protection of our students and staff, to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and to comply with state and local orders and restrictions. Upon the suspension of all in person classes, we provided all students with the opportunity to take a leave of absence or to continue their education via an online curriculum. We do not recognize revenue while a student is on a leave of absence. On March 25, 2020, we began offering the classroom portion of our training online so that the more than 8,000 students who elected to remain active in the program could continue their education remotely. As our training is a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on labs, there is a portion of most classes that cannot be delivered online and needs to be completed in-person at the campus lab. During the year ended September 30, 2020, as campuses were able to reopen, 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. In May 2020, we resumed in-person labs at eight of our campus locations. Four of our campuses resumed in-person labs in June 2020, and our final campus resumed in-person labs in Bloomfield, New Jersey on July 1, 2020. On-campus labs have been re-designed to meet the health, safety and social distancing guidelines imposed by the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) and state and local jurisdictions, while still meeting our accreditation and curriculum requirements. Upon the initial resumption of in-person labs, once a student returned to campus for in-person labs, under the new guidelines it takes on average approximately six to nine weeks for that student to catch up on the lab work that he was unable to complete during the campus closure and prior to his return. As of September 30, 2020, approximately 5% of students had not returned to campus to complete the in-person labs and remain only in the online portion of the curriculum, essentially only completing half of each course, while approximately 28% of students were completing catch up labs, but over an extended period of time. We continue to recognize revenue ratably over the term of the course or program offered, taking into consideration those only completing the online curriculum, and the catch-up period for active students and the impact it has on expected graduation dates. As a result, as of September 30, 2020, we had deferred revenue of $6.1 million.

Post-employment Benefits

Post-employment Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Post-employment Benefits	Post-employment Benefits On February 18, 2019, we announced that our campus in Norwood, Massachusetts is no longer accepting new student applications, and its last group of students started on March 18, 2019 and completed the curriculum in July 2020, with the campus closing on July 31, 2020. The post-employment benefits incurred due to the campus closure were approximately $1.1 million. Additionally, we periodically enter into agreements that provide post-employment benefits to personnel whose employment is terminated. On October 21, 2019, we announced the retirement of our former President and Chief Executive Officer, Kimberly J. McWaters, effective October 31, 2019. During the twelve months ended September 30, 2020, we incurred post-employment benefit charges of $1.5 million and paid cash of $1.2 million, in accordance with Ms. McWaters’ Retirement Agreement and Release of Claims, dated October 31, 2019. The post-employment benefit liability, which is included in “Accounts payable and accrued expenses” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, is generally paid out ratably over the terms of the agreements, which range from 1 month to 24 months, with the final agreement expiring in 2021. The post-employment benefit accrual activity for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was as follows: Severance Other Total Balance accrued as of September 30, 2018 $ 372 $ 9 $ 381 Post-employment benefit charges 1,637 90 1,727 Cash paid (1,159) (28) (1,187) Other non-cash adjustments (1) (129) (39) (168) Balance accrued as of September 30, 2019 $ 721 $ 32 $ 753 Post-employment benefit charges 2,223 57 2,280 Cash paid (2,210) (51) (2,261) Other non-cash adjustments (1) 131 (29) 102 Balance accrued as of September 30, 2020 $ 865 $ 9 $ 874

Receivables, net

Receivables, net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables, net	Receivables, net Receivables, net consist of the following: September 30, 2020 2019 Tuition receivables $ 23,565 $ 11,800 Tax receivables (1) 7,145 156 Other receivables 6,494 7,078 Receivables 37,204 19,034 Less: allowance for uncollectible accounts (1,793) (1,097) Receivables, net $ 35,411 $ 17,937 (1) Primarily related to an income tax receivable recorded as a result of the net operation loss provisions in the CARES Act. See Note 13 “Income Taxes” for further discussion. The allowance for uncollectible accounts is estimated using our historical write-off experience applied to the receivable balances for students who are no longer attending school due to graduation or withdrawal or who are in school and have receivable balances in excess of financial aid available to them. We write off receivable balances against the allowance for uncollectible accounts at the time we transfer the balance to a third party collection agency. The following table summarizes the activity for our allowance for uncollectible accounts for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of period $ 1,097 $ 999 $ 579 Additions to bad debt expense 1,767 1,166 1,511 Write-offs of uncollectible accounts (1,071) (1,068) (1,091) Balance at end of period $ 1,793 $ 1,097 $ 999

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments In February 2020, we raised approximately $49.5 million in net proceeds from an underwritten public offering of shares of our common stock. See Note 15 “Shareholders’ Equity” for further details on the equity offering. We invested a portion of the proceeds from the equity offering 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 September 30, 2020 were as follows: 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 Total as of September 30, 2020 $ 38,055 $ 10 $ (33) $ 38,032

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 September 30, 2020 Quoted Prices Significant Significant 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 Fair Value Measurements Using September 30, 2019 Quoted Prices Significant Significant Money market funds (1) $ 37,794 $ 37,794 $ — $ — Notes receivable (2) 35,079 — — 35,079 Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis $ 72,873 $ 37,794 $ — $ 35,079 (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 consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020 and 2019. (2) Notes receivable relate to our proprietary loan program.

Property and Equipment, net

Property and Equipment, net	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, net	Property and Equipment, net Property and equipment, net consisted of the following: Depreciable September 30, September 30, Land — $ 3,189 $ 3,189 Building and building improvements 3-35 28,046 82,653 Leasehold improvements 1-28 62,899 53,020 Training equipment 3-10 91,731 96,737 Office and computer equipment 3-10 33,524 35,927 Curriculum development 5 19,692 19,692 Software developed for internal use 1-5 11,951 11,354 Vehicles 5 1,502 1,454 Right-of-use assets for finance leases 2-3 359 — Construction in progress — 2,213 1,631 255,106 305,657 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (182,363) (201,531) Property and equipment, net $ 72,743 $ 104,126 As previously discussed in Note 3 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” the adoption of ASC 842 as of October 1, 2019 resulted in the de-recognition of the assets associated with our financing obligations, which were previously included in “Buildings and building improvements.” In addition, certain items related to the build-to-suit leases in “Buildings and building improvements” were reclassified to “Leasehold improvements” as part of the adoption of ASC 842. The following amounts, which are included in the above table, represented assets financed by financing obligations as of September 30, 2019: September 30, Assets financed by financing obligations, gross $ 45,816 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (14,208) Assets financed by financing obligations, net $ 31,608

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases We lease 10 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. Our lease for the Norwood, Massachusetts campus ended on July 31, 2020 when the campus closed. During the year ended September 30, 2020, we relocated our corporate headquarters facility in conjunction with the expiration of the existing lease agreement, and entered into a new long-term lease agreement at a new facility. We also modified our existing lease for our Sacramento campus by extending the term, and reducing the leased square footage effective as of January 1, 2022. Our facility leases have original lease terms ranging from 8 to 20 years and expire at various dates through 2033. 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 currently result 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 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. Significant Assumptions and Judgments To determine if a contract is or contains a lease, we considered whether (1) explicitly or implicitly identified assets have been deployed in the contract and (2) we obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of that underlying asset and direct how and for what purpose the asset is used during the term of the contract. If we determine a contract is, or contains, a lease, we assess whether the contract contains multiple lease components. We consider a lease component to be separate from other lease components in the contract if (a) we can benefit from the right of use either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available to us and (b) the right of use is neither highly dependent on nor highly interrelated with the other right(s) to use underlying assets in the contract. In contracts involving the use of real estate, we separate the right to use land from other underlying assets unless the effect of separating the land is insignificant to the resulting lease accounting. We have elected to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. For all leases we are a party to, the discount rate implicit in the lease was not readily determinable. Therefore, we used our incremental borrowing rate for each lease to determine the present value of the lease. We determined the incremental borrowing rate applicable to each lease through a model that represents the rate of interest we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. The incremental borrowing rate was applied to each lease based on the remaining term of the lease. The components of lease expense are included in “Educational services and facilities” and “Selling, general and administrative” on the 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 year ended September 30, 2020 were as follows: Lease Expense Year ended September 30, 2020 Operating lease expense (1) $ 29,348 Finance lease expense: Amortization of leased assets 102 Interest on lease liabilities 7 Variable lease expense 4,120 Sublease income (744) Total net lease expense $ 32,833 (1) Excludes the expense for short-term leases not accounted for under ASC 842, which was not significant for the year ended September 30, 2020. Supplemental balance sheet, cash flow and other information related to our leases was as follows: Leases Classification As of September 30, 2020 Assets: Operating lease assets Right-of-use assets for operating leases $ 144,663 Finance lease assets Property and equipment, net (1) 257 Total leased assets $ 144,920 Liabilities: Current Operating lease liabilities Operating lease liability, current portion $ 23,666 Finance lease liabilities Other current liabilities 129 Noncurrent Operating lease liabilities Operating lease liability 134,089 Finance lease liabilities Other liabilities 131 Total lease liabilities $ 158,015 (1) Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $0.1 million as of September 30, 2020. Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information and Other Information Year ended September 30, 2020 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 25,617 Operating cash flows from finance leases 7 Financing cash flows from finance leases 99 Non-cash activity related to lease liabilities: Lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 20,321 Leases assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities 215 Lease Term and Discount Rate As of September 30, 2020 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases 9.34 Finance leases 2.05 Weighted average discount rate: Operating leases 4.37 % Finance leases 3.08 % Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: As of September 30, 2020 Years ending September 30, Operating Leases Finance Leases 2021 $ 28,212 $ 135 2022 27,447 110 2023 18,565 23 2024 17,435 — 2025 15,022 — 2026 and thereafter 86,134 — Total lease payments 192,815 268 Less: interest (35,060) (8) Present value of lease liabilities 157,755 260 Less: current lease liabilities (23,666) (129) Long-term lease liabilities $ 134,089 $ 131 The maturities of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2020 includes the future minimum lease payments for the build-to-suit leases. Disclosures Related to Periods Prior to the Adoption of ASC 842 As of September 30, 2019, minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases by period were expected to be as follows (in thousands): Years ending September 30, Gross Sublease income Net 2020 $ 26,379 $ (362) $ 26,017 2021 23,531 (77) 23,454 2022 21,621 (78) 21,543 2023 10,461 (20) 10,441 2024 9,180 — 9,180 Thereafter 41,822 — 41,822 Total lease payments $ 132,994 $ (537) $ 132,457 Related Party Transactions for Leases Rent expense includes rent paid to related parties, which was approximately $2.0 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018. Since 1991, two of our properties comprising our Orlando, Florida location have been leased from entities controlled by John C. White, a director on our Board of Directors. The leases extend through August 19, 2022 and August 31, 2022 with annual base lease payments for the first year under this lease totaling approximately $0.3 million and $0.7 million, with annual adjustments based on the higher of (i) an amount equal to 4% of the total annual rent for the immediately preceding year or (ii) the percentage of increase in the CPI. These transactions were not considered significant as of September 30, 2020.
Leases	Leases We lease 10 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. Our lease for the Norwood, Massachusetts campus ended on July 31, 2020 when the campus closed. During the year ended September 30, 2020, we relocated our corporate headquarters facility in conjunction with the expiration of the existing lease agreement, and entered into a new long-term lease agreement at a new facility. We also modified our existing lease for our Sacramento campus by extending the term, and reducing the leased square footage effective as of January 1, 2022. Our facility leases have original lease terms ranging from 8 to 20 years and expire at various dates through 2033. 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 currently result 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 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. Significant Assumptions and Judgments To determine if a contract is or contains a lease, we considered whether (1) explicitly or implicitly identified assets have been deployed in the contract and (2) we obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of that underlying asset and direct how and for what purpose the asset is used during the term of the contract. If we determine a contract is, or contains, a lease, we assess whether the contract contains multiple lease components. We consider a lease component to be separate from other lease components in the contract if (a) we can benefit from the right of use either on its own or together with other resources that are readily available to us and (b) the right of use is neither highly dependent on nor highly interrelated with the other right(s) to use underlying assets in the contract. In contracts involving the use of real estate, we separate the right to use land from other underlying assets unless the effect of separating the land is insignificant to the resulting lease accounting. We have elected to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. For all leases we are a party to, the discount rate implicit in the lease was not readily determinable. Therefore, we used our incremental borrowing rate for each lease to determine the present value of the lease. We determined the incremental borrowing rate applicable to each lease through a model that represents the rate of interest we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. The incremental borrowing rate was applied to each lease based on the remaining term of the lease. The components of lease expense are included in “Educational services and facilities” and “Selling, general and administrative” on the 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 year ended September 30, 2020 were as follows: Lease Expense Year ended September 30, 2020 Operating lease expense (1) $ 29,348 Finance lease expense: Amortization of leased assets 102 Interest on lease liabilities 7 Variable lease expense 4,120 Sublease income (744) Total net lease expense $ 32,833 (1) Excludes the expense for short-term leases not accounted for under ASC 842, which was not significant for the year ended September 30, 2020. Supplemental balance sheet, cash flow and other information related to our leases was as follows: Leases Classification As of September 30, 2020 Assets: Operating lease assets Right-of-use assets for operating leases $ 144,663 Finance lease assets Property and equipment, net (1) 257 Total leased assets $ 144,920 Liabilities: Current Operating lease liabilities Operating lease liability, current portion $ 23,666 Finance lease liabilities Other current liabilities 129 Noncurrent Operating lease liabilities Operating lease liability 134,089 Finance lease liabilities Other liabilities 131 Total lease liabilities $ 158,015 (1) Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $0.1 million as of September 30, 2020. Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information and Other Information Year ended September 30, 2020 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 25,617 Operating cash flows from finance leases 7 Financing cash flows from finance leases 99 Non-cash activity related to lease liabilities: Lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 20,321 Leases assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities 215 Lease Term and Discount Rate As of September 30, 2020 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases 9.34 Finance leases 2.05 Weighted average discount rate: Operating leases 4.37 % Finance leases 3.08 % Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: As of September 30, 2020 Years ending September 30, Operating Leases Finance Leases 2021 $ 28,212 $ 135 2022 27,447 110 2023 18,565 23 2024 17,435 — 2025 15,022 — 2026 and thereafter 86,134 — Total lease payments 192,815 268 Less: interest (35,060) (8) Present value of lease liabilities 157,755 260 Less: current lease liabilities (23,666) (129) Long-term lease liabilities $ 134,089 $ 131 The maturities of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2020 includes the future minimum lease payments for the build-to-suit leases. Disclosures Related to Periods Prior to the Adoption of ASC 842 As of September 30, 2019, minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases by period were expected to be as follows (in thousands): Years ending September 30, Gross Sublease income Net 2020 $ 26,379 $ (362) $ 26,017 2021 23,531 (77) 23,454 2022 21,621 (78) 21,543 2023 10,461 (20) 10,441 2024 9,180 — 9,180 Thereafter 41,822 — 41,822 Total lease payments $ 132,994 $ (537) $ 132,457 Related Party Transactions for Leases Rent expense includes rent paid to related parties, which was approximately $2.0 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018. Since 1991, two of our properties comprising our Orlando, Florida location have been leased from entities controlled by John C. White, a director on our Board of Directors. The leases extend through August 19, 2022 and August 31, 2022 with annual base lease payments for the first year under this lease totaling approximately $0.3 million and $0.7 million, with annual adjustments based on the higher of (i) an amount equal to 4% of the total annual rent for the immediately preceding year or (ii) the percentage of increase in the CPI. These transactions were not considered significant as of September 30, 2020.

Investment in Unconsolidated Af

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 and is included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet. We recognize our proportionate share of the JV’s net income or loss during each accounting period as a change in our investment. Historically, the JV used an interest rate cap to manage interest rate risk associated with its floating rate debt. This derivative instrument was designated as a cash flow hedge based on the nature of the risk being hedged. As such, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative was initially reported as a component of the JV’s accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax, and was subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss was recognized in the JV’s current earnings. Due to our equity method investment in the JV, when the JV reports a current year component of other comprehensive income (OCI), we, as an investor, likewise adjust our investment account for the change in investee equity. In addition, we adjust our OCI for our share of the JV’s currently reported OCI item. During the three months ended December 31, 2017, the JV refinanced the facility loan and discontinued its use of an interest rate cap. Our equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates was $0.4 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Investment in our unconsolidated affiliate consists of the following: September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Carrying Value Ownership Percentage Carrying Value Ownership Percentage Investment in JV $ 4,494 28.0 % $ 4,338 28.0 % Investment in our unconsolidated affiliate included the following activity during the period: Year ended September 30, 2020 2019 Balance at beginning of period $ 4,338 $ 4,206 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate 417 399 Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate (261) (267) Balance at end of period $ 4,494 $ 4,338 Through September 30, 2019, the activity from equity in earnings of the unconsolidated affiliate was included in “Other (expense) income, net” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In conjunction with the adoption of ASC 842, as previously described in Note 3 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” beginning October 1, 2019, the activity is included in “Educational services and facilities” on the consolidated statements of operations.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Ex

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following: September 30, 2020 2019 Accounts payable $ 12,471 $ 10,033 Accrued compensation and benefits 28,053 22,230 Other accrued expenses 11,367 13,615 Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 51,891 $ 45,878

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The components of income tax benefit (expense) for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Current benefit (expense): United States federal $ 11,250 $ 2 $ 125 State (303) (205) 78 Total current benefit (expense) 10,947 (203) 203 Deferred benefit (expense): United States federal (345) — 2,878 State — — (66) Total deferred benefit (expense) (345) — 2,812 Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 10,602 $ (203) $ 3,015 The income tax provision differs from the tax that would result from application of the statutory federal tax rate of 21.0% to pre-tax income for the years ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, and 24.5% to pre-tax income for the year ended September 30, 2018. The reasons for the differences are as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Income tax benefit at statutory rate $ 545 $ 1,610 $ 8,746 State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (246) (165) 12 Change in federal statutory rate — — (12,645) Decrease (increase) in valuation allowance 6,135 (1,514) 7,066 Net operating losses carryback to higher federal statutory rate years 4,270 — — Other, net (102) (134) (164) Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 10,602 $ (203) $ 3,015 The components of the deferred tax assets (liabilities) recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows: September 30, 2020 2019 Gross deferred tax assets: Right-of-use assets for operating leases $ 40,515 $ — Deferred compensation $ 802 $ 1,449 Accrued compensation 3,940 2,432 Accrued tool sets 831 694 Other reserves and accruals 2,665 1,884 Deferred revenue 4,406 4,324 Deferred rent liability — 3,024 Financing obligation — 10,178 Net operating losses 6,729 12,639 Tax credit carryforwards 293 205 Charitable contribution carryovers 1,527 1,234 Deductions limited by Section 382 764 670 Valuation allowance (17,449) (25,673) Total gross deferred tax assets 45,023 13,060 Gross deferred tax liabilities: Operating lease liability (37,083) — Amortization of goodwill and intangibles (2,056) (2,056) Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment (5,547) (10,470) Prepaid and other expenses deductible for tax (1,011) (863) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (45,697) (13,389) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (674) $ (329) The following table summarizes the activity for the valuation allowance for the years ended September 30 2020, 2019 and 2018: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of period $ 25,673 $ 23,112 $ 38,407 Additions (reductions) to income tax (5,947) 2,561 (5,555) Write-offs (1) (2,277) — (9,740) Balance at end of period $ 17,449 $ 25,673 $ 23,112 (1) Of this total, approximately $9.6 million and $2.3 million related to our adoption of ASC 606 as of October 1, 2017 and our adoption of ASC 842 as of October 1, 2019, respectively. We have valuation allowances of $17.4 million and $25.7 million against the deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively, based on our assessment of the ability to utilize the deferred tax assets. The valuation allowances established relate to all federal and state deferred tax assets, for which we determined that it was more likely than not that a benefit will not be realized. In assessing whether a valuation allowance was required for the deferred tax assets, we considered all available positive and negative evidence. A significant piece of negative evidence was the cumulative losses incurred in recent years. The CARES Act, which was enacted on March 27, 2020, made tax law changes to provide financial relief to companies as a result of the business impacts of COVID-19. Key income tax provisions of the CARES Act include changes in net operating loss (“NOL”) carryback and carryforwards rules, acceleration of alternative minimum tax credit recovery, increase of the net interest expense deduction limit and charitable contribution limit, and immediate write-off of qualified improvement property. The CARES Act allows us to carryback $20.3 million and $13.0 million of NOLs arising in the years ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, respectively, generating a tax refund of approximately $11.3 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recorded a receivable for the expected refund. Approximately $4.2 million was received during the year ended September 30, 2020, leaving approximately $7.1 million in the receivable balance as of September 30, 2020. As of September 30, 2020, we had approximately $18.9 million and $48.4 million in net operating losses for federal and state tax purposes, respectively. Approximately $2.3 million of the federal net operating losses expire in the year 2039 if not utilized, while the rest can be carryforward indefinitely. The state net operating losses expire in the years 2027 through 2040 if not utilized. The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations. ASC 740 states that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, on the basis of the technical merits. We believe that all of our tax positions meet the more-likely-than not test and therefore no uncertain tax positions were recorded as of September 30, 2020. We file income tax returns for federal purposes and in many states. Our tax filings remain subject to examination by applicable tax authorities for certain length of time, generally three to four years, following the tax year to which these filings relate. In fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020, we filed returns to carry back federal and certain state net operating losses to prior years. The statute of limitations for adjustment of the net operating losses utilized on these tax returns remains open an additional three to four years, depending on jurisdiction, from the date these returns were filed.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Licensing Agreements In fiscal 1999, we entered into a licensing agreement that gives us the right to use certain materials and trademarks in the development of our courses. The agreement was amended in November 2009. Under the terms of the amended agreement, we are required to pay a flat fee per student for each program a student completes. There are no minimum license fees required to be paid. The agreement terminates upon the written notice of either party providing not less than ninety days notification of intent to terminate. License fees related to this agreement were $0.5 million, $0.6 million and $0.7 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and were recorded in educational services and facilities expenses. In May 2007, we entered into a licensing agreement that gives us the right to use certain trademarks, trade names, trade dress and other intellectual property in connection with the operation of our campuses and courses. The agreement was amended January 2019 and expires December 31, 2026. We are committed to pay royalties based upon minimum amounts specified in the agreement, throughout the term. The agreement required a minimum royalty payment of $1.0 million in calendar year 2020. The expense related to these agreements was $1.2 million, $1.4 million and $1.6 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and was recorded in educational services and facilities expenses. Annual payments range between $1.0 million and $1.5 million throughout the licensing period. In July 2013, we entered into a training and materials agreement that gives us the right to use certain materials and trademarks in development of our courses. Under the terms of the agreement, we are required to pay a flat fee per student for each related program a student completes. There is an immaterial minimum annual fee required to be paid upon commencement of the program and annually thereafter. The agreement terminates upon the written notice of either party providing not less than 90 days notification of intent to terminate. The expense related to this agreement was $0.1 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and was recorded in educational services and facilities expenses. In April 2015, we entered into a licensing agreement that gives us the right to use certain trademarks in connection with the operation of our campuses and courses. The agreement has an initial term of four years, with options for three annual renewals totaling a seven year term. The maximum license fee over seven years is $2.3 million. The expense related to this agreement was $0.3 million, $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and was recorded in educational services and facilities expenses. Vendor Relationships We have an agreement with a vendor that allows us to purchase promotional tool kits for our students at a discount from the vendor’s list price. In addition, we earn credits that are redeemable for equipment from the vendor that we use in our business. Credits are earned on our purchases as well as purchases made by students enrolled in our programs. We have agreed to grant the vendor exclusive access to our campuses, to display advertising and to use their tools to train our students. The credits under this agreement may be redeemed in multiple ways, which historically has been for additional equipment at the full retail list price, which is more than we would be required to pay using cash. The renewal was executed in October 2017 and expires October 31, 2022. The renewal allows us to redeem our credits for a portion of the tool sets we purchase for our students. Any product credits remaining at termination will expire 60 days after the date of termination. A net prepaid expense with the vendor resulted from an excess of credits earned over credits used of $5.5 million and $6.4 million as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, included in other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Students are provided a Career Starter Tool Set Voucher which can be redeemed for a tool set near graduation. The cost of the tool sets, net of the credit, is accrued during the time period in which the students begin attending school until they have progressed to the point that the promotional tool set vouchers are provided. Our consolidated balance sheets include an accrued tool set liability of $3.1 million and $2.6 million as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Additionally, our liability to the vendor for vouchers redeemed by students was $1.9 million and $2.1 million as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets. Deferred Compensation Plans We have established a deferred compensation plan (“the Plan”) effective April 1, 2010, into which certain members of management are eligible to defer a maximum of 75% of their regular compensation and a maximum of 100% of their incentive compensation. Non-employee members of our Board of Directors are eligible to defer up to 100% of their cash compensation. The amounts deferred by the participant under this Plan are credited with earnings or losses based upon changes in values of participant elected notional investments. Each participant is fully vested in the amounts deferred. We may make contributions at the discretion of our Board of Directors that will generally vest according to a five year vesting schedule. Distribution elections under the Plan may be for separation from service distribution or in-service distribution. We are not obligated to fund the Plan; however, we have purchased life insurance policies on the participants in order to fund the related benefits and such policies have been placed into a rabbi trust. Our obligations under the Plan totaled $3.0 million and $4.3 million as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are included in other liabilities while the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies totaled $3.3 million and $4.8 million as of September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. Surety Bonds Each of our campuses must be authorized by the applicable state education agency in which the campus is located to operate and to grant certificates, diplomas or degrees to its students. Our campuses are subject to extensive, ongoing regulation by each of these states. Additionally, our campuses are required to be authorized by the applicable state education agencies of certain other states in which our campuses recruit students. Our insurers issue surety bonds for us on behalf of our campuses and admissions representatives with multiple states to maintain authorization to conduct our business. We are obligated to reimburse our insurers for any surety bonds that are paid by the insurers. As of September 30, 2020, the total face amount of these surety bonds was approximately $16.8 million. 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 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.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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. Preferred Stock Preferred Stock consists of 10,000,000 authorized preferred shares of $0.0001 par value each. As of September 30, 2020 and 2019, 700,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding. On June 24, 2016, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) with Coliseum Holdings I, LLC (“Purchaser”) to sell to the Purchaser 700,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for a total purchase price of $70.0 million. The proceeds from the offering were used to fund strategic initiatives to drive growth including; the transformation plan, expansion to new markets with metro campuses and the creation of new programs in existing markets with under-utilized campus facilities. The Series A Preferred Stock is perpetual, and therefore does not have a maturity date. In conjunction with this purchase, we incurred $1.2 million in stock issuance costs, which were recorded as a reduction of the additional paid-in capital associated with the Series A Preferred Stock. The description below provides a summary of certain material terms of the Series A Preferred Stock as set forth in the Certificate of Designations (“Certificate of Designations”) of the Series A Preferred Stock: Rank The Series A Preferred Stock will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon liquidation, winding up or dissolution, rank senior to our common stock and each other junior class or series of shares that we may issue in the future. The Series A Preferred Stock will also rank junior to any future indebtedness. Dividends 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”). The Cash Dividend is payable before any dividends would be declared or paid to common stockholders or other junior stockholders. 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 will begin to accrue on the first day of the applicable dividend period. We paid Cash Dividends of $5.3 million during the years ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019. The Series A Preferred Stock includes participation rights such that, in the event that we pay a dividend or make a distribution on the outstanding common stock, we shall also pay to each holder of the Series A Preferred Stock a dividend on an as converted basis. If we are required to or elect to obtain stockholder and regulatory approval and if such approval is not obtained within the time periods set forth in the Certificate, the dividend rates with respect to the Cash Dividend and Accrued Dividend will be increased by 5.0% per year, not to exceed a maximum of 14.5% per year, subject to downward adjustment on obtaining the foregoing approvals. Liquidation Preference In the event of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, before any distribution or payment to the holders of any common or junior stock, an amount per share of Series A Preferred Stock equal to the liquidation preference then in effect, which would include any Accrued Dividends. Alternatively, the holder may choose to receive the amount that would be payable per share of common stock issued upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock immediately prior to such liquidation event. Mergers (regardless of whether we remain the surviving entity), sale of substantially all of our assets or any other recapitalization, reclassification or other transaction in which substantially all of our common stock is exchanged or converted into cash or other property are considered “Deemed Liquidation Events.” The Certificate of Designations provides that, in the case of a Deemed Liquidation Event, each holder of Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive the liquidation amount they would receive under a normal liquidation event; however, the liquidation amount must be in the same form of consideration as is payable to the holders of our common stock. The liquidation preference associated with the Series A Preferred Stock was $100 per share at September 30, 2020 and 2019. Voting Holders of Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to vote with the holders of shares of common stock on an as converted basis, subject to the Continuing Caps as discussed below. A majority of the voting power of the Series A Preferred Stock must approve certain significant actions, including, without limitation, the issuance of certain equity securities; the repurchase, redemption or acquisition of our common stock; the incurrence of debt; the consummation of certain acquisitions, mergers or other such transactions; and the sale of material assets. The Certificate of Designations includes a Conversion Cap and an Investor Voting Cap (each as defined in the Certificate of Designations), which generally prohibit: (i) the conversion of Series A Preferred Stock into common stock; and (ii) the voting of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock, to the extent that such conversion results in the issuance of a number of shares of common stock exceeding 4.99% of our outstanding shares of common stock as of June 24, 2016 or that has voting power that exceeds 4.99% of the voting power of our outstanding shares of common stock as of June 24, 2016. The Certificate of Designations provides that the Conversion Cap and the Investor Voting Cap may only be removed upon our receipt of: (i) certain stockholder approvals required by Section 312.03 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual (“NYSE Rule 312”); and (ii) either (A) Education Regulatory Approval (as defined in the Certificate of Designations), or (B) a good faith determination by our board of directors that Education Regulatory Approval is not required. Our stockholders approved a proposal at the annual meeting of stockholders on February 27, 2020 , in accordance with the listing standards of the NYSE, that satisfied NYSE Rule 312. In August 2020, the Purchaser notified us that it intended to distribute all 700,000 Series A Preferred Stock to its members, and that certain of its members would subsequently distribute their Series A Preferred Stock to (i) limited partners affiliated with the Purchaser and certain other entities for whom Coliseum Capital Management, LLC (an affiliate of the Purchaser) holds voting and dispositive power with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock (the “Affiliated Holders”), which six Affiliated Holders, following such distribution, will own Series A Preferred Stock that would represent, on an as converted basis, approximately 24.9% of our outstanding shares of common stock and voting power, and (ii) limited partners unaffiliated with the Purchaser (the “Unaffiliated Holders”), which 12 Unaffiliated Holders, following such distribution, each will own Series A Preferred Stock that would represent, on an as converted basis, 9.9% or less of our outstanding shares of common stock and voting power (collectively, the “Distributions”). In connection with the Distributions, our board of directors, based on advice of legal counsel, determined that: (i) no Education Regulatory Approval would be required for the Unaffiliated Holders to remove the Conversion Cap and the Investor Voting Cap with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock acquired in the Distributions; and (ii) as to the Series A Preferred Stock held by the Affiliated Holders, no Education Regulatory Approval is required prior to the Affiliated Holders (A) converting a number of Series A Preferred Stock into common stock provided that the number of shares of common stock issued pursuant to such conversion, in the aggregate, is less than or equal to 9.9% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding on an as converted basis as of the date of the Distributions, and (B) voting a number of Series A Preferred Stock provided that the voting power of such Series A Preferred Stock and any shares of common stock issued upon conversion of such Series A Preferred Stock is less than or equal to 9.9% of the voting power of the common stock outstanding as of the date of the Distributions (the foregoing limitations, the “Continuing Caps”). The removal of the Conversion Cap and Voting Cap became effective as of the date of the Distributions, subject to the Continuing Caps remaining in place with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock distributed to the Affiliated Holders. Education Regulatory Approval continue to be required for, and the Continuing Caps will remain in place with respect to, the Series A Preferred Stock acquired by the Affiliated Holders in the Distributions to the extent such shares, on an as converted basis, represent in excess of 9.9% of our common stock and voting power as of the date of the Distributions. The Affiliated Holders may, at any time, request that we seek Education Regulatory Approval or make a good faith determination that such approval is not required. Optional Conversion by Purchaser The Series A Preferred Stock are convertible to common stock at any time at the option of the holder. Following the Distributions, the Conversion Cap currently applies to the Affiliated Holders. Additionally, the recipients of the Series A Preferred Stock in the Distributions entered into standard lock-up agreements with the Company restricting the transfer or sale of the Series A Preferred Stock, or any common stock convertible therefrom, for a period of 180 days from the September 14, 2020 distribution date. Optional Conversion by Our Company If at any time following the third anniversary of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock, the volume weighted average price of our common stock equals or exceeds 2.5 times the conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock, or $8.33 as of September 30, 2020, for a period of 20 consecutive trading days (“Conversion Trigger”), we may, at our option and subject to obtaining any required stockholder and regulatory approvals, require that any or all of the then outstanding Series A Preferred Stock be automatically converted into our common stock at the conversion rate. We may not elect such conversion during the closed trading window periods in which any director or executive officer of our company is prohibited by us to, directly or indirectly, purchase, sell or otherwise acquire or transfer any equity security of our company. If we are unable to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to remove the Conversion Cap within 120 days of giving our notice of intent to convert, we will have the option to redeem all of the Series A Preferred Stock at a premium. Conversion Rate and Conversion Price The conversion rate for the Series A Preferred Stock will be calculated by dividing the current liquidation preference by the conversion price then in effect. The initial and current conversion price for the Series A Preferred Stock is $3.33 per share. The conversion price is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain common stock events, as defined in the Purchase Agreement, including stock splits, reverse stock splits or the issuance of common stock dividends. Optional Special Dividend and Conversion on Certain Change of Control Upon a change of control, at the written election by holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, we shall declare and pay a special cash dividend in the amount equal to either 1.5 or 2.0 times the Cash Dividend rate, depending on the type of change in control, multiplied by the liquidation preference per share then in effect. Redemption at the Option of Our Company We have the ability to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock at any time after the third anniversary of the issue date, provided that the Conversion Trigger has not been met on the date of the redemption notice. Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will be able to convert their shares into common stock if neither the Investor Voting Cap nor Conversion Cap is in effect. If they do not provide notice of conversion within 10 days of receipt of the redemption notice, the redemption will proceed at a price per share equal to the product of the current conversion rate and 2.5 times the conversion price. If either the Investor Voting Cap or Conversion Cap is in effect at the date of the notice of redemption, the holder may request that we obtain the necessary regulatory approval for its removal. After the tenth anniversary of the issue date, we have the ability to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock in whole or in part at any time. Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will then be able to convert their shares into common stock if neither the Investor Voting Cap nor Conversion Cap is in effect. If they do not provide notice of conversion within 10 days of receipt of the redemption notice, the redemption will proceed at a price per share equal to the current liquidation preference. If either the Investor Voting Cap or Conversion Cap is in effect at the date of the notice of redemption, the holder may request that we obtain the necessary regulatory approval for its removal. Anti-dilution The conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock is subject to certain customary anti-dilution protections should we effect certain common stock events, such as stock splits, stock dividends or subdivisions, reclassifications or combinations of our common stock. In such events, the conversion price will be adjusted in a proportionate manner to the change in outstanding share of common stock immediately preceding and immediately after the event. Reservation of Shares Issuable upon Conversion We are required, at all times, to reserve and keep available out of our authorized and unissued shares of common stock the number of shares that would be issuable upon conversion of all Series A Preferred Stock, assuming that the Conversion Cap does not apply. If this reserve is not sufficient at any point to allow for full conversion, we shall be required to take action to increase our pool of authorized but unissued shares. Under the Securities Act, we were not required to register the offer or sale of the Series A Preferred Stock to the Purchaser. In conjunction with the Purchase Agreement, the parties entered into a Registration Rights Agreement in order to grant the Purchaser certain demand and piggyback registration rights covering the purchased shares. In the event that the Purchaser requests such registration of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Registration Rights agreement provides that we shall bear all expenses associated with the registration, with the exception of underwriting discounts and commissions and brokerage fees. On October 18, 2019, we filed a Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission to register shares of common stock currently held by selling stockholders as well as shares of common stock issuable upon the optional conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock held by the selling stockholders. That registration statement became effective on October 30, 2019. Equity Offering On February 20, 2020, we entered into an Underwriting Agreement with B. Riley FBR, Inc., as representative of the several underwriters named therein (the “Underwriters”), to issue and sell an aggregate of 6,782,610 shares (the “Firm Shares”) of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”), in a public offering, at a price to the public of $7.75 per share, pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-236146) (the “Registration Statement”) and the accompanying prospectus , and related prospectus supplement, filed with the SEC (the “Offering”). In addition, we granted the Underwriters an option (“Option”) to purchase up to an additional 1,017,390 shares of the Common Stock for a period of 30 days from February 20, 2020. The Offering of the Firm Shares closed on February 25, 2020. The net proceeds from the Offering were approximately $49.2 million, after deducting underwriting discounts. Direct costs of $0.4 million related to the offering were recorded to equity during the three months ended March 31, 2020. The Underwriters did not exercise the Option in full for the additional 1,017,390 shares. The 6,782,610 shares purchased were issued from Treasury Stock on February 25, 2020, leaving 82,287 shares in Treasury stock. We intend to use the proceeds for working capital, capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes, which may include the addition of new campuses, the expansion of existing programs and the development of new programs, and the purchase of real property and campus infrastructure. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to fund potential strategic acquisitions of complementary businesses, assets, services or technologies. Share Repurchase Program

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Incentive Compensation Plans We have two stock-based compensation plans: the Management 2002 Stock Option Program (“2002 Plan”) and the 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended (“2003 Plan”). The 2002 Plan was approved by our Board of Directors on April 1, 2002 and provided for the issuance of options to purchase 0.7 million shares of our common stock. On February 25, 2003, our Board of Directors authorized an additional 0.1 million options to purchase our common stock under the 2002 Plan. We do not intend to grant any additional options under the 2002 Plan. The 2003 Plan was approved by our Board of Directors and adopted effective December 22, 2003 upon consummation of our initial public offering and amended on February 28, 2007 and February 22, 2012 by our stockholders. The 2003 Plan, as amended, authorizes the issuance of various common stock awards, including stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units, for approximately 6.3 million shares of our common stock. As of September 30, 2020, 2.2 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2003 Plan, of which 1.3 million shares are available for future grant. When recording our stock-based compensation expense, we account for forfeitures as they occur. The following table summarizes the operating expense line and the impact on net income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations in which stock-based compensation expense has been recorded for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Educational services and facilities $ 64 $ — $ — Selling, general and administrative 2,013 1,440 1,864 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 2,077 $ 1,440 $ 1,864 Income tax benefit $ 519 $ 360 $ 466 Stock Options We issue stock options with exercise prices equal to the closing price of our stock on the grant date and which vest upon issuance. The expiration date of stock options granted under the 2003 Plan is the earlier of the seven We estimate the fair value of each stock option grant on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The estimated fair value is affected by our stock price, as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables, including, but not limited to, our expected stock price volatility, the expected term of the awards and actual and projected employee stock exercise behaviors. We evaluate our assumptions on the date of each grant. In determining our expected term, we have reviewed our historical share option exercise experience and determined it does not provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate an expected term due to our limited historical award and exercise experience. Therefore, we have historically assumed the life of the options to be the term of the grant. We determine the risk-free interest rate of our awards using the implied yield currently available for zero-coupon U.S. Government issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the options. The expected volatility considers the volatility of the Company’s common stock that has been traded for a period commensurate with the expected life. The expected term of options granted represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding based on historical experience. We have used an expected dividend yield of zero in the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We did not grant stock options during the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2018. We granted 210,000 stock options during the year ended September 30, 2019. The following assumptions were used to value options granted during the year ended September 30, 2019: Year Ended September 30, 2019 Expected years until exercised 7 Risk-free interest rate 2.84 % Expected volatility 52.4 % Expected dividends — % The following table summarizes stock option activity under the 2003 Plan for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate (In thousands) (per Share) (Years) Outstanding as of September 30, 2017 — $ — — $ — Outstanding as of September 30, 2018 — $ — — $ — Granted 210 $ 3.14 Exercised — $ — Forfeited — $ — Outstanding as of September 30, 2019 210 $ 3.14 6.19 $ 483 Granted — $ — Exercised — $ — Forfeited — $ — Outstanding as of September 30, 2020 210 $ 3.14 5.18 $ 407 Stock options exercisable as of September 30, 2020 210 $ 3.14 5.18 $ 407 As of September 30, 2020, there was no unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options. Restricted Stock Units and Performance Units The following table summarizes the activity for restricted stock units and performance units granted under the 2003 Plan for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018: RSU PSU Number of Weighted Average Number of Weighted Average Outstanding as of September 30, 2017 523 $ 3.71 132 $ 3.11 Granted 350 $ 2.90 182 $ 2.40 Vested (206) $ 4.51 — $ — Forfeited (95) $ 3.55 (36) $ 2.74 Outstanding as of September 30, 2018 572 $ 2.95 278 $ 2.69 Granted — $ — — $ — Adjustment to September 2017 grant based on achieved attainment level — $ — 23 Vested (228) $ 3.17 (108) $ 3.11 Forfeited (108) $ 2.96 (60) $ 2.75 Outstanding as of September 30, 2019 236 $ 2.74 133 $ 2.40 Granted 306 $ 7.46 314 $ 7.72 Adjustment to September 2017 grant based on achieved attainment level — $ — 33 Vested (141) $ 2.62 (100) $ 2.32 Forfeited (63) $ 2.96 (39) $ 2.48 Outstanding as of September 30, 2020 338 $ 7.01 341 $ 7.30 Restricted Stock Units Our restricted stock units are issued at fair market value, which is based on the closing prices of our stock on the grant date, discounted for non-participation in anticipated dividends during the vesting period. The restrictions on these units generally lapse ratably over a three As of September 30, 2020, unrecognized stock compensation expense related to restricted stock units was $1.8 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years. Performance Units The performance condition for performance units is compounded annual total shareholder return (“TSR”) for the measurement periods included in the grant. On the settlement date for each measurement period, participants will receive shares of our common stock equal to 0% to 150% of the performance units originally granted depending on the total stockholder return for that measurement period. The performance units vest subject to a market condition and on the settlement date which is expected to be no later than two and a half months after the end of each measurement period. We estimate the fair value of performance units using a Monte Carlo simulation which requires assumptions for expected volatility, risk-free rates of return, and dividend yields. Expected volatilities are derived using a method that calculates historical volatility over a period equal to the length of the measurement period for UTI. We use a risk-free rate of return that is equal to the yield of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bill that is commensurate with each measurement period, and we assume that any dividends paid were reinvested. To receive the performance units awarded for a measurement period, participants are required to be employed by us on the settlement date unless one of the following conditions is met. Upon death or disability of a participant, the participant will receive a pro-rated number of performance units reflecting actual performance through the vesting date and the number of months of the performance period during which the participant was employed. If an employee is terminated without cause or leaves for good reason within one year following certain changes in control, a determination of whether, and to what extent the performance condition has been achieved will be based on actual performance against the stated criteria through the separation date. If an employee is terminated without cause or leaves for good reason after the one-year anniversary of certain changes in control, the participant will receive a pro-rated number of performance units reflecting actual performance through the separation date and the number of complete twelve-month periods of the performance period during which the participant was employed. If employment is terminated for any other reason, all unvested performance units shall be forfeited upon termination. As of September 30, 2020, unrecognized stock compensation expense related to performance units was $1.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share We calculate basic earnings per share 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 earnings per share 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 earnings per common share 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 earnings per common share 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 awards and units and convertible preferred stock. The basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding are the same for years ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 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 earnings per common share under the two-class or as-converted method, as well as the anti-dilutive shares excluded: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Basic earnings per common share: Net income (loss) $ 8,008 $ (7,868) $ (32,682) Less: Preferred stock dividend declared (5,264) (5,250) (5,250) Income (loss) available for distribution 2,744 (13,118) (37,932) Income allocated to participating securities (1,135) — — Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 1,609 $ (13,118) $ (37,932) Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted average basic shares outstanding 29,812 25,438 25,115 Basic income (loss) per common share $ 0.05 $ (0.52) $ (1.51) Diluted earnings per common share: Method used: Two-class Two-class Two-class Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 1,609 $ (13,118) $ (37,932) Weighted average basic shares outstanding 29,812 25,438 25,115 Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans 301 — — Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 30,113 25,438 25,115 Diluted income (loss) per common share $ 0.05 $ (0.52) $ (1.51) Anti-dilutive shares excluded: Outstanding stock-based grants 14 733 334 Convertible preferred stock 21,021 21,021 21,021 Total anti-dilutive shares excluded 21,035 21,754 21,355 Dilutive shares under the as-converted method (1) 51,134 46,971 46,382

Defined Contribution Employee B

Defined Contribution Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Employee Benefit Plan	Defined Contribution Employee Benefit PlanWe sponsor a defined contribution 401(k) plan, under which our employees elect to withhold specified amounts from their wages to contribute to the plan and we have a fiduciary responsibility with respect to the plan. The plan provides for matching a portion of employees’ contributions at management’s discretion. All contributions and matches by us are invested at the direction of the employee in one or more mutual funds or cash. We made matching contributions of approximately $1.0 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment InformationOur 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 investments 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. Depreciation and amortization includes amortization of assets subject to finance leases or financing obligations. Summary information by reportable segment is as follows: Postsecondary Education Other Consolidated Year Ended September 30, 2020 Revenues $ 287,195 $ 13,566 $ 300,761 Loss from operations (3,493) (378) (3,871) Depreciation and amortization (1) 11,698 106 11,804 Net income (loss) 8,386 (378) 8,008 Year Ended September 30, 2019 Revenues 316,589 14,915 331,504 Loss from operations (6,685) (1,117) (7,802) Depreciation and amortization (1) 15,747 157 15,904 Net loss (7,149) (719) (7,868) Year Ended September 30, 2018 Revenues 300,753 16,212 316,965 Loss from operations (31,707) (3,568) (35,275) Depreciation and amortization (1) 14,978 710 15,688 Net loss (29,713) (2,969) (32,682) As of September 30, 2020 Total assets 435,144 6,837 441,981 As of September 30, 2019 Total assets 263,974 6,552 270,526 (1) Excludes depreciation of training equipment obtained in exchange for services of $1.3 million, $1.4 million and $1.4 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Government Regulation and Finan

Government Regulation and Financial Aid	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Government Regulation and Financial Aid	Government Regulation and Financial AidOur institutions are subject to extensive regulatory requirements imposed by a wide range of federal and state agencies, as well as by institutional and programmatic accreditors. These requirements, which are frequently being revisited, revised, and expanded, cover virtually every aspect of our schools’ operations, and our institutions are subject to periodic audits and program compliance reviews by various external agencies for compliance with these requirements. Each of our institutions’ administration of the federal programs of student financial assistance under Title IV of the HEA (“Title IV Programs”) also must be audited annually by independent accountants and the resulting audit report submitted to ED for review. The approvals granted by these regulatory entities permit our schools to operate and to participate in a variety of government-sponsored financial aid programs, including Title IV Programs. If our institutions fail to comply with any of these regulatory requirements, our regulators could take an array of adverse actions, up to and including revocation of the approval granted by the agency. Such adverse actions could have a material adverse effect on our academic or operational initiatives, cash flows, results of operations, or financial condition. Below, we discuss certain, specific elements of this regulatory environment. 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 (“Home State”). To engage in recruiting 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 students. 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. 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. In fiscal 2020, we derived approximately 66% of our revenues, on a cash basis as defined by ED, from 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 derive at least 10% of their revenues for each fiscal year from sources other than Title IV Program funds. 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 for two consecutive fiscal years. As of September 30, 2020, our institutions’ annual Title IV percentages as calculated under the 90/10 rule ranged from approximately 65% to 68%. • 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, or 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. As of September 30, 2020, only Universal Technical Institute of Texas was subject to a 30-day delay in receiving the first disbursement on federal student loans for first-time borrowers due to a three-year cohort default rate that was 15% or greater for one of the three most recent years. The 30-day delay was lifted as of September 30, 2020 for Universal Technical Institute of Phoenix due to the three-year cohort default rate falling below 15%. • 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, not receive an 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. We devote significant effort to understanding the effects of these regulations 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. However, we cannot predict with certainty how these new and developing regulatory requirements will be applied or whether each of our schools will be able to comply with all of the requirements in the future. 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. In 2020, we derived approximately 17% 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 and the CARES Act 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 provides 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 has been published regarding immigration, discrimination, safety, and privacy issues, as well as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”) established under the CARES Act. We have reviewed and implemented many of the flexibilities created by the CARES Act and ED’s guidance, including the opportunity to temporarily offer distance education, discussed below. 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. ED also permitted accreditors to waive their distance review requirements. ACCSC has granted institutions temporary approval to offer distance education through December 31, 2020 for the end of the emergency. State agencies have also provided distance education flexibility, but the processes and expiration dates for temporary distance education approval vary by state, and states have been granting extensions to these temporary approvals as they approach expiration. We have availed ourselves of this temporary flexibility in all our programs and we are in full compliance with all state and ACCSC requirements. To afford us additional flexibility beyond the current temporary approval period(s), we have initiated the approval process with ACCSC, state agencies, or both to be able of offer distance education and a blended learning format for all of our programs on a more permanent basis. Additionally, as a result of previously implementing our Tech II curriculum, we are currently approved to offer distance education at our Avondale, Arizona, Rancho Cucamonga, California, Sacramento, California, Orlando, Florida, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas, Long Beach, California and Bloomfield, New Jersey campuses for our Automotive/Diesel Tech II programs by ACCSC, state agencies, or both.

Higher Education Emergency Reli

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund under the CARES Act	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both [Abstract]
Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund under the CARES Act	Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund under the CARES Act The CARES Act established the HEERF. The HEERF includes approximately $14.0 billion in relief funds to be distributed directly to institutions of higher education. The most significant portion of that funding allocation provides that $12.56 billion will be distributed to institutions using a formula based on student enrollment. Of the amount allocated to each institution under this formula, at least 50% must be reserved to provide students with emergency financial aid grants to help cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus. The remaining funds must be used “to cover any costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus.” In order to access the HEERF funds, institutions must complete two Funding and Certification Agreements (the “HEERF Agreements”), one for the emergency financial grants to students portion and the other for the institutional portion, which obligate the recipient to administer the funds in a manner that is consistent with the CARES Act and federal laws and regulations cited in the HEERF Agreements. The HEERF Agreements also subject the recipient to a range of audit requirements, as well as quarterly and annual reporting requirements. ED has emphasized that institutions should be prepared to report the use of the funds and to describe any internal controls the institution has in place to ensure that funds were used for allowable purposes and in accordance with cash management principles. The agency also has encouraged institutions to keep detailed records of how they are expending all funds received under the HEERF. A failure to administer the HEERF funds in accordance with applicable laws at regular intervals could result in a future repayment liability. The allocations to the higher education institutions were set by a formula prescribed in the CARES Act, which is weighted significantly by the number of full-time students who are Pell-eligible, but also takes into consideration the total population of the school and the number of students who were not enrolled full-time online before the COVID-19 outbreak. ED utilized the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and Federal Student Aid for this calculation. In May 2020, we were granted approximately $33.0 million in HEERF funds for emergency grants to students and to cover institutional costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to coronavirus. HEERF Funds for Student Grants Per the HEERF Agreements, at least 50% of HEERF funds received were to be used exclusively for emergency financial aid grants to students impacted by COVID-19, supporting their efforts to stay in school and continue their training toward graduation and future careers. In May 2020, we received approximately $16.5 million designated for student grants and deposited these funds into a separate restricted cash account. As of September 30, 2020, we have awarded all $16.5 million designated for student grants to approximately 9,000 students. HEERF Funds for Significant Changes to the Delivery of Instruction Due to Coronavirus In addition, in May of 2020 we were awarded approximately $16.5 million for the institutional portion of the HEERF funds. Such funds may be used to provide additional emergency financial aid grants to students, to cover institutional costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to coronavirus, or not used at all and returned to the government. Per the CARES Act, the HEERF Agreements, and ED guidance, the following requirements are generally applicable to all allowable institutional costs: • Funds may only be used to cover institutional costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus. • Costs must have been incurred on or after March 13, 2020. • Funds must generally be spent one calendar year (365 days) from the date of award. • The use of funds must be documented and reported. As explained in the HEERF Agreements for the Institutional Portions, we have “discretion in determining how to allocate and use the funds provided under the CARES Act, provided the funds will be spent only on those costs for which Recipient has a reasoned basis for concluding such costs have a clear nexus to significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus.” Institutional costs that the ED has specifically designated as allowable include: additional emergency grants to students; reimbursements for refunds made to students for services the institution could no longer provide such as housing, food, room and board, and tuition; technology costs including laptops, hotspots, and other information technology equipment and software to enable students to participate in distance learning; qualified scholarships and payment for future academic terms; payments to a third-party service provider or online program manager for each additional student using the distance learning platform; purchases to ensure the physical safety of the students on campus; and purchases of equipment or software, paying for online licensing fees, or paying for internet service to enable students to transition to distance learning as such costs are associated with a significant change in the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus. The ED has specifically prohibited costs related to pre-enrollment recruiting activities, endowments, capital outlays associated with facilities to athletics, sectarian instruction, or religious worship, executive compensation, investor benefits, and to pay student balances or student debt. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, the majority of our training programs were delivered exclusively through in-person instruction at our campus locations. In order to allow our students to continue their education during the COVID-19 crisis, beginning on March 25, 2020, we shifted our predominantly on-campus, in-person education model to a blended training model that combines instructor-facilitated online teaching and demonstrations with hands-on labs. We incurred significant costs for the initial development and implementation of our online training program for students including software purchases, audio/video equipment purchases and labor hours to record the instructional videos and for training of faculty, and enhancements to the online student experience. In May 2020, we resumed in-person labs at eight of our campus locations. Four of our campuses resumed in-person labs in June 2020, and our final campus to resume in-person labs in Bloomfield, New Jersey opened on July 1, 2020. On-campus labs have been re-designed or modified to meet the guidelines set by the CDC, as well as state and local jurisdictions for health, safety and social distancing. In order to comply with these new guidelines, we incurred costs for sanitization supplies, partitions, labor hours and other related expenses to ensure safety and social distancing. Additionally, we purchased laptops to provide to our students to assist their transition to the online blended training model. We also incurred costs as we continued to improve and enhance the delivery of our online instruction for students. In total, we incurred approximately $15.1 million between March 15, 2020 and September 30, 2020 related to the changes in the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus. We have consulted with our outside regulatory counsel and believe that all of these costs are allowable expenses for the institutional HEERF funds under the CARES Act. However, we cannot guarantee that ED will agree with our foregoing conclusion. We have offset our total operating expenses by $15.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2020. Of the $15.1 million, $13.3 million was recorded in “Educational services and facilities” and $1.8 million was recorded in “Selling, general and administrative” on the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended September 30, 2020. Additionally, during the year ended September 30, 2020, we used $0.6 million of the institutional funds for additional emergency grants to our students. Including the additional student grants, the total institutional funds spent during fiscal 2020 was $15.7 million.

Quarterly Financial Summary (Un

Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited) Summarized quarterly financial information for fiscal 2020 and 2019 is as follows: Year ended September 30, 2020 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year Revenues $ 87,234 $ 82,717 $ 54,483 $ 76,327 $ 300,761 Income (loss) from operations 4,254 (499) (13,779) 6,153 (3,871) Net income (loss) 4,684 10,142 (13,268) 6,450 8,008 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 0.07 $ 0.18 $ (0.45) $ 0.10 $ 0.05 Diluted $ 0.07 $ 0.18 $ (0.45) $ 0.09 $ 0.05 Year ended September 30, 2019 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year Revenues $ 83,050 $ 81,746 $ 79,042 $ 87,666 $ 331,504 (Loss) income from operations (7,205) (5,580) (455) 5,438 (7,802) Net (loss) income (7,717) (5,263) (365) 5,477 (7,868) Earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ (0.36) $ (0.26) $ (0.07) $ 0.09 $ (0.52) Diluted $ (0.36) $ (0.26) $ (0.07) $ 0.09 $ (0.52) The sum of quarterly per share information does not equal amounts for the full year as quarterly calculations are performed on a discrete basis. Additionally, securities may have had an anti-dilutive effect during individual quarters but not for the full year.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UTI and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to revenue recognition, our proprietary loan program, allowance for uncollectible accounts, investments, property and equipment, goodwill recoverability, self-insurance claim liabilities, income taxes, contingencies and stock-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The results of our analysis form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, and the impact of such differences may be material to our consolidated financial statements.
Proprietary Loan Program	Proprietary Loan Program In order to provide funding for students who are not able to fully finance the cost of their education under traditional governmental financial aid programs, commercial loan programs or other alternative sources, we established a private loan program with a bank. Under the terms of the proprietary loan program, the bank originates loans for our students who meet our specific credit criteria with the related proceeds used exclusively to fund a portion of their tuition. We then purchase all such loans from the bank at least monthly and assume all of the related credit risk. The loans bear interest at market rates ranging from approximately 7% to 10%; however, principal and interest payments are not required until six months after the student completes or withdraws from his or her program. After the deferral period, monthly principal and interest payments are required over the related term of the loan. The repayment term is up to 10 years. The bank provides these services in exchange for a fee at a percentage of the principal balance of each loan and related fees. Under the terms of the related agreement, we transfer funds for loan purchases to a deposit account with the bank in advance of the bank funding the loan, which secures our related loan purchase obligation. Such funds are classified as restricted cash in our consolidated balance sheet. All related expenses incurred with the bank or other service providers are expensed as incurred within educational services and facilities expense and were approximately $0.9 million, $1.1 million and $1.3 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The portion of tuition revenue related to the proprietary loan program is considered a form of variable consideration. We estimate the amount we ultimately expect to collect from the portion of tuition that is funded by the proprietary loan program, resulting in a note receivable. Estimating the collection rate requires significant management judgment. The estimated amount is determined at the inception of the contract, and we recognize the related revenue as the student progresses through school. Each reporting period, we update our assessment of the variable collection rate associated with the proprietary loan program. Prior to adopting ASC 606 on October 1, 2017, we recognized revenue related to the proprietary loan program as cash was received.
Restricted Cash	Restricted CashRestricted cash includes funds held as collateral for certain of the surety bonds that our insurers issue on behalf of our campuses and admissions representatives with multiple states, which are required to maintain authorization to conduct our business, funds transferred in advance of loan purchases under our proprietary loan program and funds held for students from Title IV financial aid program funds that result in credit balances on a student’s account.
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts	Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts We maintain an allowance for uncollectible accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability, failure or refusal of our students to make required payments. We offer a variety of payment plans to help students pay that portion of their education
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Amortization of leasehold improvements is calculated using the straight-line method over the remaining useful life of the asset or term of lease, whichever is shorter. Costs relating to software developed for internal use and curriculum development are capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over the related estimated useful lives. Such costs include direct costs of materials and services as well as payroll and related costs for employees who are directly associated with the projects. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. We review the carrying value of our property and equipment for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment by examining estimated future cash flows. These cash flows are evaluated by using probability weighting techniques as well as comparisons of past performance against projections. Assets may also be evaluated by identifying independent market values. If we determine that an asset’s carrying value is impaired, we will write-down the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value and charge the impairment as an operating expense in the period in which the determination is made. There were no significant impairment charges required for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Goodwill	GoodwillOur goodwill balance of $8.2 million resulted from the acquisition of our motorcycle and marine education business in 1998 and is allocated to our MMI Orlando, Florida campus that provides the related educational programs. 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 the 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.
Self-Insurance Plans	Self-Insurance PlansWe are self-insured for claims related to employee health and dental care and claims related to workers’ compensation. Liabilities associated with these plans are estimated by management with consideration of our historical loss experience, severity factors and independent actuarial analysis. Our claim liabilities are based on estimates, and while we believe the amounts accrued are adequate, the ultimate losses may differ from the amounts provided.
Leases	Leases We lease the majority of our administrative and educational facilities under operating lease agreements. Upon adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”) as of October 1, 2019, we derecognized our previously recorded deferred rent balance. ASC 842 requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for substantially all leases, with the exception of short-term leases. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of income. We adopted ASC 842 under a modified retrospective method without the recasting of comparative periods’ financial information. See Note 3 “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for further detail regarding the adoption of ASC 842 and the impact on our financial statements and Note 10 “Leases” for our fiscal 2020 disclosures.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs Costs related to advertising are expensed as incurred and totaled approximately $39.7 million, $41.2 million and $44.8 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Historically, we have issued restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock options. Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units are subject to vesting with service and performance conditions. We measure all share-based payments to employees at estimated fair value. We recognize the compensation expense for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units with only service conditions on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We granted restricted stock awards with both service and performance conditions during the year ended September 30, 2020. We did not grant any stock options during the year ended September 30, 2020. Shares issued under our equity compensation plans are new shares. Compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance units is measured based on the grant date fair value of our common stock, discounted for non-participation in anticipated dividends during the vesting period. The requisite service period for restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance units is generally the vesting period.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the estimated future tax consequences of events attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We also recognize deferred tax assets for net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets are reduced through a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Concentration of Risk	Concentration of Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments and receivables. As of September 30, 2020, we held cash and cash equivalents of $76.8 million, restricted cash of $12.1 million and short-term held-to-maturity investments of $38.1 million. We place our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash with high quality financial institutions and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution. We mitigate the concentration risk of our investments by limiting the amount invested in any one issuer. We mitigate the risk associated with our investment in corporate bonds by requiring 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. We extend credit for tuition and fees, for a limited period of time, to a majority of our students. A substantial portion is repaid through the student’s participation in federally funded financial aid programs. Transfers of funds from the financial aid programs to us are made in accordance with the ED requirements. Approximately 66% of our revenues, on a cash basis, were collected from funds distributed under Title IV Programs for the year ended September 30, 2020 as calculated under the 90/10 rule. Additionally, approximately 17% of our revenues, on a cash basis, were collected from funds distributed under various veterans benefits programs for the year ended September 30, 2020. The financial aid and veterans benefits programs are subject to political and budgetary considerations. There is no assurance that such funding will be maintained at current levels. Extensive and complex regulations govern the financial assistance programs in which our students participate. Our administration of these programs is periodically reviewed by various regulatory agencies. Any regulatory violation could be the basis for the initiation of potential adverse actions, including a suspension, limitation, placement on reimbursement status or termination proceeding, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. ED and other regulators have increased the frequency and severity of their enforcement actions against postsecondary schools which have resulted in the imposition of material liabilities, sanctions, letter of credit requirements and other restrictions and, in some cases, resulted in the loss of schools’ eligibility to receive Title IV funds or in closure of the schools. If any of our institutions were to lose its eligibility to participate in federal student financial aid programs, the students at that institution would lose access to funds derived from those programs and would have to seek alternative sources of funds to pay their tuition and fees. Students obtain access to federal student financial aid through an ED prescribed application and eligibility certification process. Student financial aid funds are generally made available to students at prescribed intervals throughout their predetermined expected length of study. Students typically apply the funds received from the federal financial aid programs to pay their tuition and fees. The transfer of funds is from the financial aid program to the student, who then uses those funds to pay for a portion of the cost of their education. The receipt of financial aid funds reduces the student’s amounts due to us and has no impact on revenue recognition, as the transfer relates to the source of funding for the costs of education, which may occur either through Title IV or other funds and resources available to the student.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial InstrumentsThe carrying value of cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred tuition approximates their respective fair value as of September 30, 2020 and 2019 due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Start-up Costs	Start-up Costs Costs related to the start-up of new campuses and programs are expensed as incurred.
Accounting Pronouncements Effective in Fiscal Year	Accounting Pronouncements Effective in Fiscal 2020 Leases In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), which amended the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) by creating ASC 842 to replace ASC 840. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use (“ROU”) asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for substantially all leases, with the exception of short-term leases. Leases are classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of income. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842) to provide entities with relief from the costs of implementing certain aspects of the new leasing standard. It also allows lessors to elect not to separate lease and non-lease components when certain conditions are met. In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-01, Lease (Topic 842): Codification Improvements (“ASU 2019-01”). ASU 2019-01 clarifies certain items regarding lessor accounting. It also clarifies the interim disclosure requirements during transition. The new guidance in ASC 842 also provides a package of transition practical expedients that allow an entity to not reassess (1) whether any expired or existing contracts contain a lease, (2) the lease classification of any expired or existing lease, and (3) initial direct costs for any existing lease. We adopted ASC 842 effective October 1, 2019, and elected the package of transition practical expedients. We also elected additional transitional practical expedients that allow an entity to not reassess land easements not previously addressed under ASC 840 and to not recognize on the balance sheet leases with terms of less than 12 months. We are using the modified retrospective method without the recasting of comparative periods’ financial information. We did not elect the practical expedient to use hindsight in determining a lease term of the ROU assets at the adoption date. As a result of adopting the new standard, we recognized an operating lease liability of $163.0 million and an operating lease ROU asset of $148.6 million on October 1, 2019. The change resulted in the de-recognition of approximately $0.9 million of other assets and $15.3 million of other liabilities. The standard did not materially impact our condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows. In addition, we have two build-to-suit leases that were accounted for as financing obligations and related assets because we had continued involvement in the related facility after the construction period was completed. The financing obligations are now classified as operating leases in accordance with the new standard as of the transition date, including recognition of operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities. The change resulted in the de-recognition of approximately $40.7 million existing deferred financing obligations and $31.6 million in related assets. The net impact of the de-recognition and the adoption of ASC 842 as of October 1, 2019 was an increase in stockholders’ equity of approximately $9.1 million, with a subsequent adjustment during the three months ended March 31, 2020, which reduced the impact to stockholders’ equity by $0.1 million. The transition also resulted in the recognition of rent expense, which was previously reported as interest expense under the former guidance. See Note 10 “Leases” for our fiscal 2020 disclosures. Fair Value Measurement In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) (“ASU 2018-13”). ASU 2018-13 amends the disclosure requirements of ASC 820, changing the fair value measurement disclosure requirements of ASC 820 by adding new disclosure requirements, modifying existing disclosure requirements and eliminating other disclosure requirements. We adopted ASU 2018-13 as of October 1, 2019. There was no impact to our consolidated financial statements or disclosures. Cloud Computing Arrangements In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and other Internal-use Software (Subtopic 350-40) (“ASU 2018-15”). ASU 2018-15 aligns the accounting for costs incurred to implement a cloud computing arrangement (“CCA”) that is a service arrangement with the guidance on capitalizing costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Specifically, ASU 2018-15 amends ASC 350 to include in its scope implementation costs of a CCA that is a service contract and clarifies that a customer should apply ASC 350-40 to determine which implementation costs should be capitalized in a CCA that is considered a service contract. The effect of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements is dependent on our entry into any future cloud computing arrangements. Accounting Pronouncements Effective in Fiscal 2021 In June 2016, the 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 will be required to measure credit losses. This standard requires that entities estimate credit losses based upon an “expected credit loss” approach rather than the “incurred loss” approach, which is currently used. The new approach will require 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 is anticipated to impact 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 the Company's 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, and we do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-13 to have a material impact on our results of operations. Accounting Pronouncements Effective in Fiscal 2022 In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASU 2019-12”). The amendments in ASU 2019-12 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.
Nature of Goods and Services/Contract Balances	Revenue Recognition 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 Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts from Customers (“ASC 606”). Tuition and fee revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the course or program offered. Approximately 99%, 99% and 98% of our revenues for each of the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, consisted of gross tuition. The majority of our core 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 consolidated balance sheets because it is expected to be earned within the next 12 months. Through our proprietary loan program, we, in substance, provide the students who participate in this program with extended payment terms for a portion of their tuition. Based on historical collection rates, we can demonstrate that 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 this collection rate. Other We provide dealer technician training or instructor staffing services to manufacturers. Revenues are recognized as transfer of the services occurs. Nature of Goods and Services See Note 2 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for a description of the nature of revenues. 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 19 “Segment Information” 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 satisfy 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.

Revenue from Contracts with C_2

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability	The following table provides information about receivables and contract liabilities from contracts with customers: September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Receivables, which includes Tuition and Notes Receivable $ 53,144 $ 44,629 Deferred revenue $ 40,694 $ 42,886

Post-employment Benefits (Table

Post-employment Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Postemployment Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]	The post-employment benefit accrual activity for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was as follows: Severance Other Total Balance accrued as of September 30, 2018 $ 372 $ 9 $ 381 Post-employment benefit charges 1,637 90 1,727 Cash paid (1,159) (28) (1,187) Other non-cash adjustments (1) (129) (39) (168) Balance accrued as of September 30, 2019 $ 721 $ 32 $ 753 Post-employment benefit charges 2,223 57 2,280 Cash paid (2,210) (51) (2,261) Other non-cash adjustments (1) 131 (29) 102 Balance accrued as of September 30, 2020 $ 865 $ 9 $ 874

Receivables, net (Tables)

Receivables, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables, net	Receivables, net consist of the following: September 30, 2020 2019 Tuition receivables $ 23,565 $ 11,800 Tax receivables (1) 7,145 156 Other receivables 6,494 7,078 Receivables 37,204 19,034 Less: allowance for uncollectible accounts (1,793) (1,097) Receivables, net $ 35,411 $ 17,937
Summary of the Activity for our Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts	The following table summarizes the activity for our allowance for uncollectible accounts for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of period $ 1,097 $ 999 $ 579 Additions to bad debt expense 1,767 1,166 1,511 Write-offs of uncollectible accounts (1,071) (1,068) (1,091) Balance at end of period $ 1,793 $ 1,097 $ 999

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 September 30, 2020 were as follows: 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 Total as of September 30, 2020 $ 38,055 $ 10 $ (33) $ 38,032

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of Fair Value of Our Money Market Mutual Funds, Municipal Bonds and Certificates of Deposit	Assets measured or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis consisted of the following: Fair Value Measurements Using September 30, 2020 Quoted Prices Significant Significant 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 Fair Value Measurements Using September 30, 2019 Quoted Prices Significant Significant Money market funds (1) $ 37,794 $ 37,794 $ — $ — Notes receivable (2) 35,079 — — 35,079 Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis $ 72,873 $ 37,794 $ — $ 35,079 (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 consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020 and 2019. (2) Notes receivable relate to our proprietary loan program.

Property and Equipment, net (Ta

Property and Equipment, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment, net	Property and equipment, net consisted of the following: Depreciable September 30, September 30, Land — $ 3,189 $ 3,189 Building and building improvements 3-35 28,046 82,653 Leasehold improvements 1-28 62,899 53,020 Training equipment 3-10 91,731 96,737 Office and computer equipment 3-10 33,524 35,927 Curriculum development 5 19,692 19,692 Software developed for internal use 1-5 11,951 11,354 Vehicles 5 1,502 1,454 Right-of-use assets for finance leases 2-3 359 — Construction in progress — 2,213 1,631 255,106 305,657 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (182,363) (201,531) Property and equipment, net $ 72,743 $ 104,126
Assets Financed by Financing Obligations	The following amounts, which are included in the above table, represented assets financed by financing obligations as of September 30, 2019: September 30, Assets financed by financing obligations, gross $ 45,816 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (14,208) Assets financed by financing obligations, net $ 31,608

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Components of Lease Expense	The components of lease expense during the year ended September 30, 2020 were as follows: Lease Expense Year ended September 30, 2020 Operating lease expense (1) $ 29,348 Finance lease expense: Amortization of leased assets 102 Interest on lease liabilities 7 Variable lease expense 4,120 Sublease income (744) Total net lease expense $ 32,833 (1) Excludes the expense for short-term leases not accounted for under ASC 842, which was not significant for the year ended September 30, 2020.
Supplemental Information	Supplemental balance sheet, cash flow and other information related to our leases was as follows: Leases Classification As of September 30, 2020 Assets: Operating lease assets Right-of-use assets for operating leases $ 144,663 Finance lease assets Property and equipment, net (1) 257 Total leased assets $ 144,920 Liabilities: Current Operating lease liabilities Operating lease liability, current portion $ 23,666 Finance lease liabilities Other current liabilities 129 Noncurrent Operating lease liabilities Operating lease liability 134,089 Finance lease liabilities Other liabilities 131 Total lease liabilities $ 158,015 (1) Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $0.1 million as of September 30, 2020. Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information and Other Information Year ended September 30, 2020 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 25,617 Operating cash flows from finance leases 7 Financing cash flows from finance leases 99 Non-cash activity related to lease liabilities: Lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 20,321 Leases assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities 215 Lease Term and Discount Rate As of September 30, 2020 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Operating leases 9.34 Finance leases 2.05 Weighted average discount rate: Operating leases 4.37 % Finance leases 3.08 %
Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities After Adoption of 842	Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: As of September 30, 2020 Years ending September 30, Operating Leases Finance Leases 2021 $ 28,212 $ 135 2022 27,447 110 2023 18,565 23 2024 17,435 — 2025 15,022 — 2026 and thereafter 86,134 — Total lease payments 192,815 268 Less: interest (35,060) (8) Present value of lease liabilities 157,755 260 Less: current lease liabilities (23,666) (129) Long-term lease liabilities $ 134,089 $ 131
Maturities of Finance Lease Liabilities After Adoption of 842	Maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: As of September 30, 2020 Years ending September 30, Operating Leases Finance Leases 2021 $ 28,212 $ 135 2022 27,447 110 2023 18,565 23 2024 17,435 — 2025 15,022 — 2026 and thereafter 86,134 — Total lease payments 192,815 268 Less: interest (35,060) (8) Present value of lease liabilities 157,755 260 Less: current lease liabilities (23,666) (129) Long-term lease liabilities $ 134,089 $ 131
Future Minimum Rental Commitments	As of September 30, 2019, minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases by period were expected to be as follows (in thousands): Years ending September 30, Gross Sublease income Net 2020 $ 26,379 $ (362) $ 26,017 2021 23,531 (77) 23,454 2022 21,621 (78) 21,543 2023 10,461 (20) 10,441 2024 9,180 — 9,180 Thereafter 41,822 — 41,822 Total lease payments $ 132,994 $ (537) $ 132,457

Investment in Unconsolidated _2

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate	Investment in our unconsolidated affiliate consists of the following: September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Carrying Value Ownership Percentage Carrying Value Ownership Percentage Investment in JV $ 4,494 28.0 % $ 4,338 28.0 % Investment in our unconsolidated affiliate included the following activity during the period: Year ended September 30, 2020 2019 Balance at beginning of period $ 4,338 $ 4,206 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate 417 399 Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate (261) (267) Balance at end of period $ 4,494 $ 4,338

Accounts Payable and Accrued _2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following: September 30, 2020 2019 Accounts payable $ 12,471 $ 10,033 Accrued compensation and benefits 28,053 22,230 Other accrued expenses 11,367 13,615 Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 51,891 $ 45,878

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Income Tax Expense	The components of income tax benefit (expense) for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Current benefit (expense): United States federal $ 11,250 $ 2 $ 125 State (303) (205) 78 Total current benefit (expense) 10,947 (203) 203 Deferred benefit (expense): United States federal (345) — 2,878 State — — (66) Total deferred benefit (expense) (345) — 2,812 Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 10,602 $ (203) $ 3,015
Reconciliation of Tax Rate	The income tax provision differs from the tax that would result from application of the statutory federal tax rate of 21.0% to pre-tax income for the years ended September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, and 24.5% to pre-tax income for the year ended September 30, 2018. The reasons for the differences are as follows: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Income tax benefit at statutory rate $ 545 $ 1,610 $ 8,746 State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit (246) (165) 12 Change in federal statutory rate — — (12,645) Decrease (increase) in valuation allowance 6,135 (1,514) 7,066 Net operating losses carryback to higher federal statutory rate years 4,270 — — Other, net (102) (134) (164) Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 10,602 $ (203) $ 3,015
Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)	The components of the deferred tax assets (liabilities) recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows: September 30, 2020 2019 Gross deferred tax assets: Right-of-use assets for operating leases $ 40,515 $ — Deferred compensation $ 802 $ 1,449 Accrued compensation 3,940 2,432 Accrued tool sets 831 694 Other reserves and accruals 2,665 1,884 Deferred revenue 4,406 4,324 Deferred rent liability — 3,024 Financing obligation — 10,178 Net operating losses 6,729 12,639 Tax credit carryforwards 293 205 Charitable contribution carryovers 1,527 1,234 Deductions limited by Section 382 764 670 Valuation allowance (17,449) (25,673) Total gross deferred tax assets 45,023 13,060 Gross deferred tax liabilities: Operating lease liability (37,083) — Amortization of goodwill and intangibles (2,056) (2,056) Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment (5,547) (10,470) Prepaid and other expenses deductible for tax (1,011) (863) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (45,697) (13,389) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (674) $ (329)
Summary of Valuation Allowance	The following table summarizes the activity for the valuation allowance for the years ended September 30 2020, 2019 and 2018: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of period $ 25,673 $ 23,112 $ 38,407 Additions (reductions) to income tax (5,947) 2,561 (5,555) Write-offs (1) (2,277) — (9,740) Balance at end of period $ 17,449 $ 25,673 $ 23,112

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense	The following table summarizes the operating expense line and the impact on net income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations in which stock-based compensation expense has been recorded for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Educational services and facilities $ 64 $ — $ — Selling, general and administrative 2,013 1,440 1,864 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 2,077 $ 1,440 $ 1,864 Income tax benefit $ 519 $ 360 $ 466
Schedule of Assumptions For Stock Options	The following assumptions were used to value options granted during the year ended September 30, 2019: Year Ended September 30, 2019 Expected years until exercised 7 Risk-free interest rate 2.84 % Expected volatility 52.4 % Expected dividends — %
Summary of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity under the 2003 Plan for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate (In thousands) (per Share) (Years) Outstanding as of September 30, 2017 — $ — — $ — Outstanding as of September 30, 2018 — $ — — $ — Granted 210 $ 3.14 Exercised — $ — Forfeited — $ — Outstanding as of September 30, 2019 210 $ 3.14 6.19 $ 483 Granted — $ — Exercised — $ — Forfeited — $ — Outstanding as of September 30, 2020 210 $ 3.14 5.18 $ 407 Stock options exercisable as of September 30, 2020 210 $ 3.14 5.18 $ 407
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Units Activity	The following table summarizes the activity for restricted stock units and performance units granted under the 2003 Plan for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018: RSU PSU Number of Weighted Average Number of Weighted Average Outstanding as of September 30, 2017 523 $ 3.71 132 $ 3.11 Granted 350 $ 2.90 182 $ 2.40 Vested (206) $ 4.51 — $ — Forfeited (95) $ 3.55 (36) $ 2.74 Outstanding as of September 30, 2018 572 $ 2.95 278 $ 2.69 Granted — $ — — $ — Adjustment to September 2017 grant based on achieved attainment level — $ — 23 Vested (228) $ 3.17 (108) $ 3.11 Forfeited (108) $ 2.96 (60) $ 2.75 Outstanding as of September 30, 2019 236 $ 2.74 133 $ 2.40 Granted 306 $ 7.46 314 $ 7.72 Adjustment to September 2017 grant based on achieved attainment level — $ — 33 Vested (141) $ 2.62 (100) $ 2.32 Forfeited (63) $ 2.96 (39) $ 2.48 Outstanding as of September 30, 2020 338 $ 7.01 341 $ 7.30

Earnings per Share (Tables)

Earnings per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 earnings per common share under the two-class or as-converted method, as well as the anti-dilutive shares excluded: Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Basic earnings per common share: Net income (loss) $ 8,008 $ (7,868) $ (32,682) Less: Preferred stock dividend declared (5,264) (5,250) (5,250) Income (loss) available for distribution 2,744 (13,118) (37,932) Income allocated to participating securities (1,135) — — Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 1,609 $ (13,118) $ (37,932) Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted average basic shares outstanding 29,812 25,438 25,115 Basic income (loss) per common share $ 0.05 $ (0.52) $ (1.51) Diluted earnings per common share: Method used: Two-class Two-class Two-class Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 1,609 $ (13,118) $ (37,932) Weighted average basic shares outstanding 29,812 25,438 25,115 Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans 301 — — Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 30,113 25,438 25,115 Diluted income (loss) per common share $ 0.05 $ (0.52) $ (1.51) Anti-dilutive shares excluded: Outstanding stock-based grants 14 733 334 Convertible preferred stock 21,021 21,021 21,021 Total anti-dilutive shares excluded 21,035 21,754 21,355 Dilutive shares under the as-converted method (1) 51,134 46,971 46,382
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Basic earnings per common share: Net income (loss) $ 8,008 $ (7,868) $ (32,682) Less: Preferred stock dividend declared (5,264) (5,250) (5,250) Income (loss) available for distribution 2,744 (13,118) (37,932) Income allocated to participating securities (1,135) — — Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 1,609 $ (13,118) $ (37,932) Year Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted average basic shares outstanding 29,812 25,438 25,115 Basic income (loss) per common share $ 0.05 $ (0.52) $ (1.51) Diluted earnings per common share: Method used: Two-class Two-class Two-class Net income (loss) available to common shareholders $ 1,609 $ (13,118) $ (37,932) Weighted average basic shares outstanding 29,812 25,438 25,115 Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans 301 — — Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 30,113 25,438 25,115 Diluted income (loss) per common share $ 0.05 $ (0.52) $ (1.51) Anti-dilutive shares excluded: Outstanding stock-based grants 14 733 334 Convertible preferred stock 21,021 21,021 21,021 Total anti-dilutive shares excluded 21,035 21,754 21,355 Dilutive shares under the as-converted method (1) 51,134 46,971 46,382

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Information by Reportable Segment	Summary information by reportable segment is as follows: Postsecondary Education Other Consolidated Year Ended September 30, 2020 Revenues $ 287,195 $ 13,566 $ 300,761 Loss from operations (3,493) (378) (3,871) Depreciation and amortization (1) 11,698 106 11,804 Net income (loss) 8,386 (378) 8,008 Year Ended September 30, 2019 Revenues 316,589 14,915 331,504 Loss from operations (6,685) (1,117) (7,802) Depreciation and amortization (1) 15,747 157 15,904 Net loss (7,149) (719) (7,868) Year Ended September 30, 2018 Revenues 300,753 16,212 316,965 Loss from operations (31,707) (3,568) (35,275) Depreciation and amortization (1) 14,978 710 15,688 Net loss (29,713) (2,969) (32,682) As of September 30, 2020 Total assets 435,144 6,837 441,981 As of September 30, 2019 Total assets 263,974 6,552 270,526 (1) Excludes depreciation of training equipment obtained in exchange for services of $1.3 million, $1.4 million and $1.4 million for the years ended September 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Quarterly Financial Summary (_2

Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited)	Summarized quarterly financial information for fiscal 2020 and 2019 is as follows: Year ended September 30, 2020 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year Revenues $ 87,234 $ 82,717 $ 54,483 $ 76,327 $ 300,761 Income (loss) from operations 4,254 (499) (13,779) 6,153 (3,871) Net income (loss) 4,684 10,142 (13,268) 6,450 8,008 Earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 0.07 $ 0.18 $ (0.45) $ 0.10 $ 0.05 Diluted $ 0.07 $ 0.18 $ (0.45) $ 0.09 $ 0.05 Year ended September 30, 2019 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year Revenues $ 83,050 $ 81,746 $ 79,042 $ 87,666 $ 331,504 (Loss) income from operations (7,205) (5,580) (455) 5,438 (7,802) Net (loss) income (7,717) (5,263) (365) 5,477 (7,868) Earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ (0.36) $ (0.26) $ (0.07) $ 0.09 $ (0.52) Diluted $ (0.36) $ (0.26) $ (0.07) $ 0.09 $ (0.52)

Business Description - Narrativ

Business Description - Narrative (Details) - 12 months ended Sep. 30, 2020 technician in Thousands	campus	technician	plan	location
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of campuses through which undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs are offered	12			12
Duration of technical education provided	55 years
Number of graduated technicians | technician		220
Number of manufacturer brand partners and employers | plan			35

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenue consisted of tuition	99.00%	99.00%	98.00%
Repayment term	10 years
Expenses Incurred with bank and other services	$ 900	$ 1,100	$ 1,300
Goodwill	$ 8,222	8,222
Decrease in average students enrolled	3.80%
Increase in new student enrollments	3.40%
Accrued Insurance	$ 3,400
Advertising Expenses	39,700	41,200	44,800
Stock Based Compensation Expenses	2,077	1,440	1,864
Tax Benefit	519	360	466
Cash and cash equivalents	76,803	65,442	58,104	$ 50,138
Restricted Cash	12,116	15,113	$ 14,055	$ 14,822
Held-to-maturity investments	$ 38,055	$ 0
Percentage of cash basis revenue collected from funds distributed under Title IV programs	66.00%
Percentage of Cash Basis Revenue Collected from Funds Distributed Under Veterans Benefits Programs	17.00%
Minimum
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Market interest rates	7.00%
Maximum
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Market interest rates	10.00%

Recent Accounting Pronounceme_2

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2019USD ($)lease	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Present value of lease liabilities		$ 157,755
Right-of-use assets for operating leases		144,663			$ 0
De-recognition of other assets		(6,489)			(7,331)
De-recognition of other liabilities		(2,241)			(3,940)
De-recognition of existing deferred financing obligations					(1,554)
De-recognition of existing related assets					(31,608)
Stockholders' Equity		176,522			114,288	$ 126,645	$ 125,776
Retained earnings		(32,971)			(44,673)
Retained Earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity		$ (32,971)			(44,673)	$ (31,555)	(30,832)
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity					8,958		37,209
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment | Retained Earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity					8,958		$ 37,209
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Present value of lease liabilities				$ 163,000
Right-of-use assets for operating leases				148,600
De-recognition of other assets				900
De-recognition of other liabilities				$ 15,300
Number of build-to-suit leases | lease				2
De-recognition of existing deferred financing obligations					40,700
De-recognition of existing related assets					$ 31,600
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 | Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment | Retained Earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity			$ 100	$ 9,100
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 | Subsequent Event
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Receivables balance	$ 1,600
Retained earnings	$ 1,600

Revenue from Contracts with C_3

Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Details) student in Thousands, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020campus	May 31, 2020campus	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 25, 2020student	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Receivables, which includes Tuition and Notes Receivable			$ 53,144		$ 44,629
Deferred revenue			$ 40,694		42,886
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Number of online students | student				8
Number of campuses, in-person labs resumed | campus	4	8
Percentage of students not returned to campus			5.00%
Percentage of students completing catch up labs			28.00%
Deferred revenue			$ 40,694		$ 42,886
Students
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Deferred revenue			6,100
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Deferred revenue			$ 6,100

Post-employment Benefits - Narr

Post-employment Benefits - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Post-employment benefit charges	$ 1,100	$ 2,280	$ 1,727
Cash paid		$ 2,261	$ 1,187
Minimum
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Payment term for post-employment benefit liability		1 month
Maximum
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Payment term for post-employment benefit liability		24 months
Former President and Chief Executive Officer
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Post-employment benefit charges		$ 1,500
Cash paid		$ 1,200

Post-employment Benefits - Bene

Post-employment Benefits - Benefit Accrual Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Postemployment Benefit Liability [Roll Forward]
Balance accrued, beginning		$ 753	$ 381
Post-employment benefit charges	$ 1,100	2,280	1,727
Cash paid		(2,261)	(1,187)
Other non-cash adjustments		102	(168)
Balance accrued, ending		874	753
Employee Severance
Postemployment Benefit Liability [Roll Forward]
Balance accrued, beginning		721	372
Post-employment benefit charges		2,223	1,637
Cash paid		(2,210)	(1,159)
Other non-cash adjustments		131	(129)
Balance accrued, ending		865	721
Other Restructuring
Postemployment Benefit Liability [Roll Forward]
Balance accrued, beginning		32	9
Post-employment benefit charges		57	90
Cash paid		(51)	(28)
Other non-cash adjustments		(29)	(39)
Balance accrued, ending		$ 9	$ 32

Receivables, net - Schedule of

Receivables, net - Schedule of Receivables, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Receivables [Abstract]
Tuition receivables	$ 23,565	$ 11,800
Tax receivables	7,145	156
Other receivables	6,494	7,078
Receivables	37,204	19,034
Less: allowance for uncollectible accounts	(1,793)	(1,097)
Receivables, net	$ 35,411	$ 17,937

Receivables, net - Allowance fo

Receivables, net - Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 1,097	$ 999	$ 579
Additions to Bad Debt Expense	1,767	1,166	1,511
Write-offs of uncollectible accounts	(1,071)	(1,068)	(1,091)
Balance at end of period	$ 1,793	$ 1,097	$ 999

Investments - Narrative (Detail

Investments - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from equity offering	$ 49,500	$ 49,153	$ 0	$ 0

Investments - Schedule of Held-

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

Fair Value Measurements - Asset

Fair Value Measurements - Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	$ 114,147	$ 72,873
Money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	43,322	37,794
Notes receivable
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	32,793	35,079
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	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	81,354	37,794
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	43,322	37,794
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	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
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	32,793	35,079
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	32,793	$ 35,079
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

Property and Equipment, net - S

Property and Equipment, net - Schedule of Property and Equipment, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross		$ 305,657
Right-of-use assets for finance leases	$ 359
Property and equipment and Right-of-use assets for finance leases, gross	255,106
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(182,363)
Property and equipment, net	72,743
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(201,531)
Property and equipment, net		104,126
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	3,189	3,189
Building and building improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 28,046	82,653
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	$ 62,899	53,020
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	$ 91,731	96,737
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	$ 33,524	35,927
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]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 19,692	19,692
Software developed for internal use
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 11,951	11,354
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]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,502	1,454
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	$ 2,213	$ 1,631

Property and Equipment, net - A

Property and Equipment, net - Assets Financed by Financing Obligations (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Assets financed by financing obligations, gross	$ 45,816
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(14,208)
Assets financed by financing obligations, net	$ 31,608

Leases - Narrative (Details)

Leases - Narrative (Details) - 12 months ended Sep. 30, 2020 $ in Thousands	USD ($)location	campus	location	USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Number of lease contracts | location	10
Number of campuses		12	12
Rent expense includes rent paid to related parties	$ 2,000
Operating lease payments due				$ 192,815
Minimum Annual Rent Increase	4.00%
John C. White, Property One
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease payments due				300
John C. White, Property Two
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease payments due				$ 700
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease term	8 years
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease term	20 years

Leases - Components of Lease Ex

Leases - Components of Lease Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense	$ 29,348
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of leased assets	102
Interest on lease liabilities	7
Variable lease expense	4,120
Sublease income	(744)
Total net lease expense	$ 32,833

Leases - Supplemental Informati

Leases - Supplemental Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Assets:
Operating lease assets	$ 144,663	$ 0
Finance lease assets	257
Total leased assets	$ 144,920
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization
Liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities	$ 23,666	0
Finance lease liabilities	129
Long-term lease liabilities	134,089
Finance lease liabilities	131
Total lease liabilities	$ 158,015
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent
Finance lease, accumulated amortization	$ 100
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	25,617
Operating cash flows from finance leases	7
Financing cash flows from finance leases	99	$ 1,319	$ 1,107
Non-cash activity related to lease liabilities:
Lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	20,321
Leases assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	$ 215
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years):
Weighted-average remaining lease term, operating leases	9 years 4 months 2 days
Weighted-average remaining lease term, finance leases	2 years 18 days
Weighted average discount rate:
Weighted average discount rate, operating leases	4.37%
Weighted average discount rate, finance leases	3.08%

Leases - Maturities of Operatin

Leases - Maturities of Operating Leases After Adoption of 842 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Operating Leases
2021	$ 28,212
2022	27,447
2023	18,565
2024	17,435
2025	15,022
2026 and thereafter	86,134
Total lease payments	192,815
Less: interest	(35,060)
Present value of lease liabilities	157,755
Less: current lease liabilities	(23,666)	$ 0
Long-term lease liabilities	134,089
Finance Leases
2021	135
2022	110
2023	23
2024	0
2025	0
2026 and thereafter	0
Total lease payments	268
Less: interest	(8)
Present value of lease liabilities	260
Less: current lease liabilities	(129)
Long-term lease liabilities	$ 131

Leases - Maturities of Operat_2

Leases - Maturities of Operating Leases Before Adoption of 842 (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Gross
2020	$ 26,379
2021	23,531
2022	21,621
2023	10,461
2024	9,180
Thereafter	41,822
Total lease payments	132,994
Sublease income
2020	(362)
2021	(77)
2022	(78)
2023	(20)
2024	0
Thereafter	0
Total lease payments	(537)
Net
2020	26,017
2020	23,454
2021	21,543
2022	10,441
2023	9,180
Thereafter	41,822
Operating Leases - Total	$ 132,457

Investment in Unconsolidated _3

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value	$ 4,494	$ 4,338	$ 4,206	$ 4,000
Ownership Percentage				28.00%
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	0	399	385
Other (expense) income, net
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate		399	$ 400
Education services and facilities
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	417
Investment in JV
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Carrying value	$ 4,494	$ 4,338
Ownership Percentage	28.00%	28.00%

Investment in Unconsolidated _4

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate - Equity Method Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Increase (Decrease) In Equity Investment [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 4,338	$ 4,206
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	0	399	$ 385
Return of capital contribution from unconsolidated affiliate	(261)	(267)	(291)
Balance at end of period	4,494	4,338	4,206
Other (expense) income, net
Increase (Decrease) In Equity Investment [Roll Forward]
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate		$ 399	$ 400
Education services and facilities
Increase (Decrease) In Equity Investment [Roll Forward]
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliate	$ 417

Accounts Payable and Accrued _3

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 12,471	$ 10,033
Accrued compensation and benefits	28,053	22,230
Other accrued expenses	11,367	13,615
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 51,891	$ 45,878

Income Taxes - Components of In

Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Current benefit (expense):
United States federal	$ 11,250	$ 2	$ 125
State	(303)	(205)	78
Total current benefit (expense)	10,947	(203)	203
Deferred benefit (expense):
United States federal	(345)	0	2,878
State	0	0	(66)
Deferred income taxes	(345)	0	2,812
Total income tax benefit (expense)	$ 10,602	$ (203)	$ 3,015

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Tax Rate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax benefit at statutory rate	$ 545	$ 1,610	$ 8,746
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	(246)	(165)	12
Change in federal statutory rate	0	0	(12,645)
Decrease (increase) in valuation allowance	6,135	(1,514)	7,066
Net operating losses carryback to higher federal statutory rate years	4,270	0	0
Other, net	(102)	(134)	(164)
Total income tax benefit (expense)	$ 10,602	$ (203)	$ 3,015

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended		24 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory federal tax rate	21.00%	24.50%
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	$ 17,449			$ 25,673
CARES Act NOLs		$ 13,000		20,300
Tax refund generated	4,200	$ 11,300	$ 11,300
Tax receivables	7,145			$ 156
Tax Year 2039
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net operating losses	2,300
United States federal
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net operating losses	18,900
State
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net operating losses	$ 48,400

Income Taxes - Components of De

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Gross deferred tax assets:
Right-of-use assets for operating leases	$ 40,515	$ 0
Deferred compensation	802	1,449
Accrued compensation	3,940	2,432
Accrued tool sets	831	694
Other reserves and accruals	2,665	1,884
Deferred revenue	4,406	4,324
Deferred rent liability	0	3,024
Financing obligation	0	10,178
Net operating losses	6,729	12,639
Tax credit carryforwards	293	205
Charitable contribution carryovers	1,527	1,234
Deductions limited by Section 382	764	670
Valuation allowance	(17,449)	(25,673)
Total gross deferred tax assets	45,023	13,060
Gross deferred tax liabilities:
Operating lease liability	(37,083)	0
Amortization of goodwill and intangibles	(2,056)	(2,056)
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment	(5,547)	(10,470)
Prepaid and other expenses deductible for tax	(1,011)	(863)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(45,697)	(13,389)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (674)	$ (329)

Income Taxes - Summary of Valua

Income Taxes - Summary of Valuation Allowance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2017	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset
Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 38,407	$ 25,673	$ 23,112	$ 38,407
Additions (reductions) to income tax		(5,947)	2,561	(5,555)
Write-offs		(2,277)	0	(9,740)
Balance at end of period		17,449	25,673	23,112
Write-offs		2,277	$ 0	$ 9,740
Deferred Tax Asset Related to ASC 606 Adoption
Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward]
Write-offs	(9,600)
Write-offs	$ 9,600
Deferred Tax Asset Related to ASC 842 Adoption
Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward]
Write-offs		(2,300)
Write-offs		$ 2,300

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015option	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Educational services and facilities		$ 155,932,000	$ 178,317,000	$ 182,589,000
Licensing agreement, initial term	4 years
Number of renewal options | option	3
Licensing agreement, term	7 years
Maximum License costs over seven years		2,300,000
Net prepaid expenses from excess of credits earned over credits used		5,500,000	6,400,000
Accrued tool sets		3,148,000	2,586,000
Liability to vendor for vouchers redeemed by students		$ 1,900,000	2,100,000
Maximum contribution per employee percentage of regular compensation		75.00%
Maximum contribution per employee percentage of incentive compensation		100.00%
Maximum contribution per non-employee percentage of cash compensation		100.00%
Deferred compensation contributions, vesting period		5 years
Obligation under the plan		$ 3,000,000	4,300,000
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		3,300,000	4,800,000
Minimum
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Annual payments		1,000,000
Maximum
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Annual payments		1,500,000
Surety Bond
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		16,800,000
Licensing Agreement 1
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Educational services and facilities		500,000	600,000	700,000
Licensing Agreement 2
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Educational services and facilities		1,200,000	1,400,000	1,600,000
Required minimum royalty payment		1,000,000
Licensing Agreement 3
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Educational services and facilities		$ 100,000	100,000	100,000
Minimum notification of intent to terminate agreement		90 days
Licensing Agreement 4
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Educational services and facilities		$ 300,000	$ 200,000	$ 400,000

Shareholders' Equity - Narrativ

Shareholders' Equity - Narrative (Details)	Sep. 14, 2020	Feb. 25, 2020USD ($)	Feb. 20, 2020$ / sharesshares	Jun. 24, 2016USD ($)shares	Aug. 31, 2020holdershares	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)dayvote$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)vote$ / sharesshares	Dec. 20, 2011USD ($)
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Number of voting rights per share, common stock | vote						1			1
Preferred stock, shares authorized | shares						10,000,000	10,000,000		10,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)						$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001		$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares issued | shares						700,000	700,000		700,000
Stock issuance costs | $				$ 1,200,000
Preferred stock cash dividends declared | $						$ 5,264,000	$ 5,250,000	$ 5,250,000
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)						$ 100	$ 100		$ 100
Affiliated Holders | holder					6
Unaffiliated Holders | holder					12
Affiliated holder, conversion cap	180 days
Volume weighted average price, conversion rate if exceeded						2.5			2.5
Conversion Trigger | day						20
Conversion Cap						120 days
Notice of conversion						10 days
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)						$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001		$ 0.0001
Net proceeds from the Offering | $		$ 49,200,000
Repurchase of common stock authorized by Board of Directors | $										$ 25,000,000
Purchased shares (in shares) | shares									1,677,570
Average price per share									$ 9.09
Aggregate cost of treasury stock repurchased during the period | $									$ 15,300,000
Preferred Stock Including Additional Paid in Capital
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale | $				$ 70,000,000
Public Offering
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Aggregate shares sold (in shares) | shares			6,782,610
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)			$ 0.0001
Sale of stock (in dollars per share)			$ 7.75
Direct costs | $						$ 400,000
Treasury stock (in shares) | shares			82,287
Over-Allotment Option
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Aggregate shares sold (in shares) | shares			1,017,390
Option to purchase additional shares, period			30 days
Minimum
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Special cash dividend rate						1.5			1.5
Maximum
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Special cash dividend rate						2			2
Series A Preferred Stock
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized | shares						10,000,000			10,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)						$ 0.0001			$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares issued | shares				700,000		700,000	700,000		700,000
Preferred stock rate						7.50%
Accrued dividend rate						2.00%
Preferred stock, liquidation preference (in dollars per share)						$ 100	$ 100		$ 100
Preferred Stock Voting Cap						4.99%
Conversion cap, percentage						4.99%			4.99%
Distributed to members (in shares) | shares					700,000
Percentage of outstanding shares of common stock and voting power, affiliated holders					24.90%
Percentage of outstanding shares of common stock and voting power, unaffiliated holders					9.90%
Conversion price (in dollars per share)						$ 8.33
Initial and current conversion price (in dollars per share)						$ 3.33
Series A Preferred Stock | Minimum
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Preferred stock rate						5.00%
Series A Preferred Stock | Maximum
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Preferred stock rate						14.50%

Stock-Based Compensation - Narr

Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	Feb. 25, 2003shares	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)planshares	Sep. 30, 2019shares	Dec. 22, 2003shares	Apr. 01, 2002shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock-based compensation plans | plan		2
Granted (in shares)		0	210
RSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period, condition one		1 year
Unrecognized stock compensation expense | $		$ 1.8
Unrecognized stock compensation expense, period for recognition		2 years 4 months 24 days
RSU | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
RSU | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		4 years
PSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized stock compensation expense | $		$ 1.6
Unrecognized stock compensation expense, period for recognition		1 year 4 months 24 days
PSU | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Measurement period, percentage		0.00%
PSU | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Measurement period, percentage		150.00%
2002 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Issuance of options to purchase shares of common stock (in shares)					700
Number of additional shares authorized for issuance under an established share-based compensation plan (in shares)	100
2003 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Issuance of options to purchase shares of common stock (in shares)				6,300
Common stock reserved for issuance (in shares)		2,200
Available for future grant (in shares)		1,300
2003 Plan | Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period, condition one		1 year
Expiration period, condition two		90 days
2003 Plan | Stock Option | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration date		7 years
2003 Plan | Stock Option | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration date		10 years

Stock-Based Compensation - Summ

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 2,077	$ 1,440	$ 1,864
Income tax benefit	519	360	466
Educational services and facilities
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	64	0	0
Selling, general and administrative
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 2,013	$ 1,440	$ 1,864

Stock-Based Compensation - Sche

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Assumptions For Stock Options (Details) - Stock Option	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected years until exercised	7 years
Risk-free interest rate	2.84%
Expected volatility	52.40%
Expected dividends	0.00%

Stock-Based Compensation - Su_2

Stock-Based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Number of  Shares
Outstanding, beginning (in shares)	210	0
Granted (in shares)	0	210
Exercised (in shares)	0	0
Forfeited (in shares)	0	0
Outstanding, ending (in shares)	210	210
Stock options exercisable (in shares)	210
Weighted Average  Exercise Price
Weighted Average Exercise Price, beginning (in dollars per share)	$ 3.14	$ 0
Granted (in dollars per share)	0	3.14
Exercised (in dollars per share)	0	0
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	0	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price, ending (in dollars per share)	3.14	$ 3.14
Stock options exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 3.14
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Outstanding	5 years 2 months 4 days	6 years 2 months 8 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Exercisable	5 years 2 months 4 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$ 407	$ 483	$ 0	$ 0
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$ 407

Stock-Based Compensation - Rest

Stock-Based Compensation - Restricted Stock Units and Performance Units Activity (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
RSU
Number of  Shares (In thousands)
Outstanding, beginning (in shares)	236	572	523
Granted (in shares)	306	0	350
Adjustment to September 2017 grant based on achieved attainment level (in shares)	0	0
Vested (in shares)	(141)	(228)	(206)
Forfeited (in shares)	(63)	(108)	(95)
Outstanding, ending (in shares)	338	236	572
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding, beginning (in dollars per share)	$ 2.74	$ 2.95	$ 3.71
Granted (in dollars per share)	7.46	0	2.90
Adjustment to September 2017 grant based on achieved attainment level (in dollars per share)	0	0
Vested (in dollars per share)	2.62	3.17	4.51
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	2.96	2.96	3.55
Outstanding, ending (in dollars per share)	$ 7.01	$ 2.74	$ 2.95
PSU
Number of  Shares (In thousands)
Outstanding, beginning (in shares)	133	278	132
Granted (in shares)	314	0	182
Adjustment to September 2017 grant based on achieved attainment level (in shares)	33	23
Vested (in shares)	(100)	(108)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	(39)	(60)	(36)
Outstanding, ending (in shares)	341	133	278
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Outstanding, beginning (in dollars per share)	$ 2.40	$ 2.69	$ 3.11
Granted (in dollars per share)	7.72	0	2.40
Adjustment to September 2017 grant based on achieved attainment level (in dollars per share)
Vested (in dollars per share)	2.32	3.11	0
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	2.48	2.75	2.74
Outstanding, ending (in dollars per share)	$ 7.30	$ 2.40	$ 2.69

Earnings per Share - Calculatio

Earnings per Share - Calculation of the Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 6,450	$ (13,268)	$ 10,142	$ 4,684	$ 5,477	$ (365)	$ (5,263)	$ (7,717)	$ 8,008	$ (7,868)	$ (32,682)
Less: Preferred stock dividend declared									(5,264)	(5,250)	(5,250)
Income (loss) available for distribution									2,744	(13,118)	(37,932)
Income allocated to participating securities									(1,135)	0	0
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders									$ 1,609	$ (13,118)	$ (37,932)
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)									29,812	25,438	25,115
Basic income (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ (0.45)	$ 0.18	$ 0.07	$ 0.09	$ (0.07)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.36)	$ 0.05	$ (0.52)	$ (1.51)

Earnings per Share - Schedule o

Earnings per Share - Schedule of Antidilutive securities (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders									$ 1,609	$ (13,118)	$ (37,932)
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)									29,812	25,438	25,115
Dilutive effect related to employee stock plans (in shares)									301	0	0
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)									30,113	25,438	25,115
Diluted income (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ (0.45)	$ 0.18	$ 0.07	$ 0.09	$ (0.07)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.36)	$ 0.05	$ (0.52)	$ (1.51)
Anti-dilutive shares excluded (in shares)									21,035	21,754	21,355
Dilutive shares under the as-converted method (in shares)									51,134	46,971	46,382
Restricted Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded (in shares)									14	733	334
Convertible Preferred Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded (in shares)									21,021	21,021	21,021

Defined Contribution Employee_2

Defined Contribution Employee Benefit Plan - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 76,327	$ 54,483	$ 82,717	$ 87,234	$ 87,666	$ 79,042	$ 81,746	$ 83,050		$ 300,761	$ 331,504	$ 316,965
Loss from operations	6,153	(13,779)	(499)	4,254	5,438	(455)	(5,580)	(7,205)		(3,871)	(7,802)	(35,275)
Depreciation and amortization										11,804	15,904	15,688
Net income (loss)	6,450	$ (13,268)	$ 10,142	$ 4,684	5,477	$ (365)	$ (5,263)	(7,717)		8,008	(7,868)	(32,682)
Total assets	441,981				270,526					441,981	270,526
Depreciation and amortization, assets subject to financing obligation								$ 1,400	$ 1,400	1,300
Operating Segments | Postsecondary Education
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										287,195	316,589	300,753
Loss from operations										(3,493)	(6,685)	(31,707)
Depreciation and amortization										11,698	15,747	14,978
Net income (loss)										8,386	(7,149)	(29,713)
Total assets	435,144				263,974					435,144	263,974
Corporate, Non-Segment | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										13,566	14,915	16,212
Loss from operations										(378)	(1,117)	(3,568)
Depreciation and amortization										106	157	710
Net income (loss)										(378)	(719)	$ (2,969)
Total assets	$ 6,837				$ 6,552					$ 6,837	$ 6,552

Government Regulation and Fin_2

Government Regulation and Financial Aid (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Percentage of cash basis revenue collected from funds distributed under Title IV programs	66.00%
Percentage of Cash Basis Revenue Collected from Funds Distributed Under Veterans Benefits Programs	17.00%
Minimum
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Percentages as calculated under 90/10 rule	65.00%
Maximum
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Percentages as calculated under 90/10 rule	68.00%

Higher Education Emergency Re_2

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund under the CARES Act (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		7 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020campus	May 31, 2020USD ($)campus	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)student	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)student	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2020USD ($)
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Relief funds to be distributed			$ 14,000,000	$ 14,000,000
Formula based relief amount			12,560,000	12,560,000
Amount of HEERF funds granted		$ 33,000
HEERF funds received		16,500
Grants awarded			$ 16,500	$ 16,500
Number of students awarded grants | student			9,000	9,000
CARES Act funds received for student emergency grants (See Note 21)		$ 16,500		$ 16,565	$ 0	$ 0
Number of campuses, in-person labs resumed | campus	4	8
Sanitization supplies, partitions, labor hours and other related expenses			$ 15,100	15,100
Institutional funds for additional emergency grants to students				600
Total institutional funds spent				15,700
CARES Act funds received for institutional costs (See Note 21)			13,889	13,889	$ 0	$ 0
G5 Grants Management System account balance			2,700	2,700
Receivable under the CARES Act			$ 800	800
Subsequent Event
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
CARES Act funds received for institutional costs (See Note 21)							$ 1,800
Educational services and facilities
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Sanitization supplies, partitions, labor hours and other related expenses				13,300
Selling, general and administrative
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both [Line Items]
Sanitization supplies, partitions, labor hours and other related expenses				$ 1,800

Quarterly Financial Summary (_3

Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 76,327	$ 54,483	$ 82,717	$ 87,234	$ 87,666	$ 79,042	$ 81,746	$ 83,050	$ 300,761	$ 331,504	$ 316,965
Income (loss) from operations	6,153	(13,779)	(499)	4,254	5,438	(455)	(5,580)	(7,205)	(3,871)	(7,802)	(35,275)
Net income (loss)	$ 6,450	$ (13,268)	$ 10,142	$ 4,684	$ 5,477	$ (365)	$ (5,263)	$ (7,717)	$ 8,008	$ (7,868)	$ (32,682)
Net income (loss) per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ (0.45)	$ 0.18	$ 0.07	$ 0.09	$ (0.07)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.36)	$ 0.05	$ (0.52)	$ (1.51)
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09	$ (0.45)	$ 0.18	$ 0.07	$ 0.09	$ (0.07)	$ (0.26)	$ (0.36)	$ 0.05	$ (0.52)	$ (1.51)

Uncategorized Items - uti-20200

Label	Element	Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares	us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares	0
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List]	us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList	us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member