Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Ben Franklin Career Center

With estimates suggesting around $9,300 in debt and first-year earnings near $35,700, Ben Franklin Career Center's HVAC program appears positioned close to national norms for this trade credential. Peer programs across the country typically see debt loads around $10,200, so this estimate suggests somewhat lower borrowing, though the national earnings median is identical—meaning graduates from comparable programs generally see a 3.8-to-1 ratio between what they earn and what they owe in that first year.

The challenge with West Virginia's HVAC market is worth noting: similar programs in the state typically produce earnings around $33,700—about $2,000 below the national median. That gap matters when you're evaluating whether the investment pays off locally. The state has nine schools offering this credential, and the one program with reported data shows earnings at that lower state median, suggesting the market here may simply pay less than elsewhere. For a family where 54% of students need Pell grants, every dollar counts.

The practical takeaway: HVAC credentials generally produce manageable debt relative to earnings, but this program's actual outcomes remain uncertain due to insufficient graduate data. If your child is committed to staying in West Virginia, understand that the local market may offer less earning potential than national figures suggest. Consider asking the school directly about job placement rates and starting wages for their recent graduates before enrolling.