Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at Butler Technology and Career Development Schools
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Butler Technology and Career Development Schools graduates compare to all programs nationally
Butler Technology and Career Development Schools graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 79th percentile of all heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician (hac, hacr, hvac, hvacr) certificate 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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butler Technology and Career Development Schools | $41,108 | — | $6,840 | 0.17 |
| Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools | $40,131 | $41,841 | $9,298 | 0.23 |
| Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County | $38,833 | $38,474 | $9,430 | 0.24 |
| Ohio Business College-Sheffield | $37,743 | — | $12,416 | 0.33 |
| Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls | $37,139 | $38,752 | $13,000 | 0.35 |
| Fortis College-Centerville | $36,981 | $39,771 | $13,000 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $35,749 | — | $10,223 | 0.29 |
Other Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) Programs in Ohio
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools Groveport | — | $40,131 | $9,298 |
| Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County Newark | — | $38,833 | $9,430 |
| Ohio Business College-Sheffield Sheffield Village | $9,385 | $37,743 | $12,416 |
| Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls Cuyahoga Falls | $14,050 | $37,139 | $13,000 |
| Fortis College-Centerville Centerville | $14,023 | $36,981 | $13,000 |
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.