2026 Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Schools
Looking for the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 669 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Southeast Community College Area, our #1 best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration school in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $14,935. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southeast Community College Area profile
You'll get strong value at Highland Community College Highland, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Highland, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,495. Highland Community College Highland Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Highland Community College Highland alumni report median earnings of $41,291 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Highland Community College Highland
You'll get strong value at Hennepin Technical College, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,940. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,460 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Hennepin Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Dakota County Technical College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Rosemount, MN, Dakota County Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,679. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $13,474. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,938. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Dakota County Technical College
Out of the 669 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Madison Area Technical College landed the #5 spot. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $16,812. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. Set against $16,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
South Louisiana Community College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lafayette, LA, South Louisiana Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,210. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $12,435. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $31,432. Set against $12,435 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on South Louisiana Community College
Minnesota State Community And Technical College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. Based in Fergus Falls, MN, Minnesota State Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,908 in tuition and fees. Minnesota State Community And Technical College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $7,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,591. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Minnesota State Community And Technical College
Chippewa Valley Technical College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,844, compared with $7,087 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Wharton County Junior College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,192, with out-of-state students paying around $5,904. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $10,916. Median earnings reach $44,960 ten years out. Set against $10,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wharton County Junior College
Northeast Community College placed #10 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Located in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $11,937. Northeast Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,634 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,937 median debt. More on Northeast Community College
St Cloud Technical And Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,124. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $10,394. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,874. Set against $10,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about St Cloud Technical And Community College
Century College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. Set in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,214. Century College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $12,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,424 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Century College
Western Iowa Tech Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public school based in Sioux City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,186, while out-of-state students pay about $5,330. Western Iowa Tech Community College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $11,886 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,473 ten years after entry. Set against $11,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Western Iowa Tech Community College profile
West Georgia Technical College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Waco, GA, West Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,410, while out-of-state students pay about $5,978. Students borrow a median of $12,651 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Median earnings reach $35,479 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,651 median debt. See the full West Georgia Technical College profile
Bismarck State College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,247, while out-of-state students pay about $7,331. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $13,340. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,277 ten years after entry. Set against $13,340 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Bismarck State College
Western Technical College La Cross came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Western Technical College La Cross is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, while out-of-state students pay about $7,078. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $13,669. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,303. That is a strong return on a $13,669 median debt. Read more about Western Technical College La Cross
Minneapolis Community And Technical College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,161. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,086. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Read more about Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Itawamba Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,420, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $10,942. Itawamba Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,912 a decade after entry. Set against $10,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Itawamba Community College report
Georgia Northwestern Technical College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, with out-of-state students paying around $5,868. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $8,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Lone Star College System ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. Based in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Lone Star College System alumni report median earnings of $42,466 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. More on Lone Star College System
Georgia Piedmont Technical College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Clarkston, GA, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,404, with out-of-state students paying around $5,954. Georgia Piedmont Technical College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $15,716 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,619 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,716 median debt. Read more about Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Northland Community And Technical College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,289 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $18,550 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,425. That is a strong return on a $18,550 median debt. More on Northland Community And Technical College
Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $12,799. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. Set against $12,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile
Savannah Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $12,843. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,018. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Savannah Technical College
Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Hibbing, MN, Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,022. Graduates carry a median of $17,029 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,570. That is a strong return on a $17,029 median debt. More on Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Oconee Fall Line Technical College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Sandersville, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,380 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,948. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $12,718. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,899 ten years after entry. Set against $12,718 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Oconee Fall Line Technical College
Central Community College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $10,277. Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,429 a decade after entry. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Central Community College report
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Based in Rice Lake, WI, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,926, while out-of-state students pay about $7,169. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $11,384. Median earnings reach $43,406 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,384 median debt. More on Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
South Plains College placed #29 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. South Plains College is a public school based in Levelland, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,733 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. South Plains College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $13,788 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,276 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on South Plains College
Southern Crescent Technical College placed #30 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Southern Crescent Technical College is a public school based in Griffin, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,516, with out-of-state students paying around $6,084. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $17,619. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,104 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southern Crescent Technical College profile
Wichita Area Technical College placed #31 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,237. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $11,828. Wichita Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $38,679 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,828 median debt. More on Wichita Area Technical College
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lancaster, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,050. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $10,096 in debt. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $54,681 a decade after entry. Set against $10,096 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Valdosta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,480, while out-of-state students pay about $6,048. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $10,864. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,864. Set against $10,864 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public school based in Green Bay, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,960 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. Students borrow a median of $14,997 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Median earnings reach $44,553 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,997 median debt. More on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Atlanta Technical College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Atlanta, GA, Atlanta Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,382 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,950. Graduates carry a median of $10,117 in student loans. Median earnings reach $30,350 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Atlanta Technical College
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. This public school is set in Calmar, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,780, compared with $7,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,348 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,306. That is a strong return on a $14,348 median debt. See the full Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar profile
Texarkana College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Texarkana, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,476, while out-of-state students pay about $5,332. Students borrow a median of $10,500 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,647 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. More on Texarkana College
Columbus Technical College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Columbus, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,052, compared with $7,262 for out-of-state students. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $15,845. Columbus Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,238 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,845 median debt. See the full Columbus Technical College profile
Kansas City Kansas Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Kansas City Kansas Community College is a public school based in Kansas City, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $2,996, compared with $6,482 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,129 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,795 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Kansas City Kansas Community College
Ivy Tech Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $6,595. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Ivy Tech Community College profile
Southeast Technical Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,650. Southeast Technical Institute Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $18,442 in debt. Southeast Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $46,709 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Southeast Technical Institute report
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Warner Robins, GA, Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,448, while out-of-state students pay about $6,016. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $13,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,848 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt. More on Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Gateway Technical College placed #43 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Gateway Technical College is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,956 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,829 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,264 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,829 median debt. Read the full report on Gateway Technical College
Delgado Community College placed #44 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Based in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,279. Students borrow a median of $18,250 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Delgado Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,305 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Delgado Community College
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kansas City, MO, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,600 for out-of-state students. Metropolitan Community College Kansas City Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $12,281 in debt. Metropolitan Community College Kansas City alumni report median earnings of $40,796 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Metropolitan Community College Kansas City profile
San Jacinto Community College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. Set in Pasadena, TX, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,490, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. San Jacinto Community College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $11,376 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,062 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full San Jacinto Community College profile
Hawkeye Community College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Hawkeye Community College is a public school based in Waterloo, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,525, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,001 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,849. That is a strong return on a $17,001 median debt. See the full Hawkeye Community College profile
Clover Park Technical College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. This public school is set in Lakewood, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,634. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $15,154. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,787. Set against $15,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Clover Park Technical College report
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,595 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
Eastern Idaho Technical College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Idaho Falls, ID, Eastern Idaho Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,390, while out-of-state students pay about $6,750. Students borrow a median of $17,066 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,057. That is a strong return on a $17,066 median debt. More on Eastern Idaho Technical College
Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 669 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).