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2026 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Schools

48 Colleges in the United States
$12,301 Avg Student Debt
$38,267 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Badge [Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration](/majors/mechanical-repair-technologies/heating-air-conditioning-ventilation-refrigeration/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 669 schools to find the best return on investment for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration students.

What’s on this page:

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Finding the Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration School for You

Where you study heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration affects both what you pay and what you earn. That is why we developed our Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Schools ranking. We score each school on the balance of tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the best value.

See how we build our rankings

Customizing Your List

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we offer several rankings, including this Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

Associate's Degrees in Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration
Bachelor's Degrees in Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration
Master's Degrees in Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration
Doctorate Degrees in Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

Learn more about our methodology

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2026 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Schools

1

Moraine Valley Community College earned the #1 spot for value among heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools in the United States. Set in the suburb of Palos Hills, Moraine Valley Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,822, while out-of-state students pay about $9,846. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $11,149 in student loans. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $43,844. That is a strong return on a $11,149 median debt.

2

Coastal Pines Technical College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Set in the town of Waycross, Coastal Pines Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,268, compared with $5,836 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $5,812. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $39,090. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

A rank of #3 makes Clover Park Technical College one of the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Clover Park Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Lakewood. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,634. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $15,154 in student loans. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of Clover Park Technical College earn a median of $42,209 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

A rank of #4 makes Georgia Northwestern Technical College one of the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Rome. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $8,492. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Georgia Northwestern Technical College generally make around $41,229. Set against $8,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

A rank of #5 makes Chattahoochee Technical College one of the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Located in the suburb of Marietta, Chattahoochee Technical College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, compared with $6,108 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,616 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Chattahoochee Technical College generally make around $41,978. That is a strong return on a $9,616 median debt.

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6

Horry Georgetown Technical College came in at #6 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Horry Georgetown Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Conway. In-state tuition and fees average $5,518, while out-of-state students pay about $10,978. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $40,480. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

West Georgia Technical College earned the #7 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. 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. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $12,651. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of West Georgia Technical College earn a median of $35,572 early in their careers. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #8 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Set in the city of Omaha, Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $12,799 in student loans. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of Metropolitan Community College Area earn a median of $45,583 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,799 median debt.

9

Trident Technical College earned the #9 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Set in the city of Charleston, Trident Technical College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,546, with out-of-state students paying around $8,620. Students borrow a median of $18,116 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $50,166. That is a strong return on a $18,116 median debt.

10

Owensboro Community And Technical College placed #10 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Owensboro Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Owensboro. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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 program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Owensboro Community And Technical College generally make around $44,899. Set against $9,098 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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11

Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College landed the #11 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration value this year. Located in the city of Bowling Green, Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $12,068 in student loans. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $46,451. Set against $12,068 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12
Brazosport College crest
Brazosport College
Lake Jackson, TX

Brazosport College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Located in the suburb of Lake Jackson, Brazosport College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,388 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,711. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $6,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Brazosport College generally make around $32,746. Set against $6,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

South Georgia Technical College came in at #13 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. South Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Americus. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,992, compared with $7,202 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $10,423. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of South Georgia Technical College earn a median of $40,497 early in their careers. Set against $10,423 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

14

Suffolk County Community College placed #14 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Suffolk County Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Selden. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,630, with out-of-state students paying around $12,460. Students borrow a median of $11,246 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $35,667. That is a strong return on a $11,246 median debt.

15
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX

El Centro College earned the #15 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. El Centro College is a very large public school located in the city of Dallas. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $9,720. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of El Centro College earn a median of $28,849 early in their careers. Set against $9,720 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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16

Bates Technical College came in at #16 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Bates Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Tacoma. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,027, with out-of-state students paying around $12,165. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,051 ten years after entry.

17

Florence Darlington Technical College placed #17 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Located in the rural area of Florence, Florence Darlington Technical College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,636, with out-of-state students paying around $6,772. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $7,230 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Florence Darlington Technical College generally make around $34,948. That is a strong return on a $7,230 median debt.

18

Fort Scott Community College came in at #18 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Set in the town of Fort Scott, Fort Scott Community College is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,390, compared with $3,840 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $12,990. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Fort Scott Community College generally make around $40,041. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

19
Del Mar College crest
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, TX

Del Mar College landed the #19 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration value this year. Del Mar College is a large public school located in the city of Corpus Christi. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,500, with out-of-state students paying around $6,050. Students borrow a median of $7,476 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Del Mar College generally make around $40,661. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20

South Texas College placed #20 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Located in the city of McAllen, South Texas College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,920 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $6,868 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from South Texas College generally make around $24,267. Set against $6,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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21

Pima Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Located in the city of Tucson, Pima Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,442 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,758. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $10,655 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Pima Community College generally make around $40,977. Set against $10,655 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

22

Hinds Community College earned the #22 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Set in the rural area of Raymond, Hinds Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,250, with out-of-state students paying around $7,300. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $16,385. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $34,003. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

23

North Georgia Technical College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Located in the rural area of Clarkesville, North Georgia Technical College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Students borrow a median of $12,279 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $34,133. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

24

York Technical College placed #24 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Located in the city of Rock Hill, York Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,036, while out-of-state students pay about $13,340. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $10,907 in student loans. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of York Technical College earn a median of $37,626 early in their careers. Set against $10,907 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

25

Central Piedmont Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Located in the city of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,792, with out-of-state students paying around $8,936. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $11,861 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Central Piedmont Community College generally make around $40,629. Set against $11,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration value ranking:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Midlands Technical College crest
Midlands Technical College
West Columbia, SC
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

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View All Rankings >

Explore other best-value rankings in majors related to Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration. Browse the parent area of study.

Major Annual Graduates
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician 18,660

View All Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Concentrations >

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 669 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 48 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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