2026 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician Schools in the Southeast Region
[Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician](/majors/mechanical-repair-technologies/heating-air-conditioning-ventilation-refrigeration/heating-air-conditioning-ventilation-and-refrigeration-maintenance-technology-technician/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 253 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician Schools in the Southeast Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician Schools
Leading the list is Coastal Pines Technical College, our #1 best value for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician in the Southeast Region. Set in the town of Waycross, Coastal Pines Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,268, with out-of-state students paying around $5,836. Students borrow a median of $5,812 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Coastal Pines Technical College generally make around $39,090. Set against $5,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Rome, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,300, compared with $5,868 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $8,492. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Georgia Northwestern Technical College generally make around $41,229. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician will find it at Trident Technical College, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Charleston, Trident Technical College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,546, with out-of-state students paying around $8,620. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $18,116 in student loans. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Trident Technical College earn a median of $50,166 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,116 median debt.
A rank of #4 makes West Georgia Technical College one of the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. West Georgia Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Waco. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,410, with out-of-state students paying around $5,978. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $12,651 in student loans. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $35,572. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Horry Georgetown Technical College earned it the #5 place for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Set in the city of Conway, Horry Georgetown Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,518, while out-of-state students pay about $10,978. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $40,480. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Chattahoochee Technical College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. Set in the suburb of Marietta, Chattahoochee Technical College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $6,108. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $9,616. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Chattahoochee Technical College earn a median of $41,978 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,616 median debt.
South Georgia Technical College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. Set in the town of Americus, South Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,992, with out-of-state students paying around $7,202. Students borrow a median of $10,423 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from South Georgia Technical College generally make around $40,497. Set against $10,423 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Florence Darlington Technical College earned the #8 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Florence Darlington Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Florence. Students from in state pay about $4,636 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,772 for out-of-state students. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $7,230 in student loans. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Florence Darlington Technical College earn a median of $34,948 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College earned the #9 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $12,068. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $46,451. Set against $12,068 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Owensboro Community And Technical College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. Located in the rural area of Owensboro, Owensboro Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $6,432. Students borrow a median of $9,098 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $44,899. Set against $9,098 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Cleveland Community College earned the #11 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the town of Shelby, Cleveland Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,602, while out-of-state students pay about $8,746. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $7,131 in student loans. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $39,891. Set against $7,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Hinds Community College placed #12 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Located in the rural area of Raymond, Hinds Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,250 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,300 for out-of-state students. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $16,385 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Hinds Community College generally make around $34,003. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Oconee Fall Line Technical College landed the #13 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician value this year. Oconee Fall Line Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Sandersville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,380, with out-of-state students paying around $5,948. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $12,718. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Oconee Fall Line Technical College earn a median of $47,076 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Southern Regional Technical College placed #14 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Located in the town of Thomasville, Southern Regional Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,007, while out-of-state students pay about $5,575. Students borrow a median of $9,086 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Southern Regional Technical College earn a median of $44,007 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,086 median debt.
Central Piedmont Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Charlotte. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,792, with out-of-state students paying around $8,936. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $11,861. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $40,629. That is a strong return on a $11,861 median debt.
Atlanta Technical College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. Set in the city of Atlanta, Atlanta Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,382, compared with $5,950 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $10,117. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Atlanta Technical College generally make around $35,441. Set against $10,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
North Georgia Technical College earned the #17 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the rural area of Clarkesville, North Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $12,279 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from North Georgia Technical College generally make around $34,133. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College earned the #18 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Located in the rural area of Valdosta, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,480, with out-of-state students paying around $6,048. Students borrow a median of $10,864 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College generally make around $40,452. Set against $10,864 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Copiah Lincoln Community College came in at #19 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the rural area of Wesson, Copiah Lincoln Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,200, while out-of-state students pay about $5,200. Median earnings reach $31,241 ten years out.
York Technical College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. York Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Rock Hill. Students from in state pay about $8,036 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,340. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $10,907. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from York Technical College generally make around $37,626. That is a strong return on a $10,907 median debt.
Johnston Community College earned the #21 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Located in the town of Smithfield, Johnston Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,756, while out-of-state students pay about $8,900. Students borrow a median of $9,490 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Johnston Community College earn a median of $37,472 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,490 median debt.
Rockingham Community College came in at #22 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Located in the rural area of Wentworth, Rockingham Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $1,966, with out-of-state students paying around $6,574. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Rockingham Community College earn a median of $50,048 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Hazard Community And Technical College earned the #23 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the town of Hazard, Hazard Community And Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,212 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Hazard Community And Technical College earn a median of $25,094 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,212 median debt.
Somerset Community College came in at #24 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the town of Somerset, Somerset Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,722 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Somerset Community College earn a median of $35,340 early in their careers. Set against $13,722 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
West Kentucky Community And Technical College came in at #25 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Located in the city of Paducah, West Kentucky Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Students borrow a median of $10,778 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $31,903. That is a strong return on a $10,778 median debt.
Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year:
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 253 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
