2026 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician Schools in the The Plains States 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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 60 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools.
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2026 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician Schools in the The Plains States 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
Metropolitan Community College Area tops our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools in the The Plains States Region. Set in the city of Omaha, Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Students borrow a median of $12,799 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Metropolitan Community College Area earn a median of $45,583 early in their careers. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Fort Scott Community 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. Fort Scott Community College is a small public school located in the town of Fort Scott. In-state tuition and fees average $3,390, compared with $3,840 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,990 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Fort Scott Community College earn a median of $40,041 early in their careers. Set against $12,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician will find it at Metropolitan Community College Kansas City, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Kansas City, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,630, while out-of-state students pay about $9,600. Students borrow a median of $12,281 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 $44,715. Set against $12,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #4 makes Central Community College one of the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Located in the city of Grand Island, Central Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,360, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,277 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 $43,218. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Dodge City Community College earned it the #5 place for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Dodge City Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Dodge City. In-state tuition and fees average $4,650, compared with $5,850 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $45,427 ten years out.
Southeast Community College Area earned the #6 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Located in the city of Lincoln, Southeast Community College Area is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,935 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician program here. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Southeast Community College Area earn a median of $49,666 early in their careers. Set against $14,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Western Iowa Tech Community College landed the #7 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician value this year. Set in the city of Sioux City, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,186, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $11,886. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Western Iowa Tech Community College generally make around $36,401. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northeast Community College placed #8 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Located in the town of Norfolk, Northeast Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $11,937. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Northeast Community College generally make around $40,568. Set against $11,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Kirkwood Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. Kirkwood Community College is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Rapids. Students from in state pay about $6,176 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $15,779 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Kirkwood Community College generally make around $41,681. That is a strong return on a $15,779 median debt.
Ozarks Technical Community College earned the #10 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Ozarks Technical Community College is a large public school located in the city of Springfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,256, compared with $7,040 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $15,866. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Ozarks Technical Community College generally make around $38,862. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Jefferson College earned the #11 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Located in the rural area of Hillsboro, Jefferson College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,250, while out-of-state students pay about $8,850. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $13,664 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Jefferson College generally make around $47,560. That is a strong return on a $13,664 median debt.
North Iowa Area Community College landed the #12 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician value this year. North Iowa Area Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Mason City. In-state tuition and fees average $6,653, with out-of-state students paying around $9,551. Students borrow a median of $12,043 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 North Iowa Area Community College generally make around $44,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Century College earned the #13 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the suburb of White Bear Lake, Century College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,214. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $12,250 in student loans. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $52,488. Set against $12,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Eastern Iowa Community College District came in at #14 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the city of Davenport, Eastern Iowa Community College District is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,848, compared with $6,456 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,995 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 $41,510. That is a strong return on a $15,995 median debt.
Bismarck State College came in at #15 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the city of Bismarck, Bismarck State College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,247, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $13,340 in student loans. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $61,364. That is a strong return on a $13,340 median debt.
South Central College earned the #16 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the suburb of North Mankato, South Central College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,146. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $13,139. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from South Central College generally make around $46,447. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Neosho County Community College placed #17 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Located in the town of Chanute, Neosho County Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,704 in tuition and fees. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $13,209 in student loans. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates of Neosho County Community College earn a median of $44,672 early in their careers. Set against $13,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Hawkeye Community College landed the #18 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician value this year. Hawkeye Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Waterloo. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,525, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $17,001. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $41,902. That is a strong return on a $17,001 median debt.
Wichita Area Technical College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. Located in the city of Wichita, Wichita Area Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,237. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $11,828 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Wichita Area Technical College generally make around $35,358. Set against $11,828 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College earned the #20 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the town of Hibbing, Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,022 in tuition and fees. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $17,029 in student loans. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $44,387. Set against $17,029 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Hennepin Technical College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician schools. Hennepin Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Brooklyn Park. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,940. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $20,000. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from Hennepin Technical College generally make around $65,592. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt.
Des Moines Area Community College came in at #22 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Located in the suburb of Ankeny, Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Students borrow a median of $14,956 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 Des Moines Area Community College generally make around $43,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Highland Community College Highland placed #23 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician. Located in the rural area of Highland, Highland Community College Highland is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $4,495 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $11,000 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 Highland Community College Highland generally make around $22,909. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
St Cloud Technical And Community College landed the #24 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician value this year. Set in the city of Saint Cloud, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates is $10,394. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician degree recipients from St Cloud Technical And Community College generally make around $57,178. That is a strong return on a $10,394 median debt.
Dakota County Technical College came in at #25 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician this year. Set in the rural area of Rosemount, Dakota County Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,679. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $13,474 in student loans. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology/technician graduates make about $52,079. That is a strong return on a $13,474 median debt.
Rest of the Top 40 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. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 60 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.
