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2026 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Associate’s Degree Schools

48 Colleges in the United States
$13,198 Avg Student Debt
$41,520 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Associate's Degree Badge [Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration](/majors/mechanical-repair-technologies/heating-air-conditioning-ventilation-refrigeration/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration education at a price that pays off.

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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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

Leading the list is Clover Park Technical College, our #1 best value for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration in the United States. Set in the city of Lakewood, Clover Park Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. 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. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Clover Park Technical College generally make around $42,209. Set against $15,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Moraine Valley Community College earned it the #2 place for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Located in the suburb of Palos Hills, Moraine Valley Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,822, compared with $9,846 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,149 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $43,844. Set against $11,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Students looking for strong value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration will find it at Central Piedmont Community College, which ranked #3. Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Charlotte. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,792, with out-of-state students paying around $8,936. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $11,861. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of Central Piedmont Community College earn a median of $40,629 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Students looking for strong value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration will find it at Metropolitan Community College Area, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Omaha, Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,799 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Metropolitan Community College Area generally make around $45,583. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Suffolk County Community College came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Set in the suburb of Selden, Suffolk County Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,630, while out-of-state students pay about $12,460. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $11,246 in student loans. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Suffolk County Community College generally make around $35,667. That is a strong return on a $11,246 median debt.

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Bates Technical College placed #6 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. 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, compared with $12,165 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $50,051 ten years out.

7
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX

El Centro College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Set in the city of Dallas, El Centro College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,720 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from El Centro College generally make around $28,849. Set against $9,720 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

8

Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College came in at #8 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Southcentral Kentucky Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Bowling Green. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,728, with out-of-state students paying around $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. That is a strong return on a $12,068 median debt.

9
Del Mar College crest
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, TX

Del Mar College landed the #9 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration value this year. Set in the city of Corpus Christi, Del Mar College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $40,661. That is a strong return on a $7,476 median debt.

10

South Texas College earned the #10 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Set in the city of McAllen, South Texas College is a very large public institution. 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. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $22,822. Set against $6,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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Copiah Lincoln Community College placed #11 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Copiah Lincoln Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Wesson. Students from in state pay about $4,200 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,200. Median earnings reach $31,241 ten years out.

12

Florence Darlington Technical College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Florence Darlington Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Florence. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,636, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

13

Hinds Community College earned the #13 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Hinds Community College is a large public school located in the rural area of Raymond. Students from in state pay about $4,250 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,300 for out-of-state students. 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.

14

Southern Crescent Technical College came in at #14 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Located in the town of Griffin, Southern Crescent Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,516, while out-of-state students pay about $6,084. Students borrow a median of $17,619 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $45,062. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15

Bluegrass Community And Technical College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Located in the city of Lexington, Bluegrass Community And Technical College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,808, while out-of-state students pay about $6,512. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $8,250. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $41,731. Set against $8,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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16

Fayetteville Technical Community College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Fayetteville Technical Community College is a large public school located in the city of Fayetteville. In-state tuition and fees average $2,628, while out-of-state students pay about $8,772. Students borrow a median of $12,273 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of Fayetteville Technical Community College earn a median of $40,584 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17

New Mexico State University Dona Ana placed #17 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. New Mexico State University Dona Ana is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Las Cruces. In-state tuition and fees average $2,322, compared with $6,360 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $10,284. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of New Mexico State University Dona Ana earn a median of $39,399 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,284 median debt.

18

Southeastern Community College Whiteville ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools. Located in the rural area of Whiteville, Southeastern Community College Whiteville is a small public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,600, with out-of-state students paying around $8,744. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $10,188. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $65,328. That is a strong return on a $10,188 median debt.

19

Tri County Technical College earned the #19 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Set in the suburb of Pendleton, Tri County Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,448 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,007. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $15,787 in student loans. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of Tri County Technical College earn a median of $43,438 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20

Gateway Community And Technical College placed #20 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Gateway Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Florence. In-state tuition and fees average $4,728, while out-of-state students pay about $6,432. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $8,799. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $46,993. Set against $8,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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21

Bellingham Technical College placed #21 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Bellingham Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Bellingham. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,431, while out-of-state students pay about $5,809. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,748.

22

Virginia Highlands Community College earned the #22 position for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Set in the suburb of Abingdon, Virginia Highlands Community College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,022, compared with $11,460 for out-of-state students. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates carry a median of $7,490 in student loans. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of Virginia Highlands Community College earn a median of $33,529 early in their careers. Set against $7,490 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

23

Elizabethtown Community And Technical College landed the #23 spot for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration value this year. Set in the city of Elizabethtown, Elizabethtown 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. Students borrow a median of $12,245 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Soon after graduation, heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration degree recipients from Elizabethtown Community And Technical College generally make around $45,486. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

24

College Of Southern Nevada came in at #24 for value in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year. Set in the city of Las Vegas, College Of Southern Nevada is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,358, with out-of-state students paying around $13,024. Students borrow a median of $9,980 to complete the heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration program here. Early-career heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates make about $35,850. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

25

Honolulu Community College placed #25 among the best values for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration. Located in the city of Honolulu, Honolulu Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,174 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,310. Typical student debt for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration graduates is $10,868. Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration graduates of Honolulu Community College earn a median of $59,006 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,868 median debt.

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

These schools also delivered strong value for heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration this year:

26
27
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
28
29
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL
30
31
32
33
34
Pitt Community College crest
Pitt Community College
Winterville, NC
35
Lee College crest
Lee College
Baytown, TX
36
37
38
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41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
Century College crest
Century College
White Bear Lake, MN

Other Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration Degree Levels

Explore the best-value heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration
Bachelor's Degrees in Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration
Master's Degrees in Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation & Refrigeration
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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 669 schools evaluated.

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

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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