2026 Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration associate’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 669 colleges 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 reviewed schools to build 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Southeast Community College Area earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Lincoln, NE, Southeast Community College Area is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,444 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $14,935. Southeast Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $43,405 a decade after entry. Set against $14,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southeast Community College Area profile
A rank of #2 makes Hennepin Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Hennepin Technical College is a public school based in Brooklyn Park, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,940. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $20,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,460. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Hennepin Technical College report
Out of the 669 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Madison Area Technical College landed the #3 spot. Madison Area Technical College is a public school based in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $16,812. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Madison Area Technical College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Chippewa Valley Technical College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. Students from in state pay about $4,844 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,297 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. More on Chippewa Valley Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northeast Community College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,840, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,937 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,634. That is a strong return on a $11,937 median debt. Read the full report on Northeast Community College
St Cloud Technical And Community College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, St Cloud Technical And Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $10,394 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,874 ten years after entry. Set against $10,394 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on St Cloud Technical And Community College
Century College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Century College is a public school based in White Bear Lake, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,214. Students borrow a median of $12,250 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Median earnings reach $46,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,250 median debt. See the full Century College profile
Itawamba Community College placed #8 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Based in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,420, with out-of-state students paying around $5,820. Itawamba Community College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $10,942 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,912. That is a strong return on a $10,942 median debt. More on Itawamba Community College
Minneapolis Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,161. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,086. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Bismarck State College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Bismarck State College is a public school based in Bismarck, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $5,247, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $13,340. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,277. That is a strong return on a $13,340 median debt. More on Bismarck State College
Western Technical College La Cross landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,078. Western Technical College La Cross Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $13,669 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,303 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,669 median debt. Read the full report on Western Technical College La Cross
Metropolitan Community College Area ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. 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. That is a strong return on a $12,799 median debt. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Area
Central Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Grand Island, NE, Central Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $10,277. Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,429 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,277 median debt. Read more about Central Community College
Savannah Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Savannah Technical College is a public school based in Savannah, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,330 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. Savannah Technical College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $12,843 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,018 ten years after entry. Set against $12,843 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Savannah Technical College
Lone Star College System landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in The Woodlands, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $7,512. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,466. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Lone Star College System report
Northland Community And Technical College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Set in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,289. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $18,550. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,425. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Northland Community And Technical College report
Wichita Area Technical College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,237 in tuition and fees. Wichita Area Technical College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $11,828 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,679 ten years out. Set against $11,828 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wichita Area Technical College report
Southern Crescent Technical College placed #18 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Based in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,516, compared with $6,084 for out-of-state students. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $17,619. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,104 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,619 median debt. Read more about Southern Crescent Technical College
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Lancaster, PA, Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,050. Students borrow a median of $10,096 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,681. That is a strong return on a $10,096 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
Southeast Technical Institute came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Southeast Technical Institute is a public school based in Sioux Falls, SD. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,650. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $18,442. Southeast Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $46,709 a decade after entry. Set against $18,442 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Southeast Technical Institute profile
Clover Park Technical College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,634. Graduates carry a median of $15,154 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,787. Set against $15,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Clover Park Technical College profile
North Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Graduates carry a median of $12,279 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $32,932. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on North Georgia Technical College
Gateway Technical College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Gateway Technical College is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,829 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Gateway Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,264 a decade after entry. Set against $14,829 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Gateway Technical College profile
Ivy Tech Community College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Graduates carry a median of $6,595 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,186. Set against $6,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Ivy Tech Community College
South Plains College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools. This public school is set in Levelland, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $13,788. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,276. Set against $13,788 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full South Plains College profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Georgia Piedmont Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Georgia Piedmont Technical College is a public school based in Clarkston, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,404 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,954. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $15,716. Georgia Piedmont Technical College alumni report median earnings of $34,619 a decade after entry. Set against $15,716 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Georgia Piedmont Technical College profile
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College placed #27 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Based in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,480, compared with $6,048 for out-of-state students. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $10,864. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,864. That is a strong return on a $10,864 median debt. Read the full report on Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Eastern Idaho Technical College placed #28 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Located in Idaho Falls, ID, Eastern Idaho Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,390, with out-of-state students paying around $6,750. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $17,066. Median earnings reach $42,057 ten years out. Set against $17,066 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Eastern Idaho Technical College
Tyler Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $14,869. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,140. That is a strong return on a $14,869 median debt. More on Tyler Junior College
Spokane Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Spokane, WA, Spokane Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,461, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $17,231. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,984. Set against $17,231 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Spokane Community College profile
Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee is a public school based in Okmulgee, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,774, while out-of-state students pay about $11,384. Graduates carry a median of $11,500 in student loans. Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee alumni report median earnings of $45,634 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee report
Honolulu Community College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Honolulu, HI. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,174, while out-of-state students pay about $8,310. Honolulu Community College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $10,868 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,105 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Honolulu Community College report
Milwaukee Area Technical College placed #32 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,184, while out-of-state students pay about $7,427. Graduates carry a median of $18,296 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,113. That is a strong return on a $18,296 median debt. See the full Milwaukee Area Technical College profile
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City placed #34 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Set 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. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $12,281. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,796 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Kansas City
Texarkana College placed #35 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Set in Texarkana, TX, Texarkana College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,476, while out-of-state students pay about $5,332. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $10,500. Median earnings reach $34,647 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. Read the full report on Texarkana College
Florence Darlington Technical College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Florence, SC, Florence Darlington Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,636 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,772. Students borrow a median of $7,230 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Median earnings reach $32,748 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Florence Darlington Technical College
San Jacinto Community College placed #37 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pasadena, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,490, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $11,376. Median earnings reach $43,062 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,376 median debt. Get the full San Jacinto Community College report
Central Piedmont Community College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,792 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $11,861. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,865 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,861 median debt. Get the full Central Piedmont Community College report
Northern Virginia Community College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Annandale, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,891, compared with $12,410 for out-of-state students. Typical Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration student debt is $14,413. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,557 ten years after entry. Set against $14,413 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northern Virginia Community College profile
Northwest Mississippi Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Northwest Mississippi Community College is a public school based in Senatobia, MS. In-state tuition and fees average $3,740. Students borrow a median of $9,990 to complete their Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program here. Median earnings reach $36,396 ten years out. Set against $9,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northwest Mississippi Community College
Southwestern Illinois College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Southwestern Illinois College is a public school based in Belleville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,230, with out-of-state students paying around $6,720. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $10,388. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,884. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Southwestern Illinois College
Springfield Technical Community College placed #41 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Located in Springfield, MA, Springfield Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,904, with out-of-state students paying around $11,112. Springfield Technical Community College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $9,707 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,966. That is a strong return on a $9,707 median debt. More on Springfield Technical Community College
Houston Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,254. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Houston Community College
Gwinnett Technical College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lawrenceville, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,524, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $18,048. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,025 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Gwinnett Technical College
Eastern Maine Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Bangor, ME. Students from in state pay about $4,156 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,036. Graduates carry a median of $17,741 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,704 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,741 median debt. See the full Eastern Maine Community College profile
Linn State Technical College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Linn, MO, Linn State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,160, while out-of-state students pay about $14,610. Linn State Technical College Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration students take on a median of $11,042 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,901. That is a strong return on a $11,042 median debt. See the full Linn State Technical College profile
Iowa Central Community College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fort Dodge, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,496, while out-of-state students pay about $7,788. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $16,135. Iowa Central Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,046 a decade after entry. Set against $16,135 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Iowa Central Community College
Portland Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Portland, OR. Students from in state pay about $5,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,440 for out-of-state students. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $20,648. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,592 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,648 median debt. Get the full Portland Community College report
Southwest Texas Junior College placed #49 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Based in Uvalde, TX, Southwest Texas Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,646, while out-of-state students pay about $6,294. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $7,157. Median earnings reach $35,563 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,157 median debt. Read the full report on Southwest Texas Junior College
Walla Walla Community College placed #50 among the best-value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration schools in the United States. Walla Walla Community College is a public school based in Walla Walla, WA. Students from in state pay about $5,279 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,700. The median Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration program debt is $15,500. Median earnings reach $43,526 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Walla Walla Community College
Related Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Heating Air Conditioning Ventilation Refrigeration Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. The methodology weighs 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).
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