Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians at Ayers Career College

This program lands squarely in the middle of Louisiana's limited environmental control technology options—which isn't saying much when there are only two schools offering it statewide. The $9,500 debt load is reasonable, representing just four months of typical earnings, but the trajectory is the real concern: graduates actually earn less four years out than they do immediately after completing the certificate. That backward slide from $29,832 to $28,491 suggests either limited career advancement in Louisiana's market or that many graduates move into different fields.

The national comparison reveals why this might happen. While Ayers ranks 60th percentile within Louisiana, it falls to just 19th percentile nationally, with earnings nearly $6,000 below the national median for this credential. The school serves an almost entirely Pell-eligible student body, so for students who need immediate employment and can't afford extensive training, the low debt is meaningful. But environmental control technology typically involves roles in water treatment, HVAC systems, or pollution control—fields where career progression usually depends on gaining additional certifications or moving to areas with more industrial infrastructure.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether their student plans to stay in Louisiana long-term and can afford to plateau at roughly $28,000 annually. If geographic mobility or career growth matter, this certificate may not open enough doors.