2026 ROI Award Winner
Median Earnings (1yr)
$41,108
79th percentile
60th percentile in Ohio
Median Debt
$6,840
33% below national median

Analysis

Butler Technology delivers exactly what HVAC training should: high earnings and minimal debt. With graduates earning over $41,000 their first year while carrying just $6,840 in debt, this program outperforms 79% of similar programs nationally. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 means students can realistically pay off their loans in under three months of work—an unusually clean financial picture for career training.

The Ohio context adds important nuance. While Butler ranks in the 60th percentile statewide for earnings, it's nearly tied with the top programs in the state, trailing Eastland-Fairfield by less than $1,000 annually. More impressively, Butler's debt load is roughly half the state median of $12,965, giving graduates significantly more breathing room as they launch their careers. Among Ohio's 32 HVAC programs, few offer this combination of competitive pay and low financial burden.

This program makes sense for students seeking immediate employment in a stable trade. The moderate class sizes (30-100 graduates) suggest adequate hands-on training without overcrowding, and starting earnings well above $40,000 provide a solid foundation for building wealth. For families concerned about education costs, Butler's approach—strong outcomes without excessive debt—deserves serious consideration.

Where Butler Technology and Career Development Schools Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Butler Technology and Career Development Schools graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (32 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Butler Technology and Career Development SchoolsMonroe—$41,108—$6,8400.17
Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical SchoolsGroveport—$40,131$41,841$9,2980.23
Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking CountyNewark—$38,833$38,474$9,4300.24
Ohio Business College-SheffieldSheffield Village$9,385$37,743—$12,4160.33
Fortis College-Cuyahoga FallsCuyahoga Falls$14,050$37,139$38,752$13,0000.35
Fortis College-CentervilleCenterville$14,023$36,981$39,771$13,0000.35
National Median—$35,749—$10,2230.29

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) graduates

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

$59,810/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Butler Technology and Career Development Schools, approximately 24% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 42 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.