Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) at CET-Colton

CET-Colton's HVAC program costs remarkably little—just $6,160 in median debt, placing it among the most affordable vocational programs you'll find anywhere. That's a critical advantage when starting wages are modest, and it means graduates can clear their debt burden quickly while building their careers. The earnings trajectory looks solid too, with graduates seeing a 22% pay increase from year one to year four, reaching nearly $44,000 by that mark.

However, graduates here start behind their California peers, earning about $2,000 less in that first year than the state median. Among California's 44 HVAC programs, this one lands at the 40th percentile—below middle of the pack. The state's top programs, like DeHart Technical School and National Career Education, produce graduates earning $8,000 more annually right out of the gate. Given California's higher cost of living, that gap matters.

The low debt changes the calculus considerably. While your child won't immediately match earnings at California's leading programs, they won't be burdened with heavy loans either. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.17 means manageable payments while gaining experience in a field with steady demand. For families prioritizing affordability and concerned about student debt, this program delivers a clear path into the trades without financial strain—just recognize the earnings will likely trail in-state competitors for several years.